text: Amazon deforestation in 2009 declines to lowest on record Annual deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon fell below 10,000 square kilometers for the first time since record-keeping began, reported Brazil's Environment Minister Carlos Minc on Sunday. No more committee action on climate - Patrick O'Connor and Lisa Lerer - POLITICO.com The bills path through Congress is reminiscent of The Little Engine That Could, with a determined core of Democrats pushing the legislation forward despite significant opposition from many of their own colleagues. ... But Peterson, a blunt, independent-minded chairman, has become something of a stalking horse for other Democrats who would rather not vote on the bill but wont speak out for fear of angering Waxman and the speaker. Some dislike the legislation itself, while others are quietly prodding their leaders to take up health care reform before addressing climate change.