Environmental Justice / Public News Service

One year of nuclear weapons spending could fund an estimated one-third of the costs for climate change adaptation in developing countries, and solarize more than 16.5 million homes. (Hamara/Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 16, 2024

TN group echoes global call: No money for nuclear weapons

A Knoxville-based environmental group is raising awareness about increasing U.S. nuclear weapons spending and supporting this week's global effort to …

According to NOAA data, since 1980, the U.S. has sustained 376 weather and climate disasters with a cumulative cost of $2.6 trillion. (Adobe Stock / AI)

Van Hollen introduces federal 'climate superfund' legislation

New federal legislation would make polluters pay for the costs of climate change mitigation. On Thursday, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., introduced …

The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana opened a recycling collection operation in 2023 after receiving a $565,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. (Adobe Stock)

Coushatta Tribe works to overcome obstacles to recycling program

By Taylar Dawn Stagner for Grist.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Louisiana News Connection reporting for the Grist-Public News Service Collab…

Lead contamination poses serious health risks, especially to children, and has been linked to<br />developmental issues and organ damage. (Adobe Stock)

Indianapolis neighborhood fears ongoing lead contamination Superfund site

By Enrique Saenz for Mirror Indy.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Mirror Indy-Free Press Indiana-Public News …

Research indicates 3.6 billion people currently live in areas highly vulnerable to climate change, with an estimated 250,000 additional deaths annually projected between 2030 and 2050 because of its effects. (Adobe Stock)

Leaders to gather in NC to tackle health impacts of pollution, climate change

Environmental leaders are set to gather in Durham to address how climate change is impacting human health and well-being. Emily Wolfe, health …

Liquefied gas export terminals have zeroed in on the Texas Coast for a major expansion of the industry. (AA+W/Adobe Stock)

Climate activists along TX coast want LNG ban

Climate and environmental activists along the Texas Coast are celebrating after receiving favorable news from an insurance company covering liquefied …

A letter signed by more 500 faith leaders was delivered to Citibank headquarters, calling on them to stop funding climate destruction and aggressively enable a green energy transition. (P�ter M�cs/Adobe Stock)

LA climate activists target Wall Street

Environmental activists of various faiths and denominations are spending the summer protesting on Wall Street to highlight the effects financial marke…

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is among 17 national forests managed under the Northwest Forest Plan. (heidi/Adobe Stock)

Committee makes recommendations in updated NW Forest Plan

The U.S. Forest Service is considering changes to modernize the Northwest Forest Plan. While it was hailed as a success when it was created 30 years …

The U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of Chevron could affect how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages animals on the Endangered Species List, like the wolverine, which was added to the list in 2023. (Erik Mandre/Adobe Stock)

Supreme Court decision could impact wildlife and public lands

A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision could affect public lands and wildlife in places like Wyoming. In June, the nation's highest court overturned a …

Pew Research data show in 2021, 62.5 million Latinos resided in the United States in 2021, accounting for 19% of the total U.S. population. (Adobe Stock)

IL Latino communities advocate for a cleaner environment

A survey of 760 registered Latino voters found 87% of Latinos support projects to produce a cleaner, natural world. The poll, conducted in 10 states…

A mega-dairy concentrated animal feeding operations can produce as much waste as a city without the benefit of an advanced sewage treatment system. (ArtemZakharov/Adobe Stock)

NM group seeks moratorium on new factory farms

By Lena Beck for Modern Farmer.Broadcast version by Roz Brown for New Mexico News Connection reporting for the Modern Farmer-Public News Service Colla…

According to The Government Accountability Office, federal data suggests about 60% of Superfund sites overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency are in areas that may be impacted by natural disasters exacerbated by climate change. (Adobe Stock)

WI city, still hanging onto old factory site, plans for a greener future

In Rust Belt states such as Wisconsin, disadvantaged communities were left with blight - amid a shift away from industrialization. A federal grant …

CleanAIRE NC is a nonprofit organization based in Charlotte that focuses on addressing climate change, air pollution and environmental justice. (Alexey Rotanov/Adobe Stock)

Initiative aims to boost sustainability in underserved NC communities

A new project is set to help North Carolina communities address environmental justice and climate equity. The city of Charlotte, in collaboration …

Activists said Wall Street is bankrolling the coal, oil and gas companies, polluting communities. (Nicola/Adobe Stock)

TX climate activists target Wall Street

Environmental activists from across the country, including from Texas, are spending the summer protesting on Wall Street to highlight the effects the …

The Lomakatsi Restoration Project partners with the U.S. Department of the Interior on forestry training for tribal youth. (fs.usda.gov)

Fed grant supports OR tribal youth conservation training

Federal grant money is supporting an Oregon organization rehabilitating the land and training tribal youth. The Interior Department's Indian Youth …

The federal government began cleaning up nuclear waste in New Mexico's Acid Canyon in the late 1960s, but one scientist said it is not gone. (National Park Service)

Scientist: plutonium contamination still present in NM's Acid Canyon

A scientist who said he found extreme plutonium contamination in Los Alamos' Acid Canyon believes concerned residents should invest in monitoring equi…

More than 80 percent of Oklahoma's wastewater sludge ends up in crop fields, according to an analysis by Investigate Midwest. (Losonsky/Adobe Stock)

Concern grows over 'forever chemicals' in biosolid fertilizers

By Ben Felder for Investigate Midwest.Broadcast version by Will Walkey for Oklahoma News Service reporting for the Investigate Midwest-Public News Ser…

Coastal flooding and erosion caused by rising sea levels are critical issues facing tribes in the Northwest. (Jan/Adobe Stock)

Report finds barriers for NW coastal tribes responding to climate change

Coastal tribes in the Northwest are on the front lines of the changing climate but face barriers to responding to its effects. A new report …

Reports show if New York does not make swift investments in climate change adaptation infrastructure, in the next decade, a major disaster could cost the state around $55 billion. (Adobe Stock)

NY activists take action on companies causing climate change

Though New York's summer is winding down, climate change's effects remain. This summer saw record-high temperatures which have only grown in the …

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the southeastern United States has warmed less than most of the nation. But in the coming decades, the region's changing climate is likely to increase flooding, reduce crop yields, harm livestock, increase the number of unpleasantly hot days, and increase the risk of heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. (Adobe Stock)

Privatizing weather reports raises alarms for North Carolina’s safety

As hurricanes, flash floods and other severe weather events become more frequent in North Carolina, accurate and timely weather reports are crucial …

The National Weather Service produces thousands of daily forecasts through its network of 122 bureaus. It also provides storm warnings and fire forecasts and tracks climate-change events. (Adobe Stock)

Conservative plan to dismantle weather service could worsen climate change

Environmental groups are concerned part of the proposed Project 2025 calls for closing several federal agencies political conservatives consider too p…

Recent reports show the economics of coal-fired power plants take a huge toll on ratepayer wallets and public health. (Adobe stock)

Study cites Indiana's costly reliance on coal plants

By Kari Lydersen for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public…

The Inflation Reduction Act will begin to produce budgetary savings starting in 2028, according to the Center for American Progress. (Adobe Stock)

As the IRA turns 2, an expert highlights its effects in NV

The Inflation Reduction Act turns two today and one expert contended its impact in the state of Nevada has been significant. Shannon Heyck-Williams…

As of last June, the Inflation Reduction Act will likely still reduce the federal deficit over the decade by about $175 billion, according to the Center for American Progress. (Adobe Stock)

Expert recalls AZ IRA investments on its 2nd anniversary

Today the Inflation Reduction Act has been law for two years and one expert contended its effects in Arizona have been noteworthy. Shannon Heyck-…

A survey found half the residents at the Cherokee Forest Subdivision reported they consider themselves

MS Cherokee group: Industrial pollution threatens families

A rural Mississippi community is fighting to protect the health of some Cherokee residents threatened by industrial pollution. Barbara Weckesser…

A Great Plains Institute study found health benefits valued at $73.4 million to $165.4 million from reducing harmful co-pollutants by installing carbon capture technologies in the Gulf Coast region.(kittyfly/Adobe Stock)

Balancing industry and environment: Carbon capture in Louisiana

Carbon capture and storage is often discussed as part of a broader portfolio of solutions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While not a …

The Duncomb Bridge is one of 75 structures on the 25-mile-long Bronx River Greenway, which winds through most of the borough. (Bronx River Alliance)

EPA grants $1 million to South Bronx groups for climate justice, resiliency

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly described a different EPA grant. The grant amount and purpose have been corrected here…

A Great Plains Institute study found health benefits valued at $63.8 million to $144 million from reducing harmful co-pollutants by installing carbon capture technologies in the Midwest region. (Ramon Cliff/Adobe Stock)

Carbon capture: Balancing industry, environment in Ohio

Ohio is becoming a focal point in the fight against climate change, thanks in part to its industrial might and a growing interest in carbon capture …

According to the Chicago Metropolitan Planning Agency, Chicago and Cook County produce the most total emissions. (Adobe Stock)

IL environmentalists hope federal grant lowers emissions

The fight against the effects of climate change in Illinois has more help. Under the Biden Administration's pollution reduction plan, the U.S…

The Goonies Solar project in Central Pennsylvania is expected to generate enough clean energy to power 33,000 homes annually. (anatoliy_gleb/Adobe Stock) <br />

Two years of Inflation Reduction Act in Pennsylvania

The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law two years ago this week. In Pennsylvania, its effects so far include carbon reduction, job creation …

An analysis from the University of Massachusetts Amherst found the more than 100 climate, energy and environmental investments in the Inflation Reduction Act will create more than 9 million good jobs over the next decade. (Adobe Stock)

Two years on, Maine reaps benefits of Inflation Reduction Act

Nearly two years since the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law, Maine communities continue to benefit from federal funding aimed at …

On 2nd anniversary of Inflation Reduction Act, investments start to pay off

Two years ago this week, the U.S. made the biggest investment ever in the fight against climate change as the Inflation Reduction Act became law…

Lowry Ranch is important habitat for several Tier 1 species from the State Wildlife Action Plan, including the burrowing owl, northern leopard frog and swift fox. (Adobe Stock)

Aurora residents to continue opposition to fracking near reservoir, Superfund site

Aurora residents and environmental groups said they will continue to oppose fracking near the Aurora Reservoir, thousands of homes and 13 schools …

According to the Center for American Progress, economists predicted the Inflation Reduction Act will generate $178 billion in clean energy transportation investments. (Adobe Stock)

GA leaders celebrate impact of IRA on clean energy, environmental justice

Thursday marks the two-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act and Georgia leaders with Elected Officials to Protect America are reflecting on…

Yellow Springs Development Corp. has applied for a $200,000 Department of Energy prize for the microgrid project. The prize winners will be selected by the end of August. (oasisamuel/Adobe Stock)

Solar microgrids bring energy and opportunity to Yellow Springs

The small community of Yellow Springs, Ohio, is leading an innovative effort to harness renewable energy while directly supporting low-income …

$Most methane pollution comes from the drilling and processing of fossil fuels, and has been on the rise since the introduction of hydraulic fracturing technology. (Adobe Stock)$

Colorado, nation face public health, climate risks as methane pollution soars

Methane pollution is increasing at the fastest rate in decades, according to a new report, and that's making it harder to turn the tide on climate …

Policies proposed in Project 2025 would undermine already enacted environmental and climate policies related to fossil-fuel production, climate action and environmental justice. (newmexico.org)

Project 2025 alarms NM's teachers, human rights advocates, conservationists

From education to the environment and immigration, proposals in the "Project 2025" document alarm many New Mexicans promoting a more equal society…

EPA grants $500K to South Bronx groups for climate justice, mitigation

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the South Bronx $500,000 for climate resiliency planning, and local environmentalists say it couldn't …

Ponderosa pines in New Mexico's Zuni Mountains can measure 60 inches wide and live 300 to 600 years. (Courtesy Zander Evans)

Importance of NM's old-growth forests amid climate change cited

Climate change is forcing hard conversations about the importance of old-growth forests but in New Mexico, many say future generations must know the …

In March, a study by the EPA and others used aerial surveys to assess hundreds of U.S. landfills. The research revealed significant discrepancies between reported emissions and actual emissions.<br />(Punyawee/Adobe Stock)

MI leads nation in toxic methane emissions from landfills

The Environmental Protection Agency is investigating underreported methane emissions from landfills nationwide, and a recent report names Michigan as …

According to a report from the environmental group Air Alliance Houston, Altivia Oxide Chemicals had the highest number of high-priority pollution violations and penalties paid. (Shinonome Studio/Adobe Stock)

Houston nonprofit reveals 'Dirty Dozen' top air polluters in region

The environmental group Air Alliance Houston has released its list of the top 12 air polluters in Harris County, calling them the "Dirty Dozen." The …

New York State livestock management practices are the largest source of emissions in the agricultural sector, and have increased 50% since 1990, according to the New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Litigation holds companies accountable for climate impacts

By Gabriella Sotelo for Sentient.Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for New York News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service …

In Boston, African Americans represent 24% of the population but account for only 12% to 14% of the workforce on large construction projects, according to a report from Climate Jobs Massachusetts. (Adobe Stock)

MA labor groups tackle climate crisis, income inequality

Massachusetts labor leaders say the state can meet its ambitious climate goals while creating quality jobs in communities facing the greatest threats …

The latest project for Rhonda and Kim Theus,

Art breathes new life into pollution-ravaged MI community

By Randiah Camille Green for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News …

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., has introduced legislation to codify the Chevron Deference into law. (Adobe Stock)

SCOTUS ruling impacts future action of VA, US

Recent Supreme Court rulings on air pollution are affecting Virginia and the nation. Climate advocates said the court overstepped its bounds in …

Research shows global plastic production has surged from 15 million tons per year in 1964 to more than 450 million tons per year today. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Biodegradable plastics more marketing than environmentally friendly

As West Virginia opens its door to the plastics recycling or "advanced recycling" industry, a recent report found only a fraction of plastics are …

An outdoor coalition is fighting plans for a $4 billion copper mine on land near Sheep Creek, which feeds the iconic Smith River. (Miranda Hernandez)

Coalition: Mine threatens Montana's iconic Smith River

Nearly 10,000 Montanans have petitioned the U.S. Forest Service to prevent mining activity in the iconic Smith River watershed. The Smith is known …

Two South Dakota ethanol production facilities are considered high-priority emission violators, according to EPA data, including plants in Redfield and Aberdeen. (Adobe Stock)

Report: SD ethanol plants release hazardous air pollutants

Biofuels are painted as a greener energy alternative to fossil fuels but a new study found the industry produces plenty of its own air pollutants…

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