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Governors have a lot to say about the wet stuff. -

About a third of U.S. governors have delivered their "State of the State" addresses so far, and water resources have been a prominent theme. It's no wonder—Around the country, local governments are dealing with serious issues like drought, water contamination, and toxic taps. Circle of Blue

PCBs threaten Europe's orcas with extinction. -

The use of these manmade chemicals was phased out decades ago due to their toxic effects on people and animals, but the pollutants linger in the environment and accumulate at the top of the food chain (where the orcas are). PCB levels in Europe's cetaceans may be the highest in the world. BBC

Global mercury emissions have fallen 30 percent. -

A new study by the U.S. Geological Survey found mercury pollution levels dropped significantly between 1990 and 2010, particularly in Europe and North America. The scientists say the decline is due to less coal use, improved emissions controls on power plants, and the neurotoxin's phase-out from many commercial products. Reuters

Hong Kong plans to end its legal ivory trade. -

The city is a major hub for ivory sales, but in a speech yesterday Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying announced plans to ban ivory imports and exports, phase out the local trade, and crack down on the smuggling of endangered species of all kinds. The timeline isnt yet clear, but wildlife groups have hailed the announcement as a conservation milestone. National Geographic

The International Monetary Fund wants to put a carbon tax on ships and planes. -

In a new report published in response to the Paris climate change agreement, the IMF says carbon pricing should be front and center in global efforts to cut emissions. The organization says charging $30 per ton of carbon dioxide in international aviation and maritime fuels would have raised $25 billion in 2014. Guardian

The government has just banned salamander travel. -

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is restricting imports on 201 species of salamander and prohibiting the amphibians movement across state lines. Biologists hope the move will protect the countrys salamanders from the deadly fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, which is spreading in Europe. The United States has the worlds highest diversity of native salamanders. New York Times