Toxics / Public News Service

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 …

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…

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 …

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 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 …

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 …

Illinois Environmental Group Seeks Ban on Pesticides Harmful to Bees

An Illinois group reported toxic pesticides are causing irreversible damage to young, developing bees, putting the bee population in decline and food …

Symptoms of asthma are similar to the more common condition of bronchiolitis, and taking medicines designed for asthma alone can be risky. (Adobe Stock)

Low Value Care Costs Patients and Payers $134 Million Per Year

Coloradans received nearly 2 million potentially unnecessary health care services in 2021, at a cost of some $134 million for patients and health …

Greenhouse gas emissions from homes and buildings are responsible for an estimated 20 percent of the nation's total energy-related climate pollution, and are the third-largest contributor of emissions in Colorado. (Adobe Stock)

Xcel Plan to Reduce Emissions Includes Untested Technologies

In 2021, Colorado lawmakers required utilities supplying natural gas for heating homes and businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 4% by 2025…

A new poll by four environmental groups found a majority of Texas voters, 58% to 33%, want the Environmental Protection Agency to strengthen its proposal to eliminate emissions from routine flaring at oil wells. (Alexisaj/Adobestock)

Poll: Two-Thirds of Texas Voters Support Tougher EPA Methane Rules

As conservationists await finalization of revised rules governing methane on public lands, a new survey shows a majority of Texans support stronger …

Exposure of miners to silica dust is a prime culprit in the current resurgence of black lung disease, according to the group Appalachian Voices. (Adobe Stock)

WV Miners Give Input on New Silica Dust Exposure Rule

West Virginia coal miners and advocates spoke out this week in support of new silica dust exposure standards at a public hearing held in Beckley…

Above is the proposed map from Navigator CO2 to construct a multistate pipeline in the Midwest. The company wants to move carbon dioxide from agricultural sites and store it underground in Illinois. (Courtesy of Navigator)

Like Neighboring States, Carbon Pipeline Scrutiny Ramps Up in SD

This month and next, South Dakota regulators are holding hearings about proposed underground pipelines which would carry carbon dioxide for …

Developing carbon capture technology has been viewed by some, including the Biden administration, as a way to help achieve climate goals. But in the Midwest, private projects involving multistate pipelines and underground storage have resulted in pushback. (Adobe Stock)

New Twist in Regional Carbon Pipeline Plan Felt in MN

The fallout continues from last week's decision by North Dakota regulators to deny a permit for a controversial regional pipeline project. Opponents …

In July, Gov. Bill Lee announced appointments to the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council, to position the Volunteer State as a national leader for nuclear energy innovation and advancement. (Angellodeco/Adobe Stock)

TN Group Fights Y-12 Nuclear Weapon Expansion in Oak Ridge

An environmental group in Knoxville wants to stop construction at the Uranium Processing Facility, part of the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak …

The world's leading scientists have warned that fossil fuel emissions must be cut by 45% by 2030, and phased out entirely by 2050, to avert catastrophic impacts of a changing climate. (Adobe Stock)

BLM Proposal Continues New Oil and Gas Leasing on Public Lands

July was the hottest month in recorded history, but critics of the Bureau of Land Management's new oil and gas rules warned the proposal ignores the …

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the proposed standards for coal and natural gas power plants would result in avoiding up to 617 million metric tons of total carbon dioxide emissions through 2042. (Adobe Stock)

Deadline Nears to Comment on Proposed NC Pollution Standards

Climate change is a pressing concern as the world deals with heat waves and poor air quality caused by recent wildfires. To safeguard the health and …

The National Weather Service says a heat index at or above 90 degrees poses a significant health risk. (nmsd.k12.nm.us)

Study: NM Needs New Policies to Protect Children from Extreme Heat

New Mexico must do more to protect children and other vulnerable residents from extreme heat, according to a new report from the advocacy …

Credit unions are lending to households and small businesses to install solar and other improvements, which are costly up front, loans frequently considered too small by bigger banks. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Credit Union Helping Decarbonize Homes

July was the hottest month in recorded history, and a Colorado credit union is finding creative ways for low-income and other vulnerable residents to …

In 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency established a safe threshold for sulfur dioxide air concentrations at 75 parts per billion. (Adobe Stock)

Federal Grants Could Drive Economic Stability, Cleaner Energy in MO

With air quality an ongoing concern in New Madrid County, advocates are encouraging the local electric provider to seek federal funding. In recent …

$New polling shows nearly two-thirds of Ohioans are opposed to or unsure about fracking. (Adobe Stock)$

Polls: Ohioans Skeptical More Fracking Would Bring Benefits

At a time when Ohio state lawmakers are pushing to expand fracking on public lands, polling in recent years finds most residents are either strongly …

In New Mexico, 'Oppenheimer' Film Revives Painful Memories

This summer's "Oppenheimer" movie will shine a light on development of the first nuclear weapons, but for many in southern New Mexico it is another …

Harmful algal blooms typically occur in Michigan during the summer months and can last well into the fall. (sunday_morning/Adobe Stock)

Watch for Harmful Algal Blooms in MI Recreational Waters

Michigan residents are being warned to be prepared for another season of harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes. The Michigan Department of …

It's estimated that 200 million Americans are drinking water contaminated with PFAS, according to Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. (Rachel Conn)

NM Activists Secure Hearing on 'Forever Chemicals' Used in Extraction

Environmental groups and concerned citizens scored a victory in New Mexico on Thursday that could lead to better regulation of PFAS, also known as …

Fall asters (New England asters) and goldenrods are considered two of the most important fall flowers for honey bees and bumble bees, providing some of the last fresh food they will eat before the winter freeze. (Adobe Stock)

Honey Bee Colonies Remain “Relatively Stable” Despite Multiple Threats

Parasites and extreme weather led to the loss of nearly half of America's managed honey bee colonies over the past year, according to a new survey…

Texas is a leading exporter of agricultural commodities, including peanuts. (maryviolet/AdobeStock)

Transitioning to Organics Made Easier for Texas Farmers

Texas farmers who want to transition some of their land from conventional crops to organics are getting help from the U.S. Department of Agriculture…

A new U.S. Geological Survey study confirms that PFAS, or

Study: 'Forever Chemicals' Found in 45% of U.S. Faucets

A new government study estimates nearly half of the nation's tap water has at least one type of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), also known …

Based on a separate analysis, EPA is projecting its proposed standards for existing gas-fired plants and the third phase of the NSPS could reduce up to 407 million metric tons of CO2 emissions. (Erik Bergin Photos/Adobe Stock)

PA Groups Support New EPA Standards for Coal, Gas Plants

More groups are getting on board, including in Pennsylvania, to support the Environmental Protection Agency's proposal for tougher new carbon …

Despite global promises to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, oil and gas production is nearing record levels in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Health Costs of Oil, Gas Production $77B Annually

Air pollution from oil and gas production contributes to thousands of premature deaths and childhood asthma cases each year, according to new …

As of May, more than 5,500 vouchers toward purchasing electric-powered bicycles had been redeemed. (Adobe Stock)

Denver’s E-Bike Rebates So Hot They're Gone Within Minutes

By Whitney Bauck for Bloomberg News.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Publ…

Those wanting more information about a potential rupture of a proposed carbon dioxide pipeline for North Dakota say certain details, such as how far the harmful emissions would spread, could be separated from security matters related to bad actors accessing the info. (Adobe Stock)

Carbon Pipeline: ND Panel to Mull Making Public Safety Info Public

North Dakota's Public Service Commission will lead a hearing tomorrow to consider a safety aspect of a high-profile project involving a proposed carbo…

Large feeding operations keep many animals confined to a small, densely populated space. Unlike free-range farms where cows graze through a pasture, or chickens forage for food in fields, Confined Animal Feeding Operations bring feed to their animals, which remain stationary. (Adobe Stock)

State to Rewrite Manure Rules for CAFOs

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is updating the rules defining how manure is stored at animal feeding operations. For generations, …

Burning wood releases fine particulate matter, which is easily inhaled and can lodge deep in the lungs, where it can cause chronic heart and lung disease and trigger asthma attacks, heart attacks, and premature death. (Adobe Stock)

Bills Aim to Close Biomass Loopholes in MA Clean Energy Laws

Environmental and community health advocates in Massachusetts are backing new legislation they say will close loopholes in the state's clean energy la…

In March, Gov. Wes Moore announced Maryland would adopt the Advanced Clean Cars II standard. <br />(Adobe Stock)

$900 Billion in Health Benefits Likely from EV, Green Energy Adoption

With air quality in the news of late, a new report found transitioning to electric vehicles would bring major public health benefits. The American …

Despite some studies illuminating the health impacts of non-ionizing radiation from cellphones and other wireless devices, the Food and Drug Administration maintains there is no association between exposure to radio frequency from cellphone use and health problems. (Ernst Moeksis/Wikimedia Commons)

Advocates Petition FDA to Abide by Law on Non-Ionizing Radiation

A New York nonprofit group is petitioning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to abide by a law passed in 1968, which addresses how the FDA is …

Researchers reported coal-tar sealant runoff is lethal to juvenile Coho salmon and causes a wide spectrum of abnormalities in zebrafish embryos. (B.J. Small/Chesapeake Bay Foundation)

Some Driveway Sealants Have Health, Environment Risks

Sealing driveways and parking lots may seem like routine maintenance for homeowners, but recent studies raise concerns about the potential health …

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says its new study into the economics of removing PFAS

New Study Puts Price Tag on PFAS Removal from MN Water Systems

As more research emerges about the chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, government agencies are faced with the task of figuring …

Project developers have announced ambitions for more than 200 new capture facilities to be operating by 2030, capturing more than 220 metric tons of CO2 per year globally, according to the International Energy Agency. (Adobe Stock)

Environmentalists Build Opposition to CO2 Pipelines at Des Moines Hearing

The federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration regulates carbon dioxide pipelines, and is holding a two-day conference in Des …

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)

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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…

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