Environment / Public News Service

Hydroelectric turbine runners are being made at Voith Hydro's factory in York, Penn. The company says nearly 450 of its pump turbines have been installed worldwide, with a combined output of more than 60,000 megawatts. (Voith Hydro)<br /><br /><br />

Friday, September 20, 2024

PA hydropower turbine plant uses IRA funding to boost jobs

In Pennsylvania, some former coal communities are transitioning into clean energy hubs with funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. Pennsylvania …

If Duke Energy has its way, some Hoosiers may soon face higher electric bills. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 20, 2024

Duke Energy's proposed rate hike, profits under fire

Duke Energy is facing criticism over its proposed rate hikes of up to 16%, while delaying the retirement of its coal-fired power plants in Indiana…

The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is anticipated to save over $350 million annually on electric bills for 900,000 low-income households nationwide and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30 million metric tons over five years. (Felix Mizioznikov/Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 20, 2024

Solar power drives change in Ohio’s disadvantaged areas

Ohio's most vulnerable communities are set to benefit from more than $312 million in federal funding aimed at reducing energy costs and promoting envi…

A clean energy industry advocacy report found nonunion workers are often paid less, incur more job-related injuries and receive fewer benefits than unionized employees. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 20, 2024

Report finds poor working conditions in Texas clean energy industry

A new study showed as Texas has emerged as a national leader in wind turbine and solar energy installations, clean energy workers often face …

Florida's new law, House Bill 433, preempts

Friday, September 20, 2024

New OSHA rule aims to protect Florida workers from deadly heat

A new federal proposal to protect workers from extreme heat is being hailed as a potential lifesaver by labor advocates, even as Florida faces …

The Land for Maine's Future program has helped preserve more than 67 miles of shoreline on rivers, lakes and ponds, as well as 42 farms and 9,819 acres of farmland and the conversion of 158 miles of former railroad corridors into recreational trails. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Friday, September 20, 2024

ME boosts land conservation projects as climate change alters terrain

Maine officials are stepping up land conservation projects as climate change continues to alter the state's terrain. New funding from the Land for …

Latino Conservation Week, an initiative of Hispanic Access Foundation, started in 2014. (Hispanic Access Foundation)

Friday, September 20, 2024

Dozens of CA events this weekend honor Latino Conservation Week

Latino Conservation Week is in full swing, with 330 events across the U.S. and 90 in California alone. The 11th annual event runs through Sunday…

In July, the U.S. Department of Labor released a proposed workplace heat standard requiring employers to provide rest breaks, water, shade or air conditioning to workers exposed to excessive heat. (Pixabay)

Friday, September 20, 2024

Proposed OSHA heat rule could affect Virginia workers

Labor advocates in Virginia are urging the public to weigh in on new federal protections to safeguard workers from the dangers of extreme heat…

Some 899 of 936 public comments on the plan for the proposed West Fork Dam, or 96%, opposed the West Fork Battle Creek Dam project, according to a tally by Wyofile. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 20, 2024

Feds ask WY to recalculate cost of proposed West Fork Dam

A federal agency is requiring Wyoming to update cost estimates for a large proposed dam in Carbon County, which has been under feasibility studies …

NV Energy's proposal sought to increase its rate of return to investors from 9.5% to 10.4%. The Public Utilities Commission approved a 9.65% return, according to the Nevada Conservation League. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 20, 2024

Utility regulators deny NV Energy rate change for northern NV customers

Nevada leaders and community groups are pleased with this week's decision by state utility regulators to reject NV Energy's request to raise its basic…

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Rural AZ inn saves on energy bills, helps environment

This article was produced by Local First Arizona.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Arizona News Connection reporting for the Local First Arizona-…

Recipients of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Grant can now access funding to drive financing for thousands of climate-focused and clean energy initiatives. (bilanol/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 19, 2024

MI included in landmark EPA climate investment

Michigan's most vulnerable communities are receiving federal funding to fight the devastating effects of climate change. It's part of the $27 billion …

A new report shows companies like ExxonMobil, the Hess Foundation and Shell Oil have been large donors to a slew of programs at Columbia University. Some of this funding has buoyed climate and environmental research. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Columbia U. climate research 'biased' by fossil fuel funding

A new report contends fossil fuel funding has biased Columbia University's climate research. The report, by two Columbia students, shows the …

As part of its Collaborative Wildfire Risk Reduction Program, the U.S. Forest Service has made $8 million available to help prevent fires in Montana by reducing hazardous fuels. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

$8 million to be used to reduce Montana wildfire fuel

The U.S. Forest Service is spending $8 million to reduce wildfire risk in Montana, part of a larger federal program funded by the Inflation Reduction …

The California Department of Conservation is holding a public meeting online on Sept. 24, to update the public on its progress in plugging abandoned oil wells. (Alizada Studios/Adobe Stock)<br />

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Environmental advocates call on Newsom to sign 'make polluters pay' bills

Groups concerned about pollution and climate change are asking Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign a trio of bills dubbed the "make polluters pay" package…

Including the $236 million in federal funding for wildland fire management recently announced for 2025, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has invested a total of $1 billion to the cause, according to the Department of the Interior. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Experts: Wildfire management funding should include community response

This month, the federal government announced funding for next year's wildfire management, totaling $236 million and experts hope threatened …

Environmental advocates say the growth of so-called 'fast fashion' is adding to greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Buying just one white cotton shirt produces the same amount of emissions as driving 35 miles in a car, according to the climate action group, WRAP. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Serving looks with books: Libraries fight ‘fast fashion’ by lending clothes

By Claire Elise Thompson for Grist.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for New Hampshire News Connection reporting for the Grist-Public News Service C…

Menhaden are forage fish species and filter feeders, each capable of filtering up to seven gallons of water per minute. (Photo of female Osprey with Menhaden/TRCP)

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Menhaden decline threatens Virginia's ecosystem, fisheries

In Virginia's waters, the decline of a small but critically important fish is causing growing concern among conservation groups and fishermen alike…

Inflation Reduction Act funding is helping leading electric cooperatives, which serve one in five rural Americans, to accelerate the adoption of affordable and reliable clean energy, lowering costs for their members. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Tri-State to lower customer energy costs by $400 million over 20 years

Colorado's second-largest electricity provider, the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, projects new federal clean energy funding will …

The electric vehicle stations will have both fast and slow charging ports. (Mike Mareen/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

EV charging stations coming to NW Arkansas

The Ozark Regional Transit Authority will use a $14.9 million federal grant to build electric vehicle charging stations around northwest Arkansas…

In the past decade, the U.S. Energy Department said 2,555 North Dakota homes, occupied by people with limited incomes, have been weatherized. The free upgrades include furnace repairs, insulation and sealing drafty windows. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

An under-the-radar profession could use a helping hand

September is Workforce Development Month and North Dakota offices managing energy assistance programs hope people in need of a fresh career start will…

In 2019, Formosa Plastics settled a $50 million lawsuit after a plant in Texas dumped billions of plastic pellets into Lavaca Bay. (Adobe Stock)

Plastics production highlighted during Pollution Prevention Week

This is Pollution Prevention Week and advocates are renewing their call on one plastics manufacturer to clean up its act. An August demonstration at …

A proposed industrial complex in St. James Parish would be one of the largest plastic complexes of its kind. (Adobe Stock)

Plastics firm's expansion cited during Pollution Prevention Week

This is Pollution Prevention Week and advocates are renewing their call for one plastics manufacturer to clean up its act. An August demonstration …

Conservation groups in Montana have sued the U.S. Forest Service for a logging project in an area of the Bitterroot National Forest that's been home to a successful wolverine den, according to Alliance for the Wild Rockies. (Adobe Stock)

Montana suit: Logging project threatens critical habitat

Two conservation groups have filed suit in a federal court in Montana to stop a U.S. Forest Service logging project that would clear cut large stands …

Arundo was initially introduced to the Western United States for erosion control and aesthetics, according to Watershed Management Group. (Adobe Stock)

Southern AZ nonprofit removes invasive plants to restore riparian areas

By Hunter Fore for Cronkite News.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Arizona News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public …

Data from the Electric School Bus Initiative finds Virginia is one of the top states to own and purchase clean school buses. (Adobe Stock)

VA sees more school districts shift to clean buses

Virginia kids are heading back to school in a more environmentally friendly way. School districts and counties statewide are making the switch to …

In 2017, the country's seafood industry supported 1.7 million jobs and contributed $212 billion in sales, according to NOAA's Office for Coastal Management. (Adobe Stock) <br /><br />

Clamming for workers: ME boosts aquaculture training programs

The University of Maine is helping to train the next generation of skilled aquaculture workers. Designs for a new $10 million Sustainable …

One year of nuclear weapons spending could fund an estimated one-third of the costs for climate change adaptation in developing countries, and solarize more than 16.5 million homes. (Hamara/Adobe Stock)

TN group echoes global call: No money for nuclear weapons

A Knoxville-based environmental group is raising awareness about increasing U.S. nuclear weapons spending and supporting this week's global effort to …

One cow can produce up to 264 pounds of methane every year, and it's estimated that livestock production is responsible for 30% of global anthropogenic methane emissions. (Adobe Stock)

How livestock farming fuels climate change

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabora…

Federal lawmakers respond to WY wolf abuse, state's response

Following the torture of a wolf by a Wyoming man, a state panel is seeking a bill to protect the killing of predators with vehicles, but Federal …

The Oregon Outback covers a swath of sparsely populated counties in the southern part of the state. (chris/Adobe Stock)

Already largest in world, OR dark sky sanctuary expected to grow

A sanctuary for stargazing in Oregon is the largest in the world and is set to get even bigger. In eastern Oregon, the organization DarkSky …

According to the Center for American Progress,

Climate change worsens food insecurity in NE, U.S. and globally

By Kristi Eaton for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Deborah Van Fleet for Nebraska News Connection reporting for The Daily Yonder-Public News Se…

In August, Steelton-Highspire became the first school district in Pennsylvania to operate a fully electric fleet, and the first in the country to have its entire bus fleet supported by a solar array. (Steelton-Highspire School District)

Federal funding drives PA's increase in electric school buses

Many Pennsylvania students now ride electric buses to school. Some $900 million from the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus Program …

According to NOAA data, since 1980, the U.S. has sustained 376 weather and climate disasters with a cumulative cost of $2.6 trillion. (Adobe Stock / AI)

Van Hollen introduces federal 'climate superfund' legislation

New federal legislation would make polluters pay for the costs of climate change mitigation. On Thursday, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., introduced …

According to the site Tech-stack, AI algorithms can forecast energy needs, helps improve the reliability of solar energy supply and balance the grid load. (Adobe Stock)

IL residents can benefit from merging of solar and AI

By Kari Lydersen for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pu…

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources must report annual greenhouse gas inventories to the legislature and governor each year. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa releases 'Condition of the State' report on clean energy goals

Alternative energy advocates say Iowa is making significant progress on reaching its green power goals by 2035. The state has become a national …

The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana opened a recycling collection operation in 2023 after receiving a $565,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. (Adobe Stock)

Coushatta Tribe works to overcome obstacles to recycling program

By Taylar Dawn Stagner for Grist.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Louisiana News Connection reporting for the Grist-Public News Service Collab…

Climate change harms Indigenous people's health. While it causes some health conditions, it is also worsening chronic illnesses to which they are prone. (Adobe Stock)

EPA awards climate grant to CT tribal nation

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation has been awarded a grant to cut climate pollution. It is part of the Environmental Protection Agency's Climate …

In 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ranked Chicago eighth on an annual ENERGY STAR Top Cities list. On average, ENERGY STAR buildings use 35% less energy and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 35% compared to typical buildings. (Adobe Stock)

Innovative construction projects address short-term, long-term IL energy needs

By Audrey Henderson for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network…

Lead contamination poses serious health risks, especially to children, and has been linked to<br />developmental issues and organ damage. (Adobe Stock)

Indianapolis neighborhood fears ongoing lead contamination Superfund site

By Enrique Saenz for Mirror Indy.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Mirror Indy-Free Press Indiana-Public News …

A New York State Comptroller audit chided the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority for using outdated data in Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act projects. It also noted the Public Service Commission failed to estimate costs for transitioning to renewables. (Adobe Stock)

Critics: Gov. Hochul slacking on meeting 2030 climate goals

Environmental critics feel New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is not doing enough to meet the state's 2030 climate goals. The concerns come after Hochul …

In response to the House Draw Fire, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department invited reports of injured wildlife to a hotline typically used to report poaching. (Adobe Stock)

WY communities pitch in on wildfire recovery efforts

Recent extreme wildfires in Wyoming burned nearly 500,000 acres and among those recovering are ranchers and their surviving livestock. Wildfires …

The Sierra Club said a third of all Americans, including 28 million children, do not have a park or natural space within a 10-minute walk of their home. (milicanistoran/Adobe Stock)

Congress urged to protect outdoor program for 4th-graders

A national program to connect children and families with the outdoors is at risk of ending without help from Congress. The Every Kid Outdoors …

The Production Tax Credit and the capital-based Investment Tax Credit make up more than a quarter of the Inflation Reduction Act's estimated $900 billion in spending by 2031. (Goodluz/Adobe Stock)

Report: IRA clean-energy credits boost union jobs, economy in Appalachia

A new report showed adhering to prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements can greatly enhance the tax incentives for clean energy projects in Pe…

The Bold Alliance is composed of landowners from several Midwestern states who oppose allowing private companies to use eminent domain to build a CO2 pipeline. (Bold Alliance)

Midwestern group opposes plans for carbon-capture pipeline system

Landowners in several Midwestern states, including Nebraska, have organized in opposition to a plan to use eminent domain to construct a carbon-…

Research indicates 3.6 billion people currently live in areas highly vulnerable to climate change, with an estimated 250,000 additional deaths annually projected between 2030 and 2050 because of its effects. (Adobe Stock)

Leaders to gather in NC to tackle health impacts of pollution, climate change

Environmental leaders are set to gather in Durham to address how climate change is impacting human health and well-being. Emily Wolfe, health …

E-scooter companies say shared micromobility can be made safer if more people wear helmets, streets are properly maintained, and more cities add protected bike lanes. (Bondariev Volodymyr/Adobe Stock)<br />

8 years into America’s e-scooter experiment, what have we learned?

By Syris Valentine for Grist.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Grist-Public News Service Collaboration…

According to the American Lung Association's

NC group offers virtual training to help residents advocate for clean air

The advocacy group CleanAIRE NC is offering a virtual training session Thursday to help North Carolinians tackle air quality issues in their communiti…

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Environment

PA hydropower turbine plant uses IRA funding to boost jobs

Duke Energy's proposed rate hike, profits under fire

Solar power drives change in Ohio’s disadvantaged areas

Report finds poor working conditions in Texas clean energy industry

New OSHA rule aims to protect Florida workers from deadly heat

ME boosts land conservation projects as climate change alters terrain

Dozens of CA events this weekend honor Latino Conservation Week

Proposed OSHA heat rule could affect Virginia workers

Feds ask WY to recalculate cost of proposed West Fork Dam

Utility regulators deny NV Energy rate change for northern NV customers

Rural AZ inn saves on energy bills, helps environment

MI included in landmark EPA climate investment

Columbia U. climate research 'biased' by fossil fuel funding

$8 million to be used to reduce Montana wildfire fuel

Environmental advocates call on Newsom to sign 'make polluters pay' bills

Experts: Wildfire management funding should include community response

Serving looks with books: Libraries fight ‘fast fashion’ by lending clothes

Menhaden decline threatens Virginia's ecosystem, fisheries

Tri-State to lower customer energy costs by $400 million over 20 years

EV charging stations coming to NW Arkansas

An under-the-radar profession could use a helping hand

Plastics production highlighted during Pollution Prevention Week

Plastics firm's expansion cited during Pollution Prevention Week

Montana suit: Logging project threatens critical habitat

Southern AZ nonprofit removes invasive plants to restore riparian areas

VA sees more school districts shift to clean buses

Clamming for workers: ME boosts aquaculture training programs

TN group echoes global call: No money for nuclear weapons

How livestock farming fuels climate change

Federal lawmakers respond to WY wolf abuse, state's response

Already largest in world, OR dark sky sanctuary expected to grow

Climate change worsens food insecurity in NE, U.S. and globally

Federal funding drives PA's increase in electric school buses

Van Hollen introduces federal 'climate superfund' legislation

IL residents can benefit from merging of solar and AI

Iowa releases 'Condition of the State' report on clean energy goals

Coushatta Tribe works to overcome obstacles to recycling program

EPA awards climate grant to CT tribal nation

Innovative construction projects address short-term, long-term IL energy needs

Indianapolis neighborhood fears ongoing lead contamination Superfund site

Critics: Gov. Hochul slacking on meeting 2030 climate goals

WY communities pitch in on wildfire recovery efforts

Congress urged to protect outdoor program for 4th-graders

Report: IRA clean-energy credits boost union jobs, economy in Appalachia

Midwestern group opposes plans for carbon-capture pipeline system

Leaders to gather in NC to tackle health impacts of pollution, climate change

8 years into America’s e-scooter experiment, what have we learned?

NC group offers virtual training to help residents advocate for clean air