Should We Care About Web Censorship in China? (Washington Post) Aside from air pollution, the one issue that has occupied the final days before the Beijing Olympics is Internet censorship. [News Source]

Beijing’s Pollution a Contentious Foe for Olympic Athletes (The Online NewsHour) Despite efforts to curb China's air pollution, a thick haze swept over Beijing Monday, just days before the Olympic Games begin. Betty Ann Bowser examines the country's pollution woes and the impact on athletes. [News Source]

olympics a to z (Tyler Morning Telegraph) Early this year the World Health Organization said air pollution in Beijing was five times the safety level recommended. Beijing has taken billion-dollar measures to improve the quality. We shall see ... and breathe ... maybe. [News Source]

Ask a Scientist Your Questions About Air Pollution in China (The Online NewsHour) Concerns over China's air pollution have triggered a massive cleanup effort in Beijing. Tonight on the NewsHour, Betty Ann Boswer examines China's pollution problems, and in a viewer forum, atmospheric chemist Kenneth Rahn takes your questions on pollution in Beijing. [News Source]

Rogge lauds China’s transformation (The Japan Times) BEIJING (AP) Four days before the opening ceremony, IOC president Jacques Rogge said the Beijing Olympics will be a historic milestone, affirming China's transformation on the world stage. In a speech at the opening ceremony of the Olympic body, Rogge steered clear of any of the contentious issues surrounding the games such as human rights, air pollution and media freedoms. With dignitaries ... [News Source]

When you buy green, ensure it’s certified. For anyone who has been tracking the mainstream media and magazines, a day does not go by without an article appearing describing the benefits of owning a green home. [News Source]

San Francisco considers fee for drivers entering downtown. Adolfo Cabral is not happy San Francisco is considering a plan to charge him — and thousands of other commuters — a fee to drive into the city's most congested downtown areas during rush hours. [News Source]

Small farms’ future important to valley. Some farmers in the Southern San Joaquin Valley gathered last week to discuss the future of small farms. [News Source]

Environmental groups undecided on high-speed rail plan. California bullet-train enthusiasts risk losing support from key environmental groups because of a dispute over the train's route. Unless resolved soon, the conflict could pose problems for a high-speed rail bond measure on the November ballot. [News Source]

Tucson firehouses go green. The fire engines are still red, but the buildings that house them are going green. [News Source]

Another fuel choice. When the city of Lake Jackson started fueling garbage trucks and other city vehicles with compressed natural gas eight years ago, it was to lessen air pollution, not save money. [News Source]