Public News Service

Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles that can be harmful to the lungs. (Jacob/Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 6, 2024

Air quality awareness week arrives as wildfire season nears

Agencies are raising awareness about air quality around the country this week. Led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Air Quality …

Lewiston is at the Washington border where the Snake River enters Idaho. (Nadia/Adobe Stock)

Snake River dams' clean energy claims questioned

A new report found four dams in the Columbia River Basin are big emitters of methane. Research from the organization Tell The Dam Truth showed the …

There are about 200 grizzly bears in Idaho. (tomreichner/Adobe Stock)

Fed judge's wolf trapping decision could help ID grizzly recovery

A federal court ruling that limits wolf trapping and snaring in Idaho could aid recovery of grizzly bears in the region. U.S. Judge Candy Dale …

The language used in scientific disciplines can be a barrier to comprehension. (georgeburba/Adobe Stock)

ID student-led program helps Spanish speakers access science

A student-led program at Boise State University is helping make science more accessible for Spanish speakers. Project Scientia provides Spanish …

The nonnative quagga mussel has been found in the Snake River. (Cavan/Adobe Stock)

Invasive Species Week sheds light on ID landscape impact

It is National Invasive Species Awareness Week, and plants and critters not native to the Northwest are wreaking havoc on some landscapes, including …

Researcher Luke Montrose installed air quality monitors into four nursing homes in Idaho in 2020. (Patrick Sweeney/Boise State University)

Indoor air quality in long-term care facilities suffers during wildfires

By Kylie Mohr for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Northern Rockies News Service reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News …

A mining exploration project has been proposed near Grimes Creek, a tributary of the Boise River. (Autumn/Adobe Stock)

Mine exploration project near Boise River headwaters raises alarm

Conservation groups are concerned about a mining exploration project proposed near the headwaters of the Boise River. The Idaho Copper Corporation …

Salmon continue to struggle to migrate from the Pacific Ocean to Idaho to spawn. (NorthwestWildImages/Adobe Stock)

Presidential memo urges steps to restore NW salmon

The Biden administration wants to get serious about restoring salmon populations to the Northwest. A presidential memorandum directs federal …

11 Idaho wastewater facilities accounted for more than half of discharge violations in 2022. (Kekyalyaynen/Adobe Stock)

Report: 520 discharge violations from ID sewage plants in 2022

A new report finds more than half of the sewage facilities in Idaho had pollution violations in 2022. The sixth annual analysis by the Idaho …

The installed capacity of Idaho wind energy is 973 MW, according to the American Clean Power Association. (Steven/Adobe Stock)

Congress Spending Bill Rider Could Slow Down ID Wind Energy Installation

A spending bill in Washington, D.C. includes a provision to conduct further study of wind energy before its installation in Idaho. Critics say the …

There were 14 health advisories and closures on Idaho lakes because of algae blooms in 2022. (Mykola Mazuryk/Adobe Stock)

Algae Blooms Undermine Summer Fun in ID

During the summer, many Idahoans head to the water, but algae outbreaks can stop them from a relaxing day cooling off. Algae blooms typically occur …

There were more than 3.3 million visits to Yellowstone National Park in 2022. (done4today/Adobe STock)

Alternatives Available to Overcrowding in National Parks

America's national parks are bracing for another record year of attendance, but overcrowding in the parks could take away some of their magic…

Radioactive waste is typically stored at the site where it's generated. (MichaelVi/Adobe Stock)

Nuclear Waste Transportation Draws Opposition in West

Concerns are growing in the west about nuclear waste transportation. On Tuesday, the Snake River Alliance is holding a webinar on these concerns…

Salmon populations in the Northwest face growing decline in the region. (jamie/Adobe Stock)

White House Engages NW on Dams, Future of Salmon

The Biden Administration is considering the future of Pacific Northwest salmon and the effect of dams in the region. The White House Council on …

A six month experiment will take place at the Idaho National Laboratory to test a new type of nuclear reactor. (MichaelVi/Adobe Stock)

ID Experiment Prompts Concerns of Nuclear Weapons Proliferation

An experimental nuclear technology project slated for testing in Idaho is raising concerns about the potential for nuclear weapons proliferation…

The Snake River plain, which will receive restoration funds from BLM, is home to diverse landscapes.(Danita Delimont/Adobe Stock)

ID Projects Among Those Selected for Landscape Restoration Funds

The federal government is investing $161 million into restoration projects across the West. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has selected 21 …

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)

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 …

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 …

Potato farming practices have not changed much in many decades. (John Finnell)

ID Farm Pioneers Regenerative Ag Practices for Potato Growing

A farm in Idaho is pioneering a new way to grow the state's most famous crop: potatoes. The pioneering method is being demonstrated on Ladd Wahlen's …

Idaho's unique habitats are under threat because native plant species aren't adapted for the frequent, intense wildfires becoming common in the state. (BLM)

As Fires Damage ID Plants, Report Finds Native Seed Supply Insufficient

A new report finds the country's supply of native seeds is falling behind the needs of current and future restoration projects. Researchers with …

The Idaho National Laboratory is located near Idaho Falls. (MichaelVi/Adobe Stock)

Comment Period Open for Experimental Nuclear Tech in Eastern ID

The U.S. Department of Energy has opened a short public-comment window on an experimental nuclear technology in Idaho. The agency has released a …

The USCAP funded a riparian revegetation project along the East Fork of the Salmon River at White Clouds Preserve. (Idaho Conservation League)

Mining Co., ID Conservation Group Partner to Fund Salmon Restoration

A cobalt mining company and conservation group are teaming up in Idaho for the third year in a row to fund projects that restore fish habitat near the…

Construction of the Little Goose Dam in eastern Washington began in 1963 and was completed in 1970. (Brigida I. Sanchez/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

With Leak Report, Snake River Dams Could Be Showing Their Age

Four dams on the lower Snake River have been the sites of contention in the Northwest, and a recent report of an oil spill at one of the dams could …

The Silver Creek Preserve is located about 30 miles south of Ketchum, Ida. (Neil Crescenti/The Nature Conservancy)

First Ever 'Trout-Safe' Certification Awarded to ID Farm

A farm in Idaho has received the first-ever "trout-safe" certification from an organization that protects habitat for the fish. The Nature …

The opossums of North America have a short lifespan - only about a year and a half. (cherwoman730/Adobe Stock)

Opossums: Popular Meme, Misunderstood Marsupial

The opossum has become a popular part of the internet, with memes dedicated to the funny-looking animal across the web. In the wild, an Idaho …

The Stibnite mine project is located in portions of the Payette and Boise national forests. (Ecoflight)

Conservation Groups Wary of Central ID Mine Proposal

A proposed mining operation in central Idaho is raising concerns about possible damage to nearby fish and wildlife habitat. The U.S. Forest Service …

Idaho Power's resource plans show reduced emissions through about 2030 but then no change through 2040. (Sierra Club Idaho Chapter)

Report: Fossil Fuels Still Undergird Utilities' Future Plans

Despite their climate pledges, many utilities aren't moving away from fossil fuels very quickly, according to a new report. The Sierra Club …

The Idaho Conservation League looked at data for 112 sewage treatment facilities in the state. (tuastockphoto/Adobe Stock)

Report: ID Sewage Treatment Plants Have Waste Issue of Their Own

Pollution is a major problem for wastewater facilities in Idaho. The Idaho Conservation League's fifth annual report on discharges from sewage …

The proposed mine is located adjacent to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness area. (Bob/Adobe Stock)

Conservation Groups, Nez Perce Not Sold on ID Gold Mine

Idaho has issued its first major permit for a gold mine east of McCall. Conservation groups and the Nez Perce tribes say the project raises alarm …

Idaho wetlands are especially important for the state's bird species. (nrcs.usda.gov)

SCOTUS Could Exclude Waterways from Clean Water Protections

By Kristi Eaton for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Northern Rockies News Service for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Co…

Hydropower provided about half of Idaho's electricity in 2021. It's technically considered

Despite SCOTUS EPA Decision, ID Moves Toward Clean Energy

The busy season of U.S. Supreme Court decisions has come to an end, and among the policies justices struck down is the federal government's ability …

NuScale Power plans to build six reactor modules west of Idaho Falls to generate 462 megawatts of electricity. (Oregon State University/Wikimedia Commons)

Research: Radioactive Waste Issue Unresolved with New Reactor Designs

New, smaller designs for nuclear reactors have been touted as vital for the clean energy future, but new research found they could generate more …

The Nature Conservancy in Idaho manages a 30-acre teaching farm in Twin Falls, Ida. (Brad Johnson/The Nature Conservancy)

'Soil Health Curious' ID Farmers Explore Regenerative Agriculture

A kinder approach to the soil could be what Idaho farmers need to get more out of their land. The Nature Conservancy in Idaho has a demonstration …

Conservation groups filed a lawsuit in 2020 challenging the decision not to list the wolverine as an endangered species. (slowmotiongli/Adobe Stock)

Potential Endangered Status for Wolverine Passes Back to Feds

Federal protections are back on the table for the wolverine after a recent court ruling. The elusive predator also has found status as "endangered" …

Farms still can function with the installation of solar panels on their land. (vermontalm/Adobe Stock)

Clean-Energy Groups: ID Needs Community-Owned Solar Projects

Clean-energy advocates are calling on Idaho Power to go further with its energy plans, pushing for community ownership of renewable energy sources…

Some rural communities in Idaho rely on tourists visiting to fish for salmon. (Parilov/Adobe Stock)

As Columbia River Fishing Shuts Down, NW Considers How to Save Salmon

Salmon-season restrictions on the Columbia River are prompting regionwide discussions on what can be done to save the fish in the Northwest. Bob …

The Idaho Prescribed Fire Council held its annual meeting on March 24 to discuss liability and other topics. (Idaho Prescribed Fire Council)

ID Council Spreads Word on Benefits of Prescribed Fires

Fire can play a helpful role on the landscape in Idaho, and a council in the state is getting the word out on its benefits and how to use it safely…

The Idaho House has also made past attempts to change how building codes related to energy efficiency are approved. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

ID Lawmakers Push for Closer Oversight of Energy Building Codes

Idaho lawmakers want more control over building codes that regulate energy efficiency. The standards cover things like the efficiency of appliances …

Grand View, ID, home to a waste site that accepts hazardous material, is located about 50 miles south of Boise on the Snake River. (NASA/Wikimedia Commons)

Radioactive Soil from Australia Destined for ID Facility

Radioactive soil in Australia is being excavated and shipped to a waste disposal facility in Idaho. The soil was polluted from a carbolic acid …

While salmon could benefit from favorable ocean conditions, climate change is bring harsher conditions in Idaho. (NorthwestWildImages/Adobe Stock)

River Conditions Still Concern for Salmon Despite Good Ocean News

Recent data on ocean conditions could be good news for struggling salmon in the Northwest. But advocates for the species warn this isn't enough to …

Idaho is expected to experience more extreme weather such as droughts as global temperatures rise. (TS Schofield/Adobe Stock)

Assessment Details Changing Climate's Effects on ID Economy

A new report analyzes the economic effects of a changing climate on Idaho. It's the first to look at state-specific circumstances. Katherine Himes …

The 2021 summer was the hottest on record for Idaho, according to NOAA. (Adam/Adobe Stock)

Extreme Weather Events in 2021 Highlight Climate Change's Effect

2021 has been a year of extreme weather events in Idaho. Among the worst and most unforgettable was an extreme heat wave. In the Northwest…

The Nature Conservancy in Idaho and U.S. Forest Service have partnered to deploy a five-person team in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.(Cheyanne Quigley/The Nature Conservancy)

Survey: North Idahoans Support Forests as Climate Solution

COER D'ALENE, Idaho - A new poll finds north Idahoans believe they have one important solution to climate change in their back yard: the forest…

The Tesla Gigafactory, where the Megapack was designed, is in Nevada. (Smnt/Wikimedia Commons)

Nez Perce Tribe First in ID to Receive Tesla's Large-Scale Solar Battery

BOISE, Idaho -- Idaho's first large-scale solar battery from Tesla has been installed by the Nez Perce Tribe. The Tesla Megapack is about the size …

Advocates for rooftop solar say it will better localize the energy system, making it more resilient. (kmlPhoto/Adobe Stock)

Utility's Study Could "Determine Future of Solar in ID"

BOISE, Idaho - A years-long battle over the future of residential solar power continues in Idaho. The Idaho Public Utility Commission is taking …

$Pronghorn today inhabit a fraction of their historic range, which used to stretch from Canada to Mexico. (BGSmith/Adobe Stock)$

Challenges for Pronghorn Highlight Importance of Connected Landscapes

BOISE, Idaho - Millions of pronghorn used to roam the West freely. But impediments like road and fences, as well as a changing climate, threaten the …

There are more than four times as many dairy cows in Idaho today as there were 40 years ago. (Cat/Adobe Stock)

Report Finds Contaminant Concern in Magic Valley Ground Water – Again

TWIN FALLS, Idaho -- An annual report finds poor groundwater quality continues to be an issue for the Magic Valley. The Idaho Conservation League …

Local opposition to the proposed land swap near Payette Lake was strong before the Idaho Department of Lands rejected the deal. (Ty/Adobe Stock)

Coalition Proposes Conserving Lands Previously Targeted by Developer

MCCALL, Idaho -- After the rejection of a developer's proposed land swap near Payette Lake, a coalition of groups wants the state to do the opposite…

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PNS Daily Newscast - May 8, 2024

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ID: Environment