Environment / Public News Service

$By 2025, estimated health damages caused by methane leakage during fracking would cost $13-29 billion each year, according to the consulting firm Seed Scientific. (Adobe Stock)<br />$

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Dangers of Fracking Wastewater Put Spotlight on 'Halliburton Loophole'

A law known as the "Halliburton Loophole" is under growing scrutiny. It exempts oil and gas companies from revealing the chemicals they use in the …

Wetlands are valuable for flood protection, water quality improvement, shoreline erosion control, and provide habitat for thousands of species, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.(Adobe Stock)<br />

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

WV Conservation Groups 'Troubled' by SCOTUS Wetlands Decision

Since the U.S. Supreme Court has sided with private property owners in a battle of over wetland protections and the Clean Water Act, West Virginia …

An increase in average global temperatures above 1.5 degrees Celsius risks sea-level rise, extreme weather and the loss of species and habitats, as well as food scarcity and increasing poverty for millions of people worldwide, according to ClientEarth. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Montana Rolls Back Environmental Protections

Montana's environmental advocates are criticizing Gov. Greg Gianforte for signing a bill they said will allow the state to ignore the impacts of …

Researchers found cities with the highest ParkScore rankings are healthier places to live based on the metrics of physical inactivity and mental health. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Wisconsin Does Well in Park Rankings

Two of Wisconsin's largest cities land in the top twenty in a new ranking for parks. The nonprofit Trust for Public Land has issued its annual …

Last year Xcel Energy posted over $8.3 billion dollars in gross profits, with Colorado contributing more to Xcel's earnings than its other subsidiaries. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Wednesday Hearing on Xcel Energy Rate Increase Request Open to Public

On Wednesday, Xcel Energy customers will have a chance to tell the Colorado Public Utilities Commission what they think about the company's request - …

There used to be twice as many marshes and wetlands in Pennsylvania as there are today, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. (Christina Saymansky/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Court Opts to Protect Private-Property Rights Over Wetlands

From conservation to sportsmen's groups, the U.S. Supreme Court is getting plenty of backlash over its most recent ruling, which weakens federal …

About 5.7 million acres of North Carolina or 17% of the state is made up of wetlands, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Sportsmen's Group Voices Concern Over SCOTUS Wetlands Ruling

Conservation and sportsmen's groups are voicing concerns that wetlands areas are now in jeopardy of being drained and developed or otherwise eliminate…

The El Ni�o weather pattern, which produces unusually warm water in the Pacific Ocean around Christmas, was originally recognized by fishermen off the coast of South America in the 1600s. (FengYu/AdobeStock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Forecasters: Texas Should Expect Drought, High Temps, El Niño

Memorial Day is considered the unofficial beginning of summer in the United States, with many Texans keeping an eye on what the weather has in store…

Wetlands make up 10% of Alabama. They vary in size from under an acre to a 100,000-acre forested area in the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Does SCOTUS Decision Put AL Wetlands at Risk?

Wetlands make up one in ten acres in Alabama - and the latest U.S. Supreme Court decision could be putting them at risk by limiting federal …

Fossil research suggests the oldest chile pepper specimen may be from the Southwest, and not South America as originally believed. (R. Deanna/University of Colorado)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

NM Chile Peppers Likely Millions of Years Older Than Previously Thought

New research shows ancient chili peppers were likely growing in Southwestern states like New Mexico millions of years earlier than previously thought…

The Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia is one of the largest freshwater wetlands in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Court Battle Ends with Major Implications for Wetlands in GA, U.S.

More than 7.7 million acres in Georgia are wetlands, and groups aware of their value to the environment are worried the watery acreage might be in …

In New York, the Inflation Reduction Act has helped grow manufacturing and jobs for numerous forms of clean energy. But the White House predicts a default would raise interest rates and lead to higher prices for these projects. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

U.S. Debt Default Would Impact NY Clean-Energy Investments

The looming U.S. debt default could affect a host of programs across the country - and in New York, the list includes clean-energy investments…

Adult ticks are the easiest to identify, but nymphal and larval ticks are small and may be hard to identify. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Tick-Borne Illnesses Highlighted During Lyme Prevention Month

As Lyme disease Awareness Month draws to a close, levels of some tick-borne illnesses in Missouri are on the rise. While Lyme infections in Missouri …

It's estimated a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday could remove federal protection from 80% of streams in the southwestern states. (USGS)

SCOTUS Narrows 50-Year-Old Clean Water Act, Affecting NM Rivers

Thursday's U.S. Supreme Court ruling making it harder for the federal government to enforce clean-water rules has New Mexico environmental groups …

In 2004, a couple from Priest Lake, Idaho, attempted to build a house but were stopped because of nearby protected wetlands. (Kirk Fisher/Adobe Stock)

SCOTUS Idaho Case Unravels Federal Wetlands Protections

A U.S. Supreme Court case that began in Idaho has weakened protections across the nation under the Clean Water Act. The justices on Thursday handed …

More than one-third of threatened and endangered species live only in wetlands, according to the EPA. In Maine, some of the threatened species found in wetlands include the Blanding's Turtle, Ringed Boghaunter Dragonfly, and English Sundew. (Adobe Stock)

U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Affects Maine Waterways

Environmental advocates say the U.S. Supreme Court has dealt a major blow to the Clean Water Act and to Maine's ability to protect some of its most …

A new ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court means ephemeral streams, such as this one in the mountains east of San Diego, are no longer protected by the Waters of the United States rule. (Chris Hunkeler/Flickr)

Conservation Groups Slam SCOTUS Ruling on Wetland Protections

The U.S. Supreme Court has gutted federal protections for much of the country's wetlands. The court found that the Waters of the United States rule…

A wetland and marsh area at Chain O' Lakes State Park. Illinois' Interagency Wetland Policy Act of 1989 set a goal of no net loss of wetlands due to projects funded by the state. (GoodFreePhotos.com)

SCOTUS Lands Gut Punch to EPA Wetland Protections

A U.S. Supreme Court decision is shaking up the environmental community in Illinois and across the country. The high court ruled 5-4 on Thursday …

Wet Spring Soaks Iowa Drought

For the first time in nearly three years, the widespread drought that has had Iowa in its grip is predicted to end. The latest drought outlook says …

Wetlands cover nearly 940,000 acres in Washington state. (George Cole/Adobe Stock)

SCOTUS Hands Mining, Developers Win in 'Gutting' Wetlands Protections

Environmental groups are decrying a U.S. Supreme Court decision they say will have major impacts for how the Clean Water Act is implemented. The …

One of the tax credits offered under the Inflation Reduction Act is a home energy audit, where property owners can find out if their home is wasting energy. (Adobe Stock)

With Emerging Incentives, Clean Energy No Longer a VIP Club

Clean-energy products, such as electric vehicles or home heat pump systems, might seem out of reach for a lot of people. But with federal incentives …

Advocates of a Climate Peace Clause protested outside trade negotiations in Los Angeles last year. (Will Wiltschko/Trade Justice Education Fund)

Trade Justice Advocates Call for Climate Peace Clause in U.S.-E.U. Trade Talks

Next week, trade negotiations resume in Sweden between the U.S. and the European Union, and advocates are urging all parties to sign a "Climate Peace …

Oil and gas leasing are currently allowed on 90% of publicly-owned lands managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. (Adobe Stock)

BLM Seeks Coloradans' Input on New Public-Lands Rule Aiming for Balance

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management is holding a public hearing today in Denver on its new rule, which aims to put conservation, protection of …

Advocates say the EPA's proposed carbon pollution standards would avert approximately 1,300 premature deaths. (Ralf Broskvar/Adobe Stock)

AZ Leaders Urge Strong Standards to Cut Climate Pollution from Power Plants

Arizona leaders gathered Tuesday in support of the Biden administration's proposed plans to cut climate pollution from fossil-fuel power plants to tac…

Scientists say to correct the problem of overgrazing and wildlife habitat degradation on public lands, the livestock stocking rate would need to be reduced by about two-thirds from present numbers. (Adobe Stock)

Report: U.S. Forest Service Serving Grizzly Habitat to Livestock Industry

Critical Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly bear habitat has been degraded by a 2019 U.S. Forest Service decision to allow more than 17,000 …

Community solar projects can make solar energy accessible to residents who may not be able to install solar panels on their own home, according to the National Association of Home Builders. (Adobe Stock)<br />

In WV, Community Solar Gains Popularity Amid Rising Utility Bills

Amid rising energy costs and inflation, energy advocates said they have seen a jump in interest in community solar. Luanne McGovern, legislative …

Hundreds of wildlife crossing structures are still needed across Colorado to restore historic migration corridors. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Set to Tap Federal Infrastructure Funds for Wildlife Crossings

New funding recently added to the Colorado Wildlife Safe Passages Fund could provide relief for mule deer and elk populations, which are on the …

Arkansas is slated to receive $54.1 million in the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program funding over five years, beginning with an initial allocation of $19.5 million for 2022-2023. (rh2010/Adobe Stock)

Two-Thirds of New US Cars Could be EVs by 2032

The EPA is accepting written comments on its latest vehicle emission standards until July 5th. Backers of the more stringent rules say they will help …

According to the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, there are currently more than 1,500 approved drilling permits that have not started production. (Adobe Stock)

Coalition Turns to CO Voters to Phase Out Fracking Permits

A coalition of grassroots groups is turning to Colorado voters in an effort to phase out all new oil and gas leases by 2030. Kate Christensen - an …

An environmental advocate says nature and quiet spaces are important to businesses looking for new locations to expand or build. (Adobe stock)

Indiana Scores Record Conservation Funding in Polarized Statehouse

As dust settles from the 2023 Indiana legislative session, Hoosiers may discover lawmakers made some decisions with which members from both sides of …

In addition to shielding waterways from harmful sources, a new Minnesota environmental spending bill includes funding for planting trees and other efforts to accelerate carbon sequestration. (Adobe Stock)

MN Goes Big on Committing Funds to Protect Natural Resources

From protecting and studying waterways to addressing chronic wasting disease, conservation voices say there are a lot of important items in …

According to ALL in Education, climate and environment has been identified as one of nine factors that have the biggest effect on student academic outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Schools Set to Receive Trees Through State Budget Appropriation

Arizona environmental-justice advocates are celebrating some big wins passed through the state budget. One of the provisions, Senate Bill 1689…

PFAS, the chemicals contained in firefighting foam, are known to be toxic and affect ground and drinking water at many current and former military installations. (jana/Adobe Stock)

Analysis: DoD's PFAS Spending Not Enough to Fix Escalating Backlog

New Mexico has eight military sites with known or suspected discharges of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS, also known as "forever …

The world is home to 1.8 billion young people between ages 10 and 24, the largest generation of youth in history, who are increasingly aware of the challenges and risks presented by the climate crisis. (Adobe Stock)

'Climate Grief' Motivates Young Mainers to Take Action

The magnitude of climate change can feel overwhelming, creating a sense of so-called "climate grief" for some, but young climate activists say they …

In 2022, the EPA found three widely used neonicotinoid insecticides harm roughly three-fourths of all endangered plants and animals, along with all 39 species of amphibian protected by the Endangered Species Act. (Adobe Stock)

CT General Assembly Bills Address Pesticide Use

Connecticut's General Assembly is considering legislation which would end the use of certain types of pesticides in the state. Senate Bill 962 and …

The Pentagon is currently considering alternatives to firefighting foam containing PFAS. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Analysis: Pentagon PFAS Cleanup Backlog Growing Faster than Funding

A new analysis from the nonprofit Environmental Working Group said the Department of Defense is not doing enough to clean up contaminated military ins…

Nebraska's extensive wetlands include marshes, lakes, river and stream backwaters, oxbows, wet meadows, fens, forested swamps, and seeps. (Phyre Sky/Adobe Stock)

Celebrate Nebraska Wetlands During American Wetlands Month

May is American Wetlands Month, and Nebraska has bragging rights when it comes to wetlands. None of the surrounding states have comparable amounts of …

Experts say canopy cover to prevent rainfall from directly striking sloped soil, and a strong plant root system to bind the soil, are two of the best methods for preventing erosion. (Adobe Stock)

River Watchers Use 'Old' Technology to Renew Ecosystems

Environmental advocates in Montana are using an older form of technology in new ways to improve the quality of the land near river beds, and also …

Cape Foulweather is in Lincoln County south of Depoe Bay. (Mitch Meseke-Wirestock Creators/Adobe Stock)

OR Coast Conservation Areas Opportunity for 'Bottom Up' Management

Locals will help steward two iconic locations on Oregon's coast. The Cape Foulweather Complex and Cape Lookout Marine Conservation areas were …

The EPA admits its new standards for air pollution at power plants could bring small increases in utility bills, but projects the plan would bring a total of $85 billion in climate and health savings. (Adobe Stock)

New EPA Standards Seen as Attack on Coal-Fired Power Plants

The Environmental Protection Agency's proposal to cut pollution from power plants not already set to retire by 90% by 2030 is the most ambitious in ov…

The lower Snake River dams are aging, reducing their usefulness especially in energy production. (Samir Arora/Adobe Stock)

Historic Step Forward for Snake River Dam Replacement in WA Budget

Funding in Washington state's budget is pushing efforts forward to remove four lower Snake River dams in order to save salmon. Lawmakers committed …

A new report predicts up to 639 premature deaths from respiratory illnesses would be prevented in Pennsylvania due to emission reductions resulting directly from participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. (Erik Bergen Photos/Adobe Stock)

New Report: Impact for PA to Join Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

A new report analyzed the potential impact of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative on Pennsylvania emissions, power generation, revenue, and jobs…

Sage Lenier poses for a portrait in Honolulu, Hawaii, in Feb. 2023. She began teaching her course in 2018. (Michelle Mishina)

Environmental Education Evolves to Show People How to Make a Difference

By Jessica Kutz for The 19th.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public New…

Once laptops have expired, they don't receive updates and can't access secure websites. (Adobe Stock)

Right to Repair Chromebooks Could Save GA Schools $63 Million

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund is urging Google to allow Chromebook owners a right to repair the devices and extend their …

It is estimated about one-third of New Mexico's more than 120 threatened and endangered species occur in the Gila region, including the Mexican grey wolf, Gila trout and Mexican spotted owl. (Photo courtesy of Raquel Madrigal)

New Mexico Mural Art Features Endangered Species, Migration Themes

The Village of Doña Ana is New Mexico's oldest federally designated settlement, and about to be the newest destination for public art. The …

According to the EPA, the proposals would reduce oil imports by approximately 20 billion barrels. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed EPA Rule Could Mean More Electric Cars on NV Roads

The Environmental Protection Agency announced last month new and more stringent vehicle-emission standards which some say could significantly help red…

According to Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention, starting in late April or May many areas across the state will implement seasonal fire restrictions and then typically rescind them in September or October. (Scott Griessel/Adobe Stock)

Arizona Trail, a 'Lifeline' for Many, Under Threat by Wildfires

The Arizona Trail stretches 800 miles across Arizona, from Mexico to Utah. The trek is considered by many a "lifeline," under threat with fire season …

According to the East Coast Greenway Alliance, 50 million bike rides, runs and walks occur every year along the project's existing route. (Adobe Stock)

North Carolina Greenways: A Path to Health, Happiness, and Economic Growth

By Ashira Morris for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for North Carolina News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalis…

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Environment

Dangers of Fracking Wastewater Put Spotlight on 'Halliburton Loophole'

WV Conservation Groups 'Troubled' by SCOTUS Wetlands Decision

Montana Rolls Back Environmental Protections

Wisconsin Does Well in Park Rankings

Wednesday Hearing on Xcel Energy Rate Increase Request Open to Public

Court Opts to Protect Private-Property Rights Over Wetlands

Sportsmen's Group Voices Concern Over SCOTUS Wetlands Ruling

Forecasters: Texas Should Expect Drought, High Temps, El Niño

Does SCOTUS Decision Put AL Wetlands at Risk?

NM Chile Peppers Likely Millions of Years Older Than Previously Thought

Court Battle Ends with Major Implications for Wetlands in GA, U.S.

U.S. Debt Default Would Impact NY Clean-Energy Investments

Tick-Borne Illnesses Highlighted During Lyme Prevention Month

SCOTUS Narrows 50-Year-Old Clean Water Act, Affecting NM Rivers

SCOTUS Idaho Case Unravels Federal Wetlands Protections

U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Affects Maine Waterways

Conservation Groups Slam SCOTUS Ruling on Wetland Protections

SCOTUS Lands Gut Punch to EPA Wetland Protections

Wet Spring Soaks Iowa Drought

SCOTUS Hands Mining, Developers Win in 'Gutting' Wetlands Protections

With Emerging Incentives, Clean Energy No Longer a VIP Club

Trade Justice Advocates Call for Climate Peace Clause in U.S.-E.U. Trade Talks

BLM Seeks Coloradans' Input on New Public-Lands Rule Aiming for Balance

AZ Leaders Urge Strong Standards to Cut Climate Pollution from Power Plants

Report: U.S. Forest Service Serving Grizzly Habitat to Livestock Industry

In WV, Community Solar Gains Popularity Amid Rising Utility Bills

Colorado Set to Tap Federal Infrastructure Funds for Wildlife Crossings

Two-Thirds of New US Cars Could be EVs by 2032

Coalition Turns to CO Voters to Phase Out Fracking Permits

Indiana Scores Record Conservation Funding in Polarized Statehouse

MN Goes Big on Committing Funds to Protect Natural Resources

AZ Schools Set to Receive Trees Through State Budget Appropriation

Analysis: DoD's PFAS Spending Not Enough to Fix Escalating Backlog

'Climate Grief' Motivates Young Mainers to Take Action

CT General Assembly Bills Address Pesticide Use

Analysis: Pentagon PFAS Cleanup Backlog Growing Faster than Funding

Celebrate Nebraska Wetlands During American Wetlands Month

River Watchers Use 'Old' Technology to Renew Ecosystems

OR Coast Conservation Areas Opportunity for 'Bottom Up' Management

New EPA Standards Seen as Attack on Coal-Fired Power Plants

Historic Step Forward for Snake River Dam Replacement in WA Budget

New Report: Impact for PA to Join Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

Environmental Education Evolves to Show People How to Make a Difference

Right to Repair Chromebooks Could Save GA Schools $63 Million

New Mexico Mural Art Features Endangered Species, Migration Themes

Proposed EPA Rule Could Mean More Electric Cars on NV Roads

Arizona Trail, a 'Lifeline' for Many, Under Threat by Wildfires

North Carolina Greenways: A Path to Health, Happiness, and Economic Growth