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In court

weed killer ban: On July 11, the European Union's Court of First Instance at Luxembourg struck down an authorisation for the use of the pesticide paraquat issued by the Commission of European Communities (CEC). The court criticised CEC for poor health and safety assessments as it allowed the toxic chemical within EU. Paraquat had been banned in 13 countries including Sweden and Denmark. In 2003, however, CEC approved its use in the EU. Sweden, supported by Denmark, Austria and Finland, appealed to the court against this. Paraquat, a toxic chemical, affects the lungs, skin and eyes.

land taken: Environmental groups recently filed a lawsuit in the US District Court in Denver, capital of Colorado, against the country's federal office of surface mining for renewing a coal mining permit in areas inhabited by the Navajo indigenous community.The lawsuit, filed by Din'E9 Citizens Against Ruining Our Environment, the San Juan Citizens Alliance and the Energy Mineral Law Center, said mining by BHP Billiton had forced Navajos away from their lands and exposed them to millions of tonnes of hazardous waste. They claimed the land was special to the Navajos since they used it for ceremonial purposes, grazing livestock and burying family members.

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