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Pinwheels and signs set up at the EPA headquarters in Washington, D.C. This week the EPA celebrates their 40th anniversary, just in time for us to celebrate their awesome recent work to protect public health and stand up to Big Coal. Their actions to imple

risks to human health and the environment. The National Research Council project was commissioned by EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson and announced as part of EPA’s 40th-anniversary celebration. Paul Anastas, EPA’s assistant administrator for research and

communities that are clean, healthy, environmentally responsible and economically resilient,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “The amazing work of the National Award for Smart Growth Achievement winners brings us closer to realizing that vision, and

vying for the gavel of the powerful spending panel sent a letter Monday to the Environmental Protection Agency chief Lisa Jackson warning that the GOP-led House plans to strip funding for agency regulations and conduct “unprecedented levels of oversight,”

children’s health. 'For 40 years we've worked to create a healthier, stronger nation for our children,' EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said. 'It's encouraging to see that clean water and air haven't made our youth complacent. They understand a clean environment

The Environmental Protection Agency approved blending more ethanol into gasoline for 2007 vehicles or newer cars and light trucks Wednesday, allowing the fuel to be up to 15% of mixtures.

More than 1 million die each year, most preventable, from malaria and from tuberculosis. Yet, there is another killer, a silent one, that results in even more deaths each year.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tuesday celebrated the 40th birthday of the federal Clean Air Act, citing its accomplishments as a bipartisan group of lawmakers challenge its authority to regulate greenhouse gases.

President Obama will mark the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina on Sunday with a speech in New Orleans.

Texas officials warned the Environmental Protection Agency this week that they won't change their laws to comply with new federal climate regulations, arguing those rules are illegal.

BP inched closer to permanently sealing the busted oil well as Retired Adm. Thad Allen defended chemical dispersant use Sunday in the Gulf of Mexico.

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson says BP's use of chemical dispersants to combat the Gulf oil spill have been reduced, the Associated Press reports.

The massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which threatens U.S. coastal states, is putting pressure on President Obama to withdraw his plan to expand offshore oil drilling.

The 40th anniversary of Earth DayÂ may have already come and gone, but one special event remains: The ClimateÂ Rally -- the largest climate rally ever held on the National MallÂ in D.C. tomorrow, April 25.Â Featuring anÂ extensive line-up (read below) of thought leaders and musicians, this Earth Day NetworkÂ event is expected to draw thousands to the nation's capital this Sunday.

Before 1970, when the first Earth Day occurred, no federal laws barred companies from releasing toxic chemicals into the air and water. Since then, much has changed although challenges remain.

summary: Collection of all USATODAY.com coverage of Lisa Jackson., including articles, videos, photos, and quotes.


First drive: The 2015 Honda Fit grows up, but still loves to play

The 2015 Honda Fit is a refreshingly simple re-take on a model whose success, over the last decade, has come from a stellar on-road personality and the ability to flip and fold seats for unmatched interior flexibility.

This model, set to go on sale this month, strays little from the winning formula that helped the previous Fit remain a champion. It borrows exterior styling cues from the previous model, as well as the larger Civic sedan —and dare we say Odyssey minivan? Despite the wide range of design inspiration, it’s still recognizably a Fit.

Larger windows and lights, along with bigger alloy wheels, all help to hide the fact that this Fit is actually smaller than the model it replaces. It’s larger inside, however, and features expanded rear-seat legroom.

The enlarged interior is revamped, though it has a familiar look and layout. The improved navigation system falls short of the tech-enhanced systems common to some of the Fit’s competition, but the tactile interface of buttons, knobs, and switches remains first-rate.

This model year marks the first time leather is optional on high-end Fit models, and it looks and feels substantial. Our pick is still the resilient velour, which is available across all trim lines.

Under the hood, the Fit receives a 130-horsepower 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, paired to either a continuously variable automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual. The increase of 13 horsepower over last year’s model may seem inconsequential, but itgives the lightweight Fit a competitive advantage during merging and passing maneuvers. While some rivals can feel breathless at highway speeds, the Fit’s extra pep really helps when you need to get a move on.

Using the 6-speed manual transmission is a delight, and one that’s only enhanced by a sensitive and extremely accurate clutch pedal. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to drive a manual transmission, this is the car to do it in. The Fit has delightfully smooth and short gear changes.

Opting for the CVT transmission doesn’t dampen the joy in the cockpit, however. You can choose to “shift”on your own, but we preferred to let the computer-mapped transmission act freely, for optimal efficiency.

Speaking of efficiency, the ’15 Fit makes substantial gains in fuel economy compared to the outgoing model. The CVT automatic returns 33 mpg in the city, and 41 mpg on the highway —enough to match or beat subcompact segment leaders. Figures are slightly lower for models equipped with the manual transmission.

Over a day’s driving in the hilly countryside around San Diego, the Fit proved to be as agile as the model it replaces. If you’re familiar with the current Fit, you’ll be relieved to know that Honda has amplified all the positive traits: strong brakes, accurate and sensitive steering, and those excellent gearboxes.

The only disappointment was firmer-than-expected ride quality, and more road and wind noise than you’d expect given the Fit’s aerodynamic-looking hatchback shape.

Bearing in mind the entire package —a sweet engine and chassis, the ability to pack in your life’s possessions, and a level of driving fun that surpasses most rivals —the ’15 Fit looks like another homerun for Honda.

Vital Stats: 2015 Honda Fit

Base price: $15,525 (excludes destination charge)

Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive, 1.5-liter, 130-horsepower four-cylinder engine, continuously variable automatic or 6-speed manual transmission

EPA fuel economy (mpg, automatic): 33 / 41 city/highway

Major competitors: Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio5, Mazda2, Toyota Yaris

Buy it for: The unmatched combination of driving fun and versatility uncommon to the small-vehicle segment.

Skip it if: Your ideal economy car is the most techy one, or a four-door sedan.

summary:

assistant: An added layer of refinement doesn’t overwhelm the fun-to-drive Fit’s sparkling personality.