Bid to delay rail safety systems dropped from federal transportation bill. As FairWarning has reported, railroad industry lobbyists have backed calls by Congressional Republicans to delay the deadline to install high-tech safety systems known as Positive Train Control. The systems, also known as PTC, can override human error and automatically put the brakes on trains about to collide. But the Dec. 31, 2015 deadline to install the systems remains in place, at least for the time being. Although PTC critics initially pushed to include a delay in the long-term federal transportation bill, no such provision was included in the legislation just negotiated by Senate and House conferees. As The Associated Press reports, however, compromises were made on other transportation safety provisions. And future efforts to delay PTC are considered likely.
Safety standards approved for play yards. In a unanimous vote, the Consumer Product Safety Commission toughened requirements for play yards, the portable mesh cribs and play pens widely used for babies and toddlers. More than 60 children were killed and 170 injured in play yards between November 2007 and December 2011. Many died when trapped in collapsed play yards, or when strangled by straps hanging in the equipment. Play yards were already covered by a voluntary safety standard, but the CPSC decision will impose mandatory rules. Still, consumer groups complained that the industry succeeded in removing a provision that dealt with play yards that come with bassinets and other accessories. USA Today, The Washington Post
College athletic trainers urge football coaches to stop using exercise as punishment. The National Athletic Trainers’ Association made the recommendation at its annual meeting as part of an effort to prevent deaths of college athletes. The association urged coaches to use other ways to punish athletes who are late for practice, miss class or get into trouble. It said that heat stroke from exertion, complications stemming from sickle cell traits and cardiac conditions were the three leading causes of death during football training sessions in the last 12 years. During that period, 21 NCAA football players died on the field. The association also called for more individualized training programs for athletes. USA Today
Los Angeles metals recyclers face criminal charges for mishandling toxic wastes. City prosecutors filed the charges against three businesses that they accuse of illegally handling hazardous waste and allowing toxic chemicals to be released into storm water. Prosecutors say the firms discharged water contaminated with copper, lead and zinc, threatening public health and the environment. Inspectors found puddles of oil and stacks of refrigerators and radiators — which had not been properly drained of hazardous materials — mixed with scrap metal. Firms recycling scrap metals to ship to Asia have boomed in the city, but critics say some violate environmental laws with impunity. Los Angeles Times
Further up the West Coast, recycling programs are setting the pace for the nation. Green pioneers like Portland, Seattle and San Francisco have become so good at waste diversion that it is becoming harder to get much better. San Francisco reuses 78 percent of what enters its waste stream, compared with the national average of 34 percent. Now the West Coast cities are working on conquering the final, somewhat stinky, frontiers of recycling — food scraps, diapers and pet waste. Seattle, for example, wants by 2018 to provide some neighborhoods with a fourth curbside bin for diapers and pet waste. The feces would be placed in anaerobic digesters to produce power. The New York Times
Recalls: Kawasaki cordless drills, Academy Sports and Outdoor children’s pull-on lounge pants and girls boxers, PajamaGram children’s pajamas, Ishtex children’s pajamas, Banner Mountain organic sprouts
Compiled by Stuart Silverstein and Bridget Huber
