Energy and Global Warming News for August 30th: Coal-ash dump sites contaminate drinking water; Biofuels companies buy African land, cause food-output loss, deforestation; A Kindle equals 22 books

Study: Drinking water polluted by coal-ash dump sites

A new study identifies 39 additional coal-ash dump sites in 21 states that pollute drinking water with arsenic, lead and other heavy metals.

The analysis comes as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency begins regional hearings on whether to regulate coal ash waste from coal-fired power plants. It will hold the first of seven hearings Monday in Arlington, Va. A public comment period ends Nov. 19.

"This is a huge and very real public health i...