Environment / Public News Service

New Mexico's peak fire season is still a week away, but firefighters already are working round-the-clock shifts to battle blazes in the southern part of the state. (swfireconsortium.org)

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Forest fires in Southwest NM force evacuations, emergency orders

Forest fires have broken out in parts of New Mexico that state forecasters had already warned would see an elevated wildfire risk this summer due to h…

By 2030, Iowa would see a decline of nearly half a gigawatt of wind energy generation as the result of a proposed restructuring of the tax incentives in the federal budget reconciliation bill, according to Energy Innovation. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Iowa alternative energy sector stands to lose tax incentives in budget bill

Iowa stands to lose tax incentives created in the Inflation Reduction Act which have helped the state invest in alternative energy and manufacturing j…

Shipping pollution also contributes to cardiovascular health issues and cancer in port communities. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Advocate: Shore powered cargo ships help ocean, port community health

June is World Oceans Month, and advocates are warning that industrial shipping pollution hurts both oceans and port communities. At least 31 …

Across the U.S., solar capacity jumped 51% in 2023, reaching a record 32.4 gigawatts added, making up 53% of new grid capacity. (wjarek/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Federal bill would dim rooftop solar’s future, says Michigan CEO

A federal proposal moving through Congress could stall Michigan's booming rooftop solar industry by ending key tax credits that have fueled clean ener…

Lawmakers have recently introduced legislation to compensate chicken farmers more fairly as they work to contain avian flu. (Nipawan/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Trump’s plan to lower egg prices, explained

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabor…

The majority of Alaska's energy producers are small, municipally owned companies and did not qualify for most energy tax credits before the Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022. (Adobe Stock/AI)

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Big budget bill would roll back tax credits for AK power co-ops

Energy experts said cuts proposed for renewable energy tax credits in President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" could be a significant blo…

Nutrient management planning has been around for more than 30 years, traditionally developed for farmers by private sector farm co-ops and agronomists. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

WI farmer education collab helps save money, environment

A joint effort is helping Wisconsin farmers protect water quality in their communities by learning more about how to prevent manure and fertilizer spi…

According to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, more than 500,000 Hoosiers work in manufacturing, a sector increasingly dependent on affordable, renewable energy to stay competitive. (Adobe stock)

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Proposed budget could drive up Indiana power bills

Indiana's economy could take a major hit under the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," now advancing in Congress. Michael Hicks, director of the Center …

Veterinarians said when there is a bout of unhealthy air from wildfire smoke and you have to get your pet some outside time, mornings are best when the weather is cooler. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Protecting furry friends from wildfire smoke

Minnesota's transition to the warmer months has been rough when factoring in air quality. Just like in 2023, there are occasional bouts of unhealthy …

Fluoridation of drinking water has been considered one of the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Despite known Iowa nitrate risks, EPA focuses on fluoride

By Gabriella Sotelo for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Iowa News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration T…

Almost 33% of Nevada's electricity is solar power, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. (Dominic Gentilcore/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

NV solar business surges as federal tax-credit uncertainty looms

A Nevada business said it is seeing a surge in the number of people interested in installing solar panels on homes and businesses as uncertainty grows…

Helper, Utah, is a historic coal mining and railroad town in Carbon County. (Sue Smith/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Rural Utah mayor advocates for clean energy tax credits

The mayor of a rural Utah town said the clean energy investments and tax credits created by the Inflation Reduction Act are helping drive economic gro…

Christina Eastman, a fifth-generation farmer who is a co-founder of Farmers Against Foster Farms. Her farm is located next to a proposed CAFO site which has now been blocked. (Kendra Kimbirauskas)

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

OR farmers block construction of new factory farm

By Nina B. Elkadi for Sentient Climate.Broadcast version by Isobel Charle for Oregon News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service …

In Fiscal Year 2024, Ohio's state-funded food programs created or sustained 292 jobs, supported $11.3 million in income and generated $38.4 million in economic output. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Ohio foodbanks: Funding needed for fresh food with local roots

Ohio food banks are urging state lawmakers to approve what they said is a modest budget increase needed to get more fresh, local produce into the …

Under President Donald Trump's budget proposal, Kansas agriculture could lose billions of dollars in renewable energy investments if demand for clean energy declines. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, June 16, 2025

'One Big, Beautiful Bill Act' could hike KS energy bills, cost thousands of jobs

An analysis of President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" revealed the measure would increase energy costs, reduce jobs and harm the …

Most U.S. states have CAFOs, typically ranging from 100 to 1,000 animals, although a few have fewer than 10. (Lost_in_the_Midwest/Adobe Stock)

Monday, June 16, 2025

CAFO v. factory farm: What’s the difference?

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Missouri News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborat…

According to a 2023 report, more than one-third of all foreign tourists traveling to the United States, or 14 million people annually, visit a national park site like Wyoming's Yellowstone. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, June 16, 2025

Report: Fee hike for international visitors could pay dividends for national parks

International tourists visiting U.S. national parks may pay more at the gate starting next year. Advocates have called it a "common-sense policy" …

Monday, June 16, 2025

Iowa judge rules in favor of 'Swampbuster' conservation protection measure

A District Court judge in Iowa has ruled in favor of an effort to protect the state's wetlands. The legal move protects a key environmental …

Ohio has more than 74,500 farms, about half of which have livestock and the industry provides one of seven jobs in the state, according to the Ohio Livestock Association. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, June 16, 2025

OH farmers consider adopting 'regenerative agriculture' practices

By Jessica Scott-Reid for Sentient.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboratio…

The Environmental Protection Agency said in 2021, U.S. landfills released 3.7 million metric tons of methane. It is the equivalent of 295 million metric tons of greenhouse gases when you count how strong methane is over 20 years. (kaliantye/Adobe Stock)

Monday, June 16, 2025

Methane detection study could aid Michigan’s landfill challenges

As Michigan faces growing concerns over landfill emissions, researchers have launched the third phase of a major methane detection study which could …

The Pennsylvania Eddystone Generating Station oil and gas power plant near Philadelphia will stay open past its planned shutdown after a last-minute Trump administration order halted its closure. (Dossy/AdobeStock)

Monday, June 16, 2025

Critics: Rollback of Biden-era climate rules could harm PA health, environment

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to roll back Biden-era limits on greenhouse gas emissions from coal and natural gas power plants…

The Kickapoo River carries water to the Gulf of Mexico where contaminants like manure contribute to an oxygen-depleted area known as the

Monday, June 16, 2025

8-mile manure spill in Monroe County kills hundreds of fish

By Nina B. Elkadi for Sentient.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service …

The cost of replacing pipes is more than double the cost to electrify a home, at $35,000 compared to $16,300. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, June 16, 2025

Gas company criticized for slow projects in MD, Washington D.C.

As Washington D.C.'s sole gas company continues a multi-billion dollar, 40-year project to replace methane pipes, clean energy advocates argue the …

The nonpartisan think tank Energy Innovation finds current language in the House budget reconciliation bill would shrink annual GDP in South Dakota by $24 million in 2030 and $50 million in 2035. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Monday, June 16, 2025

House reconciliation bill risks job losses, higher energy bills in SD

A new analysis of what Congressional lawmakers have dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act found it would eliminate thousands of jobs in South Dakota a…

The old-growth forest-dwelling Pine Marten is one of hundreds of species in Oregon in need of habitat protection to avoid becoming endangered. (Wikimedia Commons)

Monday, June 16, 2025

Conservationists pin hopes on OR's ‘1% for Wildlife’ bill

In the last few weeks of the Oregon Legislative Session, wildlife advocates say the state has an opportunity to make needed progress in conservation …

Upgrades to the Arkansas Water Plan include structural analysis of flood mitigation infrastructure and programs, and proposed solutions to reduce the impacts of flooding. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, June 16, 2025

Funding approved for AR water projects

Arkansas lawmakers passed several bills during this year's legislative session to upgrade and improve the state's water and wastewater systems…

The average cost for a gallon of regular gas is about $3.24 in Pennsylvania, according to AAA. (Dusan Petkovic/AdobeStock)

Survey: Gasoline burden highest among Black and Latino drivers in PA

As federal electric vehicle incentives face potential rollbacks, a new study highlighted the burden of gasoline costs on Black and Latino …

A single Abercrombie dairy facility will house 12,500 cows. Combined with the planned 25,000-cow Herberg site, these two operations will generate manure equivalent to that of a city of 1.5 million. (Adobe Stock)

ND mega-dairies draw criticism at Winnipeg news conference

North Dakota is facing growing opposition to two massive dairy operations planned near the Red River. Environmental advocates say the projects could …

California law bans unnecessary animal suffering but enforcement is rare in large-scale factory farms.(Adobe Stock)

Cal student faces prison for rescuing chickens

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for California News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabora…

Sensitive areas such as San Diego's Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve are experiencing impacts from degraded water quality and sea level rise. (Nancy D. Regan/Flickr)

CA Ocean Protection Council adopts roadmap to protect 30% of waters by 2030

California took a big step Tuesday toward the goal of conserving 30% of land and waters by 2030. The Ocean Protection Council adopted a roadmap to …

The temporary permitting process at Hobbs State Park includes specific collection zones, boundaries and safety requirements. Only dead trees impacted by the 2024 storm may be removed. (Kit Leong/Adobe Stock)

Firewood permits available for Arkansas' Hobbs Park

As the cleanup effort continues at Hobbs State Park Conservation Area in Rogers, officials with Arkansas State Parks have authorized a temporary …

Compostable packaging made from seaweed or food waste is a more sustainable alternative to plastic wrappers and foam. (Sway)

CA makers of compostable packaging call for state, federal policy changes

California companies making compostable packaging materials said their products could make a huge dent in the problem of plastic pollution but only wi…

The E-Wolf is the state's first zero-emission ferry, operating out of San Diego. (Pacific Environment)

During World Oceans Month, California leads the way in clean shipping

June is World Oceans Month and California environmental groups are highlighting advances in zero-emission shipping. International shipping emits …

Buried food and yard waste break down without oxygen and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas (likstudio/Adobe Stock)

County leader working to change the way Michigan handles trash

By Nina Misuraca Ignaczak for Planet Detroit.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection for the Planet Detroit-Public News Servi…

It is estimated 250,000 workers in New Mexico will endure the summer without any protection rules from heat Illness or injury. (RCP/Adobe Stock)

Another summer without heat-protection rules for NM's outdoor workers

A New Mexico coalition is stressing an urgent need for the state to adopt the strongest possible heat risk standards for indoor and outdoor workers…

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is partnering with three area colleges to offer a free workshop series on energy costs and reduction through June. (Ameresco)

Southwest WI a hotbed for clean energy

Southwest Wisconsin is seeing a surge in clean energy, emerging as a hotbed for large-scale renewable projects proponents said are economically …

Ohio imposes a $200 annual registration fee on electric vehicles, exceeding the standard fee for gasoline-powered cars. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio EV fans concerned as federal tax credits face elimination

One thing prompting some Ohioans to make the switch to an electric vehicle has been a $7,500 federal tax credit for the purchase but it might be going…

Climate researchers said healthy grasslands serve as a

Dissecting MN's budget for climate change fighting funds

Minnesota lawmakers are scheduled to be in special session Monday in hopes of adopting final budget agreements for 2026 and advocates said there are b…

Mountain lions and wolves have increasingly come into conflict with humans and livestock in California in recent years, resulting in calls to address the problem. (Vadosloginov/Adobe Stock)

Experts examine ethics of lethal animal population control in CA

By Amy McDermott for the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for…

A new study found 21 million Americans are considered

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Study: Hispanic and Black gasoline 'superusers' could see savings with an EV

A new study showed the top 10% of drivers by gas consumption, otherwise known as "superusers," use 35% of the gas supply. It found the cost of gas …

According to the US Energy Information Administration, Michigan ranks 10th among the states in total population and total energy consumption. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: Michiganders could pay millions to support outdated coal plant

Michigan taxpayers may end up footing the bill to keep an aging coal plant open. The J.H. Campbell plant was scheduled to close on May 31, but a …

Nearly 150 of New Mexico's 500 bird species are in need of conservation, according to the draft 2025 New Mexico State Wildlife Action Plan. (spatesphoto/Adobe Stock)

Final day to comment on NM's State Wildlife Action Plan

New Mexico residents have until the end of today to comment on a draft of the new State Wildlife Action Plan. It identifies more than 500 species …

Small businesses line Main Street in downtown Whitesburg, Ky. (Adobe Stock)

Disaster recovery workshops slated for eastern KY small business owners

As eastern Kentucky communities attempt to bounce back from a string of natural disasters, more small businesses are struggling to get back on their …

New Mexico's Bandelier National Monument, where many of its Ancestral Pueblo structures date back to 1150 and 1600, is the oldest in the state, designated in 1916. (recreation.gov)

Las Cruces, Taos host rallies in support of national monuments, public lands

New Mexicans will gather in Las Cruces, Taos and other locations tomorrow for a day of action to defend national monuments and public lands. The …

In Pennsylvania, federal Inflation Reduction Act investments allow homeowners to get a 30% tax credit for installing cleaner energy systems like rooftop solar, wind, geothermal or battery storage. (anatoliy_gleb/Adobe Stock)

PA groups urge Senate to protect clean energy tax incentives

Pennsylvania's U.S. Senators are being asked to do what they can to safeguard federal clean energy tax credits, which are on the chopping block in …

An aerial view shows the Mississippi River as it snakes through farmlands in Louisiana. The group American Rivers has just named it the nation's

Mississippi River tops 'most endangered' list amid FEMA uncertainty

The Mississippi River tops a new list of America's most endangered rivers, in part because federal officials propose shifting flood disaster costs to …

The average cost for a gallon of regular gas is about $3 in Wisconsin. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Blacks, Latinos disproportionately burdened by gas costs

As federal electric vehicle incentives face potential rollbacks, a new study is highlighting the burden of gasoline costs on Black and Latino drivers …

There are currently some 15,000 producing oil and gas wells in Weld County, not counting shut-in wells and temporarily plugged and abandoned wells. (Adobe Stock)

New alert system brings oil and gas spill data directly to Colorado residents

Over the past 12 months, 884 oil and gas spills were reported near homes in Greeley, Fort Lupton, Kersey, La Salle and Platteville, according to …

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Environment

Forest fires in Southwest NM force evacuations, emergency orders

Iowa alternative energy sector stands to lose tax incentives in budget bill

Advocate: Shore powered cargo ships help ocean, port community health

Federal bill would dim rooftop solar’s future, says Michigan CEO

Trump’s plan to lower egg prices, explained

Big budget bill would roll back tax credits for AK power co-ops

WI farmer education collab helps save money, environment

Proposed budget could drive up Indiana power bills

Protecting furry friends from wildfire smoke

Despite known Iowa nitrate risks, EPA focuses on fluoride

NV solar business surges as federal tax-credit uncertainty looms

Rural Utah mayor advocates for clean energy tax credits

OR farmers block construction of new factory farm

Ohio foodbanks: Funding needed for fresh food with local roots

'One Big, Beautiful Bill Act' could hike KS energy bills, cost thousands of jobs

CAFO v. factory farm: What’s the difference?

Report: Fee hike for international visitors could pay dividends for national parks

Iowa judge rules in favor of 'Swampbuster' conservation protection measure

OH farmers consider adopting 'regenerative agriculture' practices

Methane detection study could aid Michigan’s landfill challenges

Critics: Rollback of Biden-era climate rules could harm PA health, environment

8-mile manure spill in Monroe County kills hundreds of fish

Gas company criticized for slow projects in MD, Washington D.C.

House reconciliation bill risks job losses, higher energy bills in SD

Conservationists pin hopes on OR's ‘1% for Wildlife’ bill

Funding approved for AR water projects

Survey: Gasoline burden highest among Black and Latino drivers in PA

ND mega-dairies draw criticism at Winnipeg news conference

Cal student faces prison for rescuing chickens

CA Ocean Protection Council adopts roadmap to protect 30% of waters by 2030

Firewood permits available for Arkansas' Hobbs Park

CA makers of compostable packaging call for state, federal policy changes

During World Oceans Month, California leads the way in clean shipping

County leader working to change the way Michigan handles trash

Another summer without heat-protection rules for NM's outdoor workers

Southwest WI a hotbed for clean energy

Ohio EV fans concerned as federal tax credits face elimination

Dissecting MN's budget for climate change fighting funds

Experts examine ethics of lethal animal population control in CA

Study: Hispanic and Black gasoline 'superusers' could see savings with an EV

Expert: Michiganders could pay millions to support outdated coal plant

Final day to comment on NM's State Wildlife Action Plan

Disaster recovery workshops slated for eastern KY small business owners

Las Cruces, Taos host rallies in support of national monuments, public lands

PA groups urge Senate to protect clean energy tax incentives

Mississippi River tops 'most endangered' list amid FEMA uncertainty

Study: Blacks, Latinos disproportionately burdened by gas costs

New alert system brings oil and gas spill data directly to Colorado residents