WIMS Environmental HotSheet 1/21/14

<> Powering Forward: Presidential and Executive Agency Actions to Drive Clean Energy in America - In last year's State of the Union address, President Barack Obama told Congress that if it didn't act on global climate change, he would. Now, with the next State of the Union message coming up next week, a diverse and influential group of leaders from beyond the Beltway has presented Obama with more than 200 ideas on how he can continue acting on that promise. The report, titled Powering Forward. . .

<> Regulatory-uncertainty-stymies-corporate-investment - Regulatory uncertainty stymies corporate investment in supply chain sustainability: New report from Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and Accenture. The CDP Global Supply Chain Report 2014, 'Collaborative Action on Climate Risk', contains a wealth of information on how leading companies are managing the significant risk that climate change poses to the globalised supply chain model. 

<> Minnesota Takes Steps to Protect Bees, Beekeepers Demand Stronger Action - (Beyond Pesticides, January 21, 2013) Two Minnesota state agencies are creating plans they say will address declining pollinator populations in the state. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is developing best management practices for managing and increasing pollinator habitat and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is developing a plan to study the. . .

<> The Pew Project on National Security, Energy and Climate - Energy independence, climate change and national security are interrelated global challenges. U.S. dependence on foreign sources of energy constitutes a serious threat—militarily, socially and economically. Download the latest report.

<> Federal Government's Advice on Seafood Consumption Inconsistent and Dangerous - "The federal government's advice on seafood consumption fails to give people what they desperately need – precise, detailed information about foods that provide sufficient omega-3 fatty acids with minimal mercury contamination."

<> FCS and CDP Debut New Supplier Climate Performance Leadership Index- The debut publication of the Supplier Climate Performance Leadership Index (SCPLI), a new evaluation and benchmarking tool for Carbon Disclosure Project supply chain members and suppliers.

<> Meeting of the SAB Environmental Justice Technical Guidance Review Panel Meeting – 1/30/14 to allow panel members to learn about the public comments received by the agency on the EPA's Draft Technical Guidance for Assessing Environmental Justice in Regulatory Analysis (May 1, 2013) and to develop responses to the charge questions. 

<> Celebrating 16 years working together for water and wetlands: the Danone Group, Evian and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands - The Ramsar Convention was the first international convention to promote the engagement of the business sector directly in the conservation and wise use of wetlands. 

<> Horn of Contention – Reviewing the Deadly Cost of Rhino Horn -

Publication Date:  Fri, 01/17/2014 Image:  The only certainty of the impact of legalizing trade in rhino horn in an attempt to save rhinos from poachers, is uncertainty, a review of economic reports on the legal and illegal markets in horn has found. Commissioned by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in late 2013, the report Horn of Contention. . .

<> Jukka Uosukainen Appointed Director of New Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN)- CTCN, the operational arm of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Technology Mechanism, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve resilience to changing weather patterns, drought, soil erosion, and other impacts of climate change in developing nations

 

WIMS Environmental HotSheet 1/17/14

<> Environmentalists to President: Embrace Climate Action over "All of the Above" - As reported in an exclusive to the Washington Post today, eighteen environmental, environmental justice, and public health advocacy groups sent a letter to President Obama, calling on his administration to embrace clean energy and climate action over an "all of the above" energy plan.

<> McConnell to File Resolution of Disapproval Against EPA War on Coal Regulation - U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell will file a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to stop the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from imposing its anti-coal regulation by ensuring a vote to repeal it. The CRA provides Congress with the ability to eliminate onerous regulations imposed by the executive branch

<> Climate Change in the American Mind: Americans' Global Warming Beliefs and Attitudes in November 2013 - The most recent national Climate Change in the American Mind survey found that 1 in 4 Americans think that global warming is not happening, and half say they are "worried" about it. There has been an increase in the proportion of Americans who believe global warming is not happening (23%, up 7 percentage points since April 2013).

<> Climate Change in the Vortex of America's Bi-Polar Politics - Conservative, liberal, and moderate editorial cartoonists' biting takes on the early-January 'polar vortex' and the spectacle of a Russian research vessel ice-bound while researching climate change in Antarctica will make readers. . .

<> Reps. Waxman and Tonko sent a letter to Eastman Chemical Company Chief Executive Officer Mark J. Costa to request that Eastman release studies on the potential health and environmental effects of exposure to and releases of MCHM

<> Year's First National Water Forecast Predicts Limited Supply West of the Continental Divide - WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2014 – A limited water supply is predicted west of the Continental Divide, according to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) National Water and Climate Center (NWCC) data in its first forecast of 2014. The NWCC also predicts normal water supply east of the Continental Divide and will continue to monitor, forecast and update water supplies 

<> 200+ Groups Call on Obama to Keep Campaign Pledge: Label GMOs

<> Record of Decision Issued for the FutureGen 2.0 Project - January 15, 2014Record of Decision Issued for the FutureGen 2.0 Project The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has decided to provide financial assistance to the FutureGen Industrial Alliance (the Alliance) for the FutureGen 2.0 

<> Study: New reality of affordable, abundant and efficient natural gas requires visionary thinking to increase use

<> Increasing the Efficiency of Existing Coal-Fired Power Plants - US Congressional Research Service. Coal has long been the major fossil fuel used to produce electricity. However, coal-fired electric power plants are one of the largest sources of air pollution in the United States, with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from burning of fossil fuels believed to be the major contributor to global climate change. 

<> Is the Mega-Module the Future of Rooftop Solar? - Integrated racking and pre-assembled rooftop systems are emerging as ways to save time and money in solar installation.  Recent time-and-motion studies of solar installations conducted by DOE's SunShot BOS Cost 

<> Report: SAB Recommendations for EPA's FY2012 Scientific and Technological Achievement Awards- Recognizing EPA employees who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of science and technology through their publications in peer-reviewed literature or books.

<> Maine regulators give thumbs up to offshore floating wind project -

Stressing the project's potential benefits for the local economy, Maine regulators have approved the terms of a pilot offshore wind development spearheaded by the University of Maine, a significant step forward for the industry in the state's deep but windy waters. Maine Aqua Ventus 1 GP LLC, a consortium including the University of Maine and two partner companies, Emera Inc. and. . . 

<> Atrazine Ban Will Result in an Economic Benefit to Farmers - (Beyond Pesticides, January 17, 2014) A new economic study, Would banning atrazine benefit farmers?, published in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health demonstrates that eliminating the herbicide atrazine, widely used on U.S. corn crops, will economically benefit corn growers. The study examines the research produced by the Atrazine Benefits

<> Rep. Waxman Calls on EPA to Protect Wetlands and Tributaries

<> New! Carbon Footprint Maps - Interactive carbon footprint maps from he CoolClimate Calculator. Find out how you compare to local averages and create a personalized climate action plan for you or your community. 

<> FY 2014 Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Source Reduction Assistance Grant Program- Proposals are due March 11, 2014. The full solicitation is available.

 

WIMS Environmental HotSheet 1/16/14

<> Landrieu and Canadian Foreign Minister Discuss Urgency To Construct Keystone XL Pipeline - January 15, U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., and Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird discussed the urgent need to construct the Keystone Pipelines to secure North American energy independence.

• Landrieu's Rise to Energy Panel Chair Seen Boosting Oil - Bloomberg - Dec 23, 2013 - Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana will probably become the chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
• Heitkamp, Canadian Foreign Minister Meet To Strengthen Energy Ties- U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) met with Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird to discuss and further strengthen the energy relationship between North Dakota and Canada. Heitkamp and Baird, who were also joined by Canadian Ambassador to the United States Gary Doer, discussed ways to improve rail transportation safety and the importance of the Keystone XL Pipeline to energy interests on both sides of the border.

<> House Approves Fiscal Year 2014 Consolidated Appropriations Package - House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers today applauded the House of Representatives for passing legislation to fund the government for the remainder of the 2014 fiscal year. The House approved the spending package on a vote of 359-67. "This legislation is one of our highest priorities as Members of Congress and it is critical to our ongoing economic stability and the safety and well-being. . .

• Chairman Rogers Floor Statement on Fiscal Year 2014 Omnibus
• Republican rider in omnibus spending bill would tighten rules on waste - A GOP rider in the $1 trillion omnibus racing to President Obama's desk would prevent the administration from tightening rules on waste materials that mining companies can dump in streams. It is one of several riders in the bill approved by the House...

<> EPA Releases Bristol Bay Assessment Describing Potential Impacts to Salmon and Water From Copper, Gold Mining / Agency launched study after requests for action to protect Bristol Bay watershed from large-scale mining - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its final Bristol Bay Assessment describing potential impacts to salmon and ecological resources from proposed large-scale copper and gold mining in Bristol Bay, Alaska. The report, titled "An Assessment of Potential Mining Impacts on Salmon Ecosystems of Bristol Bay, Alaska," concludes that large-scale mining in the Bristol Bay watershed poses risks to salmon and Alaska Native cultures. Bristol Bay supports the largest sockeye salmon fishery in the world, producing nearly 50 percent of the world's wild sockeye salmon with runs averaging 37.5 million fish each year.

• EPA Study Warns of Potentially "Catastrophic" Impacts to Bristol Bay Alaska Salmon Fisheries - Completing a three -year scientific peer-reviewed process, EPA issued its final Bristol Bay Watershed Assessment today, concluding that Pebble Mine would have "significant" and even "catastrophic" impacts – including the certain dewatering, destruction, and pollution of the Bristol Bay watershed.

<> Safeguarding Future Retirement Funds - Time for Investors to Move Out of High-Carbon Assets Says UN's Top Climate Official - The UN's top climate change official Christiana Figueres today urged investors to accelerate the greening of their portfolios as one crucial step towards a low-carbon economy that can better cope with the threats and seize the opportunities from climate change

<> EPA Proposes Updates to Air Standards for Newly Manufactured Woodstoves and Heaters/Updates would make the next generation of woodstoves and heaters significantly cleaner and more efficient 

<> EPA Takes Important Step in Implementing the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Establishment Act (HQ) - WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today issued a final rule that is a crucial step in the development of a national electronic manifest (e-Manifest) system, which will upgrade the current paper-based system of tracking hazardous waste to an electronic one

<> Major Companies Disagree with Trade Groups on Climate Policy -

Several companies on the boards of powerful trade associations disagree with these groups on climate policy, according to a new report from the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).

<> New Study: Corn Ethanol Reduces GHG Emissions by 37-40% Compared to Fracking and Tar Sands - (January 15, 2014) WASHINGTON — A comprehensive new study (with appendix) conducted by Life Cycle Associates found that the carbon footprint of corn ethanol continues to shrink, while the carbon impacts associated with crude oil production continue to worsen as more marginal sources are introduced to the fuel supply.  According to the report, "As the average carbon intensity of. . .

<> Chamber's Energy Institute Unveils Comprehensive New Energy Works for US Platform- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy today unveiled its comprehensive new Energy Works for US platform that reflects the new reality of America's energy revolution. Energy Works for US consists of 64 specific, actionable recommendations in nine key areas.

<> Five minutes is too close - A careful review of threats leads the Bulletin's Science and Security Board to conclude that the risk of civilization-threatening technological catastrophe remains high, and that the hands of the Doomsday Clock should therefore remain at five minutes to midnight.

<> New industry report touts enhanced pipeline safety and performance -WASHINGTON, January 15, 2014 ─ Pipelines are extremely safe and efficient for transporting energy across the United States, the industry's continual efforts to improve the safety of the nation's network of crude and petroleum product pipelines have reduced pipeline incidents by 62 percent from 2001-2012, according to a new report by API and the Association of Oil Pipe Lines.

<> Major Breakthrough for E15: MAPCO to Offer E15 in 2014

<> Press release - Plastic waste: Parliament sounds the alarm - The most hazardous plastics and certain plastic bags should be banned by 2020, as part of an EU strategy to reduce plastic waste in the environment, says the European Parliament in a resolution voted on Tuesday.

<> President Obama Announces New Public-Private Manufacturing Innovation Institute- North Carolina headquartered consortium of 18 companies and 6 universities partnering with the federal government to strengthen U.S. manufacturing WASHINGTON, DC – The President announceD new steps with the private sector to strengthen the manufacturing sector, boost advanced manufacturing, and attract the good paying jobs that a growing middle class 

• FACTSHEET: Next Generation Power Electronics Manufacturing Innovation Institute - FACTSHEET: Next Generation Power Electronics Manufacturing Innovation Institute The Obama Administration announces the selection of North Carolina State University to lead a public-private manufacturing innovation institute for next generation power electronics.

<> Blue Sky Roadmap Report II: Real-time Disclosure Begins - The Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs and partners release the China Blue Sky Roadmap– Atmospheric Pollution Investigation Phase II Report, which finds that based on the real time disclosure of on-line monitoring data, a group of major emitters, including thermal power plants and steel factories, are seriously exceeding pollution discharge limits

• China's big polluters exceed emission limits - report - BEIJING (Reuters) - Online emissons figures reported by most coal-fired power plants and factories in China surpassed government limits, a group of NGOs and research institutes said, warning that the situation is likely to worsen in July, when targets get tougher.

<> Bracewell & Giuliani Launches ShalePlay App - HOUSTON, Jan. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the shale energy boom taking place in the United States and around the world, Bracewell & Giuliani LLP announced today it has launched the ShalePlay app. Powered by the firm's energy law and environmental law...

<> Investing in the Clean Trillion: Closing The Clean Energy Investment Gap - In 2010 world governments agreed to limit the increase in global temperature to two degrees Celsius (2 °C) above pre-industrial levels to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. To have an 80 percent chance of maintaining this 2 °C limit, the IEA estimates an additional $36 trillion in clean energy investment is needed through 2050—or an average of $1 trillion more per year compared. . . 

• Closing The Clean Energy Investment Gap Executive Summary
• Leading Global Investors Gather at UN on Urgency for Boosting Clean Energy to Curb Climate Change

<> Green Groups: Leaked Trans-Pacific Partnership Environment Chapter Unacceptable- WikiLeaks posted a draft environment chapter of the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) that governments have negotiated in secret for nearly four years. TPP nations have billed the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement as an "ambitious, 21st-century trade agreement." However, a joint analysis of the WikiLeaks document, dated November 2013. . .

<> Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs: West Virginia Water Disaster Shows Need For Strong Environmental Standards - Every time we hear weaker regulation means a better economy, we should remember what  happened to the Elk River and the effects of the spill on working families in West Virginia. 

 

WIMS Environmental HotSheet 1/15/14

<> Risky Business Co-Chairs Announce Members of U.S. Climate Risk Committee - The co-chairs of the national Risky Business initiative announced the members of a Risk Committee who will oversee an analysis of the economic risks of climate change in the United States. Risk Committee members will join Risky Business co-chairs Michael Bloomberg, Hank Paulson, and Tom Steyer, who also sit on the Risk Committee and are the founding partners of the initiative.

·   Official Statements from Members of the U.S. Climate Risk Committee

<> Boxer, Whitehouse, and Senate Colleagues Kick Off New Initiative to "Wake Up Congress" on Climate Change- During a press conference today, Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), announced the members of a newly formed Senate Climate Action Task Force and discussed their plans to take action on climate change.

<> Sen. Murkowski Urges President to Lift Crude Oil Export Ban - Rising Domestic Production Creates Opportunities to Expand Energy Trade WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today sent a letter to President Obama urging him to lift the prohibition on exporting crude oil produced in the United States. Doing so, Murkowski wrote, will allow American producers to access global markets, which will boost production, protect 

<> New Report Recommends Methods for Investing in Transportation During Economic Downturns- A new report from the National Research Council's Transportation Research Board provides guidance for federal and state officials on the best ways to use stimulus funds for. . .

<> UN climate chief calls for tripling of clean energy investment-

Source: Guardian - The United Nations climate chief has urged global financial institutions to triple their investments in clean energy to reach the $1 trillion a year mark that would help avert a climate catastrophe.

<> Congress Advances Health and Environment Safeguards, but Spending Measure Still Carries Unwise Limits on Climate and Energy Efficiency -

WASHINGTON (January 14, 2014) –  Congress has moved forward on a catch-all spending bill that restores some needed funding for health and environment safeguards the American people depend on, while also advancing misguided provisions on climate and energy that deserve to be stricken in subsequent budgets.

·   Sierra Club Statement on Omnibus Appropriations Bill

<> The Costs and Consequences of Clean Air Act Regulation of CO2 from Power Plants- Resources for the Future discussion paper. . .

<> Subcommittee Advances Bipartisan Electricity Security and Affordability Act - WASHINGTON, DC – The Subcommittee on Energy and Power today advanced H.R. 3826, the Electricity Security and Affordability Act, authored by subcommittee Chairman Ed Whitfield (R-KY) and Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV). The bipartisan, bicameral legislation provides a reasonable alternative to EPA's proposed greenhouse gas standards for new power plants and the. . .

<> Farm Bureau Delegates Set Public Policy Positions for 2014- Voting delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation's 95th annual meeting today approved resolutions that will provide the organization with authority from its grassroots members to push Congress toward the goal line on unfinished issues like the farm bill and ag labor.

<> Vitter: Administration Fails to Implement President's Signature Environmental Legislation- Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, sent a letter to President Barack Obama regarding the Administration's failure to fully implement the Mercury Export Ban Act of 2008, which was sponsored by then-Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill).

<> January and February PSERC Webinars on CERTS Research- January 13, 2014January and February PSERC Webinars on CERTS Research The Power System Engineering Research Center (PSERC) is offering a free, public webinar series based on past and ongoing research coordinated by the Consortium for Electric Reliability Technology Solutions (CERTS) with funding provided by the Department of Energy. The webinars will run through April

<> Improved Regulations to Protect Human Research Subjects Would Reduce Burden on IRBs While Better Protecting Study Participants-

Proposed updates to federal regulations that protect human research subjects need additional clarification when applied to the social and behavioral sciences, says a new report from the National Research Council. The report reviews an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, issued in July 2011 to strengthen protection for. . .

<> Hansen puts out a call for help in testimony by pipeline engineering experts and climate scientists wrt tar sands development consequences- There is a request from Lansing, Michigan, for expert assistance in trials of young protestors who blocked reconstruction of a pipeline that caused a major oil spill. They want to use the necessity defense, their actions being required to protect the environment and their own future.

<> Dow Chemical, Jones Lang LaSalle and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Sign On for Smart Energy Wins with EDF Climate Corps - Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)'s Climate Corps expands its scope to address the growing variety of smart energy needs for businesses and organizations nationwide

<> NRDC Study Shows More Than 1.8 Million Thermostats Containing 8 Tons of Mercury Need Safe Recycling In Illinois - CHICAGO (January 14, 2014) –There are more than 1.8 million thermostats containing eight tons of mercury in Illinois homes and buildings, according to a study by the Natural Resources Defense Council and Clean Water Fund, which are calling for  stronger state rules this year to speed up safe recycling of these  thermostats.

<> ACC's Plastics Division Forms New Plastics-to-Oil Technologies Alliance - ACC's Plastics Division views the new Alliance as a complement to its existing programs to increase plastics recovery and as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce, reuse, recycle and recover plastics.

<> Major Investors Dump Pebble Mine, Time to Abandon Project Once and For All - Frances Beinecke, President of NRDC, New York City A few weeks ago, mining giant Rio Tinto said it was considering pulling out of the disastrous Pebble Mine proposed for Alaska's Bristol Bay. This came on the heels of the September announcement that Anglo American—the 50 percent owner of the Pebble Mine—was dumping the project. Mitsubishi had already walked away three. . .

WIMS Environmental HotSheet 1/14/14

<> GAO-14-80, Clean Water Act: Changes Needed If Key EPA Program Is to Help Fulfill the Nation's Water Quality Goals, December 05, 2013 - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the states each have responsibilities for developing and implementing pollution targets, known as total maximum daily loads (TMDL). EPA oversees states' TMDL efforts by establishing in regulations minimum requirements TMDLs need for approval, providing funding, and furnishing technical assistance. States develop TMDLs and. . . 

<> U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions in 2013 expected to be 2% higher than in 2012- (Mon, 13 Jan 2014) Once all data are in, energy-related CO₂ emissions in 2013 are expected to be roughly 2% above the 2012 level, largely because of a small increase in coal consumption in the electric power sector. 

<> Fiscal Year 2014 Government Funding Bill Released - House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers, Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski, House Appropriations Ranking Member Nita Lowey, and Senate Appropriations Ranking Member Richard Shelby today announced the release of the fiscal year 2014 consolidated appropriations bill. The bill meets the terms set by the Ryan-Murray

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<> Monsanto critics denied U.S. Supreme Court hearing on seed patents

• Farmers vs. Monsanto: Family Farmers File Brief in Final Appeal to U.S. Supreme Court - The Public Patent Foundation  recently filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark case, Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association et al v. Monsanto

<> State Coal Imports Drain Billions from Local Economies - The Union of Concerned Scientists released a report showing that power providers sent more than $19 billion across state lines and overseas in 2012 to import coal, creating a drain on local economies when they could be boosting local economies by investing in homegrown clean energy sources.

<> BTLaw Alert: EPA Publishes Proposed Rule to Cap Carbon Emissions from New Power Plants - U.S. EPA's long anticipated proposed rule for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from new power plants was published in the Federal Register on Jan. 8, 2014. Barnes & Thornburg LLP.

• AIR, CLIMATE – PR. EPA. Standards of Performance for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from New Stationary Sources: Standards of Performance for Greenhouse Gas Emissions From New Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units PDF | Text | 

<> 60 Minutes Reply: Cleantech Rocks - Posted in Cleantech Investment Insight, by Sheeraz Haji | January 12th 2014, my belief that 60 minutes missed the mark and inspired me to write this blog on why cleantech is essential, massive, vibrant, and desired. [Includes many links to referenced information]

<> Northeastern US states tighten carbon trading scheme - Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative announces 45% cut in size of emissions cap in bid to boost market prices. . .

<> Study Indicates "Memory" of Benzene Remains in Marsh Sediment and Affects Its Future Degradation - a Louisiana marsh area where the study authors collected sediment samples for analysis the researchers have known that pollutant exposure alters the ability of ecological systems to degrade those pollutants upon encountering them again.Troy University scientists have shown that this principle holds true for Gulf coast. . .

<> New study finds toxic monsters lurking in children's clothing - Beijing, 14 January 2014 – Hazardous chemicals have been found in children's clothes and shoes made by major brands including Disney, Burberry and Adidas, according to a new investigation released today by Greenpeace East Asia 

<> Agrichemical Companies Sue to Halt Kauai Restrictions of GE Crops and Pesticides