Climate Change/Air Quality / Public News Service

Currently, New Mexico is one of the few Western states without a dedicated land and water conservation funding. (Don/AdobeStock)

Monday, February 6, 2023

NM Legislature Considers Dedicated Funding for Land, Water Conservation

As New Mexico recovers from its worst wildfire in history, lawmakers are considering a proposal to create the "Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund" to …

A University of Missouri Kansas City study in 2020 estimated that Kansas City's zero-fare program could increase regional gross domestic product by $13-$17 million. (Photo by B. Nenin/Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 6, 2023

Fare-Free Public Transit Benefits Kansas City Residents, Businesses

By Jared Brey for Governing.Broadcast version by Deborah Van Fleet for Missouri News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public New…

While the USDA recommends a diet of 50% fruits and vegetables, only 4% of farm subsidies support their production. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 6, 2023

Colorado Farmers Headed to Washington in Advance of Farm Bill

Farmers and ranchers from Colorado and across the U.S. are headed to Washington, D.C., this week in hopes of transforming the 2023 Farm Bill…

Michigan environmental activists have begun to focus on environmental justice issues in low-income communities that bear the brunt of industrial pollution and political indifference. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 6, 2023

Environmental Activists Adopt New Tactics to Battle Michigan Polluters

By Tom Perkins for Planet Detroit.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Michigan News Connection with support from the Solutions Journalism Network…

The renewable-energy industry is expected to create more than 9,800 clean-energy jobs over the next five years, according to the Clean Grid Alliance. (Franco Lucato/Adobe Stock)

Friday, February 3, 2023

Experts: Indiana Communities Can Benefit from Clean Power Grid

As the economy has changed with the pandemic in the past few years, Indiana's small communities have seen an exodus of jobs and people. However…

The Biochar Research Network Act would have set up as many as 20 biochar research facilities across the country. (K.salo.85/Wikimedia Commons)

Friday, February 3, 2023

Biochar's Rise on Farms Could Help Capture More Carbon

By Lisa Held for Civil Eats. Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Big Sky Connection, reporting for Civil Eats/Solutions Journalism/Public News …

Washington state will need to obtain energy from other states to meet its renewable energy goals. (William/Adobe Stock)

WA's Renewable Future Hinges on Building More Power Lines

Washington state is pursuing an aggressive climate plan to switch to renewable energy sources, but it faces one often overlooked issue: enough high-…

The Bonneville Power Administration has about 15,000 miles of transmission lines in the Northwest. (Cam/Adobe Stock)

Transmission Lines: Often Ignored, But Key to NW's Renewable Future

Oregon is pursuing an aggressive climate plan to switch to renewable energy sources, but it faces one often overlooked issue: enough high-voltage …

According to the U.S. Environmental Information Administration, Connecticut's 13 hydroelectric facilities generate around 120 megawatts of electricity. (Adobe Stock)

Connecticut Weighs Pros and Cons of Hydropower

While Connecticut elected officials want to import hydroelectric power from Canada, one group said the option would not be as environmentally …

According to a 2022 report from Generation 180, about 8,400 schools in the United States use solar power. They generate more than 1,600 megawatts of electricity. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed Bill Helps Schools Become Climate Friendly

Proposed legislation would help schools throughout Virginia adopt renewable energy. The bill would direct the Virginia Department of Energy and the …

In the Keystone State, it's estimated that somewhere between 100,000 and 560,000 oil and gas wells remain unaccounted for in state records. (DrewMauck/Adobe Stock)

PA Receives Federal Funds to Plug Abandoned Wells

New funds will help plug abandoned oil and gas wells in the Keystone State, and should boost the region's economy in the process. It is a big job…

Nearly half of all Hispanic-Americans live in counties that frequently violate ground-level ozone standards. (Adobe Stock)

Public Health Benefits of Limiting Oil, Gas Methane Pollution

The public has until February 13th to weigh in on new rules proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency to reduce methane pollution at oil and gas…

Storage batteries hidden behind this Bronzeville mural will be part of a microgrid system that will render the entire Chicago neighborhood energy-independent. (ComEd)

Chicago's Bronzeville Neighborhood Gets Its Own Power Microgrid

By Francesca Mathewes for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journal…

Anyone can get lung cancer from radon, including people who have never smoked. (Waseem Ali Khan/Adobe Stock)

NC Officials Encourage Testing for Radon

As January comes to a close so does Radon Action Month, but officials want North Carolinians to test for the poisonous gas this winter. Radon is a …

Wind power is the most productive renewable energy source in the U.S., generating nearly half of America's renewable energy, according to the World Economic Forum. (Adobe Stock)

IA Regulators Require Release of MidAmerican Wind Energy Studies

Environmental groups are pleased with an Iowa Utilities Board ruling that requires MidAmerican Energy to make planning studies public for its Iowa Win…

Exposure to methane from oil and gas wells is known to cause health problems, including asthma, along with higher rates of leukemia, lymphoma and cancer. (Cavan/Adobe Stock)

Stronger Federal Methane Rules Would Benefit NM Residents, But When?

New Mexico residents have two weeks to submit written comments to the Environmental Protection Agency about its proposal to implement stronger standar…

Youth climate councils have been established in cities including Portland and San Antonio. (Tamia Studio/Adobe Stock)

Youth Climate Councils Seek to Influence Local Governments

By Marianne Dhenin for Prism.Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Oregon News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News Se…

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs is working to identify cost-effective ways to ensure the state reduces greenhouse gas emissions by at least 85% by 2050 and achieves net-zero emissions. (Adobe Stock)

MA Leads Nation in 'Green' Building Development

Massachusetts ranks number one in the nation for "green" building development. The ranking is based on what's known as LEED certification, which is …

Research shows that cooking with natural gas can emit toxic fumes such as methane and nitrogen dioxide into the home and the atmosphere. (malkovkosta/Adobe Stock)

Consumer Warning on Gas Stove Emissions Sparks Controversy

The health risks associated with gas-burning stoves have caused a recent stir and fears of a government ban on the appliances, but a Michigan …

Last year saw the certification of LEED projects pass 100,000 globally. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Maryland Improves on Green Building Ranking

Maryland ranks fifth in the nation on a new report on green building in the U.S. The U.S. Green Building Council released its annual rankings of …

The U.S. oil and gas industry emits 16 million metric tons of methane annually, which has the same near-term climate impact as 350 coal-fired power plants, according to the Environmental Defense Fund. (Adobe Stock)

New EPA Rules Would Target Flaring at WV’s Oil, Gas Wells

Under proposed rules from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, oil and gas well operations across the nation would be required to strengthen …

Unburned gas from stoves and building pipelines collected in the greater Boston area contained twenty-one different hazardous air pollutants known as volatile organic compounds, including benzene, which increases risks for asthma, cancer, and other illnesses. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Ventilation Key to Reducing Health Risks from Gas-Burning Stoves

The health risks associated with gas-burning stoves have caused a recent stir and unfounded fears of a government ban on the appliances, but …

About 6% of all cars sold in the United States in 2022 were battery-electric powered, but officials say the number of EVs is expected to grow to 25% by 2030. (ake1150/Adobe Stock)

Report: EVs Could Impact Future Highway-Maintenance Funding

Most experts agree that putting more electric vehicles on the road is a positive step toward fighting climate change, but a new report warns that …

In addition to more than 100,000 active oil and gas well sites in the state, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has documented about 25,000 abandoned wells. (Bureau of Land Management)

EPA Seeks PA Comments on Stricter Methane Rules

Pennsylvania is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse-gas pollution in the U-S, and the Environmental Protection Agency wants input on a plan …

About 6% of all cars sold in the United States in 2021 were battery-electric powered, but officials say the number of EVs is expected to grow to 25% by 2030. (ARHIT/Adobe Stock)<br />

Report Examines EV Impacts on MI Highway Maintenance, Funding

Most experts agree putting more electric vehicles on the road is a major step toward fighting climate change, but a new report says states will also …

The top five states for green building in 2022 were Massachusetts, Illinois, New York, California and Maryland. Each state had more than 2 million square feet of green building space become LEED certified. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Ranks Among Top 10 States for Green Building

Virginia ranked eighth on a list of the top 10 states for green building. The report by the U.S. Green Building Council finds Virginia had 95 …

Federal agencies such as FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the EPA now offer guides on how communities can incorporate nature-based, green solutions. (clcwa.org)

TX Climate Change Mitigation Project Could Benefit Other Communities

By Katie Watkins for Houston Public Media.Broadcast version by Roz Brown for Texas News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public …

Green buildings are designed to reduce carbon footprints, and operational and maintenance costs, which boosts bottom lines for building owners and occupants. (Adobe Stock)

Building Construction in Colorado 7th Greenest in U.S.

Colorado ranks seventh nationally when it comes to addressing climate change in its building practices, according to the latest U.S. Green Building …

The new State Natural Resources Building in Sacramento earned the Platinum LEED Certification in 2022. (CA Natural Resources Agency)

California 4th in Nation for Green Buildings

California ranked fourth in the nation for green buildings for 2022 and has made the top 10 states for the tenth year in a row. The U.S. Green …

According to the Environmental Defense Fund, methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is more than 80 times more powerful than carbon dioxide, with methane from human sources driving roughly a third of current global warming. (Adobe Stock)

Utah Group Calls EPA Methane Rule Crucial for State's Overall Wellbeing

A Utah group was one of many who voiced its support during last week's Environmental Protection Agency public hearing on a proposed rule to reduce oil…

According to the World Economic Forum, green buildings can reduce a city's temperatures up to 2 degrees Celsius. (Adobe Stock)

NY Ranks 3rd on National Green Building List

New York ranked third on a list of the top 10 states for green buildings in the U.S. The report from the U.S. Green Building Council found 142 …

The top 10 states certified 1,225 projects and more than 353 million gross square feet of commercial space. (Kristina Blokhin/AdobeStock)

GA Ranks in Top 10 for Green Buildings

The Peach State made it onto the top 10 list of states focused on sustainable building practices, according to a new report. Georgia comes in at …

While the 2022 State of the Bay ranks at a 32 or a D+, it's the highest score since the report's inception. When the report first came about in 1998, the bay's health was at a 27. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Chesapeake Bay Needs Further Cleanup

A biennial report found the health of Chesapeake Bay is in poor condition. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation's 2022 State of the Bay report gives the …

In Oregon, 36 building projects were LEED-certified in 2022. (Tada Images/Adobe Stock)

Oregon Ranks in Top 10 for Green Buildings

Oregon is high on the list of states focused on sustainable building practices, according to a new report. The state comes in at number 10 in U.S…

Under Colorado's clean air law, major polluters including coal mines are required to obtain and comply with air pollution operating permits. (WildEarth Guardians)

Deadline for State to Act on Coal Mine Air Pollution Permit Back in Court

Environmental groups are headed back to court this Friday in hopes of setting a clear deadline for Gov. Jared Polis' administration to start reining …

The 50-story Trammel Crow Center in the downtown Dallas Arts District has received multiple green building certifications since it was completed in the 1980s. (dallaswartsdistrict.org)

TX Among Top 10 States for Green Building in 2022

The 2022 ranking of "green" buildings shows Texas in 9th place, demonstrating a commitment to LEED certification, according to the U.S. Green …

Today, 10% of land area on Earth is covered with glacial ice, including glaciers, ice caps and the ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica. These glacierized areas cover nearly 6 million square miles. (Adobe Stock)

UNE Researcher: Most Glaciers Gone by 2100

A study co-authored by a University of New England researcher finds the majority of the world's glaciers could disappear by the end of the century…

The Los Angeles City Council passed a resolution officially supporting legislation mandating 100% of vehicles sold in California be zero emission by 2030, helping ensure the need for more skilled workers in the field of electric vehicle manufacturing.(Adobe Stock)

Vehicle Electrification Creates Job Opportunities for Disadvantaged Workers

By Larry Buhl for Capital and Main.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for California News Service reporting for the Capital and Main-Public News Serv…

Crickets are now being used in some types of pet food as an alternative source of protein. (Adobe Stock)

Taking the 'Bark' Out of Carbon Emissions Linked to Pet Food Production

By Claire Elise Thompson for Grist.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Prairie News Service reporting for the Grist-Public News Service Collaboration …

Sunburned apples hurt their quality and can lead to a 40% yield loss. (Guzel/Adobe Stock)

Extreme Heat Prompts NW Farmers to Consider Climate-Change Mitigation

By Michael Crowe for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Washingon News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public N…

Soaring utility bills have been linked to an increase in natural-gas prices, costs which are passed along directly to consumers. (Adobe Stock)

Rising Utility Bills Unsustainable for Many Colorado Households

Experts are warning Colorado households utility bills currently making their way to mailboxes are likely to be even higher than the supersized bills p…

In October 2021, Nevada became the 16th state to adopt clean-car standards to provide consumers with more options for cost-saving and pollution-free light-duty cars, trucks and SUVs. (Adobe Stock)

New Laws Help NV Reach Clean-Energy Goals, Limit Air Pollution

Some Nevada laws going into effect this year aim to move the state's clean-energy goals forward and help reduce air pollution. Senate bill 448 aims …

Crickets are now being used in some types of pet food as an alternative source of protein. (Leekris/Adobe Stock)

Lowering Your Dog's Carbon Pawprint with Insect-based Food

By Claire Elise Thompson for Grist.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Grist-Public News Service Collabo…

New York is the sixth state to approve legislation for natural composting. It joins California, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont and Washington in doing so. (Adobe Stock)

NY Law Allows for End-of-Life Natural Composting

New York is the sixth state to approve legislation for what's known as natural composting. Natural composting is when, after death, a body is put …

The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that in 2021, diesel fuel consumption spewed about 472 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. (Adobe Stock)<br />

North Carolina Seeks Input from Residents on Advanced Clean Trucks Rule

North Carolina's Department of Environmental Quality hosts a virtual public information session today on changes the state is considering to boost the…

A Yale University study showed a majority of Americans (64%) said they are at least

Indiana Schools Adding Climate Change Studies to Science Curriculum

Major changes are coming to Indiana schools, as state educators are adding a new climate change curriculum to science classes. New state science …

Evanston�s Historic Roundhouse and Railyards, constructed by Union Pacific Railroad in 1912-1914, was refurbished by the city in 2009 as a public facility. (Mary Humstone)

Historic Restoration Called More Sustainable Than New Construction

A changing climate is prompting many developers to consider how their work can be more sustainable, and how they can produce housing, retail and …

One of the benefits of silvopasturing is to relieve grazing animals, such as cattle, from the perils of heat stress. (UllrichG/Adobe Stock)

Farmers Mix Trees, Crops, Livestock to Fight Climate Change

By Caroline Miller for Great Lakes Echo. Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Michigan News Service, reporting for Solutions Journalism/Public …

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