$4 bln sought to combat global warming WASHINGTON (AP) - While the Kyoto climate treaty remains in limbo, the Clinton administration in its upcoming budget will propose $4 billion in spending and tax breaks, a third more than this year, to help address global warming. Vice President Al Gore said Monday the initiative represents "significant new investments ... to accelerate our aggressive, common-sense efforts to meet the challenge of global warming" while providing other environmental benefits. The package of climate-related proposals includes for the first time a $200 million "clean air partnership fund" that will funnel grants to state and local governments to reduce greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels, according to an outline of the proposal. See full story <http://www.infobeat.com/stories/cgi/story.cgi?id=2558193441-4ea> Talks on toxic chemical pact start NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - A global treaty limiting the use of 12 toxic chemicals by next year is possible as long as resources are provided to get the job done, a U.N. Environment Program official said Monday. Shafqat Kakakhel, UNEP deputy director, delivered the keynote address at a meeting of delegates from more than 100 countries in Nairobi to negotiate the first global treaty to ban the toxic chemicals known as "the dirty dozen." Among the chemicals are pesticides including DDT and industrial chemicals such as dioxin and PCBs that have been linked to cancer, birth defects and other genetic abnormalities. See full story <http://www.infobeat.com/stories/cgi/story.cgi?id=2558189970-eb6> Amoco to sell low-sulfur gas DETROIT (AP) - The oil giant BP Amoco will soon start selling a low-sulfur gasoline in 40 cities worldwide within two years as part of an effort to cut vehicle pollution. Chairman John Browne said up to 16 of those cities would be in the U.S., specifically identifying Detroit and Chicago. The low-sulfur gasoline will start selling in two years. The reduction in the sulfur level will vary from city to city. Browne, speaking to business leaders, did not specify if the reductions would involve bringing all brands below the current industry low of 200 parts per million for Amoco Ultimate. In the 40 cities, the low-sulfur gasoline will not be in all brands, but in a specific brand, such as Amoco Ultimate. See full story <http://www.infobeat.com/stories/cgi/story.cgi?id=2558190740-d3f>
