Climate Change/Air Quality / Public News Service

Food waste is the biggest source of methane emissions at landfills. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, August 22, 2024

ND hunger-relief orgs play role in reducing carbon emissions

A new report said food banks across the globe are helping to significantly decrease carbon emissions and localized efforts are taking shape in North D…

Exposure to smoke from wildfires has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, lung cancer and a decline in cognitive function. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Tips for breathing easier during Colorado’s bad air quality days

Wildfires are becoming bigger and more frequent in Colorado and across the Mountain West, and health experts are offering tips to breathe easy even …

The 2019 Energy Transition Act was passed with the goal of cementing New Mexico's place as a leader in the clean energy transition. (hrui/AdobeStock)

Thursday, August 22, 2024

NM's Just Transition: No community left behind, everyone shares benefits

New Mexico is taking a page from Colorado's Office of Just Transition to support communities affected by climate change. The office aims to support …

Data centers could need about 9% of the nation's electricity generation by 2030, about double what the sector consumes today. (Production Perig/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Federal dollars provide boost to VA’s 'Data Center Alley'

The Biden administration is enhancing the nation's power grid by funding several storage, resilience and transmission projects. The money will …

Reports show if New York does not make swift investments in climate change adaptation infrastructure, in the next decade, a major disaster could cost the state around $55 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

NY activists take action on companies causing climate change

Though New York's summer is winding down, climate change's effects remain. This summer saw record-high temperatures which have only grown in the …

Coastal flooding and erosion caused by rising sea levels are critical issues facing tribes in the Northwest. (Jan/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Report finds barriers for NW coastal tribes responding to climate change

Coastal tribes in the Northwest are on the front lines of the changing climate but face barriers to responding to its effects. A new report …

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, low-income households participating in the Solar for All program can expect to save an average of around $400 a year on their electricity bills. (SpeedShutter/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Mississippi economy to benefit from $7 billion solar initiative

Mississippi is among 49 states to receive funding from the $7 billion Solar for All program. Part of the Inflation Reduction Act, the program aims …

Food waste is the biggest source of methane emissions at landfills. (ArieStudio/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Report: Food banks work to prevent carbon emissions, globally

Food banks are helping to significantly decrease carbon emissions, according to a new report. The Global FoodBanking Network's annual impact report …

The National Weather Service produces thousands of daily forecasts through its network of 122 bureaus. It also provides storm warnings and fire forecasts and tracks climate-change events. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Conservative plan to dismantle weather service could worsen climate change

Environmental groups are concerned part of the proposed Project 2025 calls for closing several federal agencies political conservatives consider too p…

University of Minnesota officials said a new climate change prediction tool means information gathering is not just for the research community but by the broader public as they prepare for possible scenarios. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Wanna know what climate change looks like in 50 years? MN tool can help

From government planners to farmers to residents, those wondering how climate change will affect Minnesota in the decades to come can now get the …

Scientists say a major shift in ocean currents has helped increase the rate of warming in the Gulf of Maine to triple that of the world's oceans with annual average sea temperature now more than 1.9�F above normal. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Protecting 'The Yellowstone of the North Atlantic' – Maine’s Cashes Ledge

Conservation groups across New England are seeking permanent protections for the Cashes Ledge Area in the Gulf of Maine. Often called the …

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the southeastern United States has warmed less than most of the nation. But in the coming decades, the region's changing climate is likely to increase flooding, reduce crop yields, harm livestock, increase the number of unpleasantly hot days, and increase the risk of heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Privatizing weather reports raises alarms for North Carolina’s safety

As hurricanes, flash floods and other severe weather events become more frequent in North Carolina, accurate and timely weather reports are crucial …

The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act is the largest climate investment in U.S. history, allocating around $370 billion to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. (DMstock/Adobe Stock)

Monday, August 19, 2024

Driving Ohio's energy-efficiency plans with IRA support

This past Friday marked the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, a milestone for Ohioans looking to make their buildings and homes more …

The Inflation Reduction Act will begin to produce budgetary savings starting in 2028, according to the Center for American Progress. (Adobe Stock)

As the IRA turns 2, an expert highlights its effects in NV

The Inflation Reduction Act turns two today and one expert contended its impact in the state of Nevada has been significant. Shannon Heyck-Williams…

According to a June 2024 survey from The Pew Research Center, 33% of Americans think installing a solar panel farm in their community would help their local economy, while just 7% think it would hurt it. (Adobe Stock)<br />

WV green lights solar plant construction, advocates rally against rising utility bills

Residents in Nicholas and Clay counties could soon receive their electricity from a local solar plant, estimated to power around 90,000 homes in the …

As of last June, the Inflation Reduction Act will likely still reduce the federal deficit over the decade by about $175 billion, according to the Center for American Progress. (Adobe Stock)

Expert recalls AZ IRA investments on its 2nd anniversary

Today the Inflation Reduction Act has been law for two years and one expert contended its effects in Arizona have been noteworthy. Shannon Heyck-…

The 2014 water crisis due to algal blooms had an economic impact of around $65 million. (Elena/Adobe Stock)

Climate change contributes to shift in Lake Erie’s harmful algal blooms

By Kathiann Kowalski for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Networ…

A Great Plains Institute study found health benefits valued at $73.4 million to $165.4 million from reducing harmful co-pollutants by installing carbon capture technologies in the Gulf Coast region.(kittyfly/Adobe Stock)

Balancing industry and environment: Carbon capture in Louisiana

Carbon capture and storage is often discussed as part of a broader portfolio of solutions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While not a …

The Duncomb Bridge is one of 75 structures on the 25-mile-long Bronx River Greenway, which winds through most of the borough. (Bronx River Alliance)

EPA grants $1 million to South Bronx groups for climate justice, resiliency

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly described a different EPA grant. The grant amount and purpose have been corrected here…

TerraPower's Natrium plant, slated for construction in Kemmerer, will use liquid sodium to cool its reactor, instead of the industry standard of water, according to the company's website. (Adobe Stock)

Federal funds to help fuel ‘next-gen’ WY nuclear plant

Recent investments in clean energy from the Biden administration are hitting the ground in Wyoming. Engineering company TerraPower, founded by Bill …

New York State invested more than one billion dollars to develop offshore wind and clean energy projects equal to 79% of the state�s 2030 energy goals.

Elected officials celebrate Inflation Reduction Act’s second anniversary

New York and the nation have seen sweeping impacts since the Inflation Reduction Act's passage two years ago. New York received $34 billion from the …

A Great Plains Institute study found health benefits valued at $63.8 million to $144 million from reducing harmful co-pollutants by installing carbon capture technologies in the Midwest region. (Ramon Cliff/Adobe Stock)

Carbon capture: Balancing industry, environment in Ohio

Ohio is becoming a focal point in the fight against climate change, thanks in part to its industrial might and a growing interest in carbon capture …

According to the Chicago Metropolitan Planning Agency, Chicago and Cook County produce the most total emissions. (Adobe Stock)

IL environmentalists hope federal grant lowers emissions

The fight against the effects of climate change in Illinois has more help. Under the Biden Administration's pollution reduction plan, the U.S…

Water conservation projects in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Texas, Utah and Wyoming are expected to save more than 111,000 acre-feet of water annually, enough water to supply approximately 447,000 people for a year. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado taps $5.6 million Bipartisan Infrastructure dollars for water projects

The Biden Administration is investing $105 million in water conservation and efficiency projects meant to shore up drought resilience, including more …

An analysis from the University of Massachusetts Amherst found the more than 100 climate, energy and environmental investments in the Inflation Reduction Act will create more than 9 million good jobs over the next decade. (Adobe Stock)

Two years on, Maine reaps benefits of Inflation Reduction Act

Nearly two years since the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law, Maine communities continue to benefit from federal funding aimed at …

The Goonies Solar project in Central Pennsylvania is expected to generate enough clean energy to power 33,000 homes annually. (anatoliy_gleb/Adobe Stock) <br />

Two years of Inflation Reduction Act in Pennsylvania

The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law two years ago this week. In Pennsylvania, its effects so far include carbon reduction, job creation …

Lowry Ranch is important habitat for several Tier 1 species from the State Wildlife Action Plan, including the burrowing owl, northern leopard frog and swift fox. (Adobe Stock)

Aurora residents to continue opposition to fracking near reservoir, Superfund site

Aurora residents and environmental groups said they will continue to oppose fracking near the Aurora Reservoir, thousands of homes and 13 schools …

On 2nd anniversary of Inflation Reduction Act, investments start to pay off

Two years ago this week, the U.S. made the biggest investment ever in the fight against climate change as the Inflation Reduction Act became law…

Algae blooms can clog up sewage and drinking water systems, create foul odors and hurt wildlife. (Rospoint/Adobe Stock)

Climate change is making harmful algae bloom events more frequent, experts say

By Aman Azhar for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Will Walkey for Virginia News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pub…

In the wake of dangerous heat waves, Washingtonians are increasingly adopting air conditioning for their homes. (Victor/Adobe Stock)

Cooling tips important for Washingtonians without AC

Heat is a serious threat to people's health and is made more dangerous in Washington state, where many people lack air conditioning. Some tips can …

Wildfires are expected to increase in frequency in Washington state as climate change worsens. (hlxandr/Adobe Stock)

WA provides model for distributing funds to climate-impacted communities

The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law two years ago this week and one expert said states should ensure funds from it are going to communitie…

According to EPA< Indiana has more than 35,000 miles of rivers and streams, 100,000 acres of publicly owned lakes and reservoirs, and 50 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. (Adobe Stock)

IN summit seeks solutions to healthier waterways

The Annual Indiana Water Summit, coming up next week, will offer ideas on protecting the state's waterways. A 2022 report paints a troubling …

A new energy storage project in Lincoln, Maine, could help the state reach its climate goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030, and reach net zero emissions by 2045. (Adobe Stock) <br />

ME unions applaud construction of world’s largest battery storage system

Labor leaders in Maine say the approved construction of the world's largest energy storage system will also create quality union jobs. The project …

According to the Illinois State Water Survey, extreme rainfall and floods can adversely affect drinking water and wastewater systems, and cause foodborne diseases from sewage and population displacement. (Adobe Stock)

Excessive IL rains stir conversation on preparedness

Illinois generally sees its hottest and wettest months during the summer, and climate change is making them more intense. The University of …

A Wisconsin resident casts a ballot in the state's primary election at a polling location on April 2 in Green Bay. (Photo courtesy of Inside Climate News - Credit Scott Olson/Getty Images)

WI environmentalists campaign against ballot questions on federal funds

By Lydia Larsen for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pu…

The Washington County Water Conservancy District in Utah pays property owners a rebate of $2 for each square foot of grass up to 5,000 square feet, and $1 per square foot for more than 5,000 square feet that are removed and replaced with water-efficient landscaping. (Adobe Stock)

One Utah county looks to buy lawns to save water, residents' money

By Morgan Sjogren for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Utah News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Networ…

Yellow Springs Development Corp. has applied for a $200,000 Department of Energy prize for the microgrid project. The prize winners will be selected by the end of August. (oasisamuel/Adobe Stock)

Solar microgrids bring energy and opportunity to Yellow Springs

The small community of Yellow Springs, Ohio, is leading an innovative effort to harness renewable energy while directly supporting low-income …

The proposed FEED Act has bipartisan support. (Adobe Stock)

Critics say IN-made dairy cow feed additive is 'overblown'

By Grace Hussain for Sentient.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Sentient/Public News Service Collaboration A …

The most severe tornado this year occurred on March 14 in Logan County, where an EF-3 tornado resulted in three fatalities. (Nick Fox/Adobe Stock)

Record-breaking tornado number 66 hits Ohio

Ohio is experiencing an unprecedented year for tornadoes, with the latest confirmed touchdown occurring on Wednesday. In 2024, Ohio has seen its 66…

$Most methane pollution comes from the drilling and processing of fossil fuels, and has been on the rise since the introduction of hydraulic fracturing technology. (Adobe Stock)$

Colorado, nation face public health, climate risks as methane pollution soars

Methane pollution is increasing at the fastest rate in decades, according to a new report, and that's making it harder to turn the tide on climate …

Policies proposed in Project 2025 would undermine already enacted environmental and climate policies related to fossil-fuel production, climate action and environmental justice. (newmexico.org)

Project 2025 alarms NM's teachers, human rights advocates, conservationists

From education to the environment and immigration, proposals in the "Project 2025" document alarm many New Mexicans promoting a more equal society…

EPA grants $500K to South Bronx groups for climate justice, mitigation

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the South Bronx $500,000 for climate resiliency planning, and local environmentalists say it couldn't …

Extreme heat, a direct result of the rise in the Earth's temperature, kills more people in the U.S. than flooding and hurricanes combined. (StillIAmWorking/Adobe Stock, AI enhanced)

Fires, floods, heat: NM August 'town halls' focus on climate change

A summer of fires, floods and extreme heat have prompted a series of climate change town halls in New Mexico this month, ahead of the 2025 …

Wildfire smoke can be especially hard for people with preexisting respiratory conditions. (Cavan/Adobe Stock)

Tips for protecting homes during OR's wildfire season

Wildfires have burned across Oregon this year, but a few tips could help people protect themselves against their damaging impacts. Fires have …

Ponderosa pines in New Mexico's Zuni Mountains can measure 60 inches wide and live 300 to 600 years. (Courtesy Zander Evans)

Importance of NM's old-growth forests amid climate change cited

Climate change is forcing hard conversations about the importance of old-growth forests but in New Mexico, many say future generations must know the …

Ohio solar developers use Inflation Reduction Act to help overcome 'bias'

By Hilary Beaumont for Floodlight and Investigate Midwest.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Investigate M…

For many young people, worry over the threats of climate change results in panic attacks, insomnia, obsessive thinking and other negative mental health symptoms. (Mile High Youth Corps)

Colorado youth corps tackling impacts of climate disruptions

For over 30 years, the Mile High Youth Corps has helped young adults get skills and build career pathways - in construction, health care, …

Federal tax incentives are being awarded to spur more carbon capture projects around the U.S., including the controversial Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline in the Midwest. But some environmental groups want to

Public can weigh in on proposed carbon pipeline in MN

Public hearings are scheduled this month as Minnesota regulators consider a permit for a proposed pipeline to transport carbon emissions from ethanol …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - August 23, 2024

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Climate Change

ND hunger-relief orgs play role in reducing carbon emissions

Tips for breathing easier during Colorado’s bad air quality days

NM's Just Transition: No community left behind, everyone shares benefits

Federal dollars provide boost to VA’s 'Data Center Alley'

NY activists take action on companies causing climate change

Report finds barriers for NW coastal tribes responding to climate change

Mississippi economy to benefit from $7 billion solar initiative

Report: Food banks work to prevent carbon emissions, globally

Conservative plan to dismantle weather service could worsen climate change

Wanna know what climate change looks like in 50 years? MN tool can help

Protecting 'The Yellowstone of the North Atlantic' – Maine’s Cashes Ledge

Privatizing weather reports raises alarms for North Carolina’s safety

Driving Ohio's energy-efficiency plans with IRA support

As the IRA turns 2, an expert highlights its effects in NV

WV green lights solar plant construction, advocates rally against rising utility bills

Expert recalls AZ IRA investments on its 2nd anniversary

Climate change contributes to shift in Lake Erie’s harmful algal blooms

Balancing industry and environment: Carbon capture in Louisiana

EPA grants $1 million to South Bronx groups for climate justice, resiliency

Federal funds to help fuel ‘next-gen’ WY nuclear plant

Elected officials celebrate Inflation Reduction Act’s second anniversary

Carbon capture: Balancing industry, environment in Ohio

IL environmentalists hope federal grant lowers emissions

Colorado taps $5.6 million Bipartisan Infrastructure dollars for water projects

Two years on, Maine reaps benefits of Inflation Reduction Act

Two years of Inflation Reduction Act in Pennsylvania

Aurora residents to continue opposition to fracking near reservoir, Superfund site

On 2nd anniversary of Inflation Reduction Act, investments start to pay off

Climate change is making harmful algae bloom events more frequent, experts say

Cooling tips important for Washingtonians without AC

WA provides model for distributing funds to climate-impacted communities

IN summit seeks solutions to healthier waterways

ME unions applaud construction of world’s largest battery storage system

Excessive IL rains stir conversation on preparedness

WI environmentalists campaign against ballot questions on federal funds

One Utah county looks to buy lawns to save water, residents' money

Solar microgrids bring energy and opportunity to Yellow Springs

Critics say IN-made dairy cow feed additive is 'overblown'

Record-breaking tornado number 66 hits Ohio

Colorado, nation face public health, climate risks as methane pollution soars

Project 2025 alarms NM's teachers, human rights advocates, conservationists

EPA grants $500K to South Bronx groups for climate justice, mitigation

Fires, floods, heat: NM August 'town halls' focus on climate change

Tips for protecting homes during OR's wildfire season

Importance of NM's old-growth forests amid climate change cited

Ohio solar developers use Inflation Reduction Act to help overcome 'bias'

Colorado youth corps tackling impacts of climate disruptions

Public can weigh in on proposed carbon pipeline in MN