http://www.deq.virginia.gov/export/sites/default/recycle/documents/AnnualReport-RRR2008Final.pdf

Reports that Virginia's 2008 recycling rate of 38.5% exceeds the national goal of 35% and the 2007 national rate of 33.4%. The report provides an overview of the materials recycled, the amount of waste disposed, and the recycling rate for each solid waste planning region in 2008. From the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/usgspubs/sir/sir20095165

Full title is A Comparison of Turbidity-Based and Streamflow-Based Estimates of Suspended-Sediment Concentrations in Three Chesapeake Bay Tributaries. Describes efforts to improve measurement of sediment flow into the Chesapeake Bay from the James, Rappahannock, and North Fork Shenandoah Rivers. From the U.S. Geological Survey.

http://www.epa.gov/air/sulfurdioxide/pdfs/20091116SO2NPR.pdf

Proposes to strengthen the air quality standards for sulfur dioxide to a level between 50 and 100 parts per billion measured over 1 hour. The existing standards for sulfur dioxide are 140 parts per billion measured over 1 hour and 30 parts per billion measured over an entire year. Estimates that revised standard would yield health benefits valued between $16 billion and $100 billion. Public comments will be accepted for 60 days and a final rule is expected by June 2010. From the Environmental Protection Agency.

http://executiveorder.chesapeakebay.net/

The draft strategy contains a package of federal initiatives to restore clean water, protect fish and wildlife, and adapt to the impacts of climate change for the Chesapeake Bay. Cites deadline for cleanup and restoration of Bay as 2025. Offers links to executive summary and full document. Open for public comment from November 9th through January 8, 2010. Final strategy to be published in May 2010. From the Environmental Protection Agency Chesapeake Bay Program Office.

http://www.fws.gov/news/NewsReleases/showNews.cfm?newsId=CA201F3C-F939-38B9-6C7470B0C3F5370B

Press release which identifies five new species as candidates for the Endangered Species List and removes four from the list. Also has links to list of candidate species and Federal Register notices. From the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/R40813_20090917.pdf

Methane is the second most abundant of the greenhouse gases, accounting for about 8% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2007. This report discusses methane gas capture projects as reduction opportunities. Also discusses legislative alternatives for promoting methane capture and current federal programs that support methane recovery. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by OpenCRS.org.

http://www.arctic.noaa.gov/reportcard/ArcticReportCard_full_report.pdf

Provides latest information on the effects of global warming on the air, land, sea, and biology of the Arctic region. From the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

http://www.parliament.uk/documents/upload/postpn344.pdf

Looks at the reasons why deforestation occurs and the impact it has on the environment. Also examines policies that might reduce the pace of deforestation. From the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology.

http://www.fws.gov/home/feature/2009/pdf/PBCritHabPropNRFINAL.pdf

News release announcing a proposal to designate critical habitat for the polar bear which opens a 60 day public comment period. The area proposed for designation covers 200,000 square miles and includes barrier island habitat, sea ice habitat and terrestrial denning areas. A final rule designating critical habitat for the polar bear is required by June 20, 2010. From the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R40850.pdf

Electronic waste has become a concern in the U.S. because of its high volume, hazardous nature, and unregulated practice. This report covers concerns about domestic disposal and international exporting of e-waste. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists.

http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/analysispaper/arctic/pdf/arctic_oil.pdf

Estimates that the Arctic could hold about 22% of undiscovered oil and natural gas resources in the world. Discusses the possibilities of utilizing these resources and the financial, political, and environmental issues associated with their development. From the Energy Information Administration.