Climate Change/Air Quality / Public News Service

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)

Monday, April 28, 2025

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…

The United States has announced investments of more than $150 billion in electric vehicle manufacturing and charging infrastructure since 2021, contributing to a 40% increase in EV sales in 2022, according to the Department of Energy. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 28, 2025

Ohio's EV progress at risk as Congress considers emissions rollback

Congress is preparing to vote Wednesday on whether to roll back Ohio's authority to set tougher vehicle emissions standards. New research from …

Ohio's tomato growers harvest more than 300,000 tons annually. It is a crop heavily dependent on preserved genetic traits for disease resistance and shelf life. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, April 25, 2025

Ohio crops at risk as federal cuts disrupt seed preservation

A little-known federal program has quietly safeguarded the crops feeding the nation, including key Ohio staples like soybeans, tomatoes, corn and …

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…

From 2021 to 2022, the Department of Energy tripled its funding for agrivoltaics, including $8 million for a new program studying how solar panels can benefit farmers and rural areas. (pkproject/Adobe Stock)

Michigan State University study: Crops and solar panels can coexist

Results of a new study from Michigan State University suggest farmers no longer have to choose between growing crops and harnessing solar power…

Conservation voices said when European settlers first arrived in South Dakota, 96% of the state was grassland but today only around 50% of the original native grasslands remain. (Adobe Stock)

SD grassland enthusiasts hope for a native plant rebirth

April is National Native Plant Month, an observance at the core of South Dakota's identity. People wanting to protect the state's beloved grasslands …

Advocates are asking lawmakers to honor Earth Day by supporting a bill to require oil and gas companies to contribute to a fund to fight climate change. (Rangizz/Adobe Stock)

This Earth Day, elected officials promote CA bill to 'make polluters pay'

As of today, Earth Day, more than 50 elected officials have signed a letter urging lawmakers to make oil and gas companies bear the cost of climate …

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 …

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., has said the potential moves by President Donald Trump to strip tax-exempt status from environmental organizations would violate due process. (Adobe Stock)

An Earth Day twist: Trump could 'target' climate nonprofits

Earth Day is usually cause for celebration by nonprofit groups working to reduce the effects of climate change but this year, they are speaking out …

More than 44,000 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations operate in the Commonwealth of Virginia. (Adobe Stock)

VA nonprofits, lawmakers oppose revoking climate groups' tax-exempt status

Lawmakers and climate change activists are speaking out against a rumored executive action by President Donald Trump to revoke tax-exempt statuses fro…

California is considering a bill to study the cost to taxpayers of climate-related disasters. Similar measures have already passed in New York and Vermont. (Strikernia/Adobe Stock)

CA lawmakers consider charging oil companies for climate-related damage

The "Make Polluters Pay Superfund" bill goes before the California Assembly Natural Resources Committee Monday. The bill would direct the California …

In 1997, more than 73 million tons of bituminous coal were mined in Pennsylvania, with over 75% coming from underground mines. (creativenature.nl/Adobe Stock)

As Trump backs PA coal revival, critics say it's unlikely

The decades-long decline of Pennsylvania's coal industry could shift in another direction after a series of executive orders by President Donald Trump…

Despite some headwinds, a new analysis says Minnesota's clean energy sector remains on solid footing, with carbon emissions in the state reaching a record low in 2024. (Adobe Stock)

Report: More MN electricity is clean and homegrown

Minnesota is becoming less reliant on energy imports to power up homes and businesses. That's a key finding in the latest summary of contributions …

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 …

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 …

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.…

Colorado forests have not seen below-average winter temperatures in more than three decades, and four of the last five years have brought below-average precipitation. (Adobe Stock)

Drought, warmer winters make CO forests 'beetle buffet'

Warmer winters and prolonged drought have turned Colorado forests into a budworm and beetle buffet, according to a new report from Colorado State …

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 …

The wind industry alone brings almost 17.8-billion-dollars in investments to Illinois, currently powering almost 13 percent of the state's electricity needs. (Adobe Stock)

IL hopes to continue clean energy boom with new bill

As Illinois forges ahead in the clean energy space, legislators and advocates are pushing for what would be the third major climate bill passed in …

The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and will last through the end of November. (Pixabay)

FEMA grant cancellations spark FL outcry as hurricane season looms

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has abruptly ended a key disaster-preparedness program, sparking concerns as another active hurricane season …

The Trump administration says it will halt distribution of $750 million that had been awarded to communities for natural disaster recovery and planning this year. (Shutter Falcon)<br />

Disaster resilience programs across CA frozen as feds cancel grants

Dozens of disaster preparedness projects across California will be interrupted or canceled because the Trump administration is canceling a grant progr…

Scientists warn removing access to federal climate data limits support for communities most at risk in a changing climate, and hides the effects already being felt from wildfires, prolonged drought and extreme flooding. (Adobe Stock)

Scientists race to rescue taxpayer-funded data purged from websites

As the Trump administration continues to purge troves of information related to climate change and other topics from government websites, a coalition …

Flooding in Frankfort almost reaches a basketball net Sunday as the Kentucky River is expected to keep rising. (Liam Niemeyer/Kentucky Lantern)<br />

Flooding inundates Kentucky communities

Frankfort is one of a number of communities across Kentucky grappling with a deluge of flash flooding from torrential rainfall over the past several d…

In the Biden administration's final year, the USDA and EPA reaffirmed a goal to halve food waste by 2030 but supermarkets are not legally required to comply. Retailers can help by donating unsold food and educating consumers on cutting waste at home. (lado2016/Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: Major supermarkets fail to cut food-related methane emissions

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Tennessee News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborati…

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 …

Supporters of the pause have said it would not affect the number of electric vehicles sold in Maryland. (Adobe Stock)

MD automakers, health groups rally against delay in vehicle pollution standards

A bill would effectively delay implementation of clean car and truck programs in Maryland, but electric-vehicle manufacturers and health groups are …

The Comanche 3 power plant's connection to the power grid would allow a new wind and solar

Report: Comanche 3 'energy park' could add $40M to Pueblo tax base

The Comanche 3 coal-fired power plant in Pueblo, Colo., is set to close in just six years -- and community leaders, regulators, and Xcel are …

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…

According to an analysis by Energy Innovation, energy consumption could more than double by 2030. (vchalup/Adobe Stock)

Analysis: Repealing clean energy tax credits could raise energy costs in MI, U.S.

A new analysis from the think tank Energy Innovation warned repealing clean energy tax credits could significantly increase energy costs in Michigan a…

'The Visioneers': FL innovators lead climate solutions in new CBS series

A group of Florida middle schoolers is tackling water pollution in an unconventional way - by collecting scientific samples while surfing and skateboa…

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 …

In 2024, according to American Clean Power, the renewable-energy industry in South Dakota had a workforce of 2,700 people. (Adobe Stock)

For SD, wind energy means jobs, not just spinning turbines

South Dakota's new governor is making an active pitch regarding economic opportunities for the state. The renewable-energy sector said it continues …

Even though policymakers and utilities are increasingly focused on reducing the impacts of climate change, education experts say a standard curriculum on this topic hasn't really resonated at the school level. (Adobe Stock)

MN youth: Courting the facts could set the stage for climate action

The U.S. Supreme Court this month declined to hear a case brought by youth activists, who argued the federal government has failed to protect them …

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…

The Assessment found droughts from the last year impacted Western Washington the most, where reports noted lower flows from natural springs and water-stressed trees. (Sam Judy/Adobe Stock)

New data detail WA's water year

The Pacific Northwest Water Year Impacts Assessment, an important resource for managing drought and other climate extremes, was published today…

The findings of a study on farmer's reactions to drought conditions will provide valuable insights to help shape more sustainable agricultural practices and water conservation strategies. (Bits and Splits/Adobe Stock)

Grant money used to study drought practices of AR farmers

Students and professors at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock are studying farmer's reactions to drought conditions. The university received a …

Red flag warnings and fire weather watches are the two main types of fire alerts the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association issues. (Adobe Stock)

NOAA staff cuts could affect Colorado wildfire, avalanche, flash flood warnings

Meteorologists are warning cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will threaten Americans' safety, especially in states like …

An artist's rendering of a pilot canal project under construction in the Central Valley city of Turlock. (Solar AquaGrid)

Seven major universities to study feasibility of solar panels on CA canals

The feasibility of putting solar panels over the state's network of canals is the topic of a big new research project, co-led by the University of …

A recent study UCLA study found vegetation near the Palisades and Eaton fires was 25% drier than normal because of climate change. (Neil/Adobe Stock)

Two CA bills seek to charge oil and gas companies for climate change

Insurance rates are rising quickly in California because of fires and floods linked to climate change and now, two new bills in Sacramento seek to …

Some 21 Republican members of Congress, including several from California, recently wrote to House Speaker Mike Johnson in favor of preserving federal tax breaks for clean energy. (Patrick Jennings/Adobe Stock)

Report: Repealing Inflation Reduction Act would raise CA energy bills

A new report from the think tank Energy Innovation showed if the Inflation Reduction Act is repealed, Californians would pay $60 more a year for …

The Trump administration is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse a ruling ordering the rehiring of thousands of federal workers, including in the Environmental Protection Agency. (Adobe Stock)

EPA workers in Chicago protest cuts to agency

Nearly 100 probationary workers for the Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago have had their jobs cut and then reinstated in the last month…

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 …

Past legislation, like the Promoting Offshore Wind Energy Resources Act, has pushed Maryland toward its clean energy goals of 8.5 gigawatts of wind energy production in the next few years. (Adobe Stock)

Maryland doubles down on clean energy, despite Trump policies

As President Donald Trump rolls back clean energy initiatives at the federal level, states like Maryland are pushing ahead with their own energy …

Eighteen states currently have guidelines for, or a directive to develop, a statewide climate resilience plan to protect and recover from extreme weather events like wildfires. (khomlyak/Adobe Stock)

New research to measure WA's climate resilience

In the face of the severe effects of climate change across the country, new research offers a framework for how to measure Washington's climate …

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 enables tax-exempt school districts to receive IRS elective payments covering 30% of project costs, plus potential bonuses. (anatoliy_gleb/Adobe Stock)

PA works to counter Trump clean energy rollbacks

The Trump administration's rollback of clean energy progress and climate science is eliciting a strong response from Pennsylvania. Gov. Josh …

New Mexico's highways are hazardous when dust storms called

NOAA employee cuts could curb forecasts of NM 'haboobs'

One of many federal agencies facing cuts by the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adm…

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