Hot April, less sea ice (NOAA): Last month was the warmest April in 140 years of record-keeping, 1.67 degrees F above the 20th Century average, and Arctic sea ice coverage was the smallest ever.
Big Plastic takes on environmentalists (Wall Street Journal): The plastics industry is fighting back against bans and other restrictions on single-use plastic bags, straws, and containers, arguing alternatives may be worse for the environment.
EPA changes its math on pollution (New York Times): The EPA plans to roll out a new modeling method that would predict thousands fewer deaths from air pollution—a model experts say is not scientifically sound.
Impossible burger with GM soy (Medium) – The founder and CEO of Impossible Foods writes that the plant-based meat company is switching to genetically modified U.S. grown soy because it “meets the highest global standards for health, safety and sustainability.”
Sriracha suit continues (Los Angeles Times): The manufacturer of the popular hot sauce has been locked in a legal battle with its primary pepper supplier for nearly three years; the parties were scheduled to appear in court yesterday.
Vilsack to receive biotech award (BIO): In recognition of his advocacy of the “bio-based economy,” former agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack will receive the biotechnology industry’s George Washington Carver Award at a July conference on industrial and agricultural biotechnology.