Green-News: Wednesday 2.25.09

• The Mafia is might be full of evildoers. But are they green? Sort of, police in Sicily are investigating allegations that government officials were lavished with bribes to award building contracts to a Sicilian wind farm backed by the Mafia; via CleanTechnica.

• Experts claim genes from genetically modified (GM) corn are slipping into wild corn crops, angering residents and local farmers in rural Mexico. These findings suggest detecting “escapes” of GM crops may be more difficult than previously thought; NewScientist reports.

• The United States is aiming for a legally binding international treaty to cut mercury pollution in the environment. Mercury ends up in foods, like fish, and is harmful to infants, causing nervous system damage. The U.S. hopes for a resolution in 3 years; ENN explains.

• Speaking of environmental pollution, China has shut down a chemical plant responsible for contaminating water supplies to 1.5 million people. Investigators discovered a phenol compound used products like sunscreens and cosmetics; from the Associated Press.

• More bad news, a mixture of oil and water has been leaking from an Exxon Mobil platform a mile off the coast of Southern California. Officials aren’t sure just how much oil was leaked, but insist it’s a “light lubricant” and not crude oil; the Associated Press explains.

• Now, if you’re confused about the new green-friendly economic stimulus, here are some points: money for solar polar, tax credits for buying hybrid cars, loans for small businesses to setup renewable energy, greening U.S. government buildings, and more; via EcoGeek.

Image credit: Collider