Tougher mercury rules can help us fish without fear. Proposed rules to reduce emissions from power plants are tough but flexible, and will help reduce the amount of mercury in our environment, making fish safer to eat. [News Source]

Nuclear gets a boost. The nuclear power industry is on an unprecedented uptick as the world tries to lessen its reliance on globe-warming fossil fuels. [News Source]

Residents voice opinions on proposed smoking ban. Rock Hill and York County, SC leaders have signaled support for a proposal to outlaw smoking in public places, similar to what Oregon and at least 10 cities in South Carolina have already done. [News Source]

Iowa City OKs smoking ban expansion. Iowa City's City Council unanimously approved an expansion of the statewide smoking ban, a move that other municipalities in the state are also considering. [News Source]

Hawaii leading ocean conservation efforts. Hawai'i can and should take the lead in preserving the world's oceans, members of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force say. [News Source]

GarCo checks air for longer list of pollutants. Garfield County has narrowed its number of testing sites but expanded the pollutants it is testing for in its air monitoring program. [News Source]

Sierra Club intensifies attack on Dynegy. The Sierra Club is expanding its fight on two fronts against a power plant Dynegy is building near Waco, claiming federal financial support of the project was given improperly and that the company started construction without proper permits. [News Source]

Court rejects hog farm near historic Arrow Rock. A Cole County judge has ordered the state Department of Natural Resources to revoke the permit of a hog farm proposed near historic Arrow Rock. [News Source]

Tippy soot blowin’ in the wind. White County IN is safe for now as far as meeting new air quality standards for fine particles, but depending on which way the wind blows, it could be affected by neighboring Tippecanoe County. [News Source]

A building turns green from the rooftop down. A new, environmentally friendly roof -- complete with grasses and flowers -- is being constructed over the gun range at Auburn Hills' Public Safety Department. [News Source]

Sludge plant plans to burn tires. Fox Valley Energy Center plans to burn scrap tires, instead of coal, as its primary fuel to reduce operating costs. [News Source]