Air Quality / Public News Service

The Sierra Club said pollutants can worsen heart conditions, asthma and other respiratory illnesses, especially on days when air quality drops. (Adobe stock)

Friday, May 9, 2025

New Sierra Club dashboard tracks IN coal pollution

Indiana residents now have a new way to track pollution from coal plants across the state. The Sierra Club's new online national dashboard shows how …

The American Lung Association reports more than 2.6 million Ohioans, including over 600,000 children and 500,000 people with asthma, are at higher risk from air pollution exposure. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio cities brace for impact of federal EV rollback proposals

As air pollution levels rise in parts of Ohio, new federal proposals could roll back protections that limit emissions from gas-powered vehicles…

Nebraska emitted about 81 million metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2021, 26th highest in the country, according to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. (Adobe Stock)

New report stresses EVs for Nebraskans' lung health

A new report from the American Lung Association found air pollution continues to be a problem even as Congress stymies efforts to bolster the electric…

Pollution in PA worsens amid ongoing clean-vehicle policy debate

Air pollution in Pennsylvania is getting worse, according to a new report citing transportation emissions as the primary culprit. The American Lung …

As WA air quality worsens, Congress rolls back protections

Air pollution in Washington is getting worse, according to a new report citing transportation emissions as the primary culprit. Eight of the 12 …

A number of Virginia cities in rural parts of the state, such as Charlottesville, Lynchburg and others, rank nationally for high air quality and low air pollution levels. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Resistance to stricter vehicle emissions will affect air quality

A new report found the country needs cleaner vehicles to combat worsening air quality across Virginia but Republican lawmakers are looking to repeal s…

The Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act included tax credits and incentives to promote electric vehicle adoption in New Mexico. (See Less/Adobe Stock)

U.S. veterans who hold elective office want environmental investments restored

A bipartisan group of current and former elected officials said the continued use of fossil fuels threatens global security and they want funding for …

Almost three in four Nevada voters polled believe current oil and gas development fees on national public lands should not be reduced. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Nevadans oppose ramping up oil, gas development

The U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources will consider reversing Biden-era restrictions on oil and gas leasing in states like Nevada on Tuesday…

Davis, Duchesne, Salt Lake, Tooele, Uintah, Utah and Weber counties all received a letter grade of

Multiple UT counties get 'F' in clean air report

Utah counties are struggling when it comes to clean air, according to a new report from the American Lung Association and advocates said Utahns will …

Bloomington, California, residents protest a warehouse project proposed for their neighborhood in September 2024. (Concerned Neighbors of Bloomington)

Environmental groups fight plan to add warehouses in CA's Inland Empire

A big warehouse project proposed for the Inland Empire is being challenged in court Wednesday by a coalition of environmental justice groups…

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, passenger vehicles emit about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, on average. (Chris Ahern Photo/Adobe Stock)

Detroit area pollution worsens, as 'clean vehicle' debate rolls on

Air pollution in the Motor City area is getting worse, according to a new report citing transportation emissions as the primary culprit. The …

Maricopa, Gila, Pima and Pinal counties all received a letter grade of

AZ has some of nation's dirtiest air. Tailpipe pollution is part of problem

Arizona is ranked as having some of the worst areas for polluted air, according to a new report by the American Lung Association and advocates said …

Air pollution harms everyone's health but is a particular danger to babies, the elderly, people with heart or lung disease and people who work outside. (mmg1design/Adobe Stock)

13 CA counties get 'F' in new clean air report

California has some of the dirtiest air in the nation, according to the American Lung Association's new State of the Air report. Researchers looked …

Churchill, Clark and Washoe counties all have received a letter grade of

NV gets poor grades for air quality. Advocates urge strong emission standards

Nevada's counties have ranked as having some of the poorest air quality, according to a new report by the American Lung Association and advocates …

Environmental experts say you shouldn't stress out about the carbon footprint from grilling because it is meant to be an enjoyable experience. Still, they urge trying

Health experts teach Marylanders to keep grills safe this summer

That unmistakable smell of hamburgers or steak on outdoor grills will soon be making its way through Maryland neighborhoods. With weather warming up…

Ohio has seen a 14% year-over-year increase in residential solar installations, with rural counties among the fastest-growing adopters, according to UNPREDICTABLEcity's 2024 report. (Adobe Stock)

Reports: Ohio communities lead on solar growth

A pair of new reports shows Ohio communities are quietly leading the way on clean energy, from urban centers to small towns, with solar power playing …

According to Food and Water Watch, animals raised for food in the United States generate about 941 billion pounds of manure each year from a population of 1.7 billion. (Adobe stock)

Indiana water at risk as manure fuels hidden contamination

By Nina B. Elkadi for Sentient.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration …

The average driver in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District travels 9,300 miles and spends $1,398 on 430 gallons of gasoline annually, according to a report by Coltura. (Adobe Stock)

Congress could roll back Nebraska's choice on emissions standards

Congress could vote today on a measure to eliminate Nebraska's ability to set its own auto emission standards, which are among the most stringent in …

NASA describes natural gas, or methane, as a powerful greenhouse gas releaseing carbon dioxide during combustion. (Adobe stock)

IN redefines clean energy with natural gas push

Indiana now classifies natural gas and propane as clean energy under a new state law. Gov. Mike Braun signed Senate Bill 178, granting the fuels …

Montana lawmakers discussed a bill which would have legalized cigar smoking in designated rooms in bars, despite a 2006 declaration by the U.S. Surgeon General there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke. (Marco Mayer/Adobe Stock)

Indoor cigar smoking bill, unpopular with voters, fails in Montana House

A bill to legalize cigar smoking in designated Montana barrooms has failed a third reading in the state House. Similar legislation is introduced most …

Under the Congressional Review Act, Congress has 60 legislative days to disapprove of new regulations. If no disapproval occurs, regulations remain in effect. (Herr Loeffler/Adobe Stock)

MI clean fuels expert speaks out as Congress aims to scrap EPA waivers

A Michigan clean fuels expert is weighing in as three Congressional resolutions introduced last week take aim at Environmental Protection Agency waive…

More than 66,000 southeastern Arizona drivers pay more than $4,000 a year for gasoline, according to research from the nonprofit Coltura. (Adobe Stock)

How would rolling back EV standards affect AZ drivers?

Next week, Congress is expected to vote on whether to roll back states' authority to set their own clean car and truck standards. Research shows …

Originally operated by Entergy, Palisades was acquired by Holtec International in June 2022. <br />(JHVEPhoto/Adobe Stock)

DOE invests millions to revive MI nuclear plant, amid growing criticism

The owner of Michigan's Palisades Nuclear Plant is getting another $47 million to restart the facility. It is the third installment of a $1.5 …

Western Watersheds Project Executive Director Erik Molvar says a permitting change announced by the U.S. Department of the Interior this week will mean

">

Feds unveil 'emergency permitting' for energy projects in MT, U.S.

This week, the Trump administration announced what it terms "emergency permitting" for energy projects, streamlining a sometimes yearslong process …

About 58,000 northern Nevada drivers pay more than $4,000 a year for gasoline, according to research from the nonprofit Coltura. (Adobe Stock)

NV adopted CA's 'clean car' standard, rule now under GOP examination

Next week, Congress is expected to vote on whether to roll back states' authority to set their own clean car and truck standards. Data show some …

A total of 16,000 NOAA workers, including those who forecast severe storms, have been fired by DOGE. (Derrick Neill/Adobe Stock)

Second wave of weather employees fired ahead of NM wildfire season

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Roz Brown for New Mexico News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboratio…

In Cleveland, more than 90% of homes were built before 1978, the year lead-based paint was banned for residential use. (Adobe Stock)

Cleveland Health Dept says cleaner air starts at home

As Cleveland tightens its air quality standards for the first time since 1977, health officials are urging residents to take simple steps at home to …

Seasonal allergies are expensive when they result in missed work and school days along with high medical costs. (WavebreakmediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

Coping with OR's climate change-fueled pollen season

Oregon's pollen season is starting earlier and lasting longer, thanks to climate change, with research showing airborne pollen levels increasing more …

The Environmental Protection Agency said exemptions to clean air regulations will

Pollution exemptions granted to AR coal plants

Two coal plants in Arkansas have received an exemption from the Trump administration and will have two additional years to comply with updated clean a…

Seasonal allergies are getting worse in part because increased CO2 in the air triggers plants to produce more pollen. (gamelover/Adobe Stock)

WA's advanced pollen tracking tool can help allergy sufferers

Washington's pollen season is starting earlier and lasting longer, thanks to climate change, with research showing airborne pollen levels across the …

Nearly 10,000 West Virginia children per year will suffer asthma attacks because of ozone from the oil and gas industry, according to a report from the Clean Air Task Force. (Adobe Stock)

WV facilities seek exemptions from limits on toxic pollution

West Virginia communities will see increased air pollution with little oversight under a new Trump administration proposal offering presidential exemp…

More than 270 jurisdictions in 13 states currently use instant online permitting for solar installations. (Adobe Stock)

New report: IL makes it too hard to 'go solar'

A new report outlines some of the barriers Illinois residents face that can make adopting solar energy more difficult and expensive than necessary…

So far, climate change has extended allergy season in Colorado by two additional weeks over historical averages. (Adobe Stock)

Experts offer tips to cope with longer allergy seasons in Colorado

With warming temperatures, allergy season is underway in Colorado and experts are offering tips on how to cope with congestion, inflammation and …

The U.S. has seen dozens of coal plants come offline in recent years and researchers noted the ones still in use operate less frequently because of declining demand. They said it should deter policymakers from trying to spend money to increase coal production. (Adobe Stock)

Researchers: U.S. wouldn't see 'bang for its buck' in reviving coal

Minnesota is cited in a new research brief outlining the obstacles America would face in trying to reopen coal plants, an idea prioritized by the …

Tree pollen in Louisiana is often from elm, oak, poplar, cypress and maple among others. (Adobe Stock)

New Orleans ranked 2nd among cities with worst seasonal allergies

With temperatures warming, allergy season is underway in Louisiana and experts are offering tips on how to cope. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation …

Seasonal allergies impact about one in four adults and one in five children in the U.S. according to the Centers for Disease Control. (Pixabay)

Achoo! Coping with allergy season in Florida

As yellow pollen dust coats cars and porches, seasonal allergies are plaguing nearly a quarter of adults and one in five children in the U.S.…

According to UnitedHealthcare, medical costs associated with pollen allergies exceed $3 billion a year, with nearly half of those costs linked to prescription drugs. (Adobe Stock)

Experts call preparation key to coping with spring allergies in SC

South Carolina may be famous for its oaks, pines and other trees but experts said pollen from those spectacular forests can also make life miserable …

Medical experts said if you know high pollen days are in the forecast, taking medicine before they arrive can help alleviate symptoms. (Dragana Gordic/Adobe Stock)

Experts: Texans suffer from year-round allergies

Texas is frequently ranked as one of the worst states for seasonal allergies because symptoms can occur year-round. Dr. Miguel Wolbert, president of …

Seasonal or year-round allergies, depending on the allergen, affect up to 60 million people each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Spring brings seasonal allergies for many Kentuckians

Kentucky ranks among the worst states for seasonal allergies from early spring through late fall, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of …

Experts recommend starting allergy medication early to help your body better manage symptoms once pollen season begins. (Adobe Stock)

Allergy season in full swing in Tennessee, tips for relief

Spring has sprung in Tennessee, which means flowers and trees are blooming, pollen is plentiful and allergy sufferers are feeling the itchy effects…

Climate change is expected to increase the amount of airborne pollen by as much as 40% by 2100. (Sean Pavone/Adobe Stock)

Wichita named' allergy capital of nation' for 3rd straight year

With temperatures warming, allergy season is underway in Kansas and experts are offering tips on how to cope. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of …

The DTE Trenton Channel Energy Center is expected to store 220 megawatts, or 880 megawatt hours, of energy. (DTE Energy)

MI clean energy projects await clarity on federal tax credits

Trenton is set to become home to the region's largest battery storage facility but federal policy changes might change how it's funded. The DTE …

As states spend millions responding to natural disasters, New Mexico's proposed Community Benefit Fund could prove beneficial ahead of a new crisis. (MarthaMarks/Adobe Stock)

Climate change activists see hopeful signs in New Mexico's next state budget

New Mexico conservation advocates say the state's budget awaiting the governor's signature would make great strides in addressing climate change and p…

A McKinsey analysis suggested global demand for data-center capacity could rise at an annual rate of between 19% and 22% from 2023 to 2030 to reach an annual demand of 171 to 219 gigawatts. (Adobe Stock)

High-impact data centers could pose WV energy, environment threats

Large, energy-intense buildings used in Bitcoin mining, cloud computing and artificial intelligence data processing industries could become more …

The Little Village Environmental Justice Organization has become as much as a landmark to the community as the Little Village Arch and was awarded the national Food Sovereignty Prize in 2024. (City of Chicago 2021)

Chicago nonprofit transforms former toxic site to feed community

By Angela Burke for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pub…

Thousands of datasets from federal agency websites have been scrubbed since the new administration took office. (Adobe Stock)

Nonprofit races to save science, environmental-justice website data

As U.S. government website purges continue, one nonprofit is racing to track and save as much data as possible. The Open Environmental Data Project …

Smoke hovers above Los Angeles as seen on January 8, 2025, as a result of wildfires. (Zack Hughes)

Report: Wildfires inch closer to California health care facilities

Wildfires are creeping closer and closer to health care facilities in California, including hospitals and nursing homes, according to a new study…

Colorado is the nation's fourth-largest oil and gas producer and there are currently more than 46,000 active wells. (Adobe Stock)

New camera reveals, documents toxic oil and gas emissions

As oil and gas well sites pop up next to more Colorado neighborhoods, residents are gathering evidence to hold operators accountable for toxic …

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Public News Service (podcast)"
	"Hey Google, play the Public News Service podcast"
	"Alexa, play Public News Service podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the 2025 Talks podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the 2025 Talks podcast"
	"Alexa, play 2000 25 Talks podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Alexa, play the Yonder Report podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - May 12, 2025

2025Talks - May 12, 2025

The Yonder Report - May 8, 2025

Air Quality