Climate Change/Air Quality / Public News Service

New Mexico's snowpack is significantly below normal for this time of year, with levels at 36% across the state. (Photo courtesy Isabelle Jenniches)

Monday, May 12, 2025

NM groups work to improve soil health, mitigate effects of changing climate

New Mexico's decades-long drought combined with climate change have more farmers and ranchers embracing the six healthy soil principles, tailoring …

Nevadans could save 16% on their utility bills by 2035 by pursuing cost-saving energy-efficiency measures, according to the National Renewable Energy Lab. (Scott Habermann/Adobe Stock)

Friday, May 9, 2025

New website helps Nevadans find help saving on energy costs

Nevada clean-energy proponents have launched a new website to help connect Nevadans to energy and cost-saving programs. One of the nonprofits behind …

A hunter stands in the Minnesota Heritage Forest Project area, which is protected from heavy industrial use under a new land deal covering nine counties. (Photo courtesy of Jay Brittain)

Friday, May 9, 2025

Mighty Mississippi in MN gets extra shield thanks to land deal

The Mississippi River is the drinking water source for 20 million people and its starting point in northern Minnesota has new protections following co…

Climate change is causing significant degradation to the Mississippi River ecosystem, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Office of Great Waters. (mellz1995/Pixabay)

Friday, May 9, 2025

Does climate change 'perception gap' silence action in Mississippi?

New research suggests Mississippians may be experiencing the same climate-change perception gap found across the globe - when people underestimate how…

The American Lung Association reports more than 2.6 million Ohioans, including over 600,000 children and 500,000 people with asthma, are at higher risk from air pollution exposure. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio cities brace for impact of federal EV rollback proposals

As air pollution levels rise in parts of Ohio, new federal proposals could roll back protections that limit emissions from gas-powered vehicles…

In 2022, the average annual amount of electricity purchased by residential customers in the U.S. was 10,791 kilowatt hours, an average of about 899 kilowatt hours per month, according to federal data. (Adobe Stock)<br />

West Virginia’s electricity prices could rise amid push for coal

Over the past 15 years, West Virginians have been shelling out more of their income each month on electricity bills. Now, as lawmakers continue to …

A global survey of 130,000 people across 125 countries found that 89% say their government should do more to fight climate change. (Adobe Stock)

9 in 10 surveyed in CO, across globe back climate action

Nine in ten people in Colorado and across the globe are worried about climate change and want governments to do something about it, according to a …

The Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act included tax credits and incentives to promote electric vehicle adoption in New Mexico. (See Less/Adobe Stock)

U.S. veterans who hold elective office want environmental investments restored

A bipartisan group of current and former elected officials said the continued use of fossil fuels threatens global security and they want funding for …

The nonprofit Elected Officials to Protect America is holding a two-day Energy Security Summit this week in Washington D.C. (Benjamin Wong)

CA elected officials, advocates decry proposed cuts to climate programs

Elected officials spoke out Tuesday at an energy security summit in Washington D.C., calling on Congress to protect federal climate investments and …

As WA air quality worsens, Congress rolls back protections

Air pollution in Washington is getting worse, according to a new report citing transportation emissions as the primary culprit. Eight of the 12 …

The Agriculture Enterprise Area Program, under the Farmland Preservation program, offers additional financial incentives for communities who commit to keeping land in agriculture use for a specified period. (Adobe Stock)

WI ag conservation program yields farmers' savings

Wisconsin's investment in preserving its agricultural land is offering some solace to farmers and landowners while helping them save money amid a clim…

Advocates say the first year of the Inflation Reduction Act's tax credits for individuals, businesses and nonprofits benefited 160,000 Pennsylvanians and saved more than $260 million. (Adobe Stock)

New map reveals IRA investments boost clean energy projects in Pennsylvania

A new interactive map reveals how recent federal investments from the Inflation Reduction Act are driving clean-energy and climate-resiliency projects…

Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed to hold corporations and trade associations accountable for climate damages, including a case in Colorado against ExxonMobil and Suncor Energy. (Adobe Stock)

Study lays out scientific path to recoup climate costs

As Boulder and local governments across the U.S. turn to courts to pay for rebuilding after wildfires, floods and other extreme weather events linked …

New clean energy manufacturing plants, including for EV batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines, are being built across states like Michigan, Georgia, and Ohio. (Steve/Adobe Stock)

Policy changes could derail Michigan’s clean energy goals

By Alyssa Burr for the Michigan Independent.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Michigan Independent-Pu…

The average driver in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District travels 9,300 miles and spends $1,398 on 430 gallons of gasoline annually, according to a report by Coltura. (Adobe Stock)

Congress could roll back Nebraska's choice on emissions standards

Congress could vote today on a measure to eliminate Nebraska's ability to set its own auto emission standards, which are among the most stringent in …

Ohio has seen a 14% year-over-year increase in residential solar installations, with rural counties among the fastest-growing adopters, according to UNPREDICTABLEcity's 2024 report. (Adobe Stock)

Reports: Ohio communities lead on solar growth

A pair of new reports shows Ohio communities are quietly leading the way on clean energy, from urban centers to small towns, with solar power playing …

A recent Supreme Court ruling narrowed the scope of which U.S. bodies of water are protected under the Clean Water Act. A wetlands protection advocacy group said a proposed EPA rule would narrow the definition even further, leaving millions of acres of wetlands across the country unprotected. (Adobe Stock)

New EPA rule could put remaining IL wetlands at risk

Protected wetlands across Illinois could be at risk as the Trump administration considers changes to the Clean Water Act. The Environmental …

The Bonneville Dam is located on the Columbia River near Cascade Locks, Oregon. (Martina/Adobe Stock)

Bonneville Power energy market choice impacts NW environment

A major player in the Northwest's energy landscape is considering changes in the future, as extreme climate events make power delivery in Oregon more …

Under the Congressional Review Act, Congress has 60 legislative days to disapprove of new regulations. If no disapproval occurs, regulations remain in effect. (Herr Loeffler/Adobe Stock)

MI clean fuels expert speaks out as Congress aims to scrap EPA waivers

A Michigan clean fuels expert is weighing in as three Congressional resolutions introduced last week take aim at Environmental Protection Agency waive…

The United States has announced investments of more than $150 billion in electric vehicle manufacturing and charging infrastructure since 2021, contributing to a 40% increase in EV sales in 2022, according to the Department of Energy. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio's EV progress at risk as Congress considers emissions rollback

Congress is preparing to vote Wednesday on whether to roll back Ohio's authority to set tougher vehicle emissions standards. New research from …

Ohio's tomato growers harvest more than 300,000 tons annually. It is a crop heavily dependent on preserved genetic traits for disease resistance and shelf life. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio crops at risk as federal cuts disrupt seed preservation

A little-known federal program has quietly safeguarded the crops feeding the nation, including key Ohio staples like soybeans, tomatoes, corn and …

A total of 16,000 NOAA workers, including those who forecast severe storms, have been fired by DOGE. (Derrick Neill/Adobe Stock)

Second wave of weather employees fired ahead of NM wildfire season

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Roz Brown for New Mexico News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboratio…

From 2021 to 2022, the Department of Energy tripled its funding for agrivoltaics, including $8 million for a new program studying how solar panels can benefit farmers and rural areas. (pkproject/Adobe Stock)

Michigan State University study: Crops and solar panels can coexist

Results of a new study from Michigan State University suggest farmers no longer have to choose between growing crops and harnessing solar power…

Seasonal allergies are getting worse in part because increased CO2 in the air triggers plants to produce more pollen. (gamelover/Adobe Stock)

WA's advanced pollen tracking tool can help allergy sufferers

Washington's pollen season is starting earlier and lasting longer, thanks to climate change, with research showing airborne pollen levels across the …

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., has said the potential moves by President Donald Trump to strip tax-exempt status from environmental organizations would violate due process. (Adobe Stock)

An Earth Day twist: Trump could 'target' climate nonprofits

Earth Day is usually cause for celebration by nonprofit groups working to reduce the effects of climate change but this year, they are speaking out …

More than 44,000 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations operate in the Commonwealth of Virginia. (Adobe Stock)

VA nonprofits, lawmakers oppose revoking climate groups' tax-exempt status

Lawmakers and climate change activists are speaking out against a rumored executive action by President Donald Trump to revoke tax-exempt statuses fro…

Conservation voices said when European settlers first arrived in South Dakota, 96% of the state was grassland but today only around 50% of the original native grasslands remain. (Adobe Stock)

SD grassland enthusiasts hope for a native plant rebirth

April is National Native Plant Month, an observance at the core of South Dakota's identity. People wanting to protect the state's beloved grasslands …

Advocates are asking lawmakers to honor Earth Day by supporting a bill to require oil and gas companies to contribute to a fund to fight climate change. (Rangizz/Adobe Stock)

This Earth Day, elected officials promote CA bill to 'make polluters pay'

As of today, Earth Day, more than 50 elected officials have signed a letter urging lawmakers to make oil and gas companies bear the cost of climate …

Seasonal allergies are expensive when they result in missed work and school days along with high medical costs. (WavebreakmediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

Coping with OR's climate change-fueled pollen season

Oregon's pollen season is starting earlier and lasting longer, thanks to climate change, with research showing airborne pollen levels increasing more …

The Environmental Protection Agency said exemptions to clean air regulations will

Pollution exemptions granted to AR coal plants

Two coal plants in Arkansas have received an exemption from the Trump administration and will have two additional years to comply with updated clean a…

In 1997, more than 73 million tons of bituminous coal were mined in Pennsylvania, with over 75% coming from underground mines. (creativenature.nl/Adobe Stock)

As Trump backs PA coal revival, critics say it's unlikely

The decades-long decline of Pennsylvania's coal industry could shift in another direction after a series of executive orders by President Donald Trump…

Despite some headwinds, a new analysis says Minnesota's clean energy sector remains on solid footing, with carbon emissions in the state reaching a record low in 2024. (Adobe Stock)

Report: More MN electricity is clean and homegrown

Minnesota is becoming less reliant on energy imports to power up homes and businesses. That's a key finding in the latest summary of contributions …

California is considering a bill to study the cost to taxpayers of climate-related disasters. Similar measures have already passed in New York and Vermont. (Strikernia/Adobe Stock)

CA lawmakers consider charging oil companies for climate-related damage

The "Make Polluters Pay Superfund" bill goes before the California Assembly Natural Resources Committee Monday. The bill would direct the California …

So far, climate change has extended allergy season in Colorado by two additional weeks over historical averages. (Adobe Stock)

Experts offer tips to cope with longer allergy seasons in Colorado

With warming temperatures, allergy season is underway in Colorado and experts are offering tips on how to cope with congestion, inflammation and …

Seasonal allergies impact about one in four adults and one in five children in the U.S. according to the Centers for Disease Control. (Pixabay)

Achoo! Coping with allergy season in Florida

As yellow pollen dust coats cars and porches, seasonal allergies are plaguing nearly a quarter of adults and one in five children in the U.S.…

Colorado forests have not seen below-average winter temperatures in more than three decades, and four of the last five years have brought below-average precipitation. (Adobe Stock)

Drought, warmer winters make CO forests 'beetle buffet'

Warmer winters and prolonged drought have turned Colorado forests into a budworm and beetle buffet, according to a new report from Colorado State …

Medical experts said if you know high pollen days are in the forecast, taking medicine before they arrive can help alleviate symptoms. (Dragana Gordic/Adobe Stock)

Experts: Texans suffer from year-round allergies

Texas is frequently ranked as one of the worst states for seasonal allergies because symptoms can occur year-round. Dr. Miguel Wolbert, president of …

Climate change is expected to increase the amount of airborne pollen by as much as 40% by 2100. (Sean Pavone/Adobe Stock)

Wichita named' allergy capital of nation' for 3rd straight year

With temperatures warming, allergy season is underway in Kansas and experts are offering tips on how to cope. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of …

The wind industry alone brings almost 17.8-billion-dollars in investments to Illinois, currently powering almost 13 percent of the state's electricity needs. (Adobe Stock)

IL hopes to continue clean energy boom with new bill

As Illinois forges ahead in the clean energy space, legislators and advocates are pushing for what would be the third major climate bill passed in …

The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and will last through the end of November. (Pixabay)

FEMA grant cancellations spark FL outcry as hurricane season looms

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has abruptly ended a key disaster-preparedness program, sparking concerns as another active hurricane season …

The Trump administration says it will halt distribution of $750 million that had been awarded to communities for natural disaster recovery and planning this year. (Shutter Falcon)<br />

Disaster resilience programs across CA frozen as feds cancel grants

Dozens of disaster preparedness projects across California will be interrupted or canceled because the Trump administration is canceling a grant progr…

Flooding in Frankfort almost reaches a basketball net Sunday as the Kentucky River is expected to keep rising. (Liam Niemeyer/Kentucky Lantern)<br />

Flooding inundates Kentucky communities

Frankfort is one of a number of communities across Kentucky grappling with a deluge of flash flooding from torrential rainfall over the past several d…

Scientists warn removing access to federal climate data limits support for communities most at risk in a changing climate, and hides the effects already being felt from wildfires, prolonged drought and extreme flooding. (Adobe Stock)

Scientists race to rescue taxpayer-funded data purged from websites

As the Trump administration continues to purge troves of information related to climate change and other topics from government websites, a coalition …

In the Biden administration's final year, the USDA and EPA reaffirmed a goal to halve food waste by 2030 but supermarkets are not legally required to comply. Retailers can help by donating unsold food and educating consumers on cutting waste at home. (lado2016/Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: Major supermarkets fail to cut food-related methane emissions

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Tennessee News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborati…

The DTE Trenton Channel Energy Center is expected to store 220 megawatts, or 880 megawatt hours, of energy. (DTE Energy)

MI clean energy projects await clarity on federal tax credits

Trenton is set to become home to the region's largest battery storage facility but federal policy changes might change how it's funded. The DTE …

Supporters of the pause have said it would not affect the number of electric vehicles sold in Maryland. (Adobe Stock)

MD automakers, health groups rally against delay in vehicle pollution standards

A bill would effectively delay implementation of clean car and truck programs in Maryland, but electric-vehicle manufacturers and health groups are …

The Comanche 3 power plant's connection to the power grid would allow a new wind and solar

Report: Comanche 3 'energy park' could add $40M to Pueblo tax base

The Comanche 3 coal-fired power plant in Pueblo, Colo., is set to close in just six years -- and community leaders, regulators, and Xcel are …

'The Visioneers': FL innovators lead climate solutions in new CBS series

A group of Florida middle schoolers is tackling water pollution in an unconventional way - by collecting scientific samples while surfing and skateboa…

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Climate Change

NM groups work to improve soil health, mitigate effects of changing climate

New website helps Nevadans find help saving on energy costs

Mighty Mississippi in MN gets extra shield thanks to land deal

Does climate change 'perception gap' silence action in Mississippi?

Ohio cities brace for impact of federal EV rollback proposals

West Virginia’s electricity prices could rise amid push for coal

9 in 10 surveyed in CO, across globe back climate action

U.S. veterans who hold elective office want environmental investments restored

CA elected officials, advocates decry proposed cuts to climate programs

As WA air quality worsens, Congress rolls back protections

WI ag conservation program yields farmers' savings

New map reveals IRA investments boost clean energy projects in Pennsylvania

Study lays out scientific path to recoup climate costs

Policy changes could derail Michigan’s clean energy goals

Congress could roll back Nebraska's choice on emissions standards

Reports: Ohio communities lead on solar growth

New EPA rule could put remaining IL wetlands at risk

Bonneville Power energy market choice impacts NW environment

MI clean fuels expert speaks out as Congress aims to scrap EPA waivers

Ohio's EV progress at risk as Congress considers emissions rollback

Ohio crops at risk as federal cuts disrupt seed preservation

Second wave of weather employees fired ahead of NM wildfire season

Michigan State University study: Crops and solar panels can coexist

WA's advanced pollen tracking tool can help allergy sufferers

An Earth Day twist: Trump could 'target' climate nonprofits

VA nonprofits, lawmakers oppose revoking climate groups' tax-exempt status

SD grassland enthusiasts hope for a native plant rebirth

This Earth Day, elected officials promote CA bill to 'make polluters pay'

Coping with OR's climate change-fueled pollen season

Pollution exemptions granted to AR coal plants

As Trump backs PA coal revival, critics say it's unlikely

Report: More MN electricity is clean and homegrown

CA lawmakers consider charging oil companies for climate-related damage

Experts offer tips to cope with longer allergy seasons in Colorado

Achoo! Coping with allergy season in Florida

Drought, warmer winters make CO forests 'beetle buffet'

Experts: Texans suffer from year-round allergies

Wichita named' allergy capital of nation' for 3rd straight year

IL hopes to continue clean energy boom with new bill

FEMA grant cancellations spark FL outcry as hurricane season looms

Disaster resilience programs across CA frozen as feds cancel grants

Flooding inundates Kentucky communities

Scientists race to rescue taxpayer-funded data purged from websites

Report: Major supermarkets fail to cut food-related methane emissions

MI clean energy projects await clarity on federal tax credits

MD automakers, health groups rally against delay in vehicle pollution standards

Report: Comanche 3 'energy park' could add $40M to Pueblo tax base

'The Visioneers': FL innovators lead climate solutions in new CBS series