Controversial economist probing cost of proposed new air pollution rule (Washington Post) An economist at the Office of Management and Budget who has battled environmentalists for years on issues such as climate change and smog has raised questions about the economic impact of a proposed new air pollution rule, according to documents obtained by The Washington Post. [News Source]

Mesa air pollution study workshops canceled this week (The Adobe Press) San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District’s public workshops that were set for last Tuesday and Wednesday to share the results of the Phase 2 South County Particulate Matter Study were canceled this week. [News Source]

Union urges wider asbestos study. The Australian Workers Union wants a north-west cement producer to include residents as well as workers in a major asbestosis study. [News Source]

Massachusetts DEP hearing on proposed Springfield biomass plant draws opponents. The state Department of Environmental Protection heard repeated objections Wednesday night to a wood-burning biomass plant proposed for East Springfield, including reservations from two area colleges. [News Source]

State to test health in Dish. Officials with the Environmental & Injury Epidemiology and Toxicology Unit of the Texas Department of State Health Services will investigate health concerns related to natural gas production here, probably early next year. [News Source]

Change our climate. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, whose officials insist he will visit Copenhagen only if the final agenda accommodates India’s points of view, now knows we need a new climate deal. India, and Indians, are ready to lead. [News Source]

Dredging battle will head to court. Nearly 28 years after Congress authorized the Army Corps of Engineers to deepen the Delaware River's main shipping channel, the only thing about the project that has deepened is the controversy. [News Source]

Climate fears over India’s middle class-driven car boom. Across Asia, millions of people each year are progressing from pushbikes to motorbikes and onto cars, as the region develops economically. But there are fears that the transition will have an environmental cost. [News Source]

Exelon closing two Pa. fossil-fuel plants. In the latest sign of a fundamental market shift toward cleaner fuels, Exelon Corp. announced Wednesday that it would shut down two aging fossil-fuel power plants in Phoenixville and Eddystone in 2011, [News Source]

Green stoves to replace chullahs. Days ahead of the Copenhagen climate talks, the Indian government on Wednesday declared its intent to take yet another substantial climate change action, with the announcement of an improved biomass cook stove initiative. [News Source]

Melbourne Airport unveils $330m revamp. Melbourne Airport could generate its own electricity in a quest to cut carbon emissions. The airport's management is investigating the feasibility of installing wind generators, a gas fired plant or even a powerplant fired by woodchip on its Tullamarine site. [News Source]