The US Senate is considering a global warming bill to “accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States”. It is part of the Senate’s active legislation for 2007-2008 and will look at a market-driven system, amendment of the Clean Air Act, the production and use of energy as well as the development of a program by the US Environment Protection Agency to decrease green house gas emissions. Contact US Senate www.senate.gov
Dormant money may be used by the Big Lottery Fund
The UK government is considering legislation that will make it possible for money that has lain dormant in bank accounts for more than 15 years to be distributed to charitable causes by the Big Lottery Fund. The Dormant Bank and Building Society Accounts Bill will be discussed by parliament this year. Contact Parliament http://services.parliament.uk/bills
Chinese government to limit plastic bags
The Chinese government is to limit the use of plastic bags as of June 1 this year in a bid to protect the environment and save energy. The announcement, made on January 9, states that the General Office of the State Council – China’s highest government council – ordered the ban of the production, sale and use of ultra-thin (0.025mm thick) bags.
Supermarkets and shops will also be banned from giving free bags to customers and will be told to “offer clear price tags for plastic bags and charge consumers separately for them”. The campaign aims to educate citizens to reduce their use of plastic bags and has also targeted environmental protection state organisations, science and technology departments and finance and tax authorities within China. Contact State Council http://english.gov.cn
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