Public News Service

Memphis Light, Gas and Water is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 440,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County. (Vika art/AdobeStock)

'Share the Pennies' weatherization program tackles climate solutions, reduces cost

By Ashli Blow for Tennessee Lookout.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Tennessee News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Publ…

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…

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 …

In Tennessee, growth in the electric vehicle/hybrid sector could add 200,000 EVs by 2028, which the Tennessee Department of Transportation said creates a challenge in terms of the state's ability to build and maintain transportation infrastructure. (Sundry Photography/Adobe Stock)

New Law Aims to Help with TN Traffic Congestion

Legislation has been signed to revamp the roads in fast-growing Tennessee and spend more money on them. The Transportation Modernization Act invests …

The long-term annual standard for particulate matter is 12 micrograms. Tennessee's 2023 State of Health report shows in 2018, the state's annual average was 8 micrograms per cubic meter of air, and therefore met the standard. (Yevgeniy/Adobe Stock)

Groups Demand EPA Get Tough on ‘Dangerous’ Soot Pollution

In Tennessee and across the country, advocacy groups for clean air are asking the Environmental Protection Agency to do more to protect public health …

The Inflation Reduction Act will lower energy costs for households and businesses, create manufacturing jobs for American workers and deliver a clean, secure, and healthy future for families. (Vitalli Vodolazskyi/AdobeStock)

Tennessee Rural Electric Co-ops to Benefit from Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act has made a historic investment of $370 billion dollars to fight climate change over the next decade. Among its benefits…

Last weekend's outbreak of powerful tornadoes tore through parts of Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee, killing more than 100 people and leaving wreckage over hundreds of miles. (Joshua Jans/Wikimedia Commons)

Why Southern U.S. is Prone to December Tornadoes

THE CONVERSATION COLLABORATION KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - The tornadoes that ripped through multiple states, killing more than 100 people, were created by a …

Countries are projected to collectively invest an estimated $1.1 trillion per year over the next five years into low-carbon energy strategies.(Adobe Stock)

COVID Relief Could Help Mitigate Climate Change, Reboot Economy

By David L. McCollum for The Conversation. Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan/Tennessee News Service reporting for the Conversation-Public News …

A new analysis of U.S. air-pollution and FBI crime data finds a correlation between exposure to air pollution and an increase in aggressive behavior. (Adobe Stock)

Study Links Air-Pollution Exposure to Violent Crime

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Researchers have found a correlation between exposure to air pollution and aggressive behavior or violent crime. The …

Nashville mother Zozan Noman (right) testified at an EPA hearing in Washington. She opposes rolling back the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards rule. (Moms Clean Air Force)

TN Mom to EPA: Enforce Limits on Air Pollution; Kids' Health at Stake

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Nashville mother of two young girls is weighing in on an Environmental Protection Agency proposal to weaken rules that …

Some are questioning the Environmental Protection Agency's plans to relax pollution standards for coal plants. Ten years ago, a leak at Tennessee's Kingston Fossil Plant left 30 people dead and poisoned more than 250. (Brian Stansberry/Wikipedia)

Group Worries about Future Coal-Ash Protections

KENSINGTON, Tenn. - Not long after the 10-year anniversary of the largest coal-ash spill in U.S. history, parents across Tennessee are among those …

Vanderbilt University has a new electric car charging station in one of its parking lots. The station is solar-powered and can handle up to 10 cars at once. (Derek Bluff/flickr)

TN Cities Push Forward with Zero-Emission Priorities

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nashville is one of several Tennessee cities pushing ahead with more sustainable transportation - at a time when the Trump …

Kingston's coal-fired power plant was the site of a coal ash slurry spill in 2008. (Steve/Flickr)

Health Impact from TN Coal Plants Could Increase

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee has four coal-fired power plants and this week, the Environmental Protection Agency released its plan for new …

The haze of air pollution sometimes seen in Great Smoky Mountains National Park could increase if automakers are not mandated to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles. (Davynin/flickr)

Easement of Fuel Standards Could Come at Cost to TN Consumers

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – On Thursday, the EPA announced a proposed rule that would freeze fuel-efficiency standards to hold them to 2020 levels…

From farm to table and every step in-between, the life cycle of food purchases was responsible for an estimated 16 percent of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions in 2013. (Pixabay)

Study: Grocery Store Choices Can Impact Climate Change

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Researchers say they've tapped the most comprehensive estimate of greenhouse gas emissions created by U.S. consumer food …

Late last year, the Knoxville City Council approved a resolution allowing Mayor Madeline Rogero and Dawn Distler, director of Knoxville Area Transit, to apply for a handful of federal grants to get eight electric buses. (National Renewable Energy)

TN Cities Review Zero Emissions Challenge

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — This week, industry and environmental leaders from around the world issued a challenge to the public and private sectors to …

Many of the EPA regulations that Scott Pruitt scrapped or delayed as EPA administrator had not yet taken effect before his resignation. (Wikimedia Commons)

Government Watchdog Groups: Pruitt's EPA Exit "Long Overdue"

WASHINGTON – After allegedly overspending on everything from pens to lavish trips and accepting questionable deals from lobbyists, government …

Rainfall is increasing in Tennessee, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, and some scientists attribute that to climate change. (Rory MacLeod/flickr)

Media Analyst: Tides of Trump Washed Over Climate Change

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- This year the media seemed to follow President Donald Trump's every move in the White House with bated breath. But did that leave …

One year after the fires in Gatlinburg, the U.S. Forest Service is looking for a larger budget to fight fires such as that one around the country. (Steve Harwood/flickr)

Feds Look for More Money to Fight Fires

GATLINBURG, Tenn. -- More and bigger wildfires - even in the East - are burning through the budget of the U.S. Forest Service. But some in Congress …

Former EPA administrators, including one who managed Tennessee and other southern states, are voicing their concerns over Trump's proposed budget cuts to the agency. (Ricky Romero/flickr)

Potential EPA Funding Cuts Could Cost Tennesseans

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Bipartisan criticism over the Trump administration’s ideas for the Environmental Protection Agency has forced several …

In 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court told the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate carbon as an air pollutant if emissions put public health at risk. (Tennessee Valley Authority/Flickr)

Health Groups Outraged at Clean Power Plan Repeal

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Trump administration on Tuesday took steps to repeal the Clean Power Plan, the nation's first-ever attempt to limit carbon …

The EPA announced a review of clean car standards that could result in their rollback. (highway england/flickr)

EPA Trying to Put Brakes on Clean-Car Standards

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Standards are on track to double the nation's fuel efficiency by 2025 and save consumers as much as $122 billion over the …

Research suggests air pollution is reducing scenic views in natural spaces such as Great Smoky Mountains National Park. (Bart Everson/Flickr)

TN at Risk? Report Examines Proposed EPA Cuts

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – A new report suggests proposed cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency would diminish the quality of Tennessee's air and …

A congressional panel tasked with coming up with climate-change solutions is growing in membership. (Roman Boed/Flickr)

TN Members Missing from Bipartisan Climate Caucus

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A panel made up of members of Congress who are seeking solutions to climate change is growing quickly. The Climate Solutions …

Renewable-energy sources such as solar help offset the carbon footprints of communities in Tennessee and around the world. (Pieter Morlion/Flickr)

Counting Carbon: Calculator Highlights How to Reduce Impact

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - An environmental group has set up a website that not only measures a person's carbon footprint but also shares ways to reduce and …

The Gatlinburg fires did more than $500 million in damage, much of it to personal property around the city. (highlander441/flickr)

Report: 2016 TN Wildfires May Add 'Refinery' Levels of Pollution

GATLINBURG, Tenn. – Parts of Tennessee continue to recover from the millions of dollars in damage done by last year's wildfires - but new …

Thursday is the deadline for the U.S. Senate to overturn methane-flaring rules, which advocates say are important to avoid wasting taxpayer dollars and harming air quality. (Wild Earth Guardians/Flickr)

Deadline Nears for Congress to Overturn Methane-Waste Rule

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Just hours are left for the U.S. Senate to invoke the Congressional Review Act and overturn a Bureau of Land Management rule …

Environmentalists say Trump's first 100 days in office are

Trump's First 100 Days Creating Long Haul for Environment Say Advocates

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Coming on the heels of his 100th day in office, President Trump says his administration has "brought profound change to …

A warming climate and rising sea levels already are affecting U.S. military bases. Pictured here are members of the Tennessee National Guard. (DVIDSHUB/flickr.com)

Military Veterans: National Security Threatened by Less Climate Protection

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The safety of Tennesseans could be threatened by a rollback in climate change protections, according to numerous current and …

Scientists say global warming is responsible for natural disasters such as December's wildfires that ravages parts of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. (Michael Tapp, Flickr)

Climate Change is Real, Scientific Community Asserts

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Folks in the scientific community in Tennessee and elsewhere are scratching their heads over comments made by the new head …

An executive order requires regulations to only consider cost, not the value of protections. (Lauri Heikkinen/flickr.com)

Public-Interest Groups Fight Trump on Enviro-Regulation Order

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Public interest law, environmental and labor groups are suing to stop the Trump administration's executive order to cut …

Conservationists say the views of the Smoky Mountains provide a

NWF: Smoky Mountains at Risk if Trump's EPA Pick Approved

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. -- Scientists blame global warming for the drought conditions that caused the Smoky Mountain wildfires to spread in November…

Clean Air Moms Action purchased television ads opposing the nomination of Scott Pruitt as head of the Environmental Protection Agency. (Gage Skidmore/Flickr)

Trump's EPA Pick Concerns Some Parents in Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – This week, the Trump administration is working to get its remaining Cabinet members confirmed by the U.S. Senate, including …

A new survey from the Conservative Energy Network found overwhelming support for clean energy among Trump supporters. (Raymond Bosma/flickr.com)

Poll: Trump Voters Favor Clean Energy

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – President-elect Donald Trump's position on renewables and clean energy is worrying environmentalists, but a new national …

Smoke is reported across the state and can even be seen on satellite photos. (National Weather Service)

"Smoky" Mountains Make It Harder for Tennesseans to Breathe

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Most of the state is now in a Code Orange health advisory, designating the air quality unhealthy for sensitive or at-risk …

A new report authored by a TVA board member finds that manufacturing in Tennessee would see significant benefits from the Clean Power Plan. (TheLeadSA/flickr.com)

TVA Board Member: Manufacturers Will Benefit from Clean Power Plan

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – While the issue of clean energy was just one of the myriad of topics discussed at last night's presidential debate, a new …

Memphis International Airport will receive $2.4 million to help purchase equipment to reduce the airport's carbon emissions. (redlagsfan21/flickr.com)

TN Airport Moves Towards Greater Energy Efficiency

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – If commercial aviation was considered a country, it would rank seventh in the world for carbon emissions, according to the …

Semitrucks traveling across Tennessee will soon have to include improved carbon emissions technology. (DodgertonSkillhause/morguefile.com)

Carbon Emission Rules Extended to Trucking Industry

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee drivers have to share the road with thousands of heavy-duty trucks that transport thousands of pounds of goods …

Without action, airplanes will emit 43 gigatonnes of greenhouse gas pollution by 2050, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. (Morguefile.com)

EPA Clears the Air on Airplane Emissions, Sort Of

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - With U.S. commercial airlines using at least 50 million gallons a day of jet fuel, it stands to reason that they may contribute to …

President Obama's Clean Power Plan is one policy that will be affected by the vacant seat left on the U.S. Supreme Court by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. (NASA/Flickr)

Earth Day: Climate Activists Demand Full Bench on High Court

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – As Earth Day events are held throughout Tennessee today, residents concerned about the effects of climate change and …

The Plains and Eastern Clean Line transmission project would carry wind energy from Oklahoma to Southeastern states, including Tennessee. (pedrojperez/Morguefile.com)

Winds of Change: Feds Approve Transmission Project for Wind Energy in TN

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The winds of change are blowing - with the U.S. Department of Energy's approval of the Plains and Eastern Clean Line transmission …

The Tennessee Wilderness Act of 2016 would offer protection to more than 7,000 acres of land in Carter, Johnson, Washington and Unicoi Counties. (Bill Hodge)

Tennessee Land Offered Protection by Bill in Congress

UNICOI, Tenn. – More than 7,000 acres of some of Tennessee's pristine wilderness is offered protection in legislation introduced in the U.S…

Inland flooding and extreme heat are among the concerns listed in a report which gives the state a

TN Faces Longterm Threat of Inland Flooding

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Inland flooding poses the greatest risk to the Volunteer State in future years and earned the state a "D" for preparedness against …

A U.S. appeals court upheld the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, just as the EPA announced its Clean Power Plan this week. Both actions have ramifications for Tennessee. Photo credit: erdenebayar/morguefile.com.

Clean Power Plan, Court Ruling Have Some in TN Breathing Easier

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - The Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Power Plan is making headlines this week, but clean-energy advocates say it isn't the …

PHOTO: The EPA says its final Clean Power Plant is coming in August, which could affect energy generation at TVA facilities like the Tellico Dam. Photo credit: Tennessee Valley Authority, Wikimedia Commons.

What Will EPA Clean Power Plan Mean for Tennessee?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The EPA is expected to issue its final rules on greenhouse gas limits for power plants in August. According to published reports…

Photo: Health care, policy and environmental advocates are gathering in Nashville to discuss the impact of climate change on health, environment and other factors. Photo credit: demondimum/morguefile.com

Shining Light on Health Effects of EPA Power Plan

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today policymakers, scholars and medical practitioners are convening in Nashville to discuss the EPA's Clean Power Plan…

Photo: May is National Asthma Awareness Month, and health experts advise Tenneseans to reduce exposure to air pollution and allergens. Photo credit: Alviman/Morguefile.com

May is Asthma Awareness Month: Managing Chronic Disease

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - More than 7,000 Tenneseans were hospitalized for asthma in 2010, the most recent data available. Thousands more have the chronic …

PHOTO: The University of Tennessee Extension estimates Tennessee's bee population has declined by as much as 50 percent in recent years. Photo credit: Butkovicdub/Morguefile.

What's the Buzz on Tennessee Bee Population Decline?

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee honey bees are feeling the sting of a variety of environmental factors. According to estimates from the University of …

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TN: Climate Change