EPA Grant to Reduce Asbestos Exposure in Oklahoma

Associated Press — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 12:50:11 +0000

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a more than $242,000 grant to the Oklahoma Department of Labor to reduce asbestos exposure in schools and state buildings.

The $242,322 grant was announced Tuesday in a news release from EPA.

Asbestos is a fiber that was once widely used in buildings for insulation and fire resistance. The fiber can create a health risk if it's disturbed or deteriorate over time.

New EPA Chief for Oklahoma Region

Associated Press — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 13:28:29 +0000

HOUSTON (AP) — A former top New Mexico environmental official has been appointed head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency region that includes some of the nation's biggest oil and gas-producing states.

Ron Curry will assume his post Monday. He succeeds Al Armendariz, who resigned in April after Republicans lambasted him for using the word "crucify" to describe how he would go after companies that violated environmental laws.