A bill that would create a commission and research center on "violent radicalization" and "extremist belief systems" that can lead to homegrown terrorism has been quietly making its way through Congress, passing the House on Oct. 23. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other groups are raising concerns that its vague definitions, broad mandate and minimal oversight could lead to ethnic profiling and censorship based on personal beliefs. The bill now moves to the Senate, although the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has not yet scheduled a hearing.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is preparing to revise the national standard for airborne lead pollution, but differing scientific opinions among federal officials are further complicating a protracted rulemaking effort. The prevailing interpretation may have a significant impact on the agency's decision to tighten or weaken the standard.

Two calls-to-action on cutting greenhouse gas emissions were released Nov. 30, shortly before world leaders met in Bali to begin outlining a global agreement to succeed the Kyoto Protocol. First, business leaders from 150 global firms issued a communiqué calling for "a comprehensive, legally binding United Nations framework to tackle climate change." Second, a report sponsored by a coalition of U.S businesses and nongovernmental organizations said the U.S. could reduce its output of greenhouse gas emissions substantially using existing technologies and low-cost emerging alternatives, but to do so "will require strong, coordinated, economy-wide action that begins in the near future."