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.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/FEG2010.pdf

Winners in major vehicle categories include the Honda Civic Hybrid for compact cars, the Toyota Prius Hybrid for midsize cars, the Hyundai Sonata for large cars, and the Ford Escape Hybrid for sport utility vehicles. From the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.

http://www.parliament.uk/documents/upload/postpn343.pdf

The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is acidifying the oceans. This report summarizes the science behind ocean acidification and the threats to the marine environment. From the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology.

http://www.parliament.uk/documents/upload/postpn342.pdf

Predicted sea level rise and higher storm surges will increase the risk of coastal erosion and flooding. This report examines past and present coastal management policy and the main issues arising for the future English coastline. From the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology.

http://www.fort.usgs.gov/Products/Publications/21972/21972.pdf

Studies temperature and rainfall patterns to determine the extent of the potential U.S. range for Burmese Pythons spreading north and westward from the Florida Everglades. From the U.S. Geological Survey.

http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2009/1202/pdf/OF09-1202.pdf

Full title: Giant Constrictors: Biological and Management Profiles and an Establishment Risk Assessment for Nine Large Species of Pythons, Anacondas, and the Boa Constrictor. Summarizes the biology of nine very large snake species and considers what effects these snakes might have on the ecology, economy, and domestic tranquility of the U.S. if they were to become established. Representatives of each group have been found in the wild in Florida. From the U.S. Geological Survey.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/assets/documents/2009fedleader_eo_rel.pdf

Executive order which establishes goals for federal agencies to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions among other environmental and sustainability goals. From the White House.

http://www.parliament.uk/documents/upload/postpn341.pdf

Explores the already observed and future expected impacts of climate change on biological diversity. It also examines the relationship between biodiversity and adaptation to a changing climate. From the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology

http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/steo/pub/special/pdf/2009_sp_06.pdf

Projects that carbon dioxide emissions in 2009 will be 5.9% below the 2008 level. Attributes some of the decline to producer decisions to switch from coal to natural gas for the generation of electricity. From the Energy Information Administration