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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

NV Conservation Groups Blast Trump's Attack on Endangered Species Act

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Tuesday, August 13, 2019   

CARSON CITY, Nev. — Conservation groups are speaking out against new rules announced Monday that weaken the Endangered Species Act.

In the past, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could only consider the science when deciding if a species is sliding toward extinction and merits federal protections. The new rules allow the agency to consider the lost economic opportunities such a listing would effect.

Kyle Davis, policy consultant with the Nevada Conservation League, said the state has prospered in recent years with the current standards in place.

"Species can be conserved while at the same time the economy can continue to grow,” Davis said. “There is this false choice that is always put out there. And that's just not the case."

It is unclear exactly how potential economic impact would be assessed.

Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said the changes lessen the regulatory burden on industry. But Davis said Americans appreciate the intrinsic value of keeping species alive.

The rules also make it easier to take a plant or animal off of the threatened or endangered species list - which could clear the way for more industrial operations on sensitive land. Davis said although the Trump administration has been approving more oil and gas leases, other industries stand to benefit more.

"Realistically, what you're probably talking about is some changes to ranching practices, but probably the biggest impact comes to hard-rock mining,” she said.

In Nevada, preservation groups have worked hard to protect critical habitat for many species, including the desert tortoise and the western sage grouse. A recent United Nations report found human activity is pushing 1 million species worldwide toward extinction.


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Health and Wellness

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Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…


Social Issues

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Wisconsin children from low-income families are now on track to get nutritious foods over the summer. Federal officials have approved the Badger …

Social Issues

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Almost 2,900 people are unsheltered on any given night in the Beehive State. Gov. Spencer Cox is celebrating signing nine bills he says are geared …


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Social Issues

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Education advocates are calling on lawmakers to increase funding for programs to combat the teacher shortage. Around 37% of schools nationwide …

Environment

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New York's Legislature is considering a bill to get clean-energy projects connected to the grid faster. It's called the RAPID Act, for "Renewable …

Social Issues

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Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …

Social Issues

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Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…

 

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