Air Quality / Public News Service

The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument encompasses about 14,000 acres in east-central Oregon. (Zack Frank/Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 20, 2024

New BLM rules better protect national parks, supporters say

Conservation groups said two new federal rules aim to help better protect public lands, including national parks. The Bureau of Land Management's …

The new Public Lands Rule is designed to protect places such as Joshua Tree National Park, which is bordered by vast swaths of Bureau of Land Management land. (Dmitry/Adobestock)

Monday, May 20, 2024

Conservation groups praise new rules governing oil and gas on public lands

Groups fighting for public lands and national parks are praising two recent Biden administration rules for managing federal land. The oil and gas …

The transportation sector is the largest domestic source of carbon pollution in the U.S.<br />(Nischaporn/Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 20, 2024

Michigan leaders celebrate historic clean car standards

Leaders in Michigan are marking the historic new clean car standards, finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency. The final rule, Multi-…

Planners said one of the biggest challenges in preparing for electric vehicles is changing planning and zoning codes to accommodate EV charging stations. (Adobe Stock)

Regional program helps Chicago-area communities become 'EV Ready'

By Kari Lydersen for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Netw…

Fungal decay and fire both break down hydrogen and carbon bonds, a process that releases energy. But while fire releases heat, mushrooms absorb that energy like people do when digesting food. (Adobe Stock)

Mushrooms can help prevent mega-wildfires

By Stephen Robert Miller for the Food and Environment Reporting Network.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for t…

A previous Bloomberg grant laid the groundwork for significant initiatives, such as the city's solar array and passage of the Issue 7 transportation levy. (jonbilous/Adobe Stock)

Empowering Cincinnati: Bloomberg grant fuels climate and equity initiatives

Cincinnati is part of Bloomberg Philanthropies' $200 million Sustainable Cities initiative and will hire three new staff members to merge climate solu…

Industrial emissions of carcinogenic chemicals disproportionately occur in neighborhoods where African American, Hispanic, Latino residents, including many living in poverty. (Oleksii Fadieiev/Adobe Stock)

Environmental group takes on polluters in historic Louisiana neighborhood

An environmental justice organization in Wallace, Louisiana, says it won't back down in a fight for the health of its historic community. The …

According to the EPA, Georgia has warmed less than most of the nation in the last century but in the next few decades, the changing climate is likely to harm livestock and increase the number of unpleasantly hot days and heat-related illnesses. (Laura Ballard/Adobe Stock)

Scientists call on moms to help fight climate change

Mothers from a nonpartisan climate science group are gearing up for summer, getting the word out to Georgia families on how more frequent and extreme …

Nationally, more than 9 million adults with asthma live in counties receiving a failing grade for at least one air pollutant, according to the American Lung Association. (Adobe Stock)

MD air quality highlighted during Asthma Awareness Month

May is Asthma Awareness Month and a report on air quality shows mixed results for Marylanders. The American Lung Association recently released its 25…

The Pennsylvania Climate Action Plan lays out a strategy for the state to achieve its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. It requires cutting emissions 26% by 2025, and 80% by 2050. (Chris/Adobe Stock)

Scientists engage moms to help fight climate change on behalf of kids

Moms from a nonpartisan climate science group are gearing up for summer, getting the word out to Pennsylvania families on how more frequent and …

A new study showed polluting chemicals in car interiors are a bigger risk for children and for people who drive for a living or have long commutes. (Dmindphoto/Adobe Stock)

Consumer groups call on feds to regulate flame retardants in cars

UPDATE: A response has been added from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. (2:02 p.m. PDT, May 14, 2024) A new study showed the flame …

Calls for building out vast electric-vehicle charging networks have become a thorny issue in oil-producing states such as North Dakota. But EV owners say elected leaders need to realize some automakers are still making a strong push, despite their opposition. (Adobe Stock)

EV owners in ND: Less politics, more charging stations

It might not be surprising that North Dakota ranks low for electric vehicle adoption, but existing owners say they are frustrated elected officials …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported ammonia is often found in surface waters surrounding concentrated animal feeding operations. The ammonia causes oxygen depletion from water, which itself can kill aquatic life. (Adobe Stock)

Environmental lawyer: CAFOs not just a NIMBY issue

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has a month to respond in court to a new lawsuit concerning a factory farm in the central part of the st…

There are more than 31,000 orphaned oil and gas wells within 30 miles of National Parks nationwide. (Adobe Stock)

Wyoming leaders push back on new BLM rules

New rules on how the Bureau of Land Management oversees more than 18 million acres of public lands in Wyoming have drawn criticism from Gov. Mark …

Stalactites cling to the roof of what's called the

NM's Chaco, Carlsbad parks gain protection from new BLM rule

New Mexico's diverse national parks located adjacent to extraction sites will enjoy greater protections under a new federal rule. Changes to how the …

Air quality can suffer greatly during the summer when the Northwest experiences wildfires. (Tada Images/Adobe Stock)

Air Quality Awareness Week starts with focus on wildfire smoke

Agencies are raising awareness about air quality across the country this week. Led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Air Quality …

Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles that can be harmful to the lungs. (Jacob/Adobe Stock)

Air quality awareness week arrives as wildfire season nears

Agencies are raising awareness about air quality around the country this week. Led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Air Quality …

Smoke from across the region can affect air quality in cities like Seattle. (Tabor Chichakly/Adobe Stock)

NW wildfire season highlights importance of Air Quality Awareness Week

Agencies are raising awareness about air quality across the country this week. Led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Air Quality …

More than 80 national park units, including Rocky Mountain National Park, sit next to public lands managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. (Adobe Stock)

New BLM rule could help protect America's national parks

As critics work to roll back new Bureau of Land Management rules, public lands advocates are defending the agency's move to put conservation uses on …

It is estimated 30% to 40% of the world's population now has some form of allergy, everything from hay fever to eczema and asthma. (auremar/AdobeStock)

Ignoring effects from New Mexico's seasonal allergies could lead to asthma

Toughing it out during spring allergy season is not in your best interest if you want to avoid asthma later in life. New Mexico has plenty of grass …

Despite many Connecticut counties ranking poorly for air quality, Hartford was the only city to improve enough to move off the list of the worst 25 cities. (Adobe Stock)

Report: CT counties rank poorly for air quality

Several Connecticut counties rank poorly in the latest State of the Air report by the American Lung Association. Four counties measured for ozone …

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finalized clean air standards affecting heavy-duty trucks starting with the 2027 model year. (Adobe Stock)

Communities close to big box warehouses face health fallouts

A recent study by the Environmental Defense Fund showed communities near mega warehouses are exposed to more polluted air. More than 2 million …

According to the American Lung Association, nearly four in 10 people in America live in places with unhealthy levels of air pollution. (Pcess609/AdobeStock)

PA groups monitoring soot pollution pleased by new EPA standards

The Environmental Protection Agency has finalized stronger air quality standards for soot pollution and one regional organization said it is a step in…

Earthjustice data show 94% of coal ash ponds in the United States are unlined. (Adobe Stock)

New EPA rules target Georgia legacy coal-ash ponds

The Environmental Protection Agency has finalized a rule to close a significant loophole in coal ash disposal regulations. The Coal Combustion …

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, methane is the second most abundant anthropogenic greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide, accounting for about 16 percent of global emissions. (Adobe Stock)

North Carolina weighs in on Duke Energy's methane gas proposal

The North Carolina Utilities Commission is giving residents a chance to voice their opinion on a plan which could influence how their electricity is g…

Individuals present during atmospheric nuclear weapons testing could qualify for a single, substantial financial payment as compensation. (Hamara/AdobeStock)

RECA expansion bill impacts Tennessee, awaits House approval

A Knoxville-based environmental group is advocating for the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act expansion, currently awaiting House approval…

Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed modern-day coal miners are at greater risk of respiratory disease than their predecessors, likely driven by inhalation of silica coal mine dust. (AI-generated Adobe Stock)

Advocates: New silica dust rule 'missed opportunities' to curb black lung

After the Biden administration released a new rule setting standards to limit exposure to silica dust, advocates in Kentucky and around Appalachia …

Protests in May 2023 called for cleaner air at the ports. State data show ships idling at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in 2021 during the pandemic emitted as much diesel particulate matter pollution as 100,000 big rig trucks per day. (Pacific Environment)

Clean-air activists to hold 'die-in' Friday at LA City Hall

A coalition of climate groups seeking cleaner air at the rail yards and ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will hold a "die-in" rally tomorrow at Los…

New Mexico has yet to adopt setback rules governing oil and gas wells near schools and other educational institutions. (Courtesy Becca Grady)

NM officials press for setbacks amid pushback from oil and gas industry

New Mexico members of the group Elected Officials to Protect America are renewing their call for rules regulating how close fossil fuel companies can …

Drone footage showed the freight train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 6, 2023. (Wikimedia Commons)

East Palestine concerns linger over vinyl chloride exposure

Residents of East Palestine, Ohio, say they continue to live with health problems, including rashes, nosebleeds and respiratory issues following last …

A GeoHealth study reveals census tracts with high Hispanic and Latino populations accounted for 40% of 73,000 childhood asthma cases. (Hihitetlin/Adobe Stock)

Study: PA ranks high for health impacts of oil and gas flaring emissions

A new study raised red flags about respiratory health in Pennsylvania, particularly for those living near oil and gas activity. The study by …

The Land of Enchantment has plenty of sunshine and some of the best solar incentives in the U.S. (Kristina Blokhin/Adobe Stock)

Personal energy electrification plans offered at NM Earth Day event

Saving New Mexico residents money as they adapt to climate change is the goal behind an Earth Day event in Albuquerque Sunday. The Rio Grande …

Environmental advocates are asking California's next state budget to prioritize climate mitigation and cut tax breaks for fossil fuel companies. (The Climate Center)

Climate groups seek to remove tax breaks for oil and gas companies

As state budget negotiations continue, groups fighting climate change are asking California lawmakers to cut subsidies for oil and gas companies …

According to research from Virginia Commonwealth University, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative created 2,115 local jobs in Virginia. (Adobe Stock)

VA General Assembly considers RGGI budget amendments

Virginia's General Assembly will consider budget amendments to reenter the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, known as RGGI. Gov. Glenn Youngkin …

From 2017 to 2019, Ohio ranked 46th among 50 states for pollution exposure, including exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

Researchers link air pollution with dementia risk

Recent data ranks Columbus as the most polluted major city in the U.S., highlighting concerns about common pollutants, like smog and vehicle …

Gas flaring has persisted from the beginning of oil production more than 160 years ago. (supakitmod/Adobe Stock)

TX faith, environmental groups hopeful about new EPA methane rule

Oil and gas companies have until 2025 to reduce the emissions they release into the air through the practices known as venting and flaring. You may …

Despite a looming 2030 deadline to dramatically reduce fossil fuel emissions in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, PacifiCorp has ditched plans to invest big in wind and solar. (Adobe Stock)

Pacificorp throws a lifeline to Wyoming coal and natural gas industry

PacifiCorp's updated energy roadmap throws a lifeline to Wyoming's coal industry but critics said the new Integrated Resource Plan is a major setback …

A 412Justice report reveals many nearby communities experience higher rates of childhood asthma and more emergency room visits during bad air days, which are happening more frequently. Residents also have experienced higher risk of cancer. (Breathe Project)

Environmental groups rally at U.S. Steel for 'voice at the table'

People working for environmental justice are rallying today at the downtown Pittsburgh headquarters of U.S. Steel, voicing their concerns to company …

Prescribed burning is the purposeful use of fire to reduce the risk from fire fuel sources in the forest. (Heidi/Adobe Stock)

NW states, fed collaborate on prescribed burns to fight wildfires

State and federal agencies are collaborating to increase the use of prescribed fires in the Northwest. Prescribed fire is the controlled use of …

A Charlotte Earth Day event will provide children with an Earth Passport, which will help guide them through four

A focus on environmental protection, advocacy for NC Earth Day

April is Earth Month, and North Carolina's climate justice groups are addressing the crucial roles of air, land, water and health in protecting the …

More than 90% of available land in the Greater Chaco region, former home of Ancestral Puebloan civilizations, is dotted with oil and gas wells, according to WildEarth Guardians. (WildEarthGuardians.org)

Orphaned wells: Environmental, visual pollution for SW Indian Country

Tribal communities, including those in New Mexico, can now apply for grant funding and direct assistance to clean up orphaned oil and gas wells …

InsideClimatenews.org ranked U.S. Steel's Gary Works, in Gary, Indiana in 2022, as the largest greenhouse gas emitting iron and steel plant in the U.S. (Adobe Stock)

IN legislators pause on federal environmental plan

States are working to find solutions to make their air and water cleaner and safer for their communities but the path is not always clear-cut…

Decades of policies like redlining, that forced people of color into neighborhoods surrounded by industrial polluters, have led to a host of negative health outcomes, including cancers and premature death. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado lawmakers eye ways to reduce pollution in vulnerable communities

In 2021, Colorado lawmakers took a first step toward addressing decades of toxic pollution disproportionately impacting low-income neighborhoods and …

Washington state's program to combat climate change raised $2.2 billion in its first year. (jdoms/Adobe Stock)

WA carbon cap program faces initiative challenge on November ballot

By Kate Yoder for Grist.Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Washington News Service reporting for the Grist-Public News Service Collaboration For…

The 460 megawatt Merrimack Station's particulate matter emissions allegedly exceeded EPA limits by 70% in February 2023. A successful smoke stack retest has not been completed since, according to the New Hampshire Department of Environment Services. (Adobe Stock)<br />

NH groups celebrate planned closure of New England’s last coal plant

Environmental activists in New Hampshire are celebrating the planned closure of New England's last coal-fired power plant. Granite Shore Power said …

At least two-thirds of plastics plants examined in a new Environmental Integrity Project report, or 32 out of 50 built or expanded over the last decade, have received tax breaks or subsidies from state and local governments worth a total of nearly $9 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Fast-growing plastics industry major source of air pollution

The plastics industry is releasing illegal pollution but rarely faces discipline for environmental permit violations, according to a new report by …

At least two thirds of plastics plants examined in a new Environmental Integrity Project report (32 of 50) that have been built or expanded over the last decade have received tax breaks or subsidies from state and local governments worth a total of nearly $9 billion. (Adobe Stock)

KY plastics plant ranks in nation's top ten emitters of chlorine

A western Kentucky plastics plant is among the top 10 emitters of chlorine air pollution, according to a new report by the Environmental Integrity …

Around 85% of textiles thrown away in the United States end up in landfills or are burned, including unsold clothes. (Adobe Stock)

NY bill holds fashion industry accountable for climate change effects

A New York bill aims to regulate the fashion industry's effects on climate change. The Fashion Act would hold clothing and footwear companies …

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Public News Service (podcast)"
	"Hey Google, play the Public News Service podcast"
	"Alexa, play Public News Service podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the 2024 Talks podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the 2024 Talks podcast"
	"Alexa, play 2000 24 Talks podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Alexa, play the Yonder Report podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

PNS Daily Newscast - May 20, 2024

2024Talks - May 20th

The Yonder Report - May 16, 2024

Air Quality

New BLM rules better protect national parks, supporters say

Conservation groups praise new rules governing oil and gas on public lands

Michigan leaders celebrate historic clean car standards

Regional program helps Chicago-area communities become 'EV Ready'

Mushrooms can help prevent mega-wildfires

Empowering Cincinnati: Bloomberg grant fuels climate and equity initiatives

Environmental group takes on polluters in historic Louisiana neighborhood

Scientists call on moms to help fight climate change

MD air quality highlighted during Asthma Awareness Month

Scientists engage moms to help fight climate change on behalf of kids

Consumer groups call on feds to regulate flame retardants in cars

EV owners in ND: Less politics, more charging stations

Environmental lawyer: CAFOs not just a NIMBY issue

Wyoming leaders push back on new BLM rules

NM's Chaco, Carlsbad parks gain protection from new BLM rule

Air Quality Awareness Week starts with focus on wildfire smoke

Air quality awareness week arrives as wildfire season nears

NW wildfire season highlights importance of Air Quality Awareness Week

New BLM rule could help protect America's national parks

Ignoring effects from New Mexico's seasonal allergies could lead to asthma

Report: CT counties rank poorly for air quality

Communities close to big box warehouses face health fallouts

PA groups monitoring soot pollution pleased by new EPA standards

New EPA rules target Georgia legacy coal-ash ponds

North Carolina weighs in on Duke Energy's methane gas proposal

RECA expansion bill impacts Tennessee, awaits House approval

Advocates: New silica dust rule 'missed opportunities' to curb black lung

Clean-air activists to hold 'die-in' Friday at LA City Hall

NM officials press for setbacks amid pushback from oil and gas industry

East Palestine concerns linger over vinyl chloride exposure

Study: PA ranks high for health impacts of oil and gas flaring emissions

Personal energy electrification plans offered at NM Earth Day event

Climate groups seek to remove tax breaks for oil and gas companies

VA General Assembly considers RGGI budget amendments

Researchers link air pollution with dementia risk

TX faith, environmental groups hopeful about new EPA methane rule

Pacificorp throws a lifeline to Wyoming coal and natural gas industry

Environmental groups rally at U.S. Steel for 'voice at the table'

NW states, fed collaborate on prescribed burns to fight wildfires

A focus on environmental protection, advocacy for NC Earth Day

Orphaned wells: Environmental, visual pollution for SW Indian Country

IN legislators pause on federal environmental plan

Colorado lawmakers eye ways to reduce pollution in vulnerable communities

WA carbon cap program faces initiative challenge on November ballot

NH groups celebrate planned closure of New England’s last coal plant

Report: Fast-growing plastics industry major source of air pollution

KY plastics plant ranks in nation's top ten emitters of chlorine

NY bill holds fashion industry accountable for climate change effects