Environment / Public News Service

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Deadline nears in CA, U.S., for climate proposals under 'green bank' initiative

Cities and nonprofits are racing to finish their applications for the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund - the deadline is October 12…

Montana has more than 30 million acres of state and federal lands, nearly one third of the state. Conservation advocates are holding a photo contest featuring people and their dogs to celebrate being outdoors. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 28, 2023

MT advocates promote conservation through photo competition

This is the last weekend to get involved in a photo competition designed to encourage Montanans to explore the wilderness with their pets. There …

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act provide investments to accelerate the development of and market for zero-emission technology. (Halfpoint/AdobeStock)

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Elected officials advocate for EPA’s clean-car standards, transition to EVs

With the United Auto Workers still on strike, elected officials argue that it's important for the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed clean-…

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Indiana is home to 94 solar-energy companies, although the state still gets less than 1% of its power from solar. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Growth of renewable energy in IN faces roadblocks

A proposal to allow utility-scale solar operations for Washington Township in Delaware County is meeting with some setbacks and one nonpartisan group …

The EPA is proposing changes to the federal emission standards to ensure 67% of new light-duty vehicles and 25% of new heavy-duty trucks sold in the United States be electric by 2032. (Valeriia/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 28, 2023

UAW strike continues: Officials say EPA standards must catch up

Amid the United Auto Workers strike, some advocates argued it is time to implement clean car standards. Gary Schlack, a city council member in Allen …

11 Idaho wastewater facilities accounted for more than half of discharge violations in 2022. (Kekyalyaynen/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Report: 520 discharge violations from ID sewage plants in 2022

A new report finds more than half of the sewage facilities in Idaho had pollution violations in 2022. The sixth annual analysis by the Idaho …

Agrivoltaics is defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as the use of land for both agriculture and solar-energy generation. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Growing veggies with a side of solar cuts emissions, boosts land access

The arrival of fall has farmers transitioning to the harvest season, but what if some gathered their crops with rows of solar panels right alongside …

Measurements of electrical conductivity indicating elevated salinity is affecting the soil hundreds of meters from visible salt patches. (Rebecca Epanchin-Niell)

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Study: Thousands of acres of MD farmland facing saltwater intrusion

Researchers have found the amount of land affected by saltwater intrusion on the Delmarva Peninsula has dramatically increased in recent years…

A new report found elderly Black New Yorkers are particularly vulnerable to health complications from air pollution, and would experience the greatest decrease in mortality rates, compared to Hispanic, Asian and white counterparts. (Kirsten D/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock) The report found elderly Black New Yorkers are particularly vulnerable to health complications from air pollution, and would experience the greatest decrease in mortality rates, compared to Hispanic, Asian and white counterparts. (Kirsten

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Report compares ways NY can get cleaner air, help disadvantaged communities

A new report sheds light on the effects of local air quality policies on disadvantaged communities. As New York State works to meet the challenges …

A $27 billion fund managed by the Environmental Protection Agency is designed to help states and local communities construct sustainable green projects to fight climate change and reduce greenhouse gases. (Adobe Stock/AI)

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Elected officials seek to fight climate change in underserved NY communities

Elected officials in New York and across the country are urging state and local governments to use new funding available through the Environmental Pro…

Grand Teton National Park's 2.8 million visitors last year added $597 million to gateway communities, according to a new National Park Service report. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 25, 2023

Wanted: Visions for the future of Grand Teton National Park

Imagine reaching your favorite Grand Teton National Park trail in half the time because of new pull-outs that clear traffic on arterial roads…

A 2017 Purdue University research project found a more earth-friendly adhesive was created by sea mussels. They extend hair-like fibers that attach to surfaces using plaques of adhesive. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Monday, September 25, 2023

Purdue University touts research on environmentally safer adhesive

Scientists at Purdue University have been experimenting to create adhesives designed to be easier on the environment. So many products from …

Lawmakers and environmental groups celebrate creation of the American Climate Corps. It's part of the Biden administration's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that have been overburdened by pollution. (Office of Sen. Ed Markey)

Monday, September 25, 2023

Lawmakers, youth activists celebrate creation of American Climate Corps

A new federal jobs program aims to mobilize tens of thousands of young Americans to address the growing threats of climate change. The American …

More than two-thirds of Nevada is made up of public lands, according to the Bureau of Land Management. (Jennifer Jean/Adobe Stock)

A focus on climate change impacts for Public Lands Day in Nevada

Many across the state of Nevada will celebrate National Public Lands Day tomorrow. Nevadans will be able to visit state parks for free on Saturday…

Environmental Protection Agency data show the transportation sector accounts for 29% of greenhouse-gas emissions, the largest and fastest growing source in the United States. (VanderWolf/AdobeStock)

Study: EVs in PA can rev up taxpayer savings, pollution reduction

Pennsylvania governments could save taxpayers millions and reduce pollution by transitioning their fleets to electric vehicles, according to findings …

The National Council for Air and Stream Improvement found while older forests accumulate more carbon than younger ones, a younger forest can remove more carbon dioxide per year from the atmosphere than an older forest. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia groups seek old-growth forest protections

Virginia environmental advocates are looking for protections of old-growth forests. In 2022, President Joe Biden issued an executive order to have …

New Mexico's planned electric vehicle infrastructure would allow motorists to charge a vehicle in 30 to 45 minutes for about $20. (AdobeStock/serperm73)

NM Seeks Public Input on Zero-Emission Vehicle Standards

New Mexico wants more residents to drive electric vehicles, and is hosting a series of meetings to explain its advanced clean cars and trucks rules…

This summer's stretches of smoky air, brought on by Canadian wildfires, have prompted more concern in the Midwest about the arrival of climate-change threats and how cities can respond. (Adobe Stock)

WI Mayor Offers Glimpse into Cities Phasing in Clean-Energy Projects

New polling suggests most Americans support nationwide efforts to boost renewable energy capacity under the threat of climate change, and a local …

While Minnesota continues to see job growth in clean energy, trade groups warn if efforts are not accelerated to add more grid capacity, projects slated for development could be stalled or canceled, potentially cutting into job gains. (Adobe Stock)

MN Part of Nationwide Burst of Clean-Energy Jobs

Federal data show much of the U.S. is seeing job growth for the clean energy sector, and Minnesota is no exception, as new regional numbers confirm …

A recent economic impact study reveals that more than 123,000 people are employed full- and part-time at iron and steel mills in ferroalloy manufacturing in the Keystone State. (otmman/AdobeStock)

More Time to Comment on EPA Blast Furnace Rules

Emission standards for blast furnaces such as the iron and steel mills in Pennsylvania haven't been updated in years. The Environmental Protection …

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing standards to regulate emissions from five unmeasured fugitive and intermittent particulate sources. The EPA is extending the comment period on the proposed rule to Sept. 29. (Natalie Schorr/Adobe Stock)

Comments About EPA's Proposed Blast-Furnace Rules Extended to Sept. 29

Emission standards for blast furnaces such as some iron and steel mills in Missouri have not been updated in years. The Environmental Protection …

Thousands of miles of fencing in Wyoming and across the Western U.S., which act as barriers to wildlife seeking winter and summer ranges, was installed over 100 years ago. (Adobe Stock)

Hunters, Anglers Get $2.5 Million to Restore Migration Corridors

A new partnership between the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the group Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) aims to improve migration corridors …

Many saguaro cacti were damaged or destroyed during construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall initiated by former President Donald Trump and funded by taxpayers. (Photo courtesy: LaikenJordahl)

NM Saw Lasting Consequences from Trump's U.S.-Mexico Border Wall

The unprecedented attempt to build a wall along the U.S. Mexico border has had devastating effects on wildlife from which they may not recover…

The U.S. Department of the Interior currently manages 11,000 bison in herds across 4.6 million acres of public lands in a dozen states. (Adobe Stock)

Washington Invests $5 Million in Tribal Land Bison Restoration

The U.S. Interior Department has invested $5 million in reintroducing bison to Native American Tribal lands across the country. Montana's iconic …

It's estimated there are 6,200 wild burros in the State of Arizona, according to the Bureau of Land Management. (Adobe Stock)

BLM Seeks Public Comment on Wild Burro Management in AZ

The wild burro population in northwest Arizona is about four times the appropriate management level, according to the Bureau of Land Management…

The Environmental Working Group published a peer-reviewed study in 2020 estimating more than 200 million Americans could have PFAS contamination in their drinking water. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Proposed EPA Cuts Would Slow PFAS Cleanup

Environmental advocates said proposed budget cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency will slow cleanup of toxic "forever chemicals," per- and poly…

EPA Upholds MT Farmers' 'Right to Repair'

The Environmental Protection Agency has upheld Montana farmers' right to repair their own equipment, and says doing so does not violate the Clean Air …

Tonight: Great Lakes Documentary Premieres in Traverse City

They're calling it an "adventure conservation documentary," and the film has its first showing tonight in Traverse City. "Troubled Water" chronicles …

The lake bed of the Great Salt Lake is laced with arsenic, mercury and other toxic substances, according to the environmental law firm Earthjustice. (Jenny Thompson/Adobe Stock)

Lawsuit Argues UT Has Failed to Address Shrinking Great Salt Lake

Conservation and community groups have filed a lawsuit against Utah for what they claim is the state's failure to ensure enough water gets to the Grea…

U.S. medical costs associated with tick-borne diseases are substantial, with Lyme disease alone resulting in anywhere between $712 million and $1.3 billion in annual treatment costs, according to John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Multi-State Effort Begins to Study Dramatic Tick Increase in New England

Scientists in rural New England are working to better monitor and manage tick populations as climate change helps fuel their dramatic increase…

Upcoming Youth Climate Summit to Focus on Solutions, Hope

A 2021 survey published in The Lancet showed almost half of U.S. youth ages 16 to 25 feel "heightened worry" about climate change. Sponsors of …

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing standards to regulate HAP emissions from five unmeasured fugitive and intermittent particulate sources that currently are not regulated. (Clive Winward/Wirestock Creators/Adobe Stock)

EPA's Last Call on Comments About Rules for Blast Furnaces is Today

Emission standards for blast furnaces such as the iron and steel mills in Ohio have not been updated in years. The Environmental Protection Agency …

Comments About EPA's Proposed Rules for Blast Furnaces Ends Today

Emission standards for blast furnaces such as the iron and steel mills in Michigan haven't been updated in years. The Environmental Protection …

New Mexico is projected to face a glaring

NM Youth Protest Over Climate-Change Accountability

Today's young people will struggle most with the affects of climate change, and a New Mexico youth group brings its concerns to the streets of …

Data show people in rural communities are more likely to live in poverty, have higher mortality rates, and have higher rates of incarceration. (Adobe Stock)

Rural America Organizes to Create More Opportunities

Overall, Colorado has been on the rebound since COVID-19 affected supply chains and shook economies across the globe. But many of the state's rural …

On large dairy farms or other animal operations, a slurry of manure is funneled into an anaerobic digester, where microbes produce gas, which is piped away. (Erikdegraaf/Adob Sstock)

Renewable Natural Gas: Climate Change Solution or False Hope?

By John Carey for the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the…

In 2019, Connecticut had economy-wide emissions of 39.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, a 13.9% decline since 1990. Emissions hit an all time low in 2020 at 32.7%, but post-pandemic estimates show they're creeping upward again. (Adobe Stock)

CT Groups Head to New York City for Climate March

Community groups across the U.S. are making their way to New York City for the March to End Fossil Fuels - including some from Connecticut. The …

Oil and gas wells, roads, pipelines and other infrastructure near the Chaco Culture National Historical Park have destroyed some cultural sites and transformed others into industrial parks. (MarkKaletka/Flicker/Creative Commons)

Protection of NM's Greater Chaco Region Faces New Threats

A previous agreement to protect New Mexico's Greater Chaco Canyon region from oil and gas development is back on the table, forcing supporters to…

A recent report found more than 400 jobs have been created in the Keystone State since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, and more than $190 million in investments have been made in clean-energy projects. (Anatoliy_gleb/AdobeStock)

Inflation Reduction Act Funds Multiple PA Clean-Energy Priorities

It has been one year since the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act became law, and Pennsylvania is seeing and using some of the funding…

Regulation 28 is a result of a Colorado law aiming to reduce climate pollution from buildings by seven percent by 2026, and to reduce energy use by 20% by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

CO Targets Apartment, Commercial, Industrial Building Climate Pollution

Colorado wants to reduce climate pollution from apartments and commercial buildings 50,000 square feet and larger, but there is growing concern …

Water Equals Life is a coalition of water justice advocates, environmental groups and social justice groups who have come together in a statewide campaign to ensure everyone's basic human need for access to clean, safe, and affordable water is met, regardless of income. (Bovart/Adobe Stock)

Michigan Residents Pay Among Highest Water Bills in U.S.

Michigan water rates have surged more than 40% since 2010, and it is a trend that's expected to continue as cities and utilities work to upgrade …

Earlier this year, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators submitted a letter to President Joe Biden supporting the need for an international climate peace clause. (Adobe Stock)

NY Environmental Groups Seek Climate Peace Clause

New York environmental organizations are looking for a truce in the international trade wars. They're backing what they call a "climate peace …

U.S. House Budget Threats Jeopardize Proposed PFAS Regulations

Environmental groups say a proposal to cut $4 billion from the Environmental Protection Agency budget would gut the regulations designed to clean up t…

Fermi 2 is a 1,198 MWe General Electric boiling water reactor that began operations in 1985.(spiritofamerica/Adobe Stock)

DTE Energy Nuclear Plant Closed for Almost 3 Weeks

The Fermi 2 Nuclear Plant has been closed for repairs for almost three weeks. Local residents and advocacy groups in Monroe County are voicing …

In Pennsylvania, the Department of Environmental Protection estimates the average cost of plugging one well to be around $33,000. (onyx124/AdobeStock)

Federal Dollars Could Connect PA Unions to Orphaned Well Clean-Up

Congress allocated billions of dollars in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to plug orphaned well sites across the country, and Pennsylvania is one …

The Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act allocates $1.2 billion to a slew of climate-related measures, one of which is reducing flood risks, and helping communities brace for climate change-related flooding. (Adobe Stock)

NY Law Requires Disclosure of Property’s Flood Risk

New York is slated to become another state to require disclosing flood-risk information to prospective homeowners. The Legislature passed a law …

Manure from CAFOs contains more than 150 pathogens that have the potential to contaminate water supplies, while fumes and particulate matter elevate rates of asthma, lung disease and bronchitis<br />among farm workers and people living nearby, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates Call for Tougher CAFO Rules in MT

Rural advocates are calling on the state to tighten the rules governing Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations - or CAFOs - in rural Montana…

An estimated 2.4 million people work on farms and ranches nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Census of Agriculture. (Stiefi/Adobe Stock)

No Heat Protections for Michigan Outdoor Workers

By Mónica Cordero, Investigate Midwest/Report for America and Eva Tesfaye, Harvest Public Media for Investigate Midwest.Broadcast version by …

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Environment

Deadline nears in CA, U.S., for climate proposals under 'green bank' initiative

MT advocates promote conservation through photo competition

Elected officials advocate for EPA’s clean-car standards, transition to EVs

Growth of renewable energy in IN faces roadblocks

UAW strike continues: Officials say EPA standards must catch up

Report: 520 discharge violations from ID sewage plants in 2022

Growing veggies with a side of solar cuts emissions, boosts land access

Study: Thousands of acres of MD farmland facing saltwater intrusion

Report compares ways NY can get cleaner air, help disadvantaged communities

Elected officials seek to fight climate change in underserved NY communities

Wanted: Visions for the future of Grand Teton National Park

Purdue University touts research on environmentally safer adhesive

Lawmakers, youth activists celebrate creation of American Climate Corps

A focus on climate change impacts for Public Lands Day in Nevada

Study: EVs in PA can rev up taxpayer savings, pollution reduction

Virginia groups seek old-growth forest protections

NM Seeks Public Input on Zero-Emission Vehicle Standards

WI Mayor Offers Glimpse into Cities Phasing in Clean-Energy Projects

MN Part of Nationwide Burst of Clean-Energy Jobs

More Time to Comment on EPA Blast Furnace Rules

Comments About EPA's Proposed Blast-Furnace Rules Extended to Sept. 29

Hunters, Anglers Get $2.5 Million to Restore Migration Corridors

NM Saw Lasting Consequences from Trump's U.S.-Mexico Border Wall

Washington Invests $5 Million in Tribal Land Bison Restoration

BLM Seeks Public Comment on Wild Burro Management in AZ

Advocates: Proposed EPA Cuts Would Slow PFAS Cleanup

EPA Upholds MT Farmers' 'Right to Repair'

Tonight: Great Lakes Documentary Premieres in Traverse City

Lawsuit Argues UT Has Failed to Address Shrinking Great Salt Lake

Multi-State Effort Begins to Study Dramatic Tick Increase in New England

Upcoming Youth Climate Summit to Focus on Solutions, Hope

EPA's Last Call on Comments About Rules for Blast Furnaces is Today

Comments About EPA's Proposed Rules for Blast Furnaces Ends Today

NM Youth Protest Over Climate-Change Accountability

Rural America Organizes to Create More Opportunities

Renewable Natural Gas: Climate Change Solution or False Hope?

CT Groups Head to New York City for Climate March

Protection of NM's Greater Chaco Region Faces New Threats

Inflation Reduction Act Funds Multiple PA Clean-Energy Priorities

CO Targets Apartment, Commercial, Industrial Building Climate Pollution

Michigan Residents Pay Among Highest Water Bills in U.S.

NY Environmental Groups Seek Climate Peace Clause

U.S. House Budget Threats Jeopardize Proposed PFAS Regulations

DTE Energy Nuclear Plant Closed for Almost 3 Weeks

Federal Dollars Could Connect PA Unions to Orphaned Well Clean-Up

NY Law Requires Disclosure of Property’s Flood Risk

Advocates Call for Tougher CAFO Rules in MT

No Heat Protections for Michigan Outdoor Workers