U.S. Congress moves to revamp toxic chemical law

Legislation with bipartisan support that would revamp U.S. chemical safety law for the first time in decades is advancing in Congress, winning overwhelming passage in the House of Representatives as backers sought quick Senate action. Senate leadership aides said the timing was still being worked out for a Senate vote on the first update of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in about 40 years. The House’s 403-12 vote to pass the measure updating the regulation of toxic chemicals aided the bill’s chances, with the Senate also expected to strongly embrace the bill, according to leadership aides.
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Monsanto rejects Bayer bid, but open to more talks

Monsanto is displayed on a screen where the stock is traded on the floor of the NYSEMonsanto Co , the world&;s largest seed company, turned down Bayer AG&039;s $62 billion acquisition bid as "incomplete and financially inadequate" on Tuesday, but said it was open to engage further in negotiations. Monsanto&039;s decision, first reported earlier on Tuesday by Reuters, puts pressure on Bayer to decide whether to raise its bid, even as the company faces criticism from some shareholders that its $122-per-share cash offer is already too high. The other options are to walk away, or mount a hostile bid.

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Peru declares mining-related emergency in remote part of Amazon

Peruvian President Ollanta Humala delivers his remarks at the Paris Agreement signing ceremony on climate change at the United Nations Headquarters in New YorkPeruvian President Ollanta Humala has declared a 60-day emergency in a remote part of the Amazon to curb high levels of mercury poisoning from rampant illegal gold mining, the country&;s environment minister said on Monday. A growing number of studies show that residents of the Madre de Dios region near Peru&039;s southeastern border with Brazil have dangerous levels of mercury in their bodies, Environment Minister Manuel Pulgar-Vidal said in announcing the move. Tens of thousands of illegal miners who dredge for gold in the rivers and wetlands of Madre de Dios use mercury to separate ore from rock, often handling the neurotoxin with their bare hands and inhaling its fumes when it is burned off.

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