Climate Change/Air Quality / Public News Service

The nonprofit FracTracker Alliance has created an online map that shows the proximity of CO2 pipelines in Great Plains states to ecologically vulnerable areas and Indigenous lands. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

'FracTracker' maps pipeline effects on Indigenous land

A nonprofit group that tracks oil and gas development has created an interactive map to show how close CO2 pipelines in Great Plains states come to en…

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)

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

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…

A new analysis found solar and wind energy sources are much better poised to meet U.S. energy demands in the next decade than new nuclear technology. (maxdigi/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Analysis: New nuclear tech distracts from proven renewable energy

New nuclear power options are getting a lot of attention but analysts said the unproven options could distract from readily available renewable energy…

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)

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

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)

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

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 …

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

Monday, November 18, 2024

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 …

Studies show nature-based outdoor learning has measurable socio-emotional, academic and physical health benefits for students. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Monday, November 18, 2024

ME counters learning loss with expanded outdoor programs

Maine educators are expanding outdoor learning opportunities to help build the next generation of environmental stewards. The state has unveiled a …

Built in 1953 and outlasting its original lifespan, Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline transports 22 million gallons of crude oil and natural gas liquids daily across 645 miles of terrain through Michigan and Wisconsin. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 18, 2024

Controversial Line 5 project faces more legal action in WI

A legal challenge is expected since the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has granted key permit approvals to a Canadian energy company to rer…

Funds from the Inflation Reduction Act are now flowing to help California families afford energy-efficient electric heat pumps. (Isengard/Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 18, 2024

New CA rebate program launched to cut home energy costs

A new rebate program could save California families up to $8,000 on an electric heat pump for home heating and cooling. The Home Electrification and …

The City of Seattle aims to cut all climate pollution by 2030. (CLShebley/Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 18, 2024

Green New Deal community assemblies in Seattle pioneer citizen involvement

Community members in Seattle had a unique opportunity to weigh in on the policies guiding the city's climate goals. In 2019, the City of Seattle …

Several Midwestern states, including North Dakota, have been looking over plans submitted by Summit Carbon Solutions for what's described as one of the largest carbon capture and storage projects in the world. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 18, 2024

Carbon pipeline debate reaches new stage after ND permit OK'd

More regulatory action is needed, but a controversial pipeline project in North Dakota is moving forward after a permit was approved last week…

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 the South Dakota Secretary of State, South Dakota's Referred Law 21 was ousted by voters 59% to 41%. (Brent Coulter)<br />

Eminent domain reform could follow ousted SD pipeline law

In last week's election, South Dakota voters defeated the carbon pipeline law by a wide margin, but pipeline companies could still gain ground in …

Two solar projects now produce about 35% of Four Seasons' energy use. Solar arrays cover the entire roof of the company's Ephrata, Penn., warehouse. (Four Seasons Family of Companies)

Federal funds help power PA produce distributor's rooftop solar

This article was produced by Resource Rural.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Keystone State News Connection reporting for the Resource Rural-Pu…

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…

Virtual power plants, a microgrid connecting renewable energy with smart appliances, costs ratepayers 40% to 60% less than building and maintaining conventional coal or gas-powered plants. (Adobe Stock)

Creating virtual power plants for resiliency during extreme weather, wildfires

An electric cooperative supplying power to Western Colorado is pioneering energy independence for homes, businesses and farms. They are creating a …

In Connecticut, 818,000 electric vehicles are registered per 100,000 people. Nationally, between 2020 and 2023, EV sales grew from 300,000 to 1.6 million. (Adobe Stock)

Misconceptions keep CT drivers from getting EVs

Misinformation about electric vehicles is keeping more of them from being on Connecticut roads. Owners of the state's more than 31,000 registered …

Nearly half of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency budget goes into grants to state environmental programs, nonprofits, educational institutions and others. (Adobe Stock)

Environmental concerns rise in Florida after Trump picks Zeldin to lead EPA

Florida environmental advocates are concerned about the future after President-elect Donald Trump named former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin to lead…

A 2020 estimate found the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico caused up to $2.4 billion in damages to fisheries and marine habitats each year since 1980. (Adobe Stock)

Growing Gulf 'dead zone' may affect shrimp harvest

Scientists are sounding the alarm about growing dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. Dead zones are areas of water with hypoxia, or …

An Emmy award-winning television spot features regenerative ranching practices in grasslands on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. (Ron Nichols)

SD PSA on grasslands wins regional Emmy award

Native grasslands are the most threatened ecosystem in North America. A South Dakota advocacy group hopes its educational campaign will reach a …

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 …

UT electric provider taps into potential of 'virtual' power plants

By Robert Zullo for the Utah News Dispatch part of States Newsroom.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Utah News Connection reporting for the Solut…

The City of Dearborn has partnered with others in Wayne County to apply for and implement several federal programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. (Branden/Adobe Stock)

MI mayor prioritizes health, climate with 'health-in-all-policies' plan

The mayor of Dearborn has adopted a "health-in-all-policies" approach, a pledge to prioritize health, environmental justice and climate action in …

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…

Backers of the Maine Trails Bond said an infusion of $30 million will provide greatly needed funding to design, build and maintain all public-use trails statewide. (Adobe Stock)

ME voters weigh trail bond measure as climate change alters terrain

It is Election Day and Maine voters are weighing the future of the state's extensive trail system. If passed, the Maine Trails Bond would inject …

Analysts say while the U.S. economy is on solid ground, the farming sector is in a downturn. There are concerns that if a second Trump administration were to come into play, policies tied to the campaign would bring even more hardships to producers. (Adobe Stock)

What would Project 2025 mean for WI farmers?

The conservative blueprint Project 2025 has received attention for issues like civil rights. But advocates say it also includes potential funding …

Conservation groups speak out in favor of Proposition 4

On this year's California ballot, Proposition 4 has not received much attention but it could have a huge effect on the Golden State. The $10 billion …

In 2023, more than 82,000 Georgia families saved a combined $148 million through clean energy and energy efficiency upgrades. (Adobe Stock)

Groups work to help GA's faith communities access energy savings

As people head to the polls tomorrow, groups are working to ensure Georgia's Black and brown communities understand the energy saving benefits of the …

The proposed Net-Zero 1 corn-starch-to-jet-fuel plant in Lake Preston, S.D., would stem the release of over 600,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. (Adobe Stock)

Ethanol companies back SD pipeline ballot question with big bucks

A proposed corn-starch-to-jet-fuel plant in South Dakota is on track to get big federal funding, but its feasibility could hinge on election results…

Pennsylvania has been allocated $1.6 billion to expand high-speed internet access statewide. The investment, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, has already led to savings for more than 764,000 Pennsylvania households on their monthly internet bills. (Zimmytws/Adobe)

PA Lehigh Valley economic stability at risk with Project 2025 proposals

Ahead of tomorrow's presidential election, a nonprofit is raising concerns Project 2025 and its proposed rollback of federal aid could disrupt …

According to Gov. Roy Cooper's office, Hurricane Helene's flooding and destruction in western North Carolina have led to an estimated $53 billion in damages and recovery costs. (Adobe Stock)

Environmental advocates tackle wave of post-Helene misinformation in NC

As North Carolina communities continue to pick up the pieces after Hurricane Helene, they have faced a new obstacle: A surge of misinformation is …

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…

Michigan has become a strategic choice for battery and automotive component production, due to its strong automotive workforce and technical infrastructure. (Darunrat/Adobe Stock)

EV advocates take on 'misinformation' in Michigan

Advocates of electric vehicles are countering what they call misleading claims about the effects of EV production in Michigan. Critics of electric …

According to Hispanic Access, an urban canopy provides enormous benefits, from reducing the urban heat island effect and lowering energy bills to absorbing carbon dioxide and pollutants. (Hispanic Access Foundation)

'Nuestros Bosques' to boost urban green spaces in disadvantaged communities

A national nonprofit dedicated to empowering Latino communities and improving access to public resources has launched a $10 million initiative to incr…

Forty percent of the funds for climate projects in the Inflation Reduction Act must be spent in underserved communities. The SolarCorps helps low-income families install residential solar. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Climate Corps workers: California here we come

By Yessenia Funes for Atmos.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News…

Air-source heat pumps use two to three times less energy than electric resistance heating. (Adobe Stock/AI)<br />

MD adopting building energy use standards to meet climate goals

With President Joe Biden in Baltimore today to talk about infrastructure and the climate crisis, the state is in the process of finalizing a new set …

Many Gen Z Americans get their news through social, media according to the Pew Research Center. <br />(Llstock/Adobe Stock)

How social media strategies are shaping Ohio's vote in 2024 elections

By Hevin Wilkey / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Kamala Harris has …

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 …

An image of Hurricane Milton approaching Florida, as seen from NOAA's GOES-16 satellite on Oct. 8. (NOAA)

Florida insurance claim denials rise after Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Since Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated Florida, more than 49,000 insurance claims have been denied, leaving thousands of residents in …

Idaho Power and PacifiCorp co-own a coal-fired power plant in Wyoming. (Robert/Adobe Stock)

Report: ID utilities struggling to transition to clean energy

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

By May of this year, Michigan launched 45 new clean-energy projects with Inflation Reduction Act funding, the most of any state. (Hope/Adobe Stock)

MI mayor uses federal support to achieve carbon neutrality

With their mayor at the helm, the city of Ann Arbor is working toward carbon neutrality by 2030. Severe weather in Michigan has strained budgets and …

As a part of North Carolina's Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 Part II, teachers will receive more flexible calendar days. (Adobe Stock)

Teachers urge NC lawmakers to prioritize public-school relief after hurricane

The North Carolina Association of Educators is calling on state lawmakers to prioritize disaster relief legislation for public schools and communities…

Opponents of Initiative 2117 say repealing the Climate Commitment Act would cut about $30 million in wildfire prevention funding. (cascoly2/Adobe Stock)

Opponents: WA would be more vulnerable to wildfires if Initiative 2117 passes

Washingtonians are voting on a measure that will decide the future of the state's climate law. Opponents of the initiative say it could hurt the …

The North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management suggested the overall financial impact of damage from Hurricane Helene is likely to exceed $53 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Helene's lingering impact: Voting challenges for Black communities

By Angela Dennis and Adam Mahoney for Capital B News.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for North Carolina News Service reporting for the Rural News…

The Maine lobster industry employs nearly 6,000 independent lobster workers, harvesting roughly 100 million pounds of the iconic crustacean, according to the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative. (Adobe Stock) <br />

ME lobsters change habitats as climate change warms Atlantic

American lobsters along Maine's coast are relocating to new habitats as the Atlantic continues to warm. Researchers with the University of Maine …

According to the American Sheep Industry Association, as of January 2024, there are 5 million sheep in the U.S. Illinois ranks 27th in the nation for sheep production. (Adobe Stock)

IL sheep farmer embraces land for solar use

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

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Climate Change

'FracTracker' maps pipeline effects on Indigenous land

Report: MD leads nation in greenhouse gas reduction

Analysis: New nuclear tech distracts from proven renewable energy

Hoosier green goals at crossroads amid federal shifts

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

PA group fights for global treaty to end plastic pollution

ME counters learning loss with expanded outdoor programs

Controversial Line 5 project faces more legal action in WI

New CA rebate program launched to cut home energy costs

Green New Deal community assemblies in Seattle pioneer citizen involvement

Carbon pipeline debate reaches new stage after ND permit OK'd

WI makes innovative strides, but lags in EV adoption

Eminent domain reform could follow ousted SD pipeline law

Federal funds help power PA produce distributor's rooftop solar

Investors, activists both work to shape companies' climate goals

Shareholders step up to shape climate goals in corporate world

Creating virtual power plants for resiliency during extreme weather, wildfires

Misconceptions keep CT drivers from getting EVs

Environmental concerns rise in Florida after Trump picks Zeldin to lead EPA

Growing Gulf 'dead zone' may affect shrimp harvest

SD PSA on grasslands wins regional Emmy award

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

UT electric provider taps into potential of 'virtual' power plants

MI mayor prioritizes health, climate with 'health-in-all-policies' plan

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

ME voters weigh trail bond measure as climate change alters terrain

What would Project 2025 mean for WI farmers?

Conservation groups speak out in favor of Proposition 4

Groups work to help GA's faith communities access energy savings

Ethanol companies back SD pipeline ballot question with big bucks

PA Lehigh Valley economic stability at risk with Project 2025 proposals

Environmental advocates tackle wave of post-Helene misinformation in NC

PacifiCorp has 'room to improve' on clean energy commitments

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

EV advocates take on 'misinformation' in Michigan

'Nuestros Bosques' to boost urban green spaces in disadvantaged communities

Climate Corps workers: California here we come

MD adopting building energy use standards to meet climate goals

How social media strategies are shaping Ohio's vote in 2024 elections

Ancient technique used to fight west TX wildfires

Florida insurance claim denials rise after Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Report: ID utilities struggling to transition to clean energy

MI mayor uses federal support to achieve carbon neutrality

Teachers urge NC lawmakers to prioritize public-school relief after hurricane

Opponents: WA would be more vulnerable to wildfires if Initiative 2117 passes

Helene's lingering impact: Voting challenges for Black communities

ME lobsters change habitats as climate change warms Atlantic

IL sheep farmer embraces land for solar use