skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Sunday, March 16, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Second federal judge orders temporary reinstatement of thousands of probationary employees fired by the Trump administration; U.S., Canada political tension could affect Maine summer tourism; Report: Incarceration rates rise in MS, U.S. despite efforts at reform; MI study: HBCU students show better mental health, despite challenges.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump administration faces legal battles on birthright citizenship; the arrest of a Palestinian activist sparks protests over free speech. Conservationists voice concerns about federal job cuts impacting public lands, and Ohio invests in child wellness initiatives.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Farmers worry promised federal reimbursements aren't coming while fears mount that the Trump administration's efforts to raise cash means the sale of public lands, and rural America's shortage of doctors has many physicians skipping retirement.

Conservation Groups Ask for Big Changes to CA Budget Bills

play audio
Play

Tuesday, June 13, 2023   

Conservation groups are asking the California Legislature to pull a number of budget "trailer bills" they say amount to a backroom deal to loosen environmental standards in order to facilitate infrastructure projects.

The deadline to pass a budget is this Thursday. Gov. Gavin Newsom contends the state needs to streamline environmental reviews in order to meet deadlines to apply for federal matching funds for infrastructure projects.

Ashley Overhouse, water policy advisor for the California program at the nonprofit Defenders of Wildlife, said big policy changes should be handled instead as regular bills in the next legislative session in January.

"We all agree that our planet is indeed facing a climate crisis, and that we need to move forward with climate infrastructure quickly," she said. "However, there is no reason why legislation to tackle these important issues must be moved through this 'trailer bill' process instead of the regular process."

One of the trailer bills would make it easier to approve large-scale water projects, like the proposed Sites reservoir and Delta tunnels. In a letter to lawmakers, more than 70 environmental nonprofits argue that the shortcuts would undermine critical environmental protections and reduce public input.

Overhouse added she particularly objects to a trailer bill that would remove "fully protected" status from 37 species - including sea otters, sandhill cranes, California condors and golden eagles.

"They would go under the California Endangered Species List, which then would make it easier in the future for the state to delist them," she explained.

Conservation groups say more funding for regulatory agencies would allow them to hire more staff and accelerate environmental reviews. In a statement, the governor claimed the changes are necessary in order to cut red tape, speed up 'clean' infrastructure projects, create jobs and help the state reach its climate goals.

Disclosure: Defenders of Wildlife contributes to our fund for reporting on Climate Change/Air Quality, Endangered Species & Wildlife, Energy Policy, Public Lands/Wilderness. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
According to Wisconsin's Judicial Code of Conduct, judges are not required to recuse themselves based on an endorsement or campaign contributions. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Early voting for the Wisconsin Supreme Court race starts next week and, although the seat is technically nonpartisan, both candidates have clear …


Environment

play sound

As the warming climate continues to reshape the environment, its impact on people's health is becoming increasingly evident in Florida. Doctors and …

Health and Wellness

play sound

Maryland is facing a $3 billion budget deficit, and planned cuts in 2026 would include millions in disability assistance. But one advocate says those …


In a new AARP survey, 37% of older adults with credit card debt report their debt level is higher than it was a year ago. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Nearly half of Americans age 50 and older are using credit cards to pay for basic living expenses, according to a new AARP survey, and a Minnesota …

play sound

Forty religious leaders from different denominations gathered in Texas this week to call for an end to fossil-fuel subsidies and expansion of related …

HBCUs significantly contribute to the national economy. In 2024, the United Negro College Fund reported that HBCUs had a $16.5 billion positive impact. (AS Photo Family/Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

play sound

Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that Black students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Blac…

Environment

play sound

The Sierra Club's Utah chapter said electric utility PacifiCorp's long-term plan to embrace renewable energy has changed and is now placing more relia…

Social Issues

play sound

New data show fewer than half of rural Gen Z'ers believe they can find a good job in their community, compared to nearly 70% of their urban peers…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021