Environment / Public News Service

The Conservation Fund says it aims to protect five million acres of forest by 2035. (Zack Frank/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

1 million acres of forest protected under The Conservation Fund, including in OR

The Conservation Fund, which works to protect land and nature across the U.S. has announced it has protected more than 1 million acres of working …

Memphis Light, Gas and Water is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 440,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County. (Vika art/AdobeStock)

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

'Share the Pennies' weatherization program tackles climate solutions, reduces cost

By Ashli Blow for Tennessee Lookout.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Tennessee News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Publ…

As climate change activists continue to sound the alarm, policymakers have been more outspoken about the issue, prompting action plans at various levels. But a new national poll suggested many Americans are not quite as in tune with advancing renewables compared with a few years ago. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Public less enthusiastic about renewables, but advocates still see path

New polling shows most Americans still favor non-fossil fuel energy sources, but support for certain renewables is not quite as strong these days and …

The 1,117 tornadoes reported for the January-through-May period this year is second only to 2011's 1,238 tornadoes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

Changing climate contributes to record Iowa tornado season

Weather researchers at Iowa State University say a shifting climate and warmer ocean temperatures are partially responsible for a record number of tor…

Wild animals can be aggressive if people don't respect their space, according to the National Park Service. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

After 83-year-old gored in Yellowstone, wildlife experts warn bison 'not in a zoo'

Wildlife experts are warning people not to get too close to the animals in national parks as the summer travel season heats up. Overeager tourists …

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management says the state has a 50% recycling goal for municipal waste, and requires mandatory reporting of solid waste and recycling data to track progress. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

IN book offers recycling resources for event organizers

Summer in Indiana produces a variety of festivals, outdoor concerts, and athletic competitions. These attractions produce large crowds and hundreds …

Using a ceiling fan can reduce air conditioning costs by up to 30% when the fan is circulating counterclockwise. It pushes cooler air downward, creating a cooling effect. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

Rising AZ summer temps also mean higher energy bills

Summer is in full swing and as temperatures increase across the state of Arizona, so do energy bills. Diane Brown, executive director of the Arizona …

According to the U.S. Department of energy, e-bikes topped the 1 million mark in sales in 2022, almost four times the total from 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

Can e-bikes become a carbon reduction force?

Tomorrow Minnesota will reopen online applications for electric bike rebates. Environmental advocates are closely watching consumer demand for …

More wind generation has been coming online in Idaho in recent years. (Oleg Kovtun/Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

ID poll: Clean energy production, preserving nature compatible goals

A new poll shows Idahoans support the development of more clean energy in the state. In February, 500 likely Idaho voters were surveyed. Jillian …

There were 165 wildlife-vehicle collisions in Teton County between May 2020 and April 2021, according to the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation, the lowest number since data collection started in 2011. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

Park visitors cautioned to respect wildlife

July is one of the busiest months for national parks and wildlife advocates have tips for reducing conflicts with animals. Grand Teton and …

Reports show newly constructed electric buildings can have lower energy bills than those with fossil-fuel systems. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

‘All-Electric Buildings’ law part of NY building code update

New York's Building Code Council is set to include the All-Electric Buildings Act in its 2025 code update. The 2023 law bans natural gas and other …

The Climate Protection Program was adopted in Oregon in 2021 but invalidated in late 2023. (Cascadia Aerial/Adobe Stock)

Coalition forms to support restoration of OR Climate Protection Program

A diverse coalition of groups in Oregon is advocating for the restoration of the Climate Protection Program as the state works to reestablish it…

According to the U.S. Forest Service, more than 150 food crops in the United States depend on pollinators, including almost all fruit and grain crops. (Adobe Stock)

Charlotte celebrates Pollinators Month with events, education

In celebration of Pollinators Month, Charlotte is using its Bee City USA designation to emphasize the crucial role pollinators play in our ecosystem…

The latest EPA Clean School Bus funding of $940 million goes beyond health and environmental benefits. It supports school districts' transportation needs as well. (Adobe Stock)

$12 million in EPA rebates for clean school buses in Tennessee

Some Tennessee school districts are among 41 in the Southeast receiving funding from the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus rebate pro…

The phase-out of gas-powered leaf blowers in favor of electric in Portland begins ins 2026. (nieriss/Adobe Stock)

Portland turns down noise from gas-powered leaf blowers with phaseout

By Hannah Wallace for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Oregon News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Networ…

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimated up to 89.5% of the world's fish stocks are exploited at or beyond their maximum sustainable levels. (Adobe Stock)

Marine national monument off MA coast protects ocean biodiversity

A new marine national monument in the Atlantic Ocean aims to protect one of the most biodiverse spots on the planet from overfishing. Located 130 …

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River was one of the first rivers protected as Wild and Scenic by the federal government in 1968. (NorthwestWildImages/Adobe Stock)

As Rivers Month wraps up, action still needed to protect ID rivers

National Rivers Month comes to an end this week and conservation groups said it is a reminder more action is needed to protect Idaho's rivers…

In 2022, Georgia had 70,400 registered electric vehicles, a 48% increase from the 47,600 EVs registered in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Georgia lawmakers highlight EV benefits for health, environment

Georgia lawmakers with the group Elected Officials to Protect America are spotlighting the health and environmental benefits of electric vehicles…

American Heart Association research showed short-term exposure to extreme heat can increase inflammation, interfere with normal immune system function and can accelerate the progression of cardiovascular disease. (Adobe Stock)

VA doctor gives advice on staying heart-healthy in heat

Virginia doctors are reminding people how important it is to stay heart healthy in extreme heat. Temperatures across the U.S. have skyrocketed…

Oso Outdoors offers winter and summer programs, including mountain biking, which aim to help bring more diversity to outdoor recreation in Summit County. (Adobe Stock)

Conservationists want free national park access for newest U.S. citizens

Conservation groups are asking federal agencies to give newly naturalized U.S. citizens a free America the Beautiful National Parks pass. Javier …

The nonprofit Pacific Environment worked with University of California-Berkeley to develop recommendations for decarbonizing oceangoing vessels. (Federico Rostagno/Adobe Stock)<br />

For World Ocean Month, calls to cut emissions, pollution from shipping

June is World Ocean Month and groups fighting climate change are asking President Joe Biden to act to clean up emissions and pollution from the shippi…

The wild and scenic Eel River is part of the Bureau of Land Management's planned 382,000-acre management area in northwest California. (Wikimedia Commons)

BLM releases final conservation plan for NW California public lands

Conservation advocates say a new Bureau of Land Management final Environmental Impact Statement takes positive steps toward developing a management pl…

Oil companies have publicly championed tech-based carbon-capture solutions in part because it would allow them to continue selling fossil fuels. (Adobe Stock)

Tech-based carbon-capture projects making headway in local governments

By Ysabelle Kempe for SmartCitiesDive.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pu…

Efficiency and conservation measures can help to directly lower consumers' energy bills and potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy use, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Advocates: Kentucky Power needs a more robust energy-efficiency proposal

Kentucky Power, one of eastern Kentucky's largest utilities, has a new energy efficiency and conservation proposal for its customers. The state's …

Heavy flooding was seen in Dos Rios in April 2023. (River Partners)

A ranch, rewilded: The transformation of California’s newest state park

By Elizabeth Hewitt for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism …

Port Richmond on Staten Island has the highest amount of lead/possible lead service line in all of New York City, 60.67%. (Adobe Stock)

Critics: NYC bill takes wrong approach to lead pipe removal

A New York City bill is a catch-22 for removing lead pipes. The so-called "Rotten Apple Bill" makes city property owners remove their home's lead …

In 2023, the Farm Service Agency enrolled 2.7 million acres to its Grassland Conservation Reserve Program out of more than 4.6 million acres offered by landowners. (MarekPhotoDesign.com/Adobe Stock)

Friday deadline for 2024 USDA grassland conservation program

Farm producers and landowners have until the end of this week to apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency's Grasslands …

Connecticut has seen an economywide 14% decline in greenhouse gas emissions since 1990. Although emissions hit an all-time low in 2020, the data show the dip did not last. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Climate change must be addressed at CT special session

Connecticut environmental advocates want the General Assembly to address climate action in this week's special session, since lawmakers failed to act …

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration, abandoned mines may still house containers with leaking toxic chemicals or explosives which can detonate without warning.(Adobe Stock)

Abandoned IL coal mines pose health, environmental complications

New legislation in Congress would hold coal producers accountable for cleaning up the mine sites they have abandoned, including tens of thousands of …

The top eight oil and gas corporations alone are set to burn 30% of the world's remaining global carbon budget, the total amount of climate pollution scientists said can be released during a transition to clean energy. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Big oil continues to resist, block fast transition to clean energy

Big oil is dropping the ball when it comes to meeting the companies' public pledges to help avert catastrophic climate change, according to a new …

The Minnesota DNR says rivers in several parts of the state are running extremely high and fast, and conservation officers recommend people stay off the areas until water levels drop. (Photo courtesy of DNR)

Soggy MN weather prompts safety issues as state park season kicks off

Recent bouts of heavy rain are not just leading to flooded basements in Minnesota, they are reducing access to state parks just as summer demand …

A New Mexico wildfire has killed two people, burned at least 200 homes and forced the evacuation of 5,000 residents in the mountain town of Ruidoso. (wiki)

FBI to take closer look at NM's uncontained South Fork, Salt wildfires

The FBI has joined New Mexico's local, state, federal and tribal partners to investigate the cause of two drought-fueled wildfires that have yet to …

Male fertility has been dropping worldwide in the past few decades, especially in countries that produce a lot of chemicals known to disrupt hormones, including PFAS substances. (Adobe Stock)

WSU study reveals PFAS chemicals in men affect their offspring

A groundbreaking report from a team of Wayne State University researchers revealed fathers pass down more than genetics to their children. They are …

Danyelle Blackwell, Councilwoman, Upper Darby Township, District 4 PA goes for a test drive in an EV during EOPA's United for Health and Energy Security Tour, (Lauren Urbiztondo)

Electric vehicle tour touts clean energy, job creation, cost savings

Pittsburgh is one stop on a nationwide summer tour to raise awareness about electric vehicles and clean energy. The group Elected Officials to …

Solar farms are leasing land at prices ranging from $400 to $1,200 an acre. These rents are higher than the current cash rents Kentucky farmers are receiving for cropland and tobacco, according to one University of Kentucky study. (Adobe Stock)

East Kentucky Power Cooperative invests in two large solar farms

Two new solar farms will soon be under construction in the Lexington and Lebanon areas to bring affordable and clean energy to eastern Kentuckians…

About 40% of food produced by farmers worldwide is never consumed. (TheStockCube/Adobestock)

Making 'climate candy' from upcycled fruits and veggies

Worldwide, 40% of food is wasted but a new candy company is trying to make a dent in it and fight climate change to boot. The company is called …

The U.S. government recognized the Black Hills as part of the Great Sioux Reservation in the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie. The Black Hills Forest Reserve was established in 1897 and transferred to the U.S. Forest Service in 1905. (R. Blauert, Wikimedia Commons)

Black Hills Visitor Center under new joint tribal, federal oversight

The Black Hills National Forest is one of the latest federal lands to enter a co-stewardship agreement with local tribal nations-a management model en…

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reported power plant pollution exacerbates asthma, creates new asthma cases, causes heart attacks and is the largest airborne emission of mercury. (TomKonrad/Wikimedia Commons)

Danskammer Energy withdraws Newburgh power plant application

Danskammer Energy is no longer seeking an expansion of its Newburgh plant. The original plan called for expanding the company's "peaker plant" meant …

The Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness is popular with hikers in Montana. (Adobe Stock)

Judge set to rule on massive MT logging project

A federal judge in Montana is holding a hearing next Tuesday on a motion for an injunction against the Pintler Face logging and burning project on Bea…

A report by The Nature Conservancy says if clean energy continues to be sited the way it always has been, the U.S. will need an area the size of Texas to meet its climate targets. (Adobe Stock)

Conservationists tout IN old mines, brownfields to develop renewable energy

Today is the summer solstice, the day of the year with the most sunshine, and Indiana conservationists said they have a plan to make the best use of …

An aerial view of biogas production. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Report says biogas from mega-dairies is more of a problem, not solution

By Lena Beck for Modern Farmer.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for the Modern Farmer-Public News Service Collab…

The United States sends nearly 80 billion pounds of food to municipal solid waste landfills annually. (Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock)

Ohio State tackles household food waste

Ohio State University is spearheading a $2.5 million U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded initiative to reduce food loss and waste in the United …

A senior scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council's Climate and Clean Energy Program said burning wood biomass for renewable energy actually emits more carbon dioxide than coal for every unit of electricity produced. (Adobe Stock)

Could other exceptions come with MN's new carbon-free law?

Minnesota is sorting out details ahead of trying to meet its 100% carbon-free electricity goal by 2040. Some environmental advocates feel energy …

Trees provide shade to homes, businesses and streets; improve people's health; reduce noise pollution; provide habitats for birds and other wildlife; clean air and water and reduce storm water runoff. (Adobe Stock)

Tips to keep Colorado trees healthy during searing summer temperatures

With the heat of summer pouring into Colorado, tree experts are offering tips for keeping our shade-producing friends in good health now, and …

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation faced unprecedented levels of damage caused by floods and landslides in 2018, leading to costs exceeding $125.7 million for repairing and replacing infrastructure across the state. (Alliance/Adobe Stock)

Pennsylvania braces for extreme weather exacerbated by climate change

Despite the official start of the summer season on Thursday, climate change is exacerbated by extreme weather events in the Keystone State. The …

Sage grouse have been petitioned for addition to the federal endangered species list nine times over the last 25 years, according to a U.S. Geological Survey report. (Western Watersheds Project)

Feds updating management plans for threatened sage grouse ecosystem

After nearly a decade of delays, a federal agency is working on a new resource management plan that will affect an iconic Western bird species…

Illinois is bordered by 880 miles of water - the Mississippi River, Ohio River, and Wabash River. according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. (Adode Stock)

Tug-of-war for more access to IL streams continues

Federal law and Illinois law are at odds over ownership, access, and use of the state's streams, lakes & rivers - and the Legislature failed to pass …

Iowa family farm advocates are calling on Congress to reduce the subsidies given to large-scale factory operations in the Farm Bill, and invest more in conservation programs that help small ag producers. (Adobe Stock)

Family farmers call for tougher CAFO regulations in Farm Bill

Family farm advocates are calling for cuts in federal subsidies to large animal feeding operations - technically known as Concentrated Animal Feeding …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - July 2, 2024

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Environment

1 million acres of forest protected under The Conservation Fund, including in OR

'Share the Pennies' weatherization program tackles climate solutions, reduces cost

Public less enthusiastic about renewables, but advocates still see path

Changing climate contributes to record Iowa tornado season

After 83-year-old gored in Yellowstone, wildlife experts warn bison 'not in a zoo'

IN book offers recycling resources for event organizers

Rising AZ summer temps also mean higher energy bills

Can e-bikes become a carbon reduction force?

ID poll: Clean energy production, preserving nature compatible goals

Park visitors cautioned to respect wildlife

‘All-Electric Buildings’ law part of NY building code update

Coalition forms to support restoration of OR Climate Protection Program

Charlotte celebrates Pollinators Month with events, education

$12 million in EPA rebates for clean school buses in Tennessee

Portland turns down noise from gas-powered leaf blowers with phaseout

Marine national monument off MA coast protects ocean biodiversity

As Rivers Month wraps up, action still needed to protect ID rivers

Georgia lawmakers highlight EV benefits for health, environment

VA doctor gives advice on staying heart-healthy in heat

Conservationists want free national park access for newest U.S. citizens

For World Ocean Month, calls to cut emissions, pollution from shipping

BLM releases final conservation plan for NW California public lands

Tech-based carbon-capture projects making headway in local governments

Advocates: Kentucky Power needs a more robust energy-efficiency proposal

A ranch, rewilded: The transformation of California’s newest state park

Critics: NYC bill takes wrong approach to lead pipe removal

Friday deadline for 2024 USDA grassland conservation program

Advocates: Climate change must be addressed at CT special session

Abandoned IL coal mines pose health, environmental complications

Report: Big oil continues to resist, block fast transition to clean energy

Soggy MN weather prompts safety issues as state park season kicks off

FBI to take closer look at NM's uncontained South Fork, Salt wildfires

WSU study reveals PFAS chemicals in men affect their offspring

Electric vehicle tour touts clean energy, job creation, cost savings

East Kentucky Power Cooperative invests in two large solar farms

Making 'climate candy' from upcycled fruits and veggies

Black Hills Visitor Center under new joint tribal, federal oversight

Danskammer Energy withdraws Newburgh power plant application

Judge set to rule on massive MT logging project

Conservationists tout IN old mines, brownfields to develop renewable energy

Report says biogas from mega-dairies is more of a problem, not solution

Ohio State tackles household food waste

Could other exceptions come with MN's new carbon-free law?

Tips to keep Colorado trees healthy during searing summer temperatures

Pennsylvania braces for extreme weather exacerbated by climate change

Feds updating management plans for threatened sage grouse ecosystem

Tug-of-war for more access to IL streams continues

Family farmers call for tougher CAFO regulations in Farm Bill