Firms must make sure that the goods they produce are safe for consumers, that their workers are healthy and that their factories and products do not cause damage to the environment.

ECONOMIST: The risk in nanotechnology

The agency will only grant the permit if it is satisfied the development "will not harm the health of people or damage the environment".

BBC: Environment Agency wants Llangefni biomass plant views

Mike Nesbitt said his party would abstain from a vote because while the party would not support fracking if there were any evidence that damage would be done to the environment, closing down the exploration would have "reputational damage on Northern Ireland PLC".

BBC: Hydraulic fracturing

Mr Grayling added that while such a scheme is contemplated, "road tolls should not be used as an excuse for building new roads, which cause damage to the environment and generate more traffic".

BBC: NEWS | UK | Tolls 'could replace road tax'

One of the things that is not covered in the economic claims are the natural resource damage assessments that will be done on the Gulf environment.

WHITEHOUSE: Vice President Biden on Congressman Barton��s Apology to BP

What was not known at the time, however, was DDT's propensity to accumulate, persist and damage the environment.

ECONOMIST: Fire retardants may affect female reproduction