We already know that exposures to toxic substances can have immediate consequences for our offspring. But what about the next generation, and the next generation after that? Without genetic mutations? The field of epigenetics studies how we can have intergenerational consequences for public health hazards without the genes themselves being mutated. Researchers look at, for example, how molecules can attach themselves to the DNA molecule without changing the genetic sequences themselves, but then ride along from generation to generation.

So, the White House politico who was discovered to have doctored a climate change report -- even though he has no scientific training -- and then left (coincidentally, ahem) his job when the news broke has just days later taken a job at ExxonMobil. No wonder he went to ExxonMobil in particular: as the Wall Street Journal points out, "Openly and unapologetically, the world's No. 1 oil company disputes the notion that fossil fuels are the main cause of global warming. Along with the Bush administration, Exxon opposes the Kyoto accord and the very idea of capping global-warming emissions....

OIRA met with several industry representatives, the Environmental Protection Agency Water Division and the National Association of Clean Water Agencies regarding the EPA Mercury Draft Guidance on June 6. Published in the federal register on March 15, the Clean Air Mercury rule is meant to reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. However, under EPA's cap-and-trade program, the rule will create higher levels of mercury emissions in some areas.