BARTOW, Fla. - Once the centerpiece of agribusiness in Florida, the state's citrus industry is now in crisis. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, crop forecast estimates for oranges, which supply most of the nation's orange juice, call for only 103 million boxes to be produced this year.

Florida Department of Citrus spokesman David Steele says that marks a dramatic drop from just a decade ago.

"The entire industry is very, very concerned about the production trends," says Steele. "As recently as 2003-2004, we were very close to 250 million boxes. That's an incredible decline."

A decline that's mostly due to a deadly insect-borne disease from Asia called Huanglongbing, or HLB, more commonly known as greening. The malady infects the trees by discoloring the citrus and producing fruit that is misshapen and bitter. The trees eventually die.

Over the past nine years since greening was discovered, Florida has lost about a third of its citrus farming acreage to the disease.

The Florida Department of Citrus says the state's citrus industry employs more than 60,000 people and provides an annual economic impact of nearly $11 billion. Steele says growers can only watch as their groves are devastated.

"There are no cures right now," Steele says. "There is no silver bullet. Having said that, there's hundreds of millions of dollars being invested in research. Some of that is focused on finding what we would think of us as a cure."

Also affecting Florida's top crop is America's declining taste for orange juice. Studies show OJ sales at record lows. But Steele says supply is still meeting demand.

"Americans continue to drink literally every drop of orange juice that Florida growers can produce," Steele says. "So, the declines in consumption are not outpacing the declines in production and right now, if Americans wanted more Florida orange juice there would no where for them to get it."

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced his department would contribute $30 million in federal funding towards the cause, and Florida's Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam recently asked state leaders for another $18 million to combat the greening epidemic.

There's even been discussion about genetically modifying citrus to harden it against the disease.


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As Michigan aims to support 2 million electric vehicles by 2030, the new "Equitable EV Action Plan Framework" could help local leaders with the transition.

The framework was developed by the University of California-Berkeley's Center for Law, Energy and the Environment, and partners -- including the nonprofit advocacy group Michigan Clean Cities. The plan outlines steps local governments can take to build EV infrastructure and improve accessibility, particularly in underserved communities.

Jeffrey Hoang, communications and engagement associate for Michigan Clean Cities, shared insights about the plan in a recent Clean Fuels Michigan webinar.

"The focus of this framework is ensuring that community voice and impact is prioritized with these plans," Hoang explained. "To actually receive public input on where EV charges, EVSC should be placed within the city. So, actually going out to residents and just asking."

The framework recommends first identifying key agencies and staff involved, then those agencies can decide which action steps matter most for their community and how they should be prioritized. Still, many EV critics contend affordability is a big issue for everyday families, even with tax credits.

Backers said the plan helps cities plan for an EV future, not just for personal vehicles but rideshare services, e-bikes and e-scooters. It recommended outreach and funding strategies for transit projects along with examples of successful pilot programs.

Hoang added the framework can be viewed as a resource, connecting people to other helpful resources.

"There's so much knowledge and great experience and expertise throughout the industry," Hoang observed. "It provides quick access, you know just a quick 'control-F,' search for whatever kind of resource that you might need."

The framework highlighted the need for collaboration among local departments, such as planning, transportation and public works to ensure EV access is implemented effectively and equitably.

A critical decision now rests with Gov. Ron DeSantis, as Florida coastal communities and shellfish farmers urge him to sign a bill permanently banning oil drilling near the Apalachicola River. They see the river as a lifeline for the state's aquaculture industry - and a fragile ecosystem.

House Bill 1143, which passed the Legislature with a single "no" vote in the Senate, would block drilling within 10 miles of the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Adrianne Johnson, executive director of the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association, warned that the region's economy and environment hang in the balance.

"That area is really unique; 75% of our oyster farmers operate across Franklin, Wakulla and Gulf counties, so those three counties that are downriver from the proposed oil drilling site," she said. "So, protecting that water is absolutely critical to the livelihood of our farmers."

Despite a court win stopping one drilling project in Calhoun County, she said unprotected sites still threaten Apalachicola's fragile recovery. Aquaculture in the area sustains an oyster industry that once supplied 90% of Florida's wild harvest before its collapse.

The Apalachicola River watershed supports Florida's emerging shellfish industry, which filters water, creates habitats and sustains rural coastal economies. Johnson said even the threat of oil contamination, such as what happened during the 2010 BP spill, could devastate the region.

"We are confident that the governor is supportive of our rural coastal communities," she said. "Under his governorship, the state has invested millions of dollars into restoring Apalachicola Bay. So really, this bill aligns with those values."

Under Florida's "7-Day Rule," DeSantis must decide on the Apalachicola drilling ban by next Wednesday. The bill automatically becomes law if he chooses not to either sign or veto it.


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June is World Oceans Month, and advocates are warning that industrial shipping pollution hurts both oceans and port communities.

At least 31 million people live within three miles of a port, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. That includes thousands of New Jerseyans. Industrial shipping frequently relies on heavy fuel oil, which releases carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides and black carbon into the atmosphere, causing harm to marine ecosystems and port communities.

Altorice Frazier, northeast port campaigner with Pacific Environment, said if the global shipping industry was its own country, it would be one of the largest polluters in the world.

"Global shipping burns some of the dirtiest fossil fuels, like heavy oil, producing toxic air pollutions and greenhouse gases," he explained.

Those toxic pollutants often affect the communities closest to ports, frequently working-class neighborhoods made up primarily of people of color. Shipping pollution causes $265,000 premature deaths and six million childhood asthma cases globally each year, according to the Ocean Conservancy.

One way to cut down on port pollution, Frazier said, is the electrification of cargo ships. Much like electric cars, cargo ships can be electrically powered and charged while at a port. He explained this would cut down on emissions, the acidification of marine ecosystems and the negative health effects on port communities.

"We really want to show where there's funding, there's possible job opportunities," Frazier continued. "There's a gain in this. It might not be in the short term, but in the long term, there is definitely opportunity. And we want to see industry and port authorities work alongside communities and government to really strategize how this is possible."

Frazier added shore power can create jobs and sustain economic growth for communities, while cutting down on pollution and noise.