environmental hazards

Making Sense of the Debate Over Genetically Modified Organisms

Annie Castellani

The year is off to a strong start in the battle over the presence of genetically modified organisms in our food supply. Commonly known as GMOs, these highly contested phenomena include crop seeds that scientists can modify by inserting genes from different species. Through this type of genetic engineering, also known as biotechnology, scientists can produce disease, drought and herbicide-resistant crops.Despite these benefits, the national debate over genetically modified organisms looms large. 

Settlement Reached in Massive 2010 BP Oil Spill Will Help Restore Gulf Coast

Michael Patrick Welch

The Department of Justice reached a $1.4 billion settlement with Transocean for its role in oil giant BP’s 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill, which polluted the Gulf of Mexico with upwards of 4.9 million barrels of petroleum in 2010. “What’s important to understand,” says the Environmental Defense Fund’s Elizabeth Skree, “is that this settlement represents the first significant funding specifically allotted for Gulf Coast restoration.”The settlement funds will be paid under the Clean Water Act, with a portion of those funds being used to restore the Gulf. 

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