Climate Change/Air Quality / Public News Service

Dioxins are called persistent organic pollutants (POPs), meaning they take a long time to break down once they are in the environment, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, May 26, 2022

OR Activists Seek Dioxin-Contamination Accountability in Low-Income Eugene

As a West Eugene wood-treatment facility continues the process of reducing operations, activists are seeking accountability for contamination that …

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wisconsin had 64,400 farms in 2020, down 500 from 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Help is Available for WI Farmers Facing Mental-Health Challenges

From inflation to climate change, Wisconsin farmers face numerous sources of stress that can't help but affect their health. And one program is …

The annual value of terrestrial ecosystem services globally, including watersheds that filter and clean drinking water, is estimated to be roughly equivalent to the annual global Gross Domestic Product. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

State Lawmakers Press Biden to Create National Biodiversity Strategy

More than 350 state lawmakers from across the U.S. are urging President Joe Biden to create a national strategy to protect, restore and secure the …

The Biden administration approved more drilling permits in 2021 than President Donald Trump did in the first year of his presidency, <a href=

Groups File Protests to Stop Oil and Gas Leases on Public Lands

Fifteen conservation groups from Wyoming and across the nation have filed administrative protests challenging the Biden administration's plans to resu…

More than 1,100 species of plants live in Olympic National Park. (paulacobleigh/Adobe Stock)

With Nature in Crisis, State Lawmakers Call for National Biodiversity Plan

State lawmakers from around the country are calling on the Biden administration to develop a plan to protect the country's dwindling diversity of anim…

An Ohio River Valley Institute brief found retrofitting the nation's coal- and gas-fired power plants for carbon capture and sequestration would add approximately $100 billion per year to Americans' electric bills, an increase of 25%. (Adobe Stock)

PA Moving Ahead to Secure Regional Hydrogen Hub

Gov. Tom Wolf announced Pennsylvania is moving forward with plans for industrial-sector decarbonization, with a proposal to the federal government …

The West Virginia Flood Tool is designed to provide floodplain managers, insurance agents, developers, real estate agents, local planners and citizens with an effective means by which to make informed decisions about the degree of flood risk for a specific area or property. (Adobe Stock)

WV Has 'One Chance' To Improve Flood Preparedness

The mayor of Huntington, where more than 200 homes were recently damaged by severe flooding, said now is the state's "one chance" to prevent other …

The Rio Grande Basin provides critical habitat to sandhill cranes, migratory and wintering waterfowl and many other species. (nm.audubon.org)

Champions for Biodiversity Want Biden Administration to Do More

Land-use changes, pollution, and climate change all contribute to declining biodiversity. Now a broad group of U.S. lawmakers wants the Biden …

Advocates say carbon-capture technology, currently being developed in the United States and other countries, eventually could remove a significant amount of the world's greenhouse gases. Lexiconmedia/Adobe Stock)

Flagstaff Seeks Carbon Capture Technology to Meet 2030 Climate Goals

A technology that once existed only in science fiction soon could emerge as a viable solution to climate change. The city of Flagstaff has added …

Gov. Kathy Hochul's budget includes funds for the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes as part of the state's plan to electrify 1 million homes and make another 1 million electrification-ready by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

Elected Officials Call on NY to Pass All-Electric Building Act

New York elected officials are calling on the General Assembly to pass legislation to transition new buildings off fossil fuels, saying it would make …

Connecticut's National Estuarine Research Reserve is expected to provide economic benefits as well. Long Island Sound is responsible for about $9.4 billion annually in economic impact in the region, according to a study. (Adobe Stock)

CT to Commemorate Securing First National Estuarine Research Reserve

Connecticut is celebrating its first estuary reserve, which will help identify environmental threats to waterways and natural resources. …

In New Mexico, where major wildfires continue to burn, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has warned residents to be ready for evacuations all summer because of strong winds, higher temperatures fueled by climate change, and no significant precipitation on the horizon. (Wikipedia)

As New Mexico Wildfires Rage, Neighboring States Warned of High Fire Danger

New Mexico continues to battle the largest wildfires in its history, and other states including Nevada, along with parts of Arizona and Colorado…

As many as 80% of the homes lost to wildland fires could have been saved if their owners had followed a few simple fire-safe practices. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Officials: Now is the Time to Prepare for a Wildfire

May is Wildfire Awareness Month, and state officials are encouraging Coloradans to get up to speed on prevention and emergency-exit strategies if …

According to city documents, Madison's new electric bus fleet will cost about $70 million. In its 2022 budget, the city set aside roughly $26 million in local funding for the project. (Jonah Chester)

WI Communities Prepare to Receive Federal Infrastructure Funding

Six months ago this week, President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan infrastructure law, and Wisconsin's towns and cities are planning how best to …

In fiscal year 2021, the Wyoming Food Bank distributed more than 13 million pounds of food, a 12% increase over 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Wyoming Food Bank to Distribute Water to Rawlins Residents

Water is a precious commodity in Wyoming and across the Mountain West, and the Wyoming Food Bank is headed to replenish supplies for Rawlins …

U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., addresses an Earth Day rally at the Arizona State Capitol. (EDF/Adriana Zehbrauskas, Moms Clean Air Force)

Environmental Groups Want Earth Day Message Heard Year-Round

Since its inception, Earth Day has been an occasion to advocate for a cleaner planet - but in 2022, climate change is bringing a higher level of …

The planned reroute of Line 5 around the Bad River reservation will cost Enbridge, Inc. about $450 million, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. (Adobe Stock)

WI Tribal Advocates: Pipeline Threatens Agricultural Traditions

Enbridge is seeking to reroute a portion of its Line 5 around the Bad River Band's territory in northern Wisconsin. The rerouting falls within the …

If Gov. Mike Parson signs Senate Bill 745, all residents will be able to put solar panels on their homes. (mmphoto/Adobe Stock)

MO Renewable-Energy Experts: Reducing Barriers to Solar Is Key

Groups that advocate for renewables in Missouri are urging Gov. Mike Parson to sign a utility-focused bill that would reduce barriers for businesses …

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program has a recurring annual budget of $1 billion through 2026, <a href= — The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program has a recurring annual budget of $1 billion through 2026, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. (Adobe Stock)

IN Officials Ask Public to Weigh in on Electric-Vehicle Infrastructure

Indiana is in line to receive about $100 million from the federal government to support new electric-vehicle infrastructure. State transportation …

Despite some customer interest through utility providers, supporters of air pump heating and cooling systems say they need to overcome awareness barriers and getting more customers to adopt this technology. (Adobe Stock)

Can Air-Source Pumps Help MN Homes Run Cooler?

The calendar indicates it is early May, but many Minnesotans are experiencing summerlike temperatures this week. As residents crank up the air …

The massive Dixie Fire is one of many to ravage the Golden State in recent years. Climate advocates want more funds in the budget for smoke warning systems and community readiness. (Gajendra/Adobestock)

Advocates Press for CA Climate-Change Budget

The May revision of Gov. Gavin Newsom's budget is due at the end of this week, so conservation groups are speaking out, calling for what they call a …

Supporters of storing carbon emissions from ethanol plants underground tout the benefits in the threat of climate change. But opponents say it would likely result in greater reliance on fossil fuels. (Adobe Stock)

ND Landowners Build Opposition to Land Use for Carbon Pipeline

The list of North Dakota counties voicing concerns about a proposed carbon-emissions pipeline is growing longer. Several are now on record opposing …

Urban heat islands are areas that can be up to 20 degrees hotter than nearby neighborhoods due to factors like buildings, pavement, and lack of tree cover that can amplify high temperatures. (Adobe Stock)

MD's Montgomery County Conducts Urban Heat-Mapping Project

Maryland's most populous county is embarking on an urban heat-mapping project to better understand neighborhood heat inequities, which can affect …

Last year, top oil and gas companies announced an eye-popping $237 billion in profits. During the same period, executives from 28 of the top oil and gas companies made a combined $394 million in total compensation. (Adobe Stock)

Report: High Gas Prices Continue to Pad Oil and Gas Profits

As millions of Americans are struggling to fill their gas tanks, a new report shows that rising prices are padding the bottom lines of powerful oil …

U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland has launched the "Honoring Chaco Initiative" to address meaningful cultural landscape management and protection for the ancient New Mexico site. (Monica Sanchez/Natural Resources Democrats/Flickr)

NM's Chaco Supporters Rally for Protections from Drilling

At a rally today in Santa Fe, thousands of comments about a proposed withdrawal of new oil and gas drilling leases near New Mexico's Chaco Culture …

Almost 5,000 oil and gas wells have been developed under the Polis administration, whose Greenhouse Pollution Reduction Roadmap includes plans to increase oil and gas production while mitigating methane leaks. (Adobe Stock)

Polis Pressed to Act Faster on Climate Change

A coalition of more than 60 environmental and community groups are calling on Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and other elected officials to act faster to …

Farms still can function with the installation of solar panels on their land. (vermontalm/Adobe Stock)

Clean-Energy Groups: ID Needs Community-Owned Solar Projects

Clean-energy advocates are calling on Idaho Power to go further with its energy plans, pushing for community ownership of renewable energy sources…

If New Mexico adopts clean-car rules, more energy-efficient electric vehicles could be on the roads in 2024 or sooner. (Courtesy newmexico.org)

New Mexico Latest to Consider Adoption of Clean Car Rules

New Mexico may soon join more than a dozen other states in adopting California's clean car standards. The statewide and Albuquerque environmental-…

Six janitors, above, graduated from a 30-hour curriculum on green and sustainable practices. (Molly J. Smith/Adobe Stock)

OR Janitors Go Green with Sustainability Certification

Janitors in downtown Portland have received a unique certification that signals they're going green. Six janitors were certified through the green …

Farmers face pressure to reduce harmful runoff through conservation practices. But a new report warns that, as factory farmers eat up more cost-sharing funds, smaller producers will be reluctant to apply for aid. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Most Farmers Shut Out by Conservation Programs

By Bryce Oates Broadcast version by Mike Moen Reporting for the Daily Yonder-Iowa News Service Collaboration Many farmers who apply for federal fund…

A court has ruled the Mountain Valley Pipeline can change its crossing method for around 180 bodies of water and wetlands, and dig tunnels under, rather than through, them. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — A court has ruled the Mountain Valley Pipeline can change its crossing method for around 180 bodies of water and wetlands, and dig tunnels under, rather than through, them. (Adobe Stock)

Routing MV Pipeline Under Streams, Wetlands Called Habitat Risk

Mountain Valley Pipeline developers are now allowed to dig tunnels below streams and wetlands, and environmental groups say they are concerned about …

Some oil and gas lobbyists want low-producing wells to be excluded from coming regulation. (Adobe Stock) Some oil and gas lobbyists want low-producing wells to be excluded from coming regulation. (Adobe Stock)

Researchers Question Cost-benefit of Methane Emissions from Low-Producing Oil and Gas Wells

The country's 565,000 low-producing oil and gas wells - thousands of them in Texas - are responsible for approximately half of the methane discharged …

Well sites that produce less than 15 barrels of oil equivalent a day account for 80% of the nation's oil and gas wells. (Adobe Stock)

Plugging Methane Leaks Key to Improving CO Air Quality

Smaller or marginal wells account for just 6% of the nation's oil and gas production, but are responsible for half of all methane pollution in the U.…

Low-producing wells waste enough gas each year to meet the energy needs of more than 3.6 million homes in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Reducing Methane Pollution Seen as Potential Revenue Source

Smaller wells account for just 6% of the nation's oil and gas production but are responsible for half of all methane pollution in the U.S., according …

A 2019 blowout at an Ohio fracking well released an estimated 60,000 tons of methane gas. <br />(Ohio State Highway Patrol) — A 2019 blowout at an Ohio fracking well released an estimated 60,000 tons of methane gas.
(Ohio State Highway Patrol)

Ohio's Low-Producing Wells Leave Huge Methane Footprint

They account for a minuscule amount of U.S. oil and gas production, but new research found low-producing oil and gas wells have a large methane …

Studies show oil and gas wells, like this one in Duchesne County, are a major source of methane pollution in Utah's Uinta and Wasatch regions. (Wikimedia Commons)

Report: Utah's Low-Producing Wells Emit Half of Methane Emissions

A new study found low-producing oil and gas wells make up about half the methane emitted from all well sites in the U.S., while accounting for just 6%…

North Carolina will fall short of its 2025 and 2030 climate targets without additional policies put in place to curb emissions, says a new report. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Without Action, NC Will Fall Short on 2025 Climate Goals

Executive orders aimed at driving down greenhouse-gas emissions are still not enough to reach North Carolina's 50% reduction goal by 2030, a report …

The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change notes that without drastic action, impacts from severe storms and flooding will continue to worsen. (Cory Seeman/Adobe Stock)

MI Group: Oil Pipeline Tunnel Plan Not In Sync with State's Climate Goals

This Earth Month, Michigan leaders took the opportunity to release a new roadmap for a carbon-neutral state economy by 2050. In addition to …

Pennsylvania is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse-gas pollution in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Low-Producing Oil, Gas Wells Make Up 50% of Methane Emissions

A new study found low-producing oil and gas wells make up about half of potent methane emissions emitted from all well sites in the U.S. while …

North Carolina solar advocates say churches can save on their energy bills by installing solar. (Adobe Stock)

NC Churches Highlight Solar Panels During Faith Climate Action Week

Duke Energy's solar panel rebate program expires this year, and faith groups such as the North Carolina Council of Churches and Interfaith Power and …

With wind and solar projects popping up, an annual report says power-sector emissions in Minnesota have fallen 40% in the last decade. (Adobe Stock)

For 2nd Straight Year, Renewables Are MN's Lead Power Source

Until this Friday, Minnesota is accepting public comment on broader plans to address climate change. While that takes shape, clean-energy leaders say …

The Office of Environmental Justice was one of dozens of recommendations made by the Governor's Task Force on Climate Change, a group Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers established in 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Evers Touts New WI Office of Environmental Justice

Wisconsin has a new Office of Environmental Justice, which is tasked with centering equity and fairness as the state proceeds with a new clean-energy …

People of color are 61% more likely than white people to live in a county with a failing grade for at least one pollutant that contributes to poor air quality, according to the American Lung Association. (DavidMark/Pixabay)

Report: NM's ABQ, Eddy County Rank High for Poor Air Quality

A new study found high ozone levels have made the air quality in Albuquerque worse than ever reported. For the past 23 years, the American Lung …

Over the past five years, the U.S. has gone from exporting almost no liquefied natural gas (LNG), to exports being about 10% of total U.S. gas production, according to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis. (Adobe Stock)

TX Group Makes Earth Day Plea for Cleaner Environment

It is Earth Day, and the Texas Campaign for the Environment is backing a movement targeting fossil-fuel exporters across the state. Texas is the …

Natural gas pipelines can often release methane, a potent greenhouse gas, due to leaks or during maintenance repairs. (Adobe Stock)

Monday Deadline for Comments on PA Gas Pipeline Expansion

Pennsylvanians have until Monday to submit public comments on a draft Environmental Impact Statement for a gas pipeline expansion in Northeastern Penn…

The Biden administration has set a goal of achieving a fifty percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

Elected Officials to Feds: Accelerate Clean Energy Transition

As folks across America celebrate Earth Day, nearly 500 lawmakers have signed a petition calling on the President and Congress to develop a Climate …

The Governor and climate advocates will speak at a press conference today in Las Vegas, with a climate-themed mural by artist Gui Lemes as a backdrop. (Ivan Serge/@apvevents)

This Earth Day, Advocates Call for Climate Action

To honor Earth Day tomorrow, Gov. Steve Sisolak will join environmental advocates in a call to invest in our planet. The most recent report from …

Venting, flaring and leaks waste $275 million worth of natural gas per year in New Mexico, depriving the state of more than $40 million in royalties and tax revenue, according to the Environmental Defense Fund. (nasa.gov)

NM's Methane Rules Designed to Reduce Air Pollution, Improve Health

New Mexico is home to some of the worst methane pollution in the country, but new rules aimed at oil and gas operators could be a turning point for …

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