In Tuesday's environmental law news, the USDA has released new security guidelines [PDF] for truck transporters of agricultural and food products. The guidelines, while voluntary, aim to increase national security and ensure public health through additional safety practices. The press release is here.

In other environmental law news...

• The Los Angeles city council has voted not to count electricity generated by the Hoover Dam in the city's plan to raise the amount of energy it receives from renewable sources. The plan calls for 20 percent of LA's energy to come from such sources by 2017. A similar CA state plan excludes from assessment any hydroelectric plant greater than 30 megawatts (MW) in size. LA receives about 491 MW from the dam. Environment California has the full story.
  
  
• The Australian government has granted the Shell oil company a seven day exemption from national clean fuel standards following a failure at the Clyde refinery outside of Sydney. The exemption hopes to avoid a fluctuation in gas prices during a week that will see both the rugby league championship and the national elections. The Australian has the full story.
  
  
• Explorer Pipeline Co. of Tulsa, Oklahoma has paid a $3 million penalty for a 2000 pipe breakage that resulted in 500,000 gallons of gasoline flowing into a Dallas, Texas backup water reservoir. The company has already paid almost $40 million in cleanup and other fees to settle the suit. Dallas Morning News has the full story.