Climate Change/Air Quality / Public News Service

State lawmakers passed North Carolina's Carbon Plan to reduce emissions in 2021. (Mathew/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

In face of federal rollbacks, NC environmental efforts continue

President-elect Donald Trump retakes office in less than a week and promises to roll back efforts to combat climate change. But state-level efforts …

Ohio is the nation's fifth-largest producer of soybeans and corn, making agricultural policies like the Farm Bill critical for its economy. (JJ Gouin/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Ohio farmers navigate uncertainty amid Farm Bill delays

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboratio…

According to ClimateCheck, heat risks are highest in Montgomery and lowest in Florence, while precipitation risks peak in Decatur and are lowest in Dothan. Birmingham faces the highest drought risk; Montgomery the lowest. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

How Alabama employees can drive climate action in 2025

By Ethan Brown for The Sweaty Penguin.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for Alabama News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pub…

Nationally, just one-third of state lawmakers are women. In the 2025 session, 52% of Colorado lawmakers are women. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Veteran CO lawmaker sets sights on climate, child care in 2025

In 2019, Colorado lawmakers set goals for cutting climate pollution by at least half by the year 2030, and by 90% by 2050 - compared with 2005 levels…

Ohio's clean energy sector has seen significant growth, with clean energy and clean vehicle jobs reaching more than 119,000 in 2023, a 4.4% increase from the previous year. (Oleksii Syrotkin/Stocksy)

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Ohio cities embrace clean energy innovation

Clean energy initiatives are gaining momentum across Ohio, with efforts aimed at expanding access and advancing sustainability. Not limited to …

In December, the Oregon Investment council found the state's Public Employee Retirement System returned 2.7%, which lagged other states and its benchmark, in part because of fewer public investments. (Ded Pixto/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

New bill would pause Oregon state retirement fund's fossil fuel investments

A new bill aims to further reduce investments in fossil fuels by Oregon's Public Employee Retirement System. The Pause Act would impose a five-year …

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Georgia church creates solar-powered emergency hub with federal climate funds

By Yessenia Funes for Next City and Yale Climate Connections. Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for Georgia News Connection reporting for the …

Prior to serving in the previous Trump administration, Russell Vought spent more than 20 years working in Washington, D.C., with grassroots and public policy organizations, according to the White House. (Tia Dufour/Official White House Photo)

Monday, January 13, 2025

Advocate: Trump nominee could jeopardize environmental progress in UT

Russell Vought is one of the key architects behind the conservative, right-wing blueprint Project 2025, and President-elect Donald Trump has tapped …

Despite the decline, coal still plays a role in some regions, especially in states such as Wyoming, West Virginia and Kentucky, where coal is a significant part of the energy mix. (James Phelps Jr./Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 13, 2025

MI expert discusses wind, solar surpassing coal on U.S. grid in 2024

A Michigan expert weighs in on an historic shift in 2024 - wind and solar power surpassed coal on the U.S. grid. According to research from Ember - …

Russ Vought served as director of the Office of Management and Budget at the end of President Donald Trump's first term. (Shealah Craighead/White House)

Monday, January 13, 2025

NC senators urged to turn down Trump's Project 2025-linked budget director

As confirmations for the next Trump administration have begun, environmental groups say senators should turn down Russ Vough - the incoming …

The Solar Energy Industries Association reported Illinois ranks 15th in national solar capacity. (Adobe Stock)

Solar energy progress in IL could be on hold with new administration

By Kari Lydersen for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pu…

Researchers are testing a number of propulsion systems, such as hydrogen, electricity and biofuels, to reduce the aviation industry's carbon footprint or cut it to net-zero. (Artist's Rendering/Adobe Stock)

Colorado strategizes with stakeholders to decarbonize future of air travel

By Ethan Brown for The Sweaty Penguin.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network…

A strong majority of Arizonans believe groundwater is essential for communities, farming, industry and way of life and support more protections to secure long-term water supplies in the state, according to the Center for the Future of Arizona. (Adobe Stock)

AZ environmental advocates say water regulation is their top priority in 2025

Arizona environmental advocates and organizers have laid out their 2025 priorities for Gov. Katie Hobbs and the state legislature, which is set to …

If confirmed, Brooke Rollins will direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture and its 100,000 employees, running on an annual budget of $437 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Texan tapped as ag secretary in upcoming Trump administration

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration Pres…

Despite the New York Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act's minimum benefits for disadvantaged communities, there is insufficient integration of this and other justice mandates of the law into energy transmission plans. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NYS grid transmission process must be more equitable

A new report found New York State needs a more equitable grid transmission process. The Energy Justice Law and Poverty Center report noted …

Florida received a D on the National Center for Science Education's 2020 report card for its limited inclusion of climate change content in state science standards. (Adobe Stock)

Climate Emotions Wheel aims to address mental health in climate education

By Rebecca R. Randall for Yes! Magazine.Broadcast version by Trimmel Gomes for Florida News Connection reporting for the YES! Media-Public News …

Researchers say most newer models of electric vehicles are fitted with heat pumps, which can add roughly 10% extra range to cars during freezing conditions. (Adobe Stock)

EV upgrades could ease concerns about cold-climate performance

By Kristoffer Tigue for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Networ…

Nationally, electric vehicles represented 8% of the market share in 2023, an increase from 1.5% in 2019. (ARThitecture/Adobe Stock)

MI's $1B EV push falls short on jobs; experts urge patience

Michigan has poured $1 billion into electric-vehicle battery projects, with another billion pledged, but delays have stalled hiring for most of the 11…

The National Weather Service reports an EF-1 tornado struck Athens at 11:15 p.m., packing peak winds of 100 mph. It remained on the ground for five minutes, carving a 3.87-mile path that was up to 160 yards wide. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama community pushes forward after tornado ravages downtown

Athens, Alabama, is bouncing back after an EF-1 tornado ripped through its downtown late Saturday night, leaving devastation but sparing lives. Now…

New York's Climate Change Superfund Act could collect as much as $75 billion over 25 years for climate change impacts from those who are most responsible for it: big oil and gas companies. (Adobe Stock)

NY's Climate Change Superfund Act takes effect

A law signed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul takes effect this week to penalize polluters for emissions. The Climate Change Superfund Act puts a fine …

Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina on Sept. 26. (Adobe Stock)

NC turns to local foundation for long-term Helene recovery

It has been just over three months since Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, leaving communities to rebuild and recover. As the …

Conservation advocates picked up a dozen seats in the Montana Legislature in the November election, according to Montana Conservation Voters. They remain concerned, however, over losing support at the federal level. (Adobe Stock)

Taking stock of Montana's outlook on conservation progress

With the Montana Legislature scheduled to gavel in next week, conservation leaders are looking ahead at ways to protect the state's public lands…

Two large-scale Wisconsin clean energy projects, the Apple River Solar Project in Polk County and the Darien Solar Energy Center in Walworth and Rock counties, are scheduled for 2025. (Adobe Stock)

Wisconsin ends year on a high note in clean energy

Wisconsin is ending the year on a high note in the clean energy space, with some notables like a first-of-its-kind energy dome and approval for the …

On Sept. 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a powerful Category 4 storm. Two weeks later, on Oct. 9, Hurricane Milton struck as a dangerous Category 3 storm. (Adobe Stock)

This year, FL community health centers took on more than medicine

In this year's devastating hurricane season, Florida community health centers are proving indispensable in disaster response and recovery, providing …

Trace Company's report says Indiana farms lose nearly $30 million, or $552 per farm every year from natural disasters. (Adobe Stock)

Natural disasters cost IN farmers millions in crop, cattle damage

Consumers are unhappy with increasing food prices and blame inflation. In reality, natural disasters have a direct link to grocery costs, and no end …

Battery storage is considered a key form of clean energy innovation, and those behind a public-private-partnership in Minnesota want to make the region a hub to perfect these solutions and similar technologies. (Adobe Stock)

MN's 'Energy Alley' looks to lengthen its on-ramp for start-ups

Minnesota's clean energy goals are among the more ambitious in the U.S. But industry experts say it can't slow down on the innovation side to see …

The estimated carbon footprint of a week-long cruise is eight times higher than that of a land-based vacation, according to Friends of the Earth. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Cruise ships in Maine ports get failing environmental grade

A recent report gives the majority of cruise ships anchoring in Maine ports a failing environmental grade. The Cruise Ship Report Card from Friends …

Regional drought and fluctuating snowfall at the head of the Rio Grande basin in southern Colorado in recent years have left El Paso Water officials increasingly unsure how much water will flow through the river into the city each year. (Marcos/Adobe Stock)

Drought brought on by climate change affects West TX water supply

By Diego Mendoza-Moyers for El Paso Matters.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Publ…

According to New York State's Energy Research and Development Authority, energy storage and grid modernization jobs grew by 7% in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

NYS 2025 energy storage deadline is fast approaching

One of New York State's first energy storage deadlines is fast approaching. A roadmap established earlier this year sets a state goal of developing 6…

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

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 …

'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 />

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)

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)

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 …

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)

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)

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)

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…

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 …

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 …

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PNS Daily Newscast - January 15, 2025

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Climate Change

In face of federal rollbacks, NC environmental efforts continue

Ohio farmers navigate uncertainty amid Farm Bill delays

How Alabama employees can drive climate action in 2025

Veteran CO lawmaker sets sights on climate, child care in 2025

Ohio cities embrace clean energy innovation

New bill would pause Oregon state retirement fund's fossil fuel investments

Georgia church creates solar-powered emergency hub with federal climate funds

Advocate: Trump nominee could jeopardize environmental progress in UT

MI expert discusses wind, solar surpassing coal on U.S. grid in 2024

NC senators urged to turn down Trump's Project 2025-linked budget director

Solar energy progress in IL could be on hold with new administration

Colorado strategizes with stakeholders to decarbonize future of air travel

AZ environmental advocates say water regulation is their top priority in 2025

Texan tapped as ag secretary in upcoming Trump administration

Report: NYS grid transmission process must be more equitable

Climate Emotions Wheel aims to address mental health in climate education

EV upgrades could ease concerns about cold-climate performance

MI's $1B EV push falls short on jobs; experts urge patience

Alabama community pushes forward after tornado ravages downtown

NY's Climate Change Superfund Act takes effect

NC turns to local foundation for long-term Helene recovery

Taking stock of Montana's outlook on conservation progress

Wisconsin ends year on a high note in clean energy

This year, FL community health centers took on more than medicine

Natural disasters cost IN farmers millions in crop, cattle damage

MN's 'Energy Alley' looks to lengthen its on-ramp for start-ups

Cruise ships in Maine ports get failing environmental grade

Drought brought on by climate change affects West TX water supply

NYS 2025 energy storage deadline is fast approaching

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

'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

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

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

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