Republicans accused of undermining the environment U.S. (AFP)

WASHINGTON (AFP) - a voice heard in the American environmental movement has slammed Republicans for their "aggression" on the public lands of the country and the water.

Bruce Babbitt, who served as Secretary of Interior from 1993 to 2001 under then President Bill Clinton, on Wednesday also chided President Barack Obama for failing to "take the mantle of Earth and water conservation... significantly.".

Babbitt, "It is clear to me that the House of representatives will not block only progress, but will continue to support the assault on our public lands and water," said in a speech in Washington.

"The intention is to lower, a blow to the time, the building of laws and regulations, avoiding a frontal attack which could draw attention to the overall environmental objective".

Babbitt emphasized a resolution of the Congress in April which deprived the gray wolf to the list of endangered species and a recent bill that would eliminate the protections for more 16 million hectares (40 million acres) of public lands.

The 250 million acres (100 million hectares) of public lands, more than 41 million acres (16 million hectares) is leased for oil exploration and gas, said Babbitt, noting that only 9 million acres (3.6 million hectares) are protected and designated as areas "savages".

"Obama President must call on Congress to extend the National Wilderness preservation system", he said, adding it should be just as strong support for "the most important places" offshore the coast and along the U.S. coasts.

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Environment of China poses "challenges": official (AFP)

BEIJING (AFP) - China admitted it faced "difficulties and challenges" to clean up its environment, with pollution by toxic metals, aggravating the public and a severe drought further damage waterways.

Vice Minister of the environment Li Ganjie Friday reiterated a Government pledge to punish mining, recognized companies convicted of environmental offences in Mongolia-domestic, where protests fueled by concerns about the practices of the mining industry has erupted last month.

China's "overall environmental situation is still very serious and is facing many challenges and difficulties," Li said to journalists that his Department issued its annual report before world environment day, Sunday.

To clean up badly polluted waterways, reducing industrial pollutants, reduce the degradation of the rural land and a better balance between economic growth and environmental protection, the nation was quickly, he said.

"We are entered in a period where the sudden incidents affecting the environment or pollution accidents are frequently produce and where pollution of the environment is causing daily social contradictions,"Li said."".

Demonstrations erupted in Inner Mongolia last month after a Mongolian farmer was killed by a Chinese coal truck driver Han, may 10, but protesters also require action on the operating expenses of resources and damage to the environment.

China quickly strengthened security in the region of the North and announced a redesign of an accused to mining to encroach on the Prairie where the Mongolian herdsmen have raised animals for centuries.

"If we confirm that business relevant (mining) have violated the laws and regulations, I think that our local government and environment protection agencies will be severely punish", said Li.

Also promised to crack down on heavy metal pollution from mines and other factories, recognizing that incidents of lead poisoning - sometimes whole villages - were occurring at the national level.

"The incidents of pollution of heavy metals which are seriously endangering the health of the population and affecting social stability are quite severe", said Li.

Last year, China has been witness of 14 incidents of major pollution of heavy metals, including nine involving lead poisoning, said Li. In the first five months of 2011, seven of these incidents occurred.

The drought affecting the reaches and lower Yangtze, longest waterway of China, was exacerbating pollution in lakes and tributaries in the basin of the River, of which many were already seriously polluted, he said.

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