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Federal plans to thin forests after summer wildfires in the West have pitted environmentalists against loggers. But in Idaho, a cleanup and prevention project in a small patch of national forest has broad-based support. NPR's Elizabeth Arnold reports.

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar is taking heat for his government's handling of the offshore oil spill -- the nation's worst environmental disaster. Jerome Socolovsky reports that fishermen are furious it took officials so long to organize the cleanup.

Nine states file suit against the federal government after the Environmental Protection Agency eases parts of the Clean Air Act. The changes affect whether anti-pollution gear must be installed when industrial plants are modernized. Business groups are generally pleased, and environmentalists are livid. NPR's John Nielsen reports.

A federal appeals court reinstates a ban on building new logging roads in some national forests. The Clinton administration imposed the barriers; an Idaho judge briefly rejected them. Environmentalists cheer a ruling that displeases timber interests. NPR's Elizabeth Arnold reports.

Linda Wertheimer talks to NPR's David Welna about the confirmation hearings that began today for Interior Secretary-designate Gale Norton. Norton, a former Colorado attorney general, has come under fierce criticism from environmental groups over her position favoring greater access to public lands for developers.

President-elect George W. Bush nominated Gale Norton, Colorado's former attorney general, as secretary of the interior today. Norton is protege of former Interior Secretary James Watt, and supports Bush's plan for expanded oil exploration in Alaska. As NPR's John Nielsen reports, her nomination came as an unwelcome surprise to many environmentalists.

NPR's Larry Abramson reports on growing concern among environmental groups over George W. Bush's appointment of Spencer Abraham as Energy Secretary.

Residents of and around Jean Lafitte, La. say they haven't seen storm damage like this before. And they say the federal government could have done more for them as it did for the city upriver.

Livingston, Zambia (named after the famous explorer) is trying to reinvent itself. Located near the famous Victoria Falls, it wants to become a Mecca for environmental tourists. But the attempt is running into trouble; the same kind of trouble faced by everyone in Zambia. Malaria and AIDS are the main health problems, years of excessive government spending has created a huge debt, and the health issues and debt have combined to create serious poverty. NPR's Brenda Wilson reports.

NPR's David Welna previews today's Senate confirmation hearing for Gale Norton as Secretary of the Interior in the Bush administration. Norton was Attorney General of Colorado for eight years. She's an outspoken advocate of private property rights and critic of federal land policies. Environmental groups are trying to defeat her nomination.