Environment / Public News Service

A new ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court means ephemeral streams, such as this one in the mountains east of San Diego, are no longer protected by the Waters of the United States rule. (Chris Hunkeler/Flickr)

Friday, May 26, 2023

Conservation Groups Slam SCOTUS Ruling on Wetland Protections

The U.S. Supreme Court has gutted federal protections for much of the country's wetlands. The court found that the Waters of the United States rule…

A wetland and marsh area at Chain O' Lakes State Park. Illinois' Interagency Wetland Policy Act of 1989 set a goal of no net loss of wetlands due to projects funded by the state. (GoodFreePhotos.com)

Friday, May 26, 2023

SCOTUS Lands Gut Punch to EPA Wetland Protections

A U.S. Supreme Court decision is shaking up the environmental community in Illinois and across the country. The high court ruled 5-4 on Thursday …

Friday, May 26, 2023

Wet Spring Soaks Iowa Drought

For the first time in nearly three years, the widespread drought that has had Iowa in its grip is predicted to end. The latest drought outlook says …

Wetlands cover nearly 940,000 acres in Washington state. (George Cole/Adobe Stock)

Friday, May 26, 2023

SCOTUS Hands Mining, Developers Win in 'Gutting' Wetlands Protections

Environmental groups are decrying a U.S. Supreme Court decision they say will have major impacts for how the Clean Water Act is implemented. The …

It's estimated a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday could remove federal protection from 80% of streams in the southwestern states. (USGS)

Friday, May 26, 2023

SCOTUS Narrows 50-Year-Old Clean Water Act, Affecting NM Rivers

Thursday's U.S. Supreme Court ruling making it harder for the federal government to enforce clean-water rules has New Mexico environmental groups …

In 2004, a couple from Priest Lake, Idaho, attempted to build a house but were stopped because of nearby protected wetlands. (Kirk Fisher/Adobe Stock)

Friday, May 26, 2023

SCOTUS Idaho Case Unravels Federal Wetlands Protections

A U.S. Supreme Court case that began in Idaho has weakened protections across the nation under the Clean Water Act. The justices on Thursday handed …

More than one-third of threatened and endangered species live only in wetlands, according to the EPA. In Maine, some of the threatened species found in wetlands include the Blanding's Turtle, Ringed Boghaunter Dragonfly, and English Sundew. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, May 26, 2023

U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Affects Maine Waterways

Environmental advocates say the U.S. Supreme Court has dealt a major blow to the Clean Water Act and to Maine's ability to protect some of its most …

One of the tax credits offered under the Inflation Reduction Act is a home energy audit, where property owners can find out if their home is wasting energy. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, May 25, 2023

With Emerging Incentives, Clean Energy No Longer a VIP Club

Clean-energy products, such as electric vehicles or home heat pump systems, might seem out of reach for a lot of people. But with federal incentives …

Advocates of a Climate Peace Clause protested outside trade negotiations in Los Angeles last year. (Will Wiltschko/Trade Justice Education Fund)

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Trade Justice Advocates Call for Climate Peace Clause in U.S.-E.U. Trade Talks

Next week, trade negotiations resume in Sweden between the U.S. and the European Union, and advocates are urging all parties to sign a "Climate Peace …

Oil and gas leasing are currently allowed on 90% of publicly-owned lands managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, May 25, 2023

BLM Seeks Coloradans' Input on New Public-Lands Rule Aiming for Balance

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management is holding a public hearing today in Denver on its new rule, which aims to put conservation, protection of …

Scientists say to correct the problem of overgrazing and wildlife habitat degradation on public lands, the livestock stocking rate would need to be reduced by about two-thirds from present numbers. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Report: U.S. Forest Service Serving Grizzly Habitat to Livestock Industry

Critical Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly bear habitat has been degraded by a 2019 U.S. Forest Service decision to allow more than 17,000 …

Community solar projects can make solar energy accessible to residents who may not be able to install solar panels on their own home, according to the National Association of Home Builders. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

In WV, Community Solar Gains Popularity Amid Rising Utility Bills

Amid rising energy costs and inflation, energy advocates said they have seen a jump in interest in community solar. Luanne McGovern, legislative …

Hundreds of wildlife crossing structures are still needed across Colorado to restore historic migration corridors. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Colorado Set to Tap Federal Infrastructure Funds for Wildlife Crossings

New funding recently added to the Colorado Wildlife Safe Passages Fund could provide relief for mule deer and elk populations, which are on the …

Advocates say the EPA's proposed carbon pollution standards would avert approximately 1,300 premature deaths. (Ralf Broskvar/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

AZ Leaders Urge Strong Standards to Cut Climate Pollution from Power Plants

Arizona leaders gathered Tuesday in support of the Biden administration's proposed plans to cut climate pollution from fossil-fuel power plants to tac…

Arkansas is slated to receive $54.1 million in the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program funding over five years, beginning with an initial allocation of $19.5 million for 2022-2023. (rh2010/Adobe Stock)

Two-Thirds of New US Cars Could be EVs by 2032

The EPA is accepting written comments on its latest vehicle emission standards until July 5th. Backers of the more stringent rules say they will help …

An environmental advocate says nature and quiet spaces are important to businesses looking for new locations to expand or build. (Adobe stock)

Indiana Scores Record Conservation Funding in Polarized Statehouse

As dust settles from the 2023 Indiana legislative session, Hoosiers may discover lawmakers made some decisions with which members from both sides of …

In addition to shielding waterways from harmful sources, a new Minnesota environmental spending bill includes funding for planting trees and other efforts to accelerate carbon sequestration. (Adobe Stock)

MN Goes Big on Committing Funds to Protect Natural Resources

From protecting and studying waterways to addressing chronic wasting disease, conservation voices say there are a lot of important items in …

According to ALL in Education, climate and environment has been identified as one of nine factors that have the biggest effect on student academic outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Schools Set to Receive Trees Through State Budget Appropriation

Arizona environmental-justice advocates are celebrating some big wins passed through the state budget. One of the provisions, Senate Bill 1689…

PFAS, the chemicals contained in firefighting foam, are known to be toxic and affect ground and drinking water at many current and former military installations. (jana/Adobe Stock)

Analysis: DoD's PFAS Spending Not Enough to Fix Escalating Backlog

New Mexico has eight military sites with known or suspected discharges of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS, also known as "forever …

The world is home to 1.8 billion young people between ages 10 and 24, the largest generation of youth in history, who are increasingly aware of the challenges and risks presented by the climate crisis. (Adobe Stock)

'Climate Grief' Motivates Young Mainers to Take Action

The magnitude of climate change can feel overwhelming, creating a sense of so-called "climate grief" for some, but young climate activists say they …

According to the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, there are currently more than 1,500 approved drilling permits that have not started production. (Adobe Stock)

Coalition Turns to CO Voters to Phase Out Fracking Permits

A coalition of grassroots groups is turning to Colorado voters in an effort to phase out all new oil and gas leases by 2030. Kate Christensen - an …

Nebraska's extensive wetlands include marshes, lakes, river and stream backwaters, oxbows, wet meadows, fens, forested swamps, and seeps. (Phyre Sky/Adobe Stock)

Celebrate Nebraska Wetlands During American Wetlands Month

May is American Wetlands Month, and Nebraska has bragging rights when it comes to wetlands. None of the surrounding states have comparable amounts of …

Experts say canopy cover to prevent rainfall from directly striking sloped soil, and a strong plant root system to bind the soil, are two of the best methods for preventing erosion. (Adobe Stock)

River Watchers Use 'Old' Technology to Renew Ecosystems

Environmental advocates in Montana are using an older form of technology in new ways to improve the quality of the land near river beds, and also …

In 2022, the EPA found three widely used neonicotinoid insecticides harm roughly three-fourths of all endangered plants and animals, along with all 39 species of amphibian protected by the Endangered Species Act. (Adobe Stock)

CT General Assembly Bills Address Pesticide Use

Connecticut's General Assembly is considering legislation which would end the use of certain types of pesticides in the state. Senate Bill 962 and …

The Pentagon is currently considering alternatives to firefighting foam containing PFAS. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Analysis: Pentagon PFAS Cleanup Backlog Growing Faster than Funding

A new analysis from the nonprofit Environmental Working Group said the Department of Defense is not doing enough to clean up contaminated military ins…

The lower Snake River dams are aging, reducing their usefulness especially in energy production. (Samir Arora/Adobe Stock)

Historic Step Forward for Snake River Dam Replacement in WA Budget

Funding in Washington state's budget is pushing efforts forward to remove four lower Snake River dams in order to save salmon. Lawmakers committed …

Cape Foulweather is in Lincoln County south of Depoe Bay. (Mitch Meseke-Wirestock Creators/Adobe Stock)

OR Coast Conservation Areas Opportunity for 'Bottom Up' Management

Locals will help steward two iconic locations on Oregon's coast. The Cape Foulweather Complex and Cape Lookout Marine Conservation areas were …

The EPA admits its new standards for air pollution at power plants could bring small increases in utility bills, but projects the plan would bring a total of $85 billion in climate and health savings. (Adobe Stock)

New EPA Standards Seen as Attack on Coal-Fired Power Plants

The Environmental Protection Agency's proposal to cut pollution from power plants not already set to retire by 90% by 2030 is the most ambitious in ov…

A new report predicts up to 639 premature deaths from respiratory illnesses would be prevented in Pennsylvania due to emission reductions resulting directly from participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. (Erik Bergen Photos/Adobe Stock)

New Report: Impact for PA to Join Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

A new report analyzed the potential impact of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative on Pennsylvania emissions, power generation, revenue, and jobs…

Sage Lenier poses for a portrait in Honolulu, Hawaii, in Feb. 2023. She began teaching her course in 2018. (Michelle Mishina)

Environmental Education Evolves to Show People How to Make a Difference

By Jessica Kutz for The 19th.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public New…

Once laptops have expired, they don't receive updates and can't access secure websites. (Adobe Stock)

Right to Repair Chromebooks Could Save GA Schools $63 Million

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund is urging Google to allow Chromebook owners a right to repair the devices and extend their …

It is estimated about one-third of New Mexico's more than 120 threatened and endangered species occur in the Gila region, including the Mexican grey wolf, Gila trout and Mexican spotted owl. (Photo courtesy of Raquel Madrigal)

New Mexico Mural Art Features Endangered Species, Migration Themes

The Village of Doña Ana is New Mexico's oldest federally designated settlement, and about to be the newest destination for public art. The …

According to the EPA, the proposals would reduce oil imports by approximately 20 billion barrels. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed EPA Rule Could Mean More Electric Cars on NV Roads

The Environmental Protection Agency announced last month new and more stringent vehicle-emission standards which some say could significantly help red…

According to Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention, starting in late April or May many areas across the state will implement seasonal fire restrictions and then typically rescind them in September or October. (Scott Griessel/Adobe Stock)

Arizona Trail, a 'Lifeline' for Many, Under Threat by Wildfires

The Arizona Trail stretches 800 miles across Arizona, from Mexico to Utah. The trek is considered by many a "lifeline," under threat with fire season …

A new EPA report states climate change can increase children's pollen exposures as seasons lengthen and temperatures warm. (WavebreakMediaMicro/AdobeStock)

Report Links EPA Climate Change, Children’s Health and Well-Being in TN

In Tennessee and across the country, children's growing and developing bodies are uniquely vulnerable to climate change, according to a new report …

Pollution flows from mines in Canada's Elk River Valley to the Kootenai River, which runs through Montana and Idaho. (JOAN/Adobe Stock)

Canadian Coal Mine Pollution Threatens North ID River

Pollution from Canadian mines is endangering one of Idaho's largest rivers. Selenium and other pollutants from coal mines across the northern …

A student advisor said students are moving the climate change debate forward because it is very difficult to ignore kids talking about their future. (Adobe stock)

Indiana Group Amplifies Student Voices on Climate Crisis

An Indiana-based environmental group is amplifying the voices of high school students who write about the environment and climate change. Earth …

The Cumberland Fossil Plant is the largest generating asset in the TVA coal fleet and is located in Stewart County, Tennessee. It powers approximately 1.1 million homes. (David/AdobeStock)

TN Groups Call To Action for TVA Pivot To Clean Energy

Environmental groups in Tennessee have an urgent call to action for the Tennessee Valley Authority to cut fossil-fuel emissions and replace their coal…

Canada-based Enbridge Inc. operates Line 5, an oil pipeline that stretches 645 miles from Superior, Wisconsin, to Sarnia, Ontario. (Adobe Stock)

New Court Fight Emerges Over WI Oil Pipeline

A court hearing is scheduled for this week as environmental and tribal advocates continue to voice concerns about an oil and gas pipeline that runs ac…

According to the East Coast Greenway Alliance, 50 million bike rides, runs and walks occur every year along the project's existing route. (Adobe Stock)

North Carolina Greenways: A Path to Health, Happiness, and Economic Growth

By Ashira Morris for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for North Carolina News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalis…

The American Geosciences Institute says the enormous size of the oil and gas industry results in huge volumes of oil and produced water, which lead to thousands of spills every year. (Photo courtesy of WildEarth Guardians)

NM Environmentalists: New Rules, Same Spills at State's Oilfields

Environmentalists and citizens in New Mexico believe the state agency charged with overseeing oil and gas activity is not doing enough to enforce rule…

Due to sea level rise, 263,500 jobs and more than $11 billion in wage income across the Chesapeake Bay region will be at risk of 100-year flooding by 2050, according to a new report. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Rising Sea Levels to Impact Chesapeake Bay Region’s Economy

A new report finds rising sea levels in Chesapeake Bay will cost the surrounding regions jobs. The Resources for the Future report finds, in …

Signs someone could be having a stroke and needs immediate emergency care include loss of speech, vision or the inability to move their arms or legs or maintain balance. (Adobe Stock)

National Stroke Awareness Month Spotlights Environmental Factors

Cardiovascular diseases are the world's leading cause of disability and death, and are responsible for nearly a million deaths each year in the U.S.…

A schoolyard in Concord, California. More than 4.2 million of the students in California public schools are on campuses with less than 10% tree canopy, half with less than 5%. (Sharon Danks)

Reimagining Schoolyards to Improve Health and Learning

By Carl Smith for Governing.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News…

The EPA said the spread of Lyme disease, carried by black-legged ticks, is influenced by changing temperatures and rainfall patterns. (Evgeniy Kalinovskiy/AdobeStock).

Report: EPA Climate Change and Children’s Health and Well-Being in Arkansas

In Arkansas and across the country, children's growing and developing bodies are uniquely vulnerable to climate change, according to a new report …

In 2022, the Living Schoolyards Act was introduced in Congress, which would direct federal resources toward greening school grounds like those above. However, the bill failed to advance out of committee. (Adobe Stock)

Green Playgrounds Help NY Achieve Climate Goals

By Marianne Dhenin for Next City.Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for New York News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-…

Volunteers with the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary place numbered tags on freshwater mussels so they can be tracked in the Delaware River. (Photo courtesy Partnership for the Delaware Estuary)

Restoring Freshwater Mussels to Improve Delaware River

By Katherine Rapin for Yale Environment 360.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Keystone State News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journal…

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office is researching the opportunities and tradeoffs of agrivoltaics. (Adobe Stock)

Battle Heats Up Over Iowa Solar-Project Sites

Supervisors in Tama County this week are considering an ordinance to limit the size of solar installations on farmland, to generate no more than 25 …

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Environment

Conservation Groups Slam SCOTUS Ruling on Wetland Protections

SCOTUS Lands Gut Punch to EPA Wetland Protections

Wet Spring Soaks Iowa Drought

SCOTUS Hands Mining, Developers Win in 'Gutting' Wetlands Protections

SCOTUS Narrows 50-Year-Old Clean Water Act, Affecting NM Rivers

SCOTUS Idaho Case Unravels Federal Wetlands Protections

U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Affects Maine Waterways

With Emerging Incentives, Clean Energy No Longer a VIP Club

Trade Justice Advocates Call for Climate Peace Clause in U.S.-E.U. Trade Talks

BLM Seeks Coloradans' Input on New Public-Lands Rule Aiming for Balance

Report: U.S. Forest Service Serving Grizzly Habitat to Livestock Industry

In WV, Community Solar Gains Popularity Amid Rising Utility Bills

Colorado Set to Tap Federal Infrastructure Funds for Wildlife Crossings

AZ Leaders Urge Strong Standards to Cut Climate Pollution from Power Plants

Two-Thirds of New US Cars Could be EVs by 2032

Indiana Scores Record Conservation Funding in Polarized Statehouse

MN Goes Big on Committing Funds to Protect Natural Resources

AZ Schools Set to Receive Trees Through State Budget Appropriation

Analysis: DoD's PFAS Spending Not Enough to Fix Escalating Backlog

'Climate Grief' Motivates Young Mainers to Take Action

Coalition Turns to CO Voters to Phase Out Fracking Permits

Celebrate Nebraska Wetlands During American Wetlands Month

River Watchers Use 'Old' Technology to Renew Ecosystems

CT General Assembly Bills Address Pesticide Use

Analysis: Pentagon PFAS Cleanup Backlog Growing Faster than Funding

Historic Step Forward for Snake River Dam Replacement in WA Budget

OR Coast Conservation Areas Opportunity for 'Bottom Up' Management

New EPA Standards Seen as Attack on Coal-Fired Power Plants

New Report: Impact for PA to Join Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

Environmental Education Evolves to Show People How to Make a Difference

Right to Repair Chromebooks Could Save GA Schools $63 Million

New Mexico Mural Art Features Endangered Species, Migration Themes

Proposed EPA Rule Could Mean More Electric Cars on NV Roads

Arizona Trail, a 'Lifeline' for Many, Under Threat by Wildfires

Report Links EPA Climate Change, Children’s Health and Well-Being in TN

Canadian Coal Mine Pollution Threatens North ID River

Indiana Group Amplifies Student Voices on Climate Crisis

TN Groups Call To Action for TVA Pivot To Clean Energy

New Court Fight Emerges Over WI Oil Pipeline

North Carolina Greenways: A Path to Health, Happiness, and Economic Growth

NM Environmentalists: New Rules, Same Spills at State's Oilfields

Report: Rising Sea Levels to Impact Chesapeake Bay Region’s Economy

National Stroke Awareness Month Spotlights Environmental Factors

Reimagining Schoolyards to Improve Health and Learning

Report: EPA Climate Change and Children’s Health and Well-Being in Arkansas

Green Playgrounds Help NY Achieve Climate Goals

Restoring Freshwater Mussels to Improve Delaware River

Battle Heats Up Over Iowa Solar-Project Sites