EPA Grants California GHG Emissions Waiver for New Cars              WASHINGTON -- The EPA is granting a waiver request by California, enabling the state to enforce its greenhouse gas emissions standards for new motor vehicles, beginning with the current model year. [full story]

GE Energy Facility Joins OSHA's VPP                                         SLATER, MO -- GE Energy has earned membership in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program for its outstanding commitment to employee protection at its production facility in Slater, MO. [full story]

OSHA Back in Business of Enforcement, Unveils Texas Safety Plan      SAN ANTONIO, TX -- The Dept. of Labor and OSHA are back in the enforcement business, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis told the 3,300 safety engineers attending the ASSE Safety 2009 Professional Development Conference's general session Monday morning. [full story]

'Shaping Destiny,' ASSE Signs MOU with Int'l Labour Organization  SAN ANTONIO, TX -- The American Society of Safety Engineers will try to shape the destiny of workers' occupational safety and health around the world by entering into an agreement with the International Labour Organization to work to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. [full story]

Fox News' Varney: We're on Cusp of New Era of Wealth Redistribution SAN ANTONIO, TX -- We are living through absolutely tumultuous times and are on the cusp of a new era of wealth redistribution, said Stuart Varney, a Fox News business reporter who delivered the keynote speech at the American Society of Safety Engineers' Safety 2009 Professional Development Conference and Exposition being held this week in San Antonio, TX. [full story]

Metalforming Group Allies with Michigan OSHA                                     CLEVELAND, OH -- The East and West Michigan districts of the Precision Metalforming Association have signed an alliance agreement with the Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Administration to promote safety and health for workers in that industry. [full story]

Coal Mine Operator Recognized for Excellence in Safety            VANCOUVER, BC -- Teck Resources Ltd. has announced that the Provice of British Columbia has recognized two of its coal operations for excellence in mine safety at the 54th annual Provincial Mine Rescue, First Aid and Safety Awards ceremony held June 6 at Britannia Beach. [full story]

Smurfit-Stone Facilities Achieve Safety Goals                              CREVE COEUR, MO -- Four Smurfit-Stone Container Corp. facilities received top honors, and a total of 34 were recognized for outstanding safety achievement at the Pulp & Paper Safety Association's 66th annual Safety and Health Conference. [full story]

GAO Calls for Better OSHA Oversight of VPP                                     DES PLAINES, IL -- The American Society of Safety Engineers is urging OSHA to provide improved oversight and measurement of the results of its Voluntary Protection Programs, which the U.S. General Accounting Office says is necessary. [full story]

OSHA Focuses on Combustible Dust Hazards at Alabama Companies    ATLANTA -- Over the last 16 months, compliance officers from OSHA have made 26 visits to Alabama companies where employees may be exposed to potential combustible dust hazards, resulting in 132 citations for workplace safety and health violations, with 81 percent categorized as willful, serious, repeat or failure to abate. [full story]

Shermco Industries Renews ISO 9001:2000 Certification              DALLAS -- Shermco Industries, a provider of rotating machinery testing, repair remanufacturing, systems maintenance, and electrical damage restoration services, has gained ISO 9001:2000 certification for a second year. [full story] 

Alliance Aims to Reduce Children's Exposure to Harmful Chemicals       LOS ANGELES -- Activeion Cleaning Solutions, a provider of sustainable cleaning technology, has entered a new alliance with Healthy Child Healthy World, a nonprofit that seeks to educate the public about preventing children's exposure to harmful chemicals. [full story]