Air Quality / Public News Service

In the U.S., outdoor air pollution is responsible for about one in 10 lung cancer cases. <br />(rusty elliott/Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 2, 2024

Wayne State study links head, neck cancers to air pollution

Exposure to air pollution is a growing concern for public health and a breakthrough study from Wayne State University is shedding new light on its lin…

Around 131 million people in the U.S. live in communities regularly exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution, according to the American Lung Association. (Adobe Stock)<br />

New KY air monitoring project to address health effects of air pollution

A new air monitoring project aims to study the health effects of air pollution in west Louisville's Rubbertown neighborhood. More than two decades …

Food systems are responsible for one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, with meat production, particularly beef, being a significant driver. (CanYalicn/Adobe Stock)

From Ohio to Azerbaijan: How COP29 could shape local farming

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration …

More than 700,000 vehicles enter the Manhattan Central Business District daily. (Adobe Stock)

NYC congestion pricing revived with some alterations

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has revived congestion pricing after a five-month pause. The program's biggest change is a $9 toll, down from $15 but by 2…

A report from the Maryland Public Interest Research Group anticipates future emissions reductions will come from the transportation and industrial sectors. (Adobe Stock / AI-generated)

Report: MD leads nation in greenhouse gas reduction

New research finds Maryland leading the nation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental Protection Agency data show between 2005 and 2022…

The Hoosier Environmental Council reports Indiana has more unlined coal ash pits that contaminate our groundwater than any other state in the nation. (Adobe stock)

Hoosier green goals at crossroads amid federal shifts

Indiana environmental advocates are facing uncertainties following the election. Changes in federal leadership could shift key environmental …

More than 8 million tons of cargo passes through the Port of Detroit annually, supporting more than 9,000 local direct jobs and more than $900 million in economic activity. (Detroit Wayne County Port Authority)

EPA grants $21.9M for MI port upgrades, emission planning

The Environmental Protection Agency is delivering more than $21.9 million to the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority, aiming to provide a greener …

$Short-term exposure to fracking pollutants can cause respiratory and other health issues, while long-term exposure, especially during pregnancy, is linked to birth defects and complications. (Aryfahmed/Adobe Stock)$

PA group fights for global treaty to end plastic pollution

An environmental group in Pennsylvania is among those backing a global plastics treaty set to be finalized by year's end. It is estimated 99% of …

Certain farm fertilizers significantly contribute to climate change by emitting nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, when excess fertilizer is not absorbed by plants and is broken down by soil microbes. (Adobe Stock)

Putting farm fields under a green blanket with climate friendly fertilizer

Some sectors have made gains in Minnesota in reducing greenhouse-gas emissions. Progress has been slower for agriculture, but those pursuing …

Wisconsin will receive $78 million over five years from the federal government to expand electric vehicle improvements. It plans to have all new charging stations up and running by 2025. (Adobe Stock)

WI makes innovative strides, but lags in EV adoption

Electric vehicles have seen a nationwide uptick, yet Wisconsin lags behind - with EVs making up only about 1% of all cars on the road. …

According to a United Nations 2015 report, food system emissions were responsible for 18 billion tons of carbon dioxide, making up 34% of global emissions. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Investors, activists both work to shape companies' climate goals

The food we consume is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, with beef production -- key to the fast food industry -- among …

Shareholders step up to shape climate goals in corporate world

By Grace Hussain for Sentient.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Commonwealth News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabor…

Pima and Maricopa counties are the only ones in Arizona currently offering vouchers to residents and commercial users for electric lawn equipment. (Tyger Gilbert/Adobe Stock)

As leaves fall in AZ, calls renewed to incentivize electric lawn equipment

It is finally cooling down in Arizona, which means more leaves on the ground as well as heightened use of lawn equipment to keep Arizona properties …

A new report from Datu Research found 33 methane mitigation companies now operate in Pennsylvania, marking a 65% increase over the past decade. Major hubs are in Pittsburgh, with 11 facilities, and other concentrations are found in Bridgeville, Charleroi, Canonsburg and Philadelphia. (Leonid Ikan/Adobe Stock)

Report: PA’s methane mitigation industry drives economic growth, clean air

A new report highlighted the growth of Pennsylvania's methane mitigation industry, showing positive effects on the economy, job market and …

The addition of more than 750 megawatts of renewable energy for rural portions of Kentucky significantly reduces the amount of greenhouse gases developed by natural gas and coal-fired generators. (Adobe Stock)

Power co-op to add renewable solar energy to KY rural transmission grid

New funding from the federal Empowering Rural America program will allow the East Kentucky Power Cooperative to add more than 750 megawatts of solar e…

PacifiCorp has committed to retiring just 27% of its coal use by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

PacifiCorp has 'room to improve' on clean energy commitments

A new report grades utilities based on their commitment to transitioning away from fossil fuels. The Sierra Club has graded utilities on their …

The State of Colorado supported Solid Power's early growth with an Advanced Industries Accelerator grant in 2014, which supports the development of early-stage technologies. (Adobe Stock)

$50 million Biden IRA funding goes to Thornton-based EV battery maker

The Biden Administration is investing $50 million from the Inflation Reduction Act in Colorado to produce more batteries to power electric vehicles…

New York State saw higher rates of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles purchased in 2023 than in 2024. (Adobe Stock)

NY, US face misinformation about electric vehicles

Despite their growing popularity, consumers in New York and nationwide still face misconceptions about electric vehicles. One of the most pervasive …

The practice of intentionally burning excess vegetation has faced opposition from the public. (gilitukha/Adobe Stock)

Ancient technique used to fight west TX wildfires

By Keaton Peters for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public …

Researchers at the World Resources Institute said the average American can cut their environmental footprint in half by reducing dairy and meat consumption. (Molly Condit/Sinergia Animal/We Animals)

Congressional briefing promotes dairy digesters to curb methane emissions

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborat…

The transition from diesel school buses to electric ones has been several years in the making. (California Energy Commission)

Thousands of clean air school buses in CA hit the road this semester

By Hannah Wallace for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Ne…

As heat persists in AZ, Tempe city leaders celebrate environmental investments

As the end of October approaches, parts of Arizona are still grappling with relentless heat, which is why environmental advocates are congratulating …

Metropolitan Congregations United aims to engage the entire state of Missouri on air quality issues and unite scientists and church leaders for change. (Carlos Santa Maria/Adobe Stock)

Researchers turn to MO churches to study air quality

By Rebecca Randall for Sojourners.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Missouri News Service for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News Servi…

Gas stoves emit toxic pollutants in the home, including nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and carbon dioxide, and have been attributed to 15% of childhood asthma cases in Massachusetts, according to a study from the Rocky Mountain Institute. (Adobe Stock)

More MA communities strive for building decarbonization

By Sarah Shemkus for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Maine News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pub…

The Iroquois Pipeline expansion proposal could multiply the pressure on a three-decades-old pipeline if approved. (Adobe Stock)

Study: CT residents to face effects of compressor station expansion

A recent study from the Sierra Club found people in Brookfield, Connecticut, could face severe effects from a proposed compressor station expansion…

Indiana law requires electricity utilities to issue long-term plans for power plants every three years. (Adobe stock)

IN environmentalists push back on Duke’s coal extension

By Dan Gearino for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public N…

Federal officials said by embracing energy-efficient upgrades, such as a smart thermostat, a single eligible household can enjoy savings of up to $14,000. (Adobe Stock)

With the help of navigators, MN Latinos take the clean energy plunge

Summerlike temperatures are still around but winter is lurking and Minnesotans will soon have to crank up their thermostats. Now, there is outreach …

Construction of the Prattsburgh Wind Farm will create $4.3 million of local economic benefits through housing, fuel and living expenses for five towns across Steuben County, New York. (Adobe Stock)

It's full speed ahead for some NY wind farms

Though New York is slated to miss its climate goals, several county projects are bolstering renewable energy development. Several large wind farm …

Air pollution from livestock farms and feed production is estimated to cause 16,000 deaths per year. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Global veganism offers sustainable, nutritious alternative

As worldwide demand for meat and dairy continues to grow, so does evidence showing animal agriculture, as currently practiced, is harming the …

The nonprofit Greater Indiana predicts sales of electric vehicles will equal almost 30% of all new car sales in the state in the year 2030. (Adobe Stock)

More prospective tax breaks for EV charging infrastructure

Electric vehicles are considered one solution for a cleaner environment and Indiana has just over 26,000 EVs already on the road. Energy officials …

Around 74% of Arizona's electric vehicles are Teslas, according to Recurrent. (Adobe Stock)

It's National Drive Electric Week, AZ's EV sector grows

It is National Drive Electric Week and the Arizona Public Interest Research Group Education Fund wants to raise awareness about the benefits electric …

According to the International Energy Agency, methane emissions from fossil fuels must drop by 75% by 2030 to meet climate goals set in Paris. (Adobe Stock)

High-tech tools can bust careless oil and gas drillers

By Jennifer Oldham for Sierra.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public New…

Wildfire seasons are projected to get longer in coming years in Colorado and across the Mountain West. (Adobe Stock)

Spikes in emergency visits during CO bad air days cost $1.14 billion in 2019

Colorado lawmakers are digging into the health and economic impacts of the state's poor air quality from wildfire smoke and ozone pollution created by…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates more than one-third of food produced in the U.S. is never eaten, wasting the resources used to produce, process and distribute it. (Adobe Stock)<br />

ME tackles food waste in effort to mitigate climate change

A new study found Maine households are a leading contributor of food waste in local landfills, which in turn contributes to climate change. …

Experts said there is growing debate over whether waste incineration plants can be considered a form of renewable energy. Environmental advocates argued they are often located near communities suffering from environmental injustice. (Adobe Stock)

MN's carbon-free law takes a more complex pathway

Environmental groups in Minnesota are considering their next steps on the heels of a regulatory decision they said weakens the state's landmark carbon…

State utility regulators last week rejected NV Energy's request to raise its basic service charge for Northern Nevada customers by 175%. (Adobe Stock)

NV groups share concerns about utilities' health, environmental impacts

The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada this week heard local leaders' concerns during consumer sessions, where people protested increasing utility …

Just one-third of Latinos live within walking distance of a park, compared to half of all white Americans who can easily access green spaces. (Adobe Stock)

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates, preserves Colorado's great outdoors

Communities in Colorado and across the U.S. are making time to connect with nature during Hispanic Heritage Month. Hilda Berganza, climate manager …

Critics of Project 2025 allege it would put water at greater risk of pollution and contamination for the sake of corporate profits. (wckiw/Adobe Stock)

NM news org identifies impacts of 'Project 2025' on state residents

A New Mexico nonprofit news organization wants voters to know what is included in "Project 2025" and how it could potentially change the course of the…

In Maine, asthma is responsible for an estimated $14.3 million in lost productivity and nearly $173 million in direct medical costs each year, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Improved air pollution standards could help reduce ME asthma rates

New air pollution requirements issued by the Environmental Protection Agency should bring $250 billion in economic benefits each year to Maine and acr…

The Environmental Protection Agency said aviation in the United States accounts for nearly 10% of greenhouse-gas emissions from the transportation sector. (Adobe Stock)

Cruising at 30,000 feet with cleaner jet fuel: MN part of sustainability efforts

Some Minnesotans might already be booking flights for the upcoming holiday season. In the future, they could end up flying on a jet relying on …

Utah voters with higher levels of education were more likely to prioritize air quality and the Great Salt Lake as more significant issues than crime and immigration, according to the Utah Foundation's 2024 Priorities Project. (Adobe Stock)

Research probes health effects of dust from Great Salt Lake

Utah's Great Salt Lake is shrinking, exposing more of its playa and lifting more potentially harmful dust particles into the air. A new study seeks …

Analysts project the public health and climate benefits of new EPA clean air rules will exceed compliance costs by trillions of dollars through 2050. (Adobe Stock)

Report: EPA clean air benefits include 200,000 lives saved

New air pollution standards issued by the Environmental Protection Agency over the past four years should bring $250 billion in economic benefits each…

The California Department of Conservation is holding a public meeting online on Sept. 24, to update the public on its progress in plugging abandoned oil wells. (Alizada Studios/Adobe Stock)<br />

Environmental advocates call on Newsom to sign 'make polluters pay' bills

Groups concerned about pollution and climate change are asking Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign a trio of bills dubbed the "make polluters pay" package…

Inflation Reduction Act funding is helping leading electric cooperatives, which serve one in five rural Americans, to accelerate the adoption of affordable and reliable clean energy, lowering costs for their members. (Adobe Stock)

Tri-State to lower customer energy costs by $400 million over 20 years

Colorado's second-largest electricity provider, the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, projects new federal clean energy funding will …

One cow can produce up to 264 pounds of methane every year, and it's estimated that livestock production is responsible for 30% of global anthropogenic methane emissions. (Adobe Stock)

How livestock farming fuels climate change

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabora…

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources must report annual greenhouse gas inventories to the legislature and governor each year. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa releases 'Condition of the State' report on clean energy goals

Alternative energy advocates say Iowa is making significant progress on reaching its green power goals by 2035. The state has become a national …

Income, location and trust issues can contribute to health disparities in the Latinx community. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

TX nonprofits address health disparities in Latino community

Nonprofits across Texas are coming together to address disparities in health care for the Latinx community. A report by the Commonwealth Fund shows …

Climate change harms Indigenous people's health. While it causes some health conditions, it is also worsening chronic illnesses to which they are prone. (Adobe Stock)

EPA awards climate grant to CT tribal nation

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation has been awarded a grant to cut climate pollution. It is part of the Environmental Protection Agency's Climate …

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Air Quality