Public News Service

Radioactive contaminants can create harmful effects on public health, particularly for pregnant people, as well as for the environment. (Alexeiy/Adobe Stock)

Groups renew calls to address radioactive contamination in food, water

Some organizations are renewing calls to address radioactive contamination in U.S. food and drinking water. The issue has gained prevalence in the …

The National Association of Broadcasters says more than 82 million individuals tune in to AM radio. (kittyfly/Adobe Stock)

AM radio in every car? The debate hits Missouri

The "AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act" now in Congress would mandate all new cars in the U.S. be equipped with AM radios, which is stirring a debate in …

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

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 …

Smithfield Foods spilled more than 7.3 million gallons of hog waste throughout Missouri according to a public records search by The Socially Responsible Agriculture Project. (Alberto/Adobe Stock)

A California regulation with big Midwest consequences

Family farm advocates in Missouri are concerned a regulation on the other side of the country could have unintended effects on rural Missourians…

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, reintroduced what is known as the

Livestock manure makes 'big stink' for MO family farmers

Congress passed a one-year extension of the current Farm Bill, which means the debate over a new bill will continue well into 2024. Advocacy groups …

the National Young Farmers Coalition delivered a letter to House and Senate Agriculture Committee leadership signed by 175 national, regional and local organizations in support of the Increasing Land Access, Security and Opportunities Act. (Nikish Hiraman/peopleimages.com)

Land-access keeping young farmers from leading climate action

Young farmers in Missouri hope the new farm bill will include key benefits regarding land access so they can continue to pursue farming passionately…

The Farm Credit System is cumulatively the largest lender to the agricultural sector, making about 45% of all agricultural loans, with $350 billion in assets. (DiedovStock/Adobe Stock)

Report: Farm Credit System needs an update

A new report calls for greater accountability in the system that provides funding to farmers in underserved communities. The research takes a dive …

Missouri wetlands have been reduced to 643,000 acres, a loss of 87% from their original footprint. (rodimovpavel/Adobe Stock)

MO duck-hunting season portends a grim future

Missouri's duck-hunting season runs through January, and many enthusiasts are concerned about how plentiful their future quarry will be because of a …

Climate Change meteorologist Lauren Casey said Halloween pumpkins may rot sooner in the warm October temperature. (climatecentral.org)

Some Missourians rethink Halloween due to climate extremes

Tropical Storm Tammy has sprung back to life over the weekend, sending spooky fears of high winds for trick or treaters along the Eastern Seaboard…

Since the passage of President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, only 30 utilities featured in the Dirty Truth report nationwide have filed updated planning documents and received scores of 27 out of 100, just one point higher than the total for all utilities. (bmf-foto.de/Adobe Stock)

MO's 3 biggest energy utilities earn Ds, Fs in Dirty Truth report on clean energy

The three major energy utilities in Missouri have received poor marks in the Sierra Club's recent Dirty Truth report, indicating a lack of progress …

Climate change board games emphasize teamwork and group success. Either all players win together, or no one survives. (dvande/Adobe Stock)

Board games help players understand climate change

By Debra J. Rosenthal for The Conversation.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Missouri News Service for the Public News Service-Conversation …

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing standards to regulate emissions from five unmeasured fugitive and intermittent particulate sources. The EPA is extending the comment period on the proposed rule to Sept. 29. (Natalie Schorr/Adobe Stock)

Comments About EPA's Proposed Blast-Furnace Rules Extended to Sept. 29

Emission standards for blast furnaces such as some iron and steel mills in Missouri have not been updated in years. The Environmental Protection …

An estimated 2.4 million people work on farms and ranches nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Census of Agriculture. (J�rgen F�lchle/Adobe Stock)

Outdoor Workers in Missouri Suffering from Heat Exposure

By Mónica Cordero, Investigate Midwest/Report for America and Eva Tesfaye, Harvest Public Media for Investigate Midwest.Broadcast version by …

The Human League says factory farming causes significant damage to rural communities, surrounding environments, and the farmed animals themselves. (zhang yongxin/Adobe Stock)

Rural Advocacy Groups: Corporate Farming Infringing on MO Family Farms

Despite the goal to unite Missourians around a common cause, rural advocacy groups have been pushing the EPA for more regulation from the Clean …

In 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency established a safe threshold for sulfur dioxide air concentrations at 75 parts per billion. (Adobe Stock)

Federal Grants Could Drive Economic Stability, Cleaner Energy in MO

With air quality an ongoing concern in New Madrid County, advocates are encouraging the local electric provider to seek federal funding. In recent …

Kansas City Part of National Tour for Electric Vehicles, New EPA Rules

Cleaner cars and lower emissions across Missouri and the nation are the goals of an event being led by environmental groups. They are calling …

Adult ticks are the easiest to identify, but nymphal and larval ticks are small and may be hard to identify. (Adobe Stock)

Tick-Borne Illnesses Highlighted During Lyme Prevention Month

As Lyme disease Awareness Month draws to a close, levels of some tick-borne illnesses in Missouri are on the rise. While Lyme infections in Missouri …

Rockhurst University's renovated Sedgwick Hall, which opened in 1914, originally housed the college, a high school, and the residence for the Jesuit university's Society of Jesus. (Rodnae Productions/Pexel.com)

Sustainable Renovation of Century-Old Building at Rockhurst U.

By Brian Roewe for Earthbeat.Broadcast version by Deborah Van Fleet for Missouri News Service for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News Service…

Contaminants often have no odor or color, which means periodic testing is needed to ensure water quality. (Brian Jackson/Adobe Stock)<br />

Well Testing Encouraged During Groundwater Awareness Week

While most people do not often stop to consider what goes on underground, this is Groundwater Awareness Week, and officials are encouraging …

EPA Proposal to Lower Acceptable Soot Levels Seen as Benefit to Missourians

Particulate matter in the air, commonly called "soot," exacerbates and can even cause heart and lung conditions, with asthma sufferers being …

In 2021 74% of Missouri's electricity was generated by coal-fired power plants. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Most Coal-Ash Storage Causing Toxic Groundwater Pollution

A new report found nearly all Missouri coal plants are releasing toxins into the local groundwater. The report from two nonprofits, the …

Another 63 Missouri School Districts are on the EPA Clean School Bus wait-list. (Maksym Yemelyanov/Adobe Stock)

EPA Awards Missouri School Districts $21 Million for Cleaner Buses

Missouri is joining the transition from diesel to electric school buses, as 26 school districts have been awarded $21 million in federal funds…

Sampling stations are open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., test results will be available within four weeks. (Adobe Stock)

Some MO Deer Hunters Face Mandatory CWD Sampling This Weekend

As the November portion of firearms deer season opens in Missouri, the Department of Conservation is reminding hunters about mandatory sampling for …

More than 345,000 Missourians are registered to participate in the 2022 Great Central U.S. ShakeOut. (Adobe Stock)

Thousands of Missourians to Participate in Great Central U.S. 'ShakeOut'

Missourians may not think much about earthquakes, but experts say it is important to be mentally prepared. This morning, hundreds of thousands of …

If Gov. Mike Parson signs Senate Bill 745, all residents will be able to put solar panels on their homes. (mmphoto/Adobe Stock)

MO Renewable-Energy Experts: Reducing Barriers to Solar Is Key

Groups that advocate for renewables in Missouri are urging Gov. Mike Parson to sign a utility-focused bill that would reduce barriers for businesses …

The Spire STL pipeline connects into the larger Rockies Express Pipeline, which stretches 1,700 miles across eight states. (Adobe Stock)

Pipeline Through MO in Limbo After SCOTUS Declines to Hear Appeal

A 65-mile gas pipeline through eastern Missouri is in limbo after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to consider reinstating federal authorization for …

Missouri has more than 4,000 abandoned oil and gas wells, and data is lacking on how many of those are plugged. (Martina/Adobe Stock)

Federal Funds Coming to MO to Plug Abandoned Oil, Gas Wells

Missouri is among the states set to receive infrastructure funding for plugging what are known as orphan, or abandoned, oil and gas wells. Uncapped …

Black bears in Missouri typically are seen south of Interstate 44, although the population is growing. (Jillian/Adobe Stock)

Conservation Department Urges Missourians to Be 'Bear Aware' This Summer

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Late spring and early summer are when Missourians are most likely to come across one of the state's estimated 800 black bears - …

The latest status assessment says the population of monarch butterflies will continue to decline<br />unless action is taken to protect it - and the probability for extinction of the western population is high. (Icewall42/Pixabay)

Missourians Join Efforts to Protect the Monarch Butterfly

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - After facing a steep population decline in recent years, the monarch butterfly is now a candidate for the 'threatened' species list …

A new report says officials need to rethink the levee system used to control flooding on the Lower Missouri. (Tech. Sgt. Oscar Sanchez)

Mighty Mississippi, Big Muddy Top Endangered-Rivers List

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The "Mighty Mississippi" and "Big Muddy" are the backbone of many Missouri communities, and a new report warns these two big …

More than 3,000 comments were submitted on a 2015 General Management Plan for the Current and Jacks Fork rivers. (kbh3rd/WikimediaCommons)

Will Another Ozark Float Season Pass without Horsepower Enforcement?

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Peak float season starts today in Missouri, and there are concerns that another season will float by without the enforcement …

Around 2,000 acres of cropland flood damage was reported at just one farm in northwest Missouri in spring 2019. (Jason Johnson Iowa NRCS/Flickr)

Experts Work to Mitigate Effects of Extreme Weather on MO Farms

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Missouri farmers will not be surprised to hear that 2019 was one of the wettest on record, and some experts predict the impact …

St. Louis residents of neighborhoods with high levels of poverty and unemployment also breathe air with higher levels of pollution, according to a study from Washington University in St. Louis. (Adobe Stock)

St. Louis Metro Transit Agency to Buy Electric Buses, Replace Diesel

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Metro Area Transit Agency is replacing its diesel buses with a fleet of 14 new electric vehicles. The Metro Transit …

Missouri State Parks offer 91 parks and historic sites for visitors, and some are planning holiday events. (Ajay Suresh/Flickr)

Missouri State Parks Join #OptOutside Movement

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Black Friday marks the start of the holiday shopping season – however, some Missourians are choosing to skip the …

Redistricting supporters contend Missouri's legislative districts are not drawn to properly to ensure proper balance at the statehouse. (Dave Herholz/Flickr)

A Year After Voters Pass Clean MO, the Fight Continues

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — It's been a year since Missourians went to the polls and said "yes" to redistricting reform, but supporters say they're …

Floods in the Midwest this year have been deadly and, for some, conjured memories of the Great Flood of 1993. (Tech. Sgt. Patrick Evenson/U.S. Air National Guard)

Developments on Missouri River Could Exacerbate Flooding

ST. LOUIS – After devastating and historic floods this year, critics of new developments on the Missouri River fear they could send the waters …

New legislation in Congress would fund projects to plant more habitat for at-risk species, such as the monarch butterfly. (David P. Whelan/Morguefile)

Conservation Bill Could Give MO $25 Million a Year for Species at Risk

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Conservation groups are pressing for action on a new bill in Congress they say will stave off extinction for 12,000 …

The sign, above, in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways should, but doesn't yet, mark the place where a motorized boat prohibition begins. (Marisa Frazier/Sierra Club Missouri Chapter)

Four Years Later, Motor Boat Ban Still Not in Effect in MO National Park

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Horsepower limits for motorized boats in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways have yet to be enforced more than four years …

The St. Charles County Council approved a housing development on the Missouri Bluffs last year. (Donald Rogers/Flickr)

Calls Grow for University of Missouri to Stop Housing Development

ST. LOUIS – Opposition is growing to a proposed housing development on land owned by the University of Missouri that could disrupt popular …

The Grain Belt Express Clean Line project would bring wind power from Kansas to Missouri, Illinois and Iowa. (Niserin/iStockphoto)

Conservation Groups Fight for Grain Belt Express Line

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Renewable energy groups are hoping for approval from the Public Service Commission for a project designed to bring more …

Analysis: MO Clean Air Act Violators Vastly Outspend Environmental Groups

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Corporations that have violated the Clean Air Act are vastly outspending environmental groups in political contributions …

Mercury and other pollutants threaten fishing in many of Missouri's waterways. (Tanya Impeartrice/Flickr)

Would Kavanaugh's SCOTUS Nomination Endanger MO Waterways?

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Could Judge Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court mean more polluted waterways in Missouri? The state …

Conservation groups worry that automakers will no longer prioritize fuel efficiency if lower federal standards are allowed to take effect. (Isriya Paireepairit/Flickr)

EPA's Reduction in Fuel Standards Concerns MO Leaders

ST. PETERS, Mo. – Missouri's air quality could take a hit in future years if a reduction in fuel-efficiency standards announced on Thursday by …

Environmentalists are opposing a right-to-work proposition in Missouri, saying union members are on the front lines of environmental protections. (Missouri Chapter, Sierra Club)

Environmentalists Step Up to Oppose Anti-Labor Proposition

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Voters will decide in less than a week whether Missouri will become a right-to-work state, potentially weakening unions…

Many of the EPA regulations that Scott Pruitt scrapped or delayed as EPA administrator had not yet taken effect before his resignation. (Wikimedia Commons)

Government Watchdog Groups: Pruitt's EPA Exit "Long Overdue"

WASHINGTON – After allegedly overspending on everything from pens to lavish trips and accepting questionable deals from lobbyists, government …

After fulfilling a stipulation that the land be used only for research for 20 years, the University of Missouri gained the right to sell part of Missouri Bluffs that environmental groups want to preserve. (Twenty20/All Things)

Environmental Groups Fight Development Along Missouri River Bluffs

WELDON SPRING, Mo. – The University of Missouri is caught in a tug-of-war between a developer and environmental groups wanting to preserve 400 …

The Eleven Point River meanders through the picturesque Ozarks of southern Missouri. It's one of the eight initial components of the National Wild and Scenic River System, which was established in 1968. (Jennifer Conner)

Celebrate, Float, Clean Eleven Point National Scenic River

ALTON, Mo. – Memorial Day weekend is always a big splash into floating season in the Ozarks, but environmental groups, local businesses and the …

CAFOs house large numbers of pigs, chickens, cows or other farm animals in what are described as

MO Residents Fight for Local Control in Regulating CAFOs

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Missouri has seen a rise in concentrated animal feeding operations or CAFOs, whether they produce cows, hogs or chickens. Now…

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MO: Environment