Climate Change/Air Quality / Public News Service

Researchers say microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic less than 5 millimeters in size. (James Thew/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Tiny plastic pieces enter the body in ways you'd never think of

By Julieta Cardenas for Sentient.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration …

More than three-quarters of Western voters say more emphasis should be placed on conserving wildlife migration routes than on economic uses of lands in these areas, according to the State of the Rockies Project. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 23, 2024

Report: AZ one of eight Western states that could improve conservation policies

Arizona could be doing more to improve conservation policy, according to a new report by the Center for Western Priorities. The Center's Policy …

More cities are looking into establishing a renter's right to cooling equipment, as climate change drives record-breaking temperatures across the world. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 23, 2024

Following the TX model: Cities craft plans to protect tenants from extreme heat

By Ysabelle Kempe for Smart Cities Dive.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public N…

Colorado's San Luis Valley produces two billion pounds of potatoes a year, the second largest yield in the nation. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 23, 2024

Colorado’s new tool for preserving aquifers for farming

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

Monday, December 23, 2024

'Lost' winter days: A side effect of climate change in PA

Across Pennsylvania and other northern U.S. states, climate change -- from burning oil, coal and methane gas -- is increasing the number of winter …

The impacts of offshore transmission on the seabed can be mitigated with micrositing and proactive planning, which is critical for protecting ocean species, according to a report from the National Wildlife Federation. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Monday, December 23, 2024

Federal regulators urged to consider wildlife in MA transmission plans

Wildlife advocates want federal regulators to consider habitats and migratory routes, when planning new transmission infrastructure in Massachusetts …

Offshore wind energy in the Gulf of Maine has the potential to generate up to 156 gigawatts of power, which is more than 70 times the amount of electricity used by the entire state, according to Maine Audubon. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 23, 2024

Reports show ME clean energy projects can include wildlife protections

Wildlife advocates say it's possible to transition to renewable energy while protecting vital habitats and species. As Maine builds out its …

A 2021 United Federation of Teachers survey finds 68% of teachers don't have time to teach climate change, but 52% teach it for one to two hours per year. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 23, 2024

NYS Board of Regents allocates funding for climate education

New York's Board of Regents approved a Department of Education funding request for climate education. The board is putting more than $536,000 aside …

Ithaca, New York, is the first city in the world to commit to electrifying all its buildings. The city is aiming to accomplish the goal by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

NY elected officials work to electrify municipal buildings

New York lawmakers are focusing on electrifying municipal buildings. Buildings statewide make up 32% of New York's greenhouse gas emissions and …

Dairy digesters remove methane from liquified animal waste. The gas can then be used to generate power. (Lance Cheung/USDA)

Environmental groups sue CA Air Resources Board over biogas credits

Three environmental nonprofits filed suit Wednesday against the California Air Resources Board to oppose the expansion of a program allowing oil and g…

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has announced $3.6 million in more than 100 grant awards through several programs, including the Cranberry Bog Renovation Grant Program, which aims to improve bog design and reduce negative environmental impacts from cranberry production. (Adobe Stock)

MA state grants boost rural economies, climate resilience

Rural communities across Massachusetts are benefiting from state grants aimed at strengthening the local food supply and building climate resilience…

A new University of Miami study has found buildings in Sunny Isles Beach and Surfside have been sinking by 2-8 centimeters between 2016 and 2023. (Adobe Stock)

FL coastline sinking: New study questions safety, future of construction

When the Champlain Towers South collapsed in Surfside in 2021 taking 98 lives, it sent shock waves across South Florida. The tragedy has left …

Members of the Cleans Trucks Philadelphia Coalition stand in front of clean energy-powered electric trucks and vans during a Philadelphia news conference on Tuesday. (The Partnership Project)

Clean Trucks Campaign touts benefits of electric vehicles for Pennsylvania

Business leaders, clean transportation advocates and other experts say new technologies are helping to accelerate the transition to clean trucks and …

The work of GreenLatinos Texas, centers around empowering frontline environmental justice and conservation advocates. Members are actively engaging with local communities to understand their campaign goals and identify areas where support is needed. (Photo courtesy of Green Latinos)

TX group works to give Latinos seat at table in fight against methane

Members of the environmental nonprofit GreenLatinos are involved in a push to get more Latinos across Texas involved in the fight against methane gas…

Federally employed firefighters hope to see a permanent pay bump to replace the pay increases granted in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Federal wildland firefighters need permanent pay bump

As the federal government works this week to avoid a shutdown, federal wildland firefighters are waiting to see if their recent pay increase will …

Since colonial times, settlers along the coast cut perennial marsh grasses into what they called salt hay. (Naya Na / Adobe Stock)

As saltwater encroaches on farms, solutions emerge from marshes

By Lisa Held for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Brett Peveto for New Jersey News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News S…

Aerial view of solar arrays on the Franklin County Extension Office in Frankfort. (Franklin County Extension Office)

KY county extension offices increasing climate resilience

A solar battery storage project at the Franklin County Extension Office is expected to save taxpayers $10,000 a year on utility bills, and provide …

Pennsylvania has more than 49,000 farms, generating nearly $10 billion in agricultural product sales. (Thanaporn/Adobe Stock)

Research shows valuable impact of getting 'back to nature' practices on PA farms

A new study suggested getting "back to nature" in farming could help ward off the biggest effects of climate change. As Pennsylvania faces …

U.S. power companies are sitting on a stockpile of coal equivalent to the entire volume expected to come from Appalachia in 2025, according to a new analysis from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis. (Adobe Stock)

Analysis: U.S. coal stockpiles could cut demand from Powder River Basin mines

A new analysis of federal data shows that U.S. power plants are sitting on a huge stockpile of coal, much of which came from the Powder River Basin…

Coastal erosion threatens Washington state as sea levels rise, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Fossil-fuel lobbyists fail to disclose in WA

A new report found fossil fuel lobbyists in two states with strong transparency and disclosure laws were not making full disclosures, including …

Currently, over 2,300 biogas-producing sites operate across the United States. <br />(Олександр Луценко/Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

MI farms making manure matter by turning it into clean energy

From cow waste to clean energy, Michigan will soon have a couple of new state-backed digesters to get the job done. Last Tuesday, the Michigan …

More than 54% of new clean-energy jobs and 60% of projects in Georgia are located in low-income<br />communities. (Adobe Stock)

Georgia’s clean energy boom sparks workforce growth, housing challenges

By Sarah Melotte and Elizabeth Miller for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for Georgia News Connection for the Public News Servic…

Along with a goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, the Port Authority is looking to reduce direct emissions 50% by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

NY, NJ ports receive federal grants for clean energy transition

The Port of New York and New Jersey is receiving funding to cut emissions. It's part of the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Ports Program…

The Hilton Family Forest in Northwestern Maine lies within the Appalachian chain and contains the headwaters of the south branch of the Penobscot River. (�Jerry Monkman/Conservation Fund)

Conservation efforts keep Maine’s Hilton Family Forest wild

A national land trust has purchased 44,000 acres of forest in Northwestern Maine to keep it wild and free for generations to come. The Hilton Family …

The Environmental Protection Agency has set and implemented emissions standards to control pollution from everything from cars, heavy-duty trucks and buses, and construction and farm equipment, since 1970. (Adobe Stock/AI generated Image)

Poll: Most voters want a robust EPA, more pollution controls

Nationwide, 76% of Trump voters and 86% of all voters oppose attempts to weaken the Environmental Protection Agency, according to a new poll …

According to the Department of Energy, all-electric vehicles are shown to be about 4.4 times more efficient than gas-powered cars. (Adobe Stock)

Consumer experiences with electric vehicles on upswing

A leading consumer publication says electric vehicles are gaining ground on gas-powered cars when it comes to feelings about reliability. However…

The piping plover nests in open, sandy areas near water and winters on coastal tidal flats and beaches<br />(Brian Lasenby/Adobe Stock)

Join the flock: Mississippi's Christmas Bird Count takes flight

Bird enthusiasts across Mississippi are actively participating in a long-standing science project. The Audubon Society is conducting its 125th …

The Eastern hellbender, one of the largest salamanders in the United States, plays a vital role in freshwater ecosystems. (Adobe Stock)

Hurricane Helene's damage spurs calls to protect NC's threatened species

The southern Appalachian Mountains, known as the salamander capital of the world, are home to some of the most distinct wildlife in the country but …

Oregon forestry officials say climate change, warmer-than-average temperatures and current megadrought conditions present new fire prevention and suppression challenges. (Adobe Stock/AI)

Rural OR communities face new challenges in fighting wildfires

By Julia Tilton for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Oregon News Service for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Collaborati…

During the June floods in eastern South Dakota this year, the river level at the Big Sioux gauge hit 44.98 feet, breaking the previous record high by 7.28 feet, according to the High Plains Regional Climate Center. (Adobe Stock)

Weak protections for SD wetlands could lead to more flood damage

Wetlands protect against floods, like those some in eastern South Dakota experienced this June and researchers warned the growing presence of factory …

In addition to thousands of jobs, analysis shows outdoor recreation annually contributes $3.2 billion to New Mexico's economy. (Upper Pecos Watershed Association)

NM designates 250 miles as 'Outstanding National Resource Waters'

A New Mexico agency has stepped up vigilance of the state's limited water resources. On Tuesday, the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission …

About 70% of the 40,000 acres burned by wildfires across Wyoming in 2024 were on private or state lands, Gov. Mark Gordon said in a budget speech Monday. (Adobe Stock)

Gordon seeks $130 million more for WY wildfire mitigation budget

In the Wyoming governor's new supplemental state budget, the biggest line item by far is wildfire recovery. Gov. Mark Gordon on Monday gave a …

The EPA's Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program focuses on environmental justice issues in disadvantaged communities. The money has been hailed by advocates as one of the most important federal investments ever made in closing the nation's long-standing socioeconomic and racial gaps. But changes in leadership in the White House threaten these funds. (Freepik)

Concerns mount about future of federal environmental justice grants

By Kristoffer Tigue, Dennis Pillion, Dylan Baddour and Marianne Lavelle for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News …

Roughly half of Maine's greenhouse-gas emissions come from the transportation sector. It is estimated the state will need more than 200,000 light-duty EVs on the road to reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2045. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Mainers urged to nab clean energy rebates before they’re gone

Mainers are encouraged to take advantage of clean energy rebates and tax credits before they are gone. The Inflation Reduction Act offers incentives …

The Massachusetts climate law creates a new Office of Environmental Justice and Equity to help communities play an active role in the accelerated siting and permitting process for clean energy projects, and provides funds to help those communities with legal representation. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Unions: Green jobs are good paying jobs under new MA climate law

Labor unions in Massachusetts say the state's new climate law will create good jobs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The law streamlines the …

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Elon Musk, Joe Rogan spread misinformation on agriculture

By Gabriella Sotelo for Sentient.Broadcast version by Kathleen Shannon for Wyoming News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabo…

Save Ohio Parks group photo taken July 1st 2023 at Salt Fork State Park. (Photo Credit Paul Becker Photo)

Protesters rally against fracking near Ohio parks

Protesters are gathering at the Columbus Public Safety Building today to voice opposition to plans that could expand fracking activities near the stat…

A Farm Connection report predicts dwindling services provided by local governments in small towns that are losing population will discourage new residents from settling in rural communities. (Adobe Stock)

Montana tallies economic impact of climate change

A report released by a Montana farm group says climate change is costing the state jobs and revenue, in addition to having a devastating long-term …

Michigan is a leader in clean energy employment in the Midwest, with nearly 124,000 clean energy jobs as of 2023. (structuresxx/Adobe Stock)

MI communities fight state control over clean energy law

Over 70 Michigan townships and counties are taking a stand in court, saying the state is overstepping its authority on renewable energy permits…

In a report on the lobbying transparency laws of each state, Colorado was the only state to receive an 'A' grade. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Maryland fossil fuel lobbyists fail to disclose activities

A new report says fossil-fuel lobbyists in two states with strong transparency and disclosure laws are not making full disclosures - including in Mary…

Since its passage, the Inflation Reduction Act has created more than 330,000 new jobs and $370 billion in climate and clean energy-related investments. (Adobe Stock)

Tempe mayor's holiday wish: More AZ clean energy investment

A new Environment America report shows wind, solar and geothermal energy production has tripled nationwide since 2014 - and Arizona is getting its …

Republicans' concerns with Senator Stabenow's new farm bill likely stem from lobbying groups representing large-scale farmers who want fewer restrictions on their business practices.<br />(maksymowicz/Adobe Stock)

Senate farm bill prioritizes climate, but faces defeat

By Frida Garza for Grist.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Rural News Network-Public News Service Col…

Duke Energy ranks as the third-largest greenhouse-gas emitter in the United States, according to the University of Massachusetts Amherst's Greenhouse 100 Polluters Index by the Political Economy Research Institute. (Adobe Stock)

NC town files climate lawsuit against Duke Energy

The Town of Carrboro is leveraging state law to combat climate change, announcing a lawsuit aimed at Duke Energy. Barbara Foushee, mayor of Carrboro…

About one-third of the world's habitat for Greater sage grouse is located in Wyoming. (Kerry Hargrove/Adobe Stock)

Some stall, others push to pass new federal sage grouse plans

Final federal plans for Greater sage grouse habitat in Wyoming and other western states were met with criticism last month but some said the overdue p…

A solar power array will save the Free Clinic of Simi Valley about $20,000 a year, allowing the staff to enhance its programs, including medical, dental, counseling and legal services. (Adobe Stock)

Simi Valley free clinic gets rooftop solar through Power for Health Initiative

A newly installed rooftop solar power system will help the Free Clinic of Simi Valley keep its doors open and the lights on for the area's disadvantag…

Because Canton, Michigan, is just 31 miles from Detroit (above), it has become an appealing destination for growth as the city expanded, attracting residents and businesses seeking space beyond Detroit's urban center. (SNEHIT PHOTO/Adobe Stock)

Detroit suburb revitalized by federal funds

A Detroit suburb is undergoing a transformation with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Canton Charter …

A new report from the University of California-Santa Barbara says nature-based agriculture can reduce the environmental footprint of chemical-intensive agriculture and provide good jobs in rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

Study: How AL farmers can cultivate resilience

It is estimated Alabama row-crop farmers could lose more than $236 million this year, with prices for cotton, soybeans, corn, peanuts and wheat all …

A new study from the University of California-Santa Barbara says nature-based agriculture can reduce the environmental footprint of chemical-intensive agriculture while providing good jobs in rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

Research shows value of getting 'back to nature' on GA farms

A new study suggested getting "back to nature" in farming could help ward off the biggest impacts of climate change. As Georgia experiences more …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - December 24, 2024

2024Talks - December 24, 2024

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Climate Change

Tiny plastic pieces enter the body in ways you'd never think of

Report: AZ one of eight Western states that could improve conservation policies

Following the TX model: Cities craft plans to protect tenants from extreme heat

Colorado’s new tool for preserving aquifers for farming

'Lost' winter days: A side effect of climate change in PA

Federal regulators urged to consider wildlife in MA transmission plans

Reports show ME clean energy projects can include wildlife protections

NYS Board of Regents allocates funding for climate education

NY elected officials work to electrify municipal buildings

Environmental groups sue CA Air Resources Board over biogas credits

MA state grants boost rural economies, climate resilience

FL coastline sinking: New study questions safety, future of construction

Clean Trucks Campaign touts benefits of electric vehicles for Pennsylvania

TX group works to give Latinos seat at table in fight against methane

Advocates: Federal wildland firefighters need permanent pay bump

As saltwater encroaches on farms, solutions emerge from marshes

KY county extension offices increasing climate resilience

Research shows valuable impact of getting 'back to nature' practices on PA farms

Analysis: U.S. coal stockpiles could cut demand from Powder River Basin mines

Report: Fossil-fuel lobbyists fail to disclose in WA

MI farms making manure matter by turning it into clean energy

Georgia’s clean energy boom sparks workforce growth, housing challenges

NY, NJ ports receive federal grants for clean energy transition

Conservation efforts keep Maine’s Hilton Family Forest wild

Poll: Most voters want a robust EPA, more pollution controls

Consumer experiences with electric vehicles on upswing

Join the flock: Mississippi's Christmas Bird Count takes flight

Hurricane Helene's damage spurs calls to protect NC's threatened species

Rural OR communities face new challenges in fighting wildfires

Weak protections for SD wetlands could lead to more flood damage

NM designates 250 miles as 'Outstanding National Resource Waters'

Gordon seeks $130 million more for WY wildfire mitigation budget

Concerns mount about future of federal environmental justice grants

Mainers urged to nab clean energy rebates before they’re gone

Unions: Green jobs are good paying jobs under new MA climate law

Elon Musk, Joe Rogan spread misinformation on agriculture

Protesters rally against fracking near Ohio parks

Montana tallies economic impact of climate change

MI communities fight state control over clean energy law

Report: Maryland fossil fuel lobbyists fail to disclose activities

Tempe mayor's holiday wish: More AZ clean energy investment

Senate farm bill prioritizes climate, but faces defeat

NC town files climate lawsuit against Duke Energy

Some stall, others push to pass new federal sage grouse plans

Simi Valley free clinic gets rooftop solar through Power for Health Initiative

Detroit suburb revitalized by federal funds

Study: How AL farmers can cultivate resilience

Research shows value of getting 'back to nature' on GA farms