• Climate Skeptics on the Outs at the Beeb: An independent review of the science coverage from the British Broadcasting Corporation is full of praise for the broadcaster, especially in terms of accuracy of data presented. The biggest shortcoming? That the BBC too often gives undue weight to arguments that aren't backed by fact, creating a "false balance." Case in point? Climate change skeptics. The UK's Daily Mail, which has long been a platform for environmental skepticism, fears that the BBC "may use the report as cover to ‘promote a green agenda.’"

• An Up-Close Look at Cow Poop: In other news about loads of b.s., the USDA's Agricultural Research Service yesterday published the findings of its first-ever look at just how large dairy farms emit greenhouse gases. Looking at a 10,000-cow operation in Idaho, the researchers found that "facility generated 3,575 pounds of ammonia, 33,092 pounds of methane and 409 pounds of nitrous oxide every day." The open lot pens, rather than the wastewater storage pond, were the biggest source of emissions. The study is part of a larger research series at the USDA that has also looked at how pesticides travel away from farms.

• Serious Energy Expands Focus on Building Management: Serious Energy, formerly known as Serious Materials, has this week stepped up its focus on smart building management, releasing an update to its cloud-based Serious Energy Management software-as-a-service platform and announcing the hire of two ex-Scientific Conservation execs: former SC president John Pitcher, and Chip Pieper, a former SC vice president. The moves bring more depth to the company's energy management service.

• More Health Impacts from BPA, Phthalates: A study from the University of Michigan's school of public health has found more evidence for negative health effects from chemicals in widespread use. Both bisphenol A and the phthalate DEHP were found to decrease the level of some thyroid hormones, which play an important role in bodily functions ranging from reproduction to metabolism. The researchers say the findings suggest a need for further study focused on more at-risk populations, especially children and women.

• Nissan Leaf Gets an Upgrade, and a Price Hike: When the new model of the Nissan Leaf comes out this fall, it will feature some internal improvements to help it perform better in cold weather -- one of the problems dogging EV performance -- and the Leaf will also cost more: $2,450 more, according to the New York Times.