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Obama's rules for coal-fired power plants would save thousands of lives. -

A peer-reviewed study assessing the health impacts of the proposed Clean Power Plan found that the emissions reductions would prevent about 3,500 deaths from heart attack and respiratory disease each year. And yet...the GOP is working hard to block the measures. Sigh. Washington Post

Study finds fracking chemical in Pennsylvania drinking water. -

Despite the oil and gas industry's insistence that the drilling process poses no risk to drinking water, water in three Bradford County homes contained 2-Butoxyethanol, a chemical commonly found in fracking fluids. The researchers say a poorly constructed drill well may be to blame. New York Times

Goldman Sachs is trying to sell its coal mines (at a loss). -

Faced with falling coal prices, labor protests, and stronger environmental laws, the banking firm wants out of its two mines in Colombia. It could be the latest sign that coal's days are numbered. Wall Street Journal

Scientists push to limit chemicals found in Teflon and stain repellents. -

Having long been linked to cancer, substances called poly- and perfluoroalkyls (PFASs) are due to be phased out by 2016, but their replacements—already found in everything from pizza boxes to mascara—may not be much better. Huffington Post

A Canadian electricity company wants to bury nuclear waste near Lake Huron. -

Ontario Power Generation says bedrock and shale would keep the radioactive material contained, but opponents—including many nearby U.S. communities—say a potential spill makes the plan too risky. An environmental impact statement is due out this week. CBC

New York is flicking the switch to help migratory birds. -

Bright city lights can disorient birds that travel at night, making them crash into buildings. To help out, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced earlier this week that during peak migration seasons this year, state-run buildings will dim unessential lights between 11 P.M. and dawn. BBC