Climate Change/Air Quality / Public News Service

The Eastern hellbender, one of the largest salamanders in the United States, plays a vital role in freshwater ecosystems. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Hurricane Helene's damage spurs calls to protect NC's threatened species

The southern Appalachian Mountains, known as the salamander capital of the world, are home to some of the most distinct wildlife in the country but …

Oregon forestry officials say climate change, warmer-than-average temperatures and current megadrought conditions present new fire prevention and suppression challenges. (Adobe Stock/AI)

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Rural OR communities face new challenges in fighting wildfires

By Julia Tilton for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Oregon News Service for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Collaborati…

During the June floods in eastern South Dakota this year, the river level at the Big Sioux gauge hit 44.98 feet, breaking the previous record high by 7.28 feet, according to the High Plains Regional Climate Center. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Weak protections for SD wetlands could lead to more flood damage

Wetlands protect against floods, like those some in eastern South Dakota experienced this June and researchers warned the growing presence of factory …

In addition to thousands of jobs, analysis shows outdoor recreation annually contributes $3.2 billion to New Mexico's economy. (Upper Pecos Watershed Association)

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

NM designates 250 miles as 'Outstanding National Resource Waters'

A New Mexico agency has stepped up vigilance of the state's limited water resources. On Tuesday, the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission …

About 70% of the 40,000 acres burned by wildfires across Wyoming in 2024 were on private or state lands, Gov. Mark Gordon said in a budget speech Monday. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Gordon seeks $130 million more for WY wildfire mitigation budget

In the Wyoming governor's new supplemental state budget, the biggest line item by far is wildfire recovery. Gov. Mark Gordon on Monday gave a …

The EPA's Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program focuses on environmental justice issues in disadvantaged communities. The money has been hailed by advocates as one of the most important federal investments ever made in closing the nation's long-standing socioeconomic and racial gaps. But changes in leadership in the White House threaten these funds. (Freepik)

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Concerns mount about future of federal environmental justice grants

By Kristoffer Tigue, Dennis Pillion, Dylan Baddour and Marianne Lavelle for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News …

A Farm Connection report predicts dwindling services provided by local governments in small towns that are losing population will discourage new residents from settling in rural communities. (Adobe Stock)

Montana tallies economic impact of climate change

A report released by a Montana farm group says climate change is costing the state jobs and revenue, in addition to having a devastating long-term …

Michigan is a leader in clean energy employment in the Midwest, with nearly 124,000 clean energy jobs as of 2023. (structuresxx/Adobe Stock)

MI communities fight state control over clean energy law

Over 70 Michigan townships and counties are taking a stand in court, saying the state is overstepping its authority on renewable energy permits…

In a report on the lobbying transparency laws of each state, Colorado was the only state to receive an 'A' grade. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Maryland fossil fuel lobbyists fail to disclose activities

A new report says fossil-fuel lobbyists in two states with strong transparency and disclosure laws are not making full disclosures - including in Mary…

Roughly half of Maine's greenhouse-gas emissions come from the transportation sector. It is estimated the state will need more than 200,000 light-duty EVs on the road to reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2045. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Mainers urged to nab clean energy rebates before they’re gone

Mainers are encouraged to take advantage of clean energy rebates and tax credits before they are gone. The Inflation Reduction Act offers incentives …

The Massachusetts climate law creates a new Office of Environmental Justice and Equity to help communities play an active role in the accelerated siting and permitting process for clean energy projects, and provides funds to help those communities with legal representation. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Unions: Green jobs are good paying jobs under new MA climate law

Labor unions in Massachusetts say the state's new climate law will create good jobs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The law streamlines the …

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Elon Musk, Joe Rogan spread misinformation on agriculture

By Gabriella Sotelo for Sentient.Broadcast version by Kathleen Shannon for Wyoming News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabo…

Save Ohio Parks group photo taken July 1st 2023 at Salt Fork State Park. (Photo Credit Paul Becker Photo)

Protesters rally against fracking near Ohio parks

Protesters are gathering at the Columbus Public Safety Building today to voice opposition to plans that could expand fracking activities near the stat…

Since its passage, the Inflation Reduction Act has created more than 330,000 new jobs and $370 billion in climate and clean energy-related investments. (Adobe Stock)

Tempe mayor's holiday wish: More AZ clean energy investment

A new Environment America report shows wind, solar and geothermal energy production has tripled nationwide since 2014 - and Arizona is getting its …

Republicans' concerns with Senator Stabenow's new farm bill likely stem from lobbying groups representing large-scale farmers who want fewer restrictions on their business practices.<br />(maksymowicz/Adobe Stock)

Senate farm bill prioritizes climate, but faces defeat

By Frida Garza for Grist.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Rural News Network-Public News Service Col…

Duke Energy ranks as the third-largest greenhouse-gas emitter in the United States, according to the University of Massachusetts Amherst's Greenhouse 100 Polluters Index by the Political Economy Research Institute. (Adobe Stock)

NC town files climate lawsuit against Duke Energy

The Town of Carrboro is leveraging state law to combat climate change, announcing a lawsuit aimed at Duke Energy. Barbara Foushee, mayor of Carrboro…

About one-third of the world's habitat for Greater sage grouse is located in Wyoming. (Kerry Hargrove/Adobe Stock)

Some stall, others push to pass new federal sage grouse plans

Final federal plans for Greater sage grouse habitat in Wyoming and other western states were met with criticism last month but some said the overdue p…

A solar power array will save the Free Clinic of Simi Valley about $20,000 a year, allowing the staff to enhance its programs, including medical, dental, counseling and legal services. (Adobe Stock)

Simi Valley free clinic gets rooftop solar through Power for Health Initiative

A newly installed rooftop solar power system will help the Free Clinic of Simi Valley keep its doors open and the lights on for the area's disadvantag…

Because Canton, Michigan, is just 31 miles from Detroit (above), it has become an appealing destination for growth as the city expanded, attracting residents and businesses seeking space beyond Detroit's urban center. (SNEHIT PHOTO/Adobe Stock)

Detroit suburb revitalized by federal funds

A Detroit suburb is undergoing a transformation with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Canton Charter …

Snow-dependent Summit County, which boasts four world-class ski resorts, is working to remain economically viable in a warming climate. (Adobe Stock)

Summit County aims to remain economically viable in warming climate

A county high in the Colorado Rockies is working to include its underserved residents in plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the primary driver …

A new report from the University of California-Santa Barbara says nature-based agriculture can reduce the environmental footprint of chemical-intensive agriculture and provide good jobs in rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

Study: How AL farmers can cultivate resilience

It is estimated Alabama row-crop farmers could lose more than $236 million this year, with prices for cotton, soybeans, corn, peanuts and wheat all …

A new study from the University of California-Santa Barbara says nature-based agriculture can reduce the environmental footprint of chemical-intensive agriculture while providing good jobs in rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

Research shows value of getting 'back to nature' on GA farms

A new study suggested getting "back to nature" in farming could help ward off the biggest impacts of climate change. As Georgia experiences more …

From 2008 to 2022, Connecticut received $337 million from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. (Adobe Stock)

Report: CT spends RGGI funds on renewable energy

A new report showed how states such as Connecticut are allocating Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative funds. The report from the nonprofit Acadia …

A new report from the University of California-Santa Barbara argued nature-based agriculture can reduce the environmental footprint of fossil fuel-based, chemical-intensive agriculture while providing good jobs in rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

Growing sustainable agriculture by investing in skilled workforce

As Colorado experiences more frequent extreme weather events, prolonged drought and loss of biodiversity because of a changing climate, farmers and …

Hanford is a decommissioned nuclear reactor site in Washington state, on the Columbia River. (jdoms/Adobe Stock)

Nuclear energy proposal in NW 'distraction' from proven renewables

Interest in nuclear energy as a solution to "dirty" sources of power is growing, including a proposal in the Northwest. However, some critics say it …

In the U.S., outdoor air pollution is responsible for about one in 10 lung cancer cases. <br />(rusty elliott/Adobe Stock)

Wayne State study links head, neck cancers to air pollution

Exposure to air pollution is a growing concern for public health and a breakthrough study from Wayne State University is shedding new light on its lin…

New nuclear-energy technology has been proposed but not yet built in the United States. (Ezume Images/Adobe Stock)

Nuclear power proposal on Columbia River raises alarm

Interest in nuclear energy as a solution to "dirty" sources of power is growing, including a proposal in the Northwest. However, some critics said it …

The International Union for Conservation of Nature classified monarch butterflies as

Monarchs may join endangered list, highlighting FL's conservation needs

Monarch butterflies could soon be added to the federal Endangered Species list, with a decision expected by year's end. Eastern monarchs migrating …

In 2022, the International Union for Conservation of Nature added monarch butterflies to its Red List of Threatened Species, highlighting the significant decline in their populations because of habitat loss, climate change and pesticide use. (Adobe Stock)

Monarch butterflies may join federal Endangered Species List

Monarch butterflies could soon be added to the federal Endangered Species list, with a decision expected by year's end. Eastern monarchs, which …

From Sept. 1, 2023, to Sept. 23, 2024, influencers with more than 16 million combined total followers and subscribers made 183 total posts sharing climate and meat misinformation, nabbing 23.555 million views and 1,048,902 shares and likes, according to Climate Action Against Disinformation. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Right-wing influencers push meat, misinformation

By Jessica Scott-Reid for Sentient.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Maine News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabora…

About 30% of agricultural methane emissions stem from manure storage. The other 70% comes from the digestive systems of livestock. (Adobe Stock)

CT, US take steps to mitigate methane emissions

By Seth Millstein for Sentient Climate.Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for Connecticut News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News …

The Rio Grande and its tributaries provide drinking water for about 13 million people in the United States and Mexico. (SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe Stock)

Lawsuit limbo over disputed NM, TX water rights

A delegation of New Mexico lawmakers is asking the federal government to quickly resolve long-standing litigation affecting water users in the Rio Gra…

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture, Florida ranks 15th among states in the number of farms, and 29th for the amount of land farmed in the state. (Adobe Stock)

Farmers, aquaculturists unite to protect Florida's land, water

For decades, Florida's upstream farmers and downstream aquaculturists have been at odds over water quality and environmental impacts. Now, the new …

AZ grandmother, a climate activist for decades, isn't slowing down

By Jessica Kutz for The 19th. Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Arizona News Connection, reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public …

The International Union for Conservation of Nature listed monarch butterflies as

Monarch butterflies candidate for Endangered Species List

Monarch butterflies could be on the federal Endangered Species list by year's end. Eastern monarchs found in New York and other northeastern states …

A monarch butterfly can travel between 50 to 100 miles a day during its migration. (Derek Ramsey/Wikimedia Commons)

Are monarchs 'threatened enough?' Government soon decides

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is expected to decide soon whether to list the monarch butterfly as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act…

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Tips on spotting climate change misinformation and bias

By Jessica Scott-Reid for Sentient.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Kentucky News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Col…

The Hispanic Access Foundation's wildfire management toolkit encourages families to proactively seek out local news and CalFire updates rather than waiting for evacuation orders from the authorities. (Hispanic Access Foundation)

Wildfire toolkit helps CA Hispanic families prepare

Low-income Latino communities often bear the brunt of wildfires, so the Hispanic Access Foundation offers a wildfire management toolkit and video …

The Illinois International Port District's top imports are sand and gravel, petroleum and metal products. (Adobe Stock)

EPA grants to fund IL port energy projects

Illinois, like many states, continues to seek innovative solutions for cleaner air. The Biden administration recently selected the Illinois …

One megawatt (MW) of electricity generated by a wind turbine in Wisconsin can typically power around 350 typical Wisconsin homes, according to Renew Wisconsin. (Adobe Stock)

Despite lag in WI wind energy, potential is high for takeoff

Wisconsin ranks 26th in the nation for wind energy, generating far less than neighboring states. Wisconsin has about 900 megawatts of installed …

West Virginia has the nation's third highest electricity costs as a percentage of household income, according to a 2022 report by Citizens Utility Board of Illinois. (Adobe Stock)

Grid operator's $14 billion in costs mean higher bills for WV residents

Major electric grid operator PJM Interconnection estimates it'll cost more than $14 billion to provide electricity for 2025-2026, up from $2.2 …

A Sierra Club report found offshore wind can save New Englanders $630,000,000 annually. (Adobe Stock)

Researchers studying CT’s offshore wind possibilities

Connecticut is the subject of an offshore wind study which aims to identify supply chain opportunities for the state and the Northeast region…

Jacques Beech saw his electric bill fall to $100 a month after installing solar panels on his Minneapolis home. (Photo courtesy Brad Stauffer for Energy News Network)

Mpls. solar nonprofit proves patience brings results to low-income residents

By Frank Jossi for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pub…

In 2022, flash floods hit the hills of eastern Kentucky, leaving in their wake millions of dollars of devastation. (Adobe Stock)

Study looks at what causes flash floods in the Appalachian mountains

By Liz Carey for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Kentucky News Connection for the Daily Yonder-Public News Service Collaborat…

Pennsylvania will receive about more than $591 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to cap orphaned oil and gas wells and restore abandoned mine lands. (Funtay/Adobe)

Advocates: PA's climate progress threatened by 2nd Trump presidency

A Pennsylvania group warned progress on environmental protections could be at risk under a second term for President-elect Donald Trump. The state's …

Food systems are responsible for one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, with meat production, particularly beef, being a significant driver. (CanYalicn/Adobe Stock)

From Ohio to Azerbaijan: How COP29 could shape local farming

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration …

Meadville's Climate Action Plan includes a food project to help local vendors and farmers increase the affordable fresh produce they offer. And a farming incubator will allow residents access to larger plots of land and agricultural training. (Don/Adobed Stock)

Funding boosts 'green' projects in Meadville, PA

A small rural town in northwest Pennsylvania is using a combination of state and federal funds to implement "green" projects as part of its Climate Ac…

Since its founding, the CCA program has generated more than $2 billion for transportation and infrastructure upgrades, clean air and water initiatives, utility bill rebates, community solar, indoor air quality improvements and more. (Adobe Stock)

Coalition defeats repeal of WA Climate Act to save environment, jobs

On Election Day, a broad coalition of conservationists, labor, and others helped defeat a ballot initiative to repeal Washington State's Climate …

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PNS Daily Newscast - December 13, 2024

2024Talks - December 13, 2024

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Climate Change

Hurricane Helene's damage spurs calls to protect NC's threatened species

Rural OR communities face new challenges in fighting wildfires

Weak protections for SD wetlands could lead to more flood damage

NM designates 250 miles as 'Outstanding National Resource Waters'

Gordon seeks $130 million more for WY wildfire mitigation budget

Concerns mount about future of federal environmental justice grants

Montana tallies economic impact of climate change

MI communities fight state control over clean energy law

Report: Maryland fossil fuel lobbyists fail to disclose activities

Mainers urged to nab clean energy rebates before they’re gone

Unions: Green jobs are good paying jobs under new MA climate law

Elon Musk, Joe Rogan spread misinformation on agriculture

Protesters rally against fracking near Ohio parks

Tempe mayor's holiday wish: More AZ clean energy investment

Senate farm bill prioritizes climate, but faces defeat

NC town files climate lawsuit against Duke Energy

Some stall, others push to pass new federal sage grouse plans

Simi Valley free clinic gets rooftop solar through Power for Health Initiative

Detroit suburb revitalized by federal funds

Summit County aims to remain economically viable in warming climate

Study: How AL farmers can cultivate resilience

Research shows value of getting 'back to nature' on GA farms

Report: CT spends RGGI funds on renewable energy

Growing sustainable agriculture by investing in skilled workforce

Nuclear energy proposal in NW 'distraction' from proven renewables

Wayne State study links head, neck cancers to air pollution

Nuclear power proposal on Columbia River raises alarm

Monarchs may join endangered list, highlighting FL's conservation needs

Monarch butterflies may join federal Endangered Species List

Report: Right-wing influencers push meat, misinformation

CT, US take steps to mitigate methane emissions

Lawsuit limbo over disputed NM, TX water rights

Farmers, aquaculturists unite to protect Florida's land, water

AZ grandmother, a climate activist for decades, isn't slowing down

Monarch butterflies candidate for Endangered Species List

Are monarchs 'threatened enough?' Government soon decides

Tips on spotting climate change misinformation and bias

Wildfire toolkit helps CA Hispanic families prepare

EPA grants to fund IL port energy projects

Despite lag in WI wind energy, potential is high for takeoff

Grid operator's $14 billion in costs mean higher bills for WV residents

Researchers studying CT’s offshore wind possibilities

Mpls. solar nonprofit proves patience brings results to low-income residents

Study looks at what causes flash floods in the Appalachian mountains

Advocates: PA's climate progress threatened by 2nd Trump presidency

From Ohio to Azerbaijan: How COP29 could shape local farming

Funding boosts 'green' projects in Meadville, PA

Coalition defeats repeal of WA Climate Act to save environment, jobs