EPA chief defends budget cuts

WASHINGTON— The head of the Environmental Protection Agency Wednesday defended President Barack Obama’s proposal to reduce the agency’s spending by 12.5 percent in 2012 in an appearance in front of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “This FY 2012...

EPA to limit toxic chemicals in water

WASHINGTON— The Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday that it will set a national drinking water standard for the toxic substance perchlorate. The EPA said it was reversing a 2008 Bush administration ruling. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson made the...

Group wants protections for public lands

WASHINGTON—The Wilderness Society brought its case for protecting public lands to the National Press Club on Tuesday. At stake: where to allow oil-and-gas drilling and mining, and how to offer guidance to the government on renewable energy efforts. The society, the...
Dorm-style housing on Capitol Hill

Dorm-style housing on Capitol Hill

Story by Lauren Schwartzberg and Roshan Nebhrajani Business meetings, banquets and bedtime. The offices of some congressmen host all three. By 4 p.m. Wednesday, all new and re-elected members of the 112th Congress will be sworn in. Members of Congress are required to...