The Weekly Planet: Obama's EPA mistake, biking for electricity, more

We're taking a look at some of the stories affecting our planet -- here's a look at some of the news you may have missed.

Obama puts the brakes on new smog standards

Just when the EPA was about to announce new smog standards, SustainableBusiness reports that President Obama directed EPA administrator Lisa Jackson to pull the new guidelines, which would have limited ground-level ozone from cars, refineries and power plants to 60-70 parts per billion. Currently the limit is at 75 billion and environmentalists objected to the delay in the new standards, which could save an estimated 4,300 lives and was supported by scientists who say that current ozone levels are already harmful to health. 

Fracking controversy in South Africa

Current.com community member JanforGore posted the news from the Science and Development Network that environmental groups in South Africa are fighting back against energy companies who want to extract oil using a controversial method known as hydrofracking, or fracking. Fracking uses clean water mixed with with sand and chemicals to fracture rocks underground to release gas, and could pollute water supplies. Energy companies have leased rights to a shale field in South Africa's Karoo region, but are being opposed by environmental groups who are concerned that the process could deplete the region's already scarce water supply.

Stem cells helping endangered species

Science could have some good news for endangered species, according to a report from The Atlantic Wire and shared by current.com community member Misti. Researchers are working on ways to use stem cells to preserve or even revive species whose existence is threatened.

Get in shape, create electricity

On a lighter note, if you think spin class sounds like a lot of effort with no point...you may be wrong. The Environmental News Network reports the New York Sports Club is now offering a spin class with specially equipped bikes that generate electricity. The bikes do require a steep initial investment, but if the demand for such classes is high, this could become a powerful trend indeed.

Got a story you think we need to cover? Shoot us an email at feedback@current.com, subject line ATTN: Weekly Planet.