skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Climate Activists Organize for 'Green Amendment' in Maine

play audio
Play

Monday, August 28, 2023   

Youth climate activists in Maine are working to enshrine "the right to a clean and healthy environment" into their state's constitution.

It is called the Pine Tree Amendment, and activists say it is part of a growing movement nationwide, aiming to hold the government accountable for policies contributing to climate change.

Audrey Hufnagel, a high school student and organizer for Maine Youth for Climate Justice, said the amendment would be on par with the right to free speech.

"The Pine Tree Amendment also includes these rights for future generations," Hufnagel explained. "That's also very important to me as a climate activist."

Hufnagel noted she was inspired by the recent court ruling favoring Montana students, who alleged the state has violated their environmental rights by promoting the use of fossil fuels. Critics in Maine, including farming and fishing groups, argued the "green amendment" would result in endless litigation.

Climate activists said wildfire smoke and catastrophic flooding in the Northeast this summer have highlighted the urgent need for a green amendment. Hufnagel pointed out the coalition behind the effort is growing, with bipartisan and multigenerational support.

"Everyone has these different; maybe different beliefs, different places they're coming from," Hufnagel acknowledged. "But we can all kind of come together around this need for basic environmental rights, so I think that's very powerful."

Activists will need two-thirds majority support in the Maine Legislature to amend the state's constitution, but they are optimistic. Green amendments are already enshrined in the constitutions of three states, including Montana, New York and Pennsylvania.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
In 2023, the Biden administration ordered a Bakersfield oil company to remove old oil rigs from Carrizo Plain National Monument in Central California. (Bob Wick/BLM)

Environment

play sound

Groups that fight to protect public lands are criticizing the Trump administration's new review of all oil, gas and mining on public lands. National …


Environment

play sound

This weekend, Virginians will participate with other birders around the world in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …

Environment

play sound

This weekend, birders across the world, including in Maryland, will participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …


A new study looking at drought impacts on grasslands found that such lands in China saw a 43% reduction in annual productivity, compared with just a 25% reduction in North America under the same conditions. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Grasslands are considered a vital component of South Dakota's landscape. But on the heels of new research, an expert suggests they might not fare as …

Social Issues

play sound

Minnesota is little less than a year away from launching its paid-leave law, but state lawmakers are debating whether to delay the start until 2027…

In its next contract, the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Program faculty union is looking for "reasonable" class sizes and for teachers to easily access remote learning tools when needed. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

A New York City music school's faculty is back in the classroom after a weeklong strike. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty …

Social Issues

play sound

A New York bill would require schools to teach about the Jan. 6 insurrection. The bill calls for all K-12 students to be taught about the event…

Health and Wellness

play sound

An Atlanta-based group is making sure more people have access to an unconventional but effective treatment for their moderate mental health challenges…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021