Environment / Public News Service

The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) decided not to act to change the state's net-metering rule at its Sept. 17, 2020, workshop on Customer-Owned Renewable Generation. (mrganso/Pixabay)

Friday, July 30, 2021

Report: Power Companies Block Rooftop Solar Growth in FL, US

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A new report shows an effort by investor-owned utilities in the Sunshine State to block the growth of rooftop solar. The …

Resource Institute and partners recently restored a portion of Big Elkin Creek in Surry County to improve habitat and downstream water quality.(Resource Institute)

Thursday, July 29, 2021

NC Community Tackles Erosion, Sediment Issues in Water Supply

ELKIN, N.C. -- Surry and Wilkes County residents will have cleaner water with less pollution and less sediment, thanks to a recently completed stream …

A recent report shows PFAS levels greater than the EPA health advisory level in water treatment plants for Westminster and Hampstead, Md. (Adobe stock)

Thursday, July 29, 2021

U.S. Bill on Toxic "Forever Chemicals" Could Help Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- A bill to tackle contamination from so-called "forever chemicals" known as Perfluorinated and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) is …

The 2017 4th National Climate Assessment project concluded that, for the 83% of Americans who live in cities, the experience of extreme heat can vary across neighborhoods by as much as 20 degrees. (avMachine713/Pixabay)

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Houston Site of Study on Extreme Heat Risk in Coastal Communities

HOUSTON - Cities in the southern United States, especially large urban communities along the coasts, are facing extreme heat attributable to climate …

A white paper from ReImagine Appalachia estimates that reforestation of mountaintop removal sites could absorb 8% to 10% of carbon emissions in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia. It's the type of project a new CCC could take on. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Casey's Civilian Conservation Corps Could Help Fight Climate Change

HARRISBURG, Pa. - U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., wants to bring back the Civilian Conservation Corps, a public-works program from the 1930s that created …

If passed, New York could become the third state in the country to amend its state Constitution to guarantee that "each person shall have a right to clean air and water, and a healthful environment." (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Push is On for NY to Add Environmental Rights to State Constitution

ALBANY, N.Y. - A ballot measure could give New York residents the constitutional right to a healthy environment, and on Tuesday a group of state …

Before Mackinaw City, the Red Road to DC Project stopped in Idaho, Utah, New Mexico, South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota. (House of Tears Carvers)

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

'Red Road to DC' Project: Protect Sacred Lands from Resource Extraction

MACKINAW CITY, Mich. -- A group of artisans from Lummi Nation is carrying a 25-foot carved totem pole from Washington state to Washington, D.C.…

Pennsylvania's parks and recreation economy provides an estimated $1.9 billion annually in state and local tax revenue. (Adobe Stock)

PA Mayors Call on Congress to Pass Parks, Jobs & Equity Act

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- A petition signed by 19 mayors from across Pennsylvania urges the state's congressional delegation to pass the Parks, Jobs…

There are no state or federal regulations for toxic PFAS chemicals found in drinking water. (AdobeStock)

Monday, July 26, 2021

Congress Takes Action on Toxic "Forever Chemicals"

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A bill to tackle contamination from so-called "forever chemicals" known as Perfluorinated and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) is …

A proposal for a federal plan to convert 30 million homes to rooftop solar over the next five years would bring thousands of new jobs and lower energy bills to Arizona. (Zstock/Adobe Stock)

Plan to Convert 1 in 4 AZ Homes to Solar Would Bring Jobs, Lower Bills

TEMPE, Ariz. -- A new report shows federal investment to help convert 30 million homes to distributed solar power could mean big energy savings and …

With federal support, Colorado could increase its solar housing stock by more than 440,000, according to the 30 Million Solar Homes report. (Adobe Stock)

Report: More Solar Investment Could Transform CO Economy

CRAIG, Colo. -- What would it look like if one in four households in the country was solar-powered? A new report from the "30 Million Solar Homes" …

The Gila monster is listed as a protected species in Nevada. Wildlife officials would like to boost its population by importing lizards from Utah.(Josh Olander/Wikimedia Commons)

New Bill Would Help Save Bighorn Sheep, Golden Eagles

CARSON CITY, Nev. - A bill just introduced in the U.S, Senate would help thousands of species stay off the Endangered Species List - including …

Because of river-flow reductions and habitat alteration and loss, the southwestern willow flycatcher teeters on the brink of extinction. (eBIrd.org)

Saving America's Wildlife Earns Bipartisan Support

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Wildlife experts say about one third of all wildlife species in the U.S. are in decline or vulnerable - which makes revived …

Effects of Oregon's Bootleg Fire stretch all the way to the East Coast, with smoke carried thousands of miles by high-level winds.(Clandestino/Pixabay)

Experts: More Logging Won't Stop Oregon's Wildfires

PORTLAND, Ore. -- As the Bootleg fire burns in southern Oregon, the U.S. Senate is considering an infrastructure package that environmental …

A new report finds programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Weatherization Assistance Program could eventually transform energy-bill assistance into self-reliance through investments in local solar energy. (Adobe Stock)

Report: 30M Solar Homes Could Boost Jobs, Benefit Environment

HARRISBURG, Pa. - With federal investment, a proposal to connect 30 million homes in the United States to solar energy could have a big impact in …

Almost 190 miles of wall on the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona were built before President Joe Biden called a halt to construction earlier this year. (Elizabeth/Adobe Stock)

Border Map Shows Wall Construction Damages Landscape, Migration Routes

TUCSON, Ariz. - A newly released map identifies portions of the U.S.-Mexico border wall built by the Trump administration, and many conservation …

Reports suggest state and local municipalities can enact policies to keep more money in local economies and reduce damage to health and quality of life, in the wake of the natural-gas boom. (Adobe Stock)

Reports: What PA, Appalachia Can Learn from Natural Gas Boom's Failure

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- A new report demonstrates why the last decade's natural-gas boom in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia fell below expectations …

Nearly 6% of workers telecommuted in 2018, up from 2% in 1980, according to a New York Times report. Researchers project that 20% of work will be done from home post-COVID. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for Colorado Companies to Reduce Air Pollution Post-COVID

DENVER -- As offices and businesses begin to open their doors after COVID-19 shutdowns, a new guidebook offers ways for CEOs and other commuters to …

A class of toxic chemicals known as PFAS have been used in products such as firefighting foam. (Adobe Stock)

Bill Could Restrict WI Cities From Suing Over 'Forever Chemicals'

MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin policymakers are looking to provide more aid to towns and cities faced with contamination cleanup of so-called "forever …

Churches and community groups are organizing dozens of events this week in California to promote outdoor recreation for all. (Hispanic Access Foundation)

Latino Conservation Week Draws Families Across State

LOS ANGELES -- This week is the eighth annual Latino Conservation Week, sponsored by the Hispanic Access Foundation, with more than 150 events taking …

If New Mexico opts into Advanced Clean Car standards, it will join Colorado, Nevada and 15 other states. (swenergy.org)

NM Coalition Makes Speedier Push for Electric Vehicles

SANTA FE, N.M. -- New Mexicans who want to impact climate change by driving an electric vehicle have several roadblocks, and they won't end soon if …

By 2050, South Dakota could see a 75% increase in the severity of widespread summer drought conditions. (Adobe Stock)

Meteorologists: Hot, Dry Weather Not a Fluke

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Much of South Dakota will see a familiar weather pattern this week: very hot temperatures and little precipitation. With more …

About 39 miles of the Gallatin River would be designated Wild and Scenic under legislation in Congress. (Matt/Adobe Stock)

Diverse Coalition Backs Legislation to Protect MT Rivers

HELENA, Mont. -- A wide range of groups are supporting an effort to protect cherished rivers in Montana. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., has introduced …

Chronic wasting disease spreads through prions, which, unlike bacterial and viral infections, don't die with infected animals. Prions persist in the soil, and can be transmitted to animals through plants growing in infected areas. (Adobe Stock)

WY Game and Fish Moving Ahead on Elk Feedground Planning

JACKSON, Wyo. -- Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is expected to be a hot topic next week when the Wyoming Game and Fish Department kicks off phase two …

Lake Powell, a man-made reservoir situated on the Arizona-Utah border, draws upwards of 2 million visitors a year for boating and other forms of outdoor recreation. (forcdan/Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br /> — Lake Powell, a man-made reservoir situated on the Arizona-Utah border, draws upwards of 2 million visitors a year for boating and other forms of outdoor recreation. (forcdan/Adobe Stock)

River Managers Take Emergency Steps to Refill Lake Powell

PAGE, Ariz. -- The federal Bureau of Reclamation is taking emergency measures to shore up water levels in Lake Powell, to preserve the reservoir's …

To create a route for the southern border wall between the U.S. and Mexico, the Trump administration used blasting techniques typically reserved for mining operations. (John Darwin Kurc)

Border Wall Map Reveals Damage to Landscape, Migration Routes

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A newly-released map identifies portions of the U.S.-Mexico border wall built by the Trump administration, and for conservation …

Seven in ten North Carolina voters believe climate impacts like erratic weather and stronger storms will have costly effects on residents, according to a poll by the Environmental Defense Action Fund. (Adobe Stock)

Environmentalists Say State Must Focus on “Interconnected” Climate Solutions

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The state's Environmental Management Commission this week green-lighted a plan to cut carbon emissions from power plants. The …

Unconventional wells emit methane and lead to air pollution in nearby communities. (SkyTruth/Flickr)

Groups Urge Wolf Administration to Strengthen Methane Emissions Rule

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Advocates for clean air are calling on the Wolf administration to strengthen a proposed regulation on methane emissions. They say …

The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe is helping plant life come back to areas near the former site of the Elwha River Dam. (Mike McHenry)

After Tribe's Century-Long Fight, WA River Dam Removal Helps Nature

By Lindsay VanSomeren for Yes! Media. Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Washington News Service reporting for the YES! Media-Public News …

The bipartisan infrastructure framework includes $5 billion to invest in Western water storage. (Andy/Adobe Stock)

Rural U.S., Climate Resilience Seen as Winners in Infrastructure Package

BOISE, Idaho -- Supporters from both sides of the aisle are touting a $1.2 trillion infrastructure framework taking shape in Washington, D.C…

As part of Latino Conservation Week, July 17-25, sites that embody the architectural, cultural and deep historical roots of the Latino community have been identified for preservation, including the Castner Range in Texas. (digie.org)

Report Identifies 2 Latino Heritage Sites in Texas Needing Protection

EL PASO, Texas -- A group that advocates for environmental issues affecting Latinos is recommending a more inclusive approach in the designation of …

ATV environmental impacts include noise pollution, damage to vegetation, soil degradation, and disturbance to wildlife. (Adobe Stock)

PA Pilot Program Expands ATV Trail Connector Access

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- North Central Pennsylvania will soon have 70 miles of new roads open to all-terrain vehicles, connecting the existing Potter and …

The Avi Kwa Ame area, also known as Spirit Mountain, is important habitat for the golden eagle and the desert tortoise and is home to the largest Joshua tree forest in the country. (Justin McAffee)

Movement to Establish New National Monument in NV Gains Steam

SEARCHLIGHT, Nev. -- The push for a new national monument about 60 miles south of Las Vegas has taken on added urgency, in the face of a new wind-…

Coastal Oregon communities like Yaquina Bay are in the process of updating their estuary management plans. (Jessica Miller/Oregon State University)

Eelgrass Research Could Help Guide OR Coastal Management

PORTLAND, Ore. -- A new study finds restoration of eelgrass, an important marine plant, depends mostly on where, rather than how. The findings could …

Cover crops can improve water infiltration into the soil and some, like legumes, also are natural fertilizers. (bmargaret/Adobe Stock)

Report: Indiana Farmers Planted More Cover Crops than Ever

INDIANAPOLIS -- There's good news for soil conservation efforts in a new survey by the Indiana Conservation Partnership: Farmers in the state planted …

A yellow-crowned night heron seen on a Harrisburg rooftop. State ornithologist Sean Murphy says a few years ago, a night heron nest was found in a sycamore tree on the Governor's Residence property. (Jen Hirt)

State-Endangered Night Herons Find Refuge in Urban Harrisburg

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Some rare birds that have called Harrisburg's tall sycamore trees home are taking flight this week. Yellow-crowned night herons …

Michigan has 103 state parks that span nearly 300,000 acres. (Kyle Stopczynski/Adobe Stock)

COVID Relief Funds Could Be Used for Updates to State Parks, Trails

LANSING, Mich. -- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is proposing a major investment in Michigan's parks and trails, saying it would address critical needs in …

Virginia's new Coastal Adaptation and Resilience Master Plan is expected to use nature-based solutions, like wetlands restoration, to help absorb the impact of severe storms and flooding. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Welcomes Public Input on Coastal Flooding Plan

RICHMOND, Va. -- As floods grow worse from sea-level rise and more frequent storms along Virginia's Atlantic coast, the state is encouraging …

North Carolina's registered voters overwhelmingly support land and water conservation, according to a 2017 statewide poll by the group Land for Tomorrow. (Adobe Stock)

Conservation Groups Give Thumbs Up on NC Senate Budget

RALEIGH, N.C. - Conservation groups are praising Senate lawmakers' recent budget proposal, which provides more than $100 million toward the state's …

Wyoming lawmakers recently allocated $1.2 million for a legal fund to sue states that block coal exports or retire coal-fired power plants. (Adobe Stock)

SCOTUS Coal Decision Prompts Calls for WY to Invest in Transition, Jobs

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - After Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon's legal strategy to export Powder River Basin coal to Asian markets was shot down by the U.S…

U.S. Steel's Clairton plant is the largest coke manufacturing facility in the United States. (Roy Luck/Wikimedia Commons)

Study Details Health Implications of PA Coke-Plant Fire

PITTSBURGH -- In southwestern Pennsylvania, the health effects of an industrial fire more than two years ago are just now coming to light. A new …

There are an estimated 50 billion pieces of litter on roadways nationwide, according to Keep America Beautiful. (Adobe Stock)

TN to Embark on Litter Pollution Study

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Plastic bottles and cans line many of the state's roadways and rivers, and now the state is conducting a large research study to …

Topography makes the Mountain State one of the most flood-prone regions in the country. (Wikimedia Commons/June 2016 U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Penni Harris)

Is WV Prepared 5 Years after Devastating Floods?

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Deadly flooding five years ago continues to haunt many West Virginia communities, and advocates called on the state to update …

In July 2020, Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported 3.4 million visitors, an increase of almost a million from the same time period in 2019. (Adobe Stock)

CO Water Stewards Brace for Record Crowds on Public Lands

ALAMOSA, Colo. -- Colorado's public lands, which account for 43% of the entire state, are seeing record use after officials relaxed COVID-19 health …

It's estimated that sea levels could rise another 18 inches by mid-century in Virginia. (Sarah/Adobe Stock)

Infrastructure Package Must Include Coastal Restoration, Groups Say

RICHMOND, Va. -- Conservation groups are asking Congress to include $10 billion for coastal restoration projects in its infrastructure package…

Almost one-third of Colorado's electricity was generated from renewable sources in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Energy Chief's Visit Spotlights Colorado Clean-Energy Advances

DENVER -- U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm was in Denver Thursday to promote President Joe Biden's plans to transition the nation's energy …

Illinois is responsible for 20% of the nitrates that have caused a dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, and thousands of rural water wells across the state have high levels of nitrates. (bmargaret/Adobe Stock)

Report: More Data Needed on Nitrates in Rural IL Wells

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - A new report finds that thousands of drinking-water wells in Illinois are contaminated with high levels of nitrates. Clean-water …

Yellowstone National Park has a new mobile app with live updates to the status of lodges, campgrounds, roads and geyser predictions when in cell service. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for Yellowstone During a Crowded Summer

CANYON VILLAGE, Wyo. - Yellowstone National Park is experiencing record numbers of visitors this summer, and park officials are offering tips to help …

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

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the 2020Talks podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the 2020Talks podcast"
	"Alexa, play Two-Thousand-Twenty Talks podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app

PNS Daily Newscast - July 30, 2021

2021Talks - July 30, 2021

Environment

Report: Power Companies Block Rooftop Solar Growth in FL, US

NC Community Tackles Erosion, Sediment Issues in Water Supply

U.S. Bill on Toxic "Forever Chemicals" Could Help Maryland

Houston Site of Study on Extreme Heat Risk in Coastal Communities

Casey's Civilian Conservation Corps Could Help Fight Climate Change

Push is On for NY to Add Environmental Rights to State Constitution

'Red Road to DC' Project: Protect Sacred Lands from Resource Extraction

PA Mayors Call on Congress to Pass Parks, Jobs & Equity Act

Congress Takes Action on Toxic "Forever Chemicals"

Plan to Convert 1 in 4 AZ Homes to Solar Would Bring Jobs, Lower Bills

Report: More Solar Investment Could Transform CO Economy

New Bill Would Help Save Bighorn Sheep, Golden Eagles

Saving America's Wildlife Earns Bipartisan Support

Experts: More Logging Won't Stop Oregon's Wildfires

Report: 30M Solar Homes Could Boost Jobs, Benefit Environment

Border Map Shows Wall Construction Damages Landscape, Migration Routes

Reports: What PA, Appalachia Can Learn from Natural Gas Boom's Failure

Tips for Colorado Companies to Reduce Air Pollution Post-COVID

Bill Could Restrict WI Cities From Suing Over 'Forever Chemicals'

Latino Conservation Week Draws Families Across State

NM Coalition Makes Speedier Push for Electric Vehicles

Meteorologists: Hot, Dry Weather Not a Fluke

Diverse Coalition Backs Legislation to Protect MT Rivers

WY Game and Fish Moving Ahead on Elk Feedground Planning

River Managers Take Emergency Steps to Refill Lake Powell

Border Wall Map Reveals Damage to Landscape, Migration Routes

Environmentalists Say State Must Focus on “Interconnected” Climate Solutions

Groups Urge Wolf Administration to Strengthen Methane Emissions Rule

After Tribe's Century-Long Fight, WA River Dam Removal Helps Nature

Rural U.S., Climate Resilience Seen as Winners in Infrastructure Package

Report Identifies 2 Latino Heritage Sites in Texas Needing Protection

PA Pilot Program Expands ATV Trail Connector Access

Movement to Establish New National Monument in NV Gains Steam

Eelgrass Research Could Help Guide OR Coastal Management

Report: Indiana Farmers Planted More Cover Crops than Ever

State-Endangered Night Herons Find Refuge in Urban Harrisburg

COVID Relief Funds Could Be Used for Updates to State Parks, Trails

Virginia Welcomes Public Input on Coastal Flooding Plan

Conservation Groups Give Thumbs Up on NC Senate Budget

SCOTUS Coal Decision Prompts Calls for WY to Invest in Transition, Jobs

Study Details Health Implications of PA Coke-Plant Fire

TN to Embark on Litter Pollution Study

Is WV Prepared 5 Years after Devastating Floods?

CO Water Stewards Brace for Record Crowds on Public Lands

Infrastructure Package Must Include Coastal Restoration, Groups Say

Energy Chief's Visit Spotlights Colorado Clean-Energy Advances

Report: More Data Needed on Nitrates in Rural IL Wells

Tips for Yellowstone During a Crowded Summer