Climate Change/Air Quality / Public News Service

Solar energy helps provide more than 263,000 jobs across the U.S., according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. (spyarm/Adobe Stock)

Friday, May 17, 2024

Surge in solar installations eases energy costs for Missourians

Missouri homes and businesses have installed enough solar energy to power 68,000 homes each year. A new report released by the Solar Energy …

If power grid operators cannot change the interconnection process in time, data show around 80% of the emissions reductions expected from the Inflation Reduction Act might not happen. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, May 17, 2024

New FERC rule helps VA upgrade transmission infrastructure

A new rule from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission could improve Virginia's electric grid transmission capacity. It requires utilities and …

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)

Thursday, May 16, 2024

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)

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

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…

Multiple lawsuits have been filed against the Texas Department of Criminal Justice because its prisons are not air conditioned. (Felix Pergande/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

People in TX prisons claim heat-related health effects, demand air conditioning

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice is facing a class action lawsuit calling for the agency to add central air conditioning to all its prisons…

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)

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

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 …

House Bill 5004 would have updated Connecticut's 2008 Global Warming Solutions Act, establishing the state's climate goals. It also would have aligned gas-system planning with greenhouse gas emission reduction mandates. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Advocates: Failure of CT climate change legislation stagnates state progress

Bills addressing climate change are some of the biggest casualties of Connecticut's legislative session. One in particular is House Bill 5004…

Deconstruction, basically construction in reverse, is helping cities reduce materials ending up in local landfills. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado embraces deconstruction to keep materials out of landfills

By Syris Valentine for Grist.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News…

From Appalachia to the Bayou to the desert Southwest, folklorists say culture can teach us about adapting to a warmer world. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Monday, May 13, 2024

As climate change fractures communities, folklorists help stitch them back together

By Katie Myers for Grist.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for West Virginia News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News…

Stakeholders across the renewable-energy industry say there's a bottleneck of projects due to constraints within the nation's power grid. (Adobe Stock)

For clean energy, power grid is a Rubik's Cube needing to be solved

A federal agency today is expected to announce reforms related to the power grid, which is stretched thin as the nation transitions away from fossil …

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)

Monday, May 13, 2024

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 recent study from Ohio State University finds older adults who said they were prepared to handle extreme weather emergencies had at least a three-day supply of necessities to sustain life during emergencies, including food, water, clothing, flashlights and medicine. (Adobe Stock)

Older adults in Ohio are among the most vulnerable to extreme weather

Twenty percent of older adults in central Ohio either were not prepared or did not know if they were prepared for extreme weather, according to a …

Part of the New York HEAT Act ensures no household would pay more than 6% of its annual income on gas or electricity bills. (Adobe Stock)

NY environmentalists want HEAT Act passed in remaining session

With less than a month left in the New York Legislature's session, environmentalists are pushing for the HEAT Act's passage. Last-minute stalling …

Union workers spent Wednesday lobbying California lawmakers to pass bills to protect labor during the transition away from fossil fuels. (Brooke Anderson)<br />

Union coalition calls for CA worker climate bill of rights

Dozens of union members rallied Wednesday in Sacramento, calling on lawmakers to pass a set of bills called the California Worker Climate Bill of …

Researchers studying ways to reduce the dairy industry's climate-altering emissions say a hotter climate can cause heat stress in dairy cows, reducing their feed intake, milk production, and fertility. (Adobe Stock)

Cow feed research aims to cut ME dairies' methane emissions

New research could help Maine dairy farmers increase profits while reducing effects on the climate. Scientists said adding a plant-based essential …

University of New Hampshire scientists are researching how the addition of plant-based essential oils called Agolin in cow feed can improve overall milk quality and production while decreasing a cow's emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. (UNH)

NH scientists: Plant-based oils in cow feed cut climate-altering methane emissions

New research from the University of New Hampshire could help dairy farmers increase profits while reducing their effect on the climate. Scientists …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke, and every 3 minutes and 14 seconds, someone dies of a stroke. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Climate change may affect stroke side effects

Climate watchers are predicting this summer's temperatures may set records, which could aggravate some medical conditions. A 30-year study of health …

For the 2023 tax year, the top five Minnesota counties under the state's wind energy production tax received nearly $12-million in combined revenue. (Adobe Stock)

In some MN counties, wind turbines are taxpayers, too

Minnesota is coming off another windy month of April. Those strong wind gusts may have translated into some extra cash for counties with wind …

The Department of Energy estimates that the new standards, once finalized, will cumulatively reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.5 billion metric tons or more. (Adobe Stock)

AZ consumer group praises new water heat efficiency standards

An Arizona consumer group is applauding the U.S. Department of Energy's new residential water heater standards that they say will save American …

The Maine Labor Climate Council finds that building net-zero single-family residential homes (including renewable energy) would create 839 direct jobs per year and reduce carbon emissions by 16,770 metric tons per year. (Adobe Stock)

ME promotes youth apprenticeships to build green economy workforce

State officials in Maine are highlighting apprenticeships as a way to earn a living wage and contribute to the state's growing green economy…

Vermont residents in need of new insulation, appliances or heating systems can calculate their emergency flood-rebate eligibility by using the Rewiring America online calculator at efficiencyvermont.com. (Adobe Stock)

Flood-impacted VT households rebuild for climate resilience

By Annie Ropeik for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Maine News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Publ…

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 …

The U.S. Department of Defense has known about the existential threat of climate change for decades, and wildfires now cost upward of 394 billion dollars in damages each year. But taxpayers invested just 14 dollars in wildfire management. (Adobe Stock)

2023 tax receipt breaks down nation’s spending priorities

As many Wyomingites await their 2023 federal income tax refunds, a new National Priorities Project report breaks down how the money they won't get …

Maine has already experienced eight inches of sea-level rise over the last century with another 1.5 feet expected by 2050 and four more feet by 2100, according to the Maine Climate Council. (Adobe Stock)

ME prepares young people for climate change-related jobs, activism

State officials in Maine are preparing the next generation for climate change-related activism and careers. A new state-run website helps young …

New Mexico is the second sunniest state in the nation after Arizona, creating maximum opportunities for solar development. (KristinaBlokhin/AdobeStock)

NM tribal communities benefit from EPA's "Solar For All" program

New federal funding aims to revolutionize solar energy access within New Mexico's Native American communities and benefit the state overall. The …

Democrats and Republicans sent a letter to the House Agriculture chair urging him not to increase crop subsidies by diverting conservation funding. (Adobe Stock)

New Farm Bill could provide climate-smart investments to VA farmers

The long-delayed Farm Bill could benefit Virginia farmers by renewing funding for climate-smart investments, but it's been held up for months in …

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 …

North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska are among the states included in a proposed pipeline project pitched by Summit Carbon Solutions, where emissions from ethanol plants would be captured and stored underground. (Adobe Stock)

New hearings, same arguments on both sides for ND pipeline project

A round of public testimony wrapped up this week as part of renewed efforts by a company seeking permit approval in North Dakota for an underground pi…

Currently, more than 2.7 million Californians live within 3,200 feet of an operational oil well. (MSPhotographic/Adobe Stock)

CA climate leaders fight to keep setbacks around oil and gas wells

Leaders concerned about pollution and climate change are raising awareness about a ballot measure this fall on whether the state should mandate buffer…

Electric school buses are in the minority, with about 95% of school buses nationwide running on diesel. (Thomas/Adobe Stock)

WA lawmakers move to electrify school bus fleet

School buses are getting cleaner in Washington state after this year's legislative session. Lawmakers in Olympia passed House Bill 1368, which will …

It is estimated the Wild Springs Solar Project in New Underwood, South Dakota, will offset 190,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. (Adobe Stock)

Solar projects underway in South Dakota

The construction of more solar farms in the U.S. has been contentious but a new survey shows their size makes a difference in whether solar projects …

New research predicts warmer, wetter weather in the Quad Cities resulting from climate change. Researchers asked residents about their main concerns. (Adobe Stock)

Quad Cities residents weigh in on climate change research

A new report from the National Wildlife Federation warned the effects of climate change in the Quad Cities will be severe but researchers got the publ…

According to Colorado College's 2023 Conservation in the West Poll, 82% of voters in the Rocky Mountain West support a national goal of conserving America's lands and waters in the next decade. (Adobe Stock)

BLM finalizes rule to prioritize protection of public lands in CO, West

The federal Bureau of Land Management has released its long-awaited final Public Lands Rule, which aims to reconcile a perceived imbalance between …

Critical infrastructure, such as the I-74 bridge, will be at an increased risk of flooding, threatening connectivity across the region, according to new climate change modeling from the National Wildlife Federation and Prairie Rivers Network. (Adobe Stock)

Public contributes to climate change research

A new report from the National Wildlife Federation warns that the effects of climate change in the Quad Cities, along the Iowa-Illinois border…

The Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is the second-largest national park in the United States. (Patrick/Adobe Stock)

Denial of mining road in Alaska has ripples across U.S. national parks

The Biden administration has blocked a mining road in Alaska, and public-lands proponents see the move as a win for national parks around the country…

A proposed mining road would have been built near the Brooks Range in northwest Alaska. (Irenabyss/Adobe Stock)

Rejection of AK mining road seen as victory for national parks across U.S.

The Biden administration has blocked a mining road in Alaska and public lands proponents see the move as a win for national parks around the country…

New York has benefited from the Inflation Reduction Act's Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Program which supports transportation projects, and planning to protect against climate impacts. (Adobe Stock)

NY, PA towns benefit from Inflation Reduction Act grants

New York towns are reaping many benefits since the Inflation Reduction Act was passed. Along with funds for larger clean energy projects, the state …

Advocates say a proposed bond measure could help improve fire resiliency in California's redwood forests. (Kchassiephoto/Adobe Stock)

On Earth Day, climate activists press for CA bond measure

Today, in honor of Earth Day, climate advocates are asking California lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom to rally around a plan to put a $15 billion …

About 67% of Nevada's lands are managed by the Bureau of Land Management. (Adobe Stock)

NV stakeholders celebrate new BLM public lands rule

This week, the Bureau of Land Management announced an update to its Public Lands Rule to help recognize conservation as an essential component of …

The Bureau of Land Management's newly issued Public Lands Rule is designed to safeguard cultural resources such as New Mexico's Chaco Culture National Park. (Photo courtesy SallyPaez)

BLM's 'Public Lands Rule' could reform conservation, access in NM

Balancing the needs of the many with those who have traditionally reaped benefits from public lands is behind a new rule issued Thursday by the Bureau…

Tax credits for home solar projects have been around for a while and local leaders in Wisconsin noted new federal policies have been more aggressive in helping governments, businesses and homeowners offset costs of installing panels. (Adobe Stock)

A snapshot of federal investments being put to use in WI

City and county governments are feeling the pinch of rising operating costs but in Wisconsin, federal incentives are driving a range of local …

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 …

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 …

State meteorologists in Minnesota say several climate change effects have greatly increased the amount of fuel available for wildfires, which can grow rapidly and be difficult to extinguish. (Adobe Stock)

More summer smoke? Experts monitor climate-fueled events and health effects

Wet weather this spring has improved drought conditions in Minnesota and southern Canada. However, experts remain on alert for increased wildfire …

The New York HEAT Act could cut utility bills nearly in half for 1 in 4 energy-burdened New Yorkers. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates want NY HEAT Act in the final budget

The New York HEAT Act might not make the final budget. The bill reduces the state's reliance on natural gas and cuts ratepayer costs by eliminating …

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 …

The 1922 Colorado River Compact gives priority to Lower Basin states: Arizona, California and Nevada, for rights to Colorado River Water. (Adobe Stock)

Study: 90% of CO River irrigation water goes to cattle

As Colorado and other states grapple with shrinking Colorado River water levels, new research pinpoints how much water is being diverted for cattle …

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 …

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Public News Service - Friday Update

2024 Talks - May 17, 2024

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Climate Change

Surge in solar installations eases energy costs for Missourians

New FERC rule helps VA upgrade transmission infrastructure

Mushrooms can help prevent mega-wildfires

Empowering Cincinnati: Bloomberg grant fuels climate and equity initiatives

People in TX prisons claim heat-related health effects, demand air conditioning

Scientists call on moms to help fight climate change

Advocates: Failure of CT climate change legislation stagnates state progress

Colorado embraces deconstruction to keep materials out of landfills

As climate change fractures communities, folklorists help stitch them back together

For clean energy, power grid is a Rubik's Cube needing to be solved

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

Older adults in Ohio are among the most vulnerable to extreme weather

NY environmentalists want HEAT Act passed in remaining session

Union coalition calls for CA worker climate bill of rights

Cow feed research aims to cut ME dairies' methane emissions

NH scientists: Plant-based oils in cow feed cut climate-altering methane emissions

Study: Climate change may affect stroke side effects

In some MN counties, wind turbines are taxpayers, too

AZ consumer group praises new water heat efficiency standards

ME promotes youth apprenticeships to build green economy workforce

Flood-impacted VT households rebuild for climate resilience

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

2023 tax receipt breaks down nation’s spending priorities

ME prepares young people for climate change-related jobs, activism

NM tribal communities benefit from EPA's "Solar For All" program

New Farm Bill could provide climate-smart investments to VA farmers

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

New hearings, same arguments on both sides for ND pipeline project

CA climate leaders fight to keep setbacks around oil and gas wells

WA lawmakers move to electrify school bus fleet

Solar projects underway in South Dakota

Quad Cities residents weigh in on climate change research

BLM finalizes rule to prioritize protection of public lands in CO, West

Public contributes to climate change research

Denial of mining road in Alaska has ripples across U.S. national parks

Rejection of AK mining road seen as victory for national parks across U.S.

NY, PA towns benefit from Inflation Reduction Act grants

On Earth Day, climate activists press for CA bond measure

NV stakeholders celebrate new BLM public lands rule

BLM's 'Public Lands Rule' could reform conservation, access in NM

A snapshot of federal investments being put to use in WI

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

Personal energy electrification plans offered at NM Earth Day event

More summer smoke? Experts monitor climate-fueled events and health effects

Advocates want NY HEAT Act in the final budget

VA General Assembly considers RGGI budget amendments

Study: 90% of CO River irrigation water goes to cattle

Researchers link air pollution with dementia risk