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Export-Import Bank Adopts Global Environmental Standards

WASHINGTON, DC, July 6, 2004 (ENS) – The official U.S. export credit agency has approved a new version of its environmental guidelines, which set minimum standards for environmental impact studies of projects it finances. The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) said in a statement Thursday it has revised its guidelines to make them consistent with an international agreement on the procedures and standards for environmental impact studies of projects financed by export credit agencies. The agreement was approved in 2003 after several years of negotiations conducted under the auspices of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which includes the world's industrialized democracies. In fiscal year 2003, the Ex-Im Bank authorized financing to support $14.3 billion of U.S. exports. The bank helps finance the sale of U.S. exports to emerging markets by providing loan guarantees, export credit insurance, and direct loans. The bank's Engineering and Environment Division will evaluate the environmental effects of projects on factors such as air and water quality within nine industrial sectors. One guideline, for instance, requires that management, recycling, and disposal of solid, hazardous, and toxic materials and wastes be conducted in a manner that safeguards human health and the environment. […]

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San Francisco Embraces Greener, Energy Efficient Buildings

SAN FRANCISCO, California, July 6, 2004 (ENS) – San Francisco has adopted a Green Building Ordinance, set to take effect in September, that will require many new city construction projects, renovations, or building additions to follow green building design principles. The aim of the law is to increase energy efficiency, promote the environment, and increase employee productivity. "This Green Building Ordinance will translate into millions in savings on future operational costs on new construction," said Jared Blumenfeld, director of SF Environment, the city's environmental department. The Green Building Ordinance, sponsored by Supervisor Tom Ammiano, requires that all, city-owned facilities and leaseholds will need to achieve at least a LEED Silver certification. LEED, the green building rating system of the U.S. Green Building Council, stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Located in Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences is rebuilding to be a natural history museum and research center that is not only one of the largest but one of the greenest in the country. The museum is projected for the highest rating, LEED Platinum. The 370,000 square feet facility will feature solar panels and an environmentally friendly roof that will capture and reclaim millions gallons of […]

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Retailers, Consumers Want Organic Beef

URL: http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/25849/newsDate/5-Jul-2004/story.htm Website: http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/25849/newsDate/5-Jul-2004/story.htm     

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Ivory From 400 Elephants Seized

URL: http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/25838/newsDate/5-Jul-2004/story.htm Website: http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/25838/newsDate/5-Jul-2004/story.htm     

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