Environmental brief ~ Indonesian high court rules Newmont exec detentions legal News
Environmental brief ~ Indonesian high court rules Newmont exec detentions legal

[JURIST] In Friday's environmental law news, the Indonesia Supreme Court has ruled that the detention of five Newmont Mining Co. [corporate website] executives last year was legal. The officials had been held in jail without charge for over 30 days last September and October while police investigated complaints against the company for possible mercury pollution in the Buyat Bay [JURIST report]. After a local court ruling, the officials were released, but had to check in with local police and could leave the area, conditions that still continue. The investigation has been completed, although charges were not brought while the arrest issue was before the courts. Charges are still expected to be brought. AP has the full story.

In other news,

  • The EPA inspector general [official website] is investigating a complaint by an EPA official claiming that an EPA study was scientifically flawed and was reviewed by a panel heavily tilted toward the energy industry. The study found that hydraulic fracturing, an oil and gas drilling technique, posed "little or no threat" to drinking water. The inspector general has not yet announced the scope of the inquiry. The Los Angeles Times has the full story.
  • The Alabama Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee passed a bill that would require the Alabama Department of Environmental Management [official website] to take into account population demographics before issuing new, renewed or modified pollution permits. If the pollution would numerically affect minorities disproportionably, the pollution would have to be reduced or the permit denied. The Birmingham News has the full story.
  • The National Park Service [official website] seeks comments on a proposed rule [text] that would allow the use of personal watercraft in designated areas of the Gulf Islands National Seashore [official website], off the coasts of Florida and Mississippi. In 2000, the National Park Service issued a regulation (36 CFR 3.24) [text] that prohibits the use of personal watercraft in all park units, unless specifically allowed. Comments on the proposed rule can be made here until May 16.
THIS DAY @ LAW

Pope Urban II sparks First Crusade

Pope Urban II threw his support behind what would become the First Crusade on November 27, 1095 during the Council of Clairmont. The Pope urged the council's participants to render aid to the Byzantine Empire, which was being attacked by the Seljuks. Pope Urban called for a wide coalition of rich and poor to combat the threat, which eventually resulted in the conquest of much of the Muslim-controlled Levant by the Crusaders and the establishment of the Crusader States. Read Pope Urban's address.  

Catholic Code of Canon Law revised

On November 27, 1983, the revised Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church went into effect. Learn more about the history of Canon Law from Professor Kenneth Pennington of the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law.

Alfred Nobel creates Nobel Prize in his will

On November 27, 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his will, creating the Nobel Prize. Learn more about the history of the Nobel Prize and the Nobel Commission.