Environment / Public News Service

Iowa has provided more than $3.3 billion to communities to help finance water quality improvement projects over the years, according to the Iowa Environmental Council. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 9, 2024

Iowa seeks to remove dangerous lead water pipes

Iowa is getting federal help to eliminate lead water pipes in the state. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is working with local water …

Sheep graze on a solar field in Garrard County owned by Silicon Ranch Corp. (Silicon Ranch)

Monday, September 9, 2024

KY communities consider solar zoning ordinances

As Fayette County considers approving industrial-scale solar operations on farmland, more communities in the Commonwealth are considering special …

Solar panels on the roof of Lifeline Church of God in Princeton, W.Va. (Resource Rural)

Monday, September 9, 2024

Federal funding reduces barriers to solar for WV schools, churches

Wayne County Schools and a church in Princeton have installed solar panels with help from the Inflation Reduction Act, local grants and solar …

Around 66% of committed electric school buses are located in school districts with the highest shares of low-income households, according to the Electric School Bus Initiative. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 9, 2024

Advocates tout electric school buses in Nevada, ask for more resources

Nevada has secured 60 electric school buses to take students to and from school and as the school year kicks off, advocates want to see more of the …

According to the American Lung Association's

Monday, September 9, 2024

NC group offers virtual training to help residents advocate for clean air

The advocacy group CleanAIRE NC is offering a virtual training session Thursday to help North Carolinians tackle air quality issues in their communiti…

The USDA says in Illinois in 2021, there were 9.50 billion cubic feet of live trees in forests. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 9, 2024

IL environmental group monitors forests amid Biden legislation

The Biden Administration issued an executive order in 2022 to strengthen and protect America's forests and old-growth trees. Old-growth trees have …

As it travels under the Straits of Mackinac, Enbridge's Line 5 diverges into two, 20-inch diameter, parallel pipelines. (ehrlif/Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 9, 2024

Indigenous water protectors protest aging pipeline

Indigenous water protectors and allies met at Michigan's Straits of Mackinac last week, to spotlight the dangers of the 71-year-old Line 5, deemed …

81% of registered voters across the Midwest oppose the use of eminent domain by companies looking to transport carbon dioxide through underground pipelines, according to a poll commissioned by the Bold Alliance. (Jeffree Beall/Wikimedia Commons)

Monday, September 9, 2024

Poll: Most SD voters disapprove of local control limits on carbon pipelines

A new poll shows most South Dakotans don't approve of legislation that restricts local control on carbon pipelines. South Dakotans this November …

Solar energy costs far less than fossil fuels. The International Energy Agency finds utility-level solar costs about $20 per unit less to produce than natural gas. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 9, 2024

Misinformation prevents VA from reaping solar-energy benefits

Although most Virginians support and prefer solar energy, misinformation is keeping more of it from being built. Several counties and cities have …

The new report recommended Pennsylvania address methane leakage by establishing a large-scale program to cap abandoned and orphaned oil and gas wells. It could create 75 direct jobs per year and 525 direct jobs by 2030. (Funtay/Adobe)

Friday, September 6, 2024

A new roadmap for a clean energy that prioritizes PA union workers

A new report is providing a roadmap for policymakers and industry leaders to shape the future of Pennsylvania's clean energy landscape. The findings …

Weston Lombard, at his Athens County farm, uses regenerative practices funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. (Photo credit Sijie Yuan)

Friday, September 6, 2024

Ohio reacts to Biden's investment targeting rural electrification

President Joe Biden has announced a landmark $7.3 billion investment, the largest since the FDR New Deal, aimed at electrifying rural America…

A new report by The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana reveals Indiana's housing is aging, with 15% of homes and rental properties built before 1939. (Adobe stock)

Friday, September 6, 2024

Environmental racism threatens Hoosier communities

A new report found Hoosier homeowners and renters face significant challenges from environmental hazards and climate change. "The State of Fair …

Brazil and Vietnam are currently the largest coffee-producing countries in the world. Production is increasing in China and even in California and on the Gulf Coast. (Somchai20162516/Adobe Stock)

Climate solutions for the future of coffee

By Anne Connor for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public Ne…

The Center for Rural Affairs said if all forecasted solar in the Midwest was developed on prime farmland, it would occupy only 1.45% to 2.9% of such farmland in this part of the nation. (Adobe Stock)

Tractors, barns and solar panels: Renewables help reshape MN ag land use

Minnesota has plenty of prime farmland, with some of it being converted in the transition to clean energy sources such as solar. The movement has …

Colorado residents and out-of-state visitors spent an estimated $10.8 billion on outdoor recreation within Colorado's river basins in 2019. About a quarter of this came from participants in water sports such as rafting. (Adobe Stock)

Polis taps nation’s strongest water-quality protections for 15 CO rivers

Nearly a year after the U.S. Supreme Court left key watersheds unprotected by the Clean Water Act, the Polis administration has designated new …

A letter signed by more 500 faith leaders was delivered to Citibank headquarters, calling on them to stop funding climate destruction and aggressively enable a green energy transition. (P�ter M�cs/Adobe Stock)

LA climate activists target Wall Street

Environmental activists of various faiths and denominations are spending the summer protesting on Wall Street to highlight the effects financial marke…

A key goal of Michigan's Healthy Climate Plan is to limit energy burden from powering and heating homes to not more than 6% of annual income for low-income households. (M.studio/Adobe Stock)

New solar deal brightens Lansing's green future

Lansing residents and businesses can breathe easier following a new 15-year renewable energy deal. The partnership between General Motors and North …

Liquefied gas export terminals have zeroed in on the Texas Coast for a major expansion of the industry. (AA+W/Adobe Stock)

Climate activists along TX coast want LNG ban

Climate and environmental activists along the Texas Coast are celebrating after receiving favorable news from an insurance company covering liquefied …

From 2011 to mid-2020, 95 gigawatts of coal capacity was closed or switched to another fuel and another 25 gigawatts is slated to shut down by 2025, according to federal data. (Adobe Stock)

West Virginia’s PSC faces lawsuit over coal-plant directive

The Public Service Commission of West Virginia is facing legal challenges for its 2021 directive that Appalachian Power increase the usage of three of…

The Alabama Forestry Commission has identified almost 5,000 southern pine beetle spots across the state, with an average mortality of 191 pine trees per spot. (Adobe Stock)

Southern pine beetle outbreak poses threat to Alabama forests, economy

Alabama's economy is heavily supported by its forestry industry - but is facing a new challenge, with a widespread outbreak of the southern pine …

Practical Farmers of Iowa is offering landowners incentives to restore habitat to low-yield areas. (Adobe Stock)

Incentives for farmers work to restore Iowa habitat, protect soil

Practical Farmers of Iowa is looking for landowners who want to help restore natural habitat on their property, and get help doing it. It's part of …

The U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of Chevron could affect how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages animals on the Endangered Species List, like the wolverine, which was added to the list in 2023. (Erik Mandre/Adobe Stock)

Supreme Court decision could impact wildlife and public lands

A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision could affect public lands and wildlife in places like Wyoming. In June, the nation's highest court overturned a …

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is among 17 national forests managed under the Northwest Forest Plan. (heidi/Adobe Stock)

Committee makes recommendations in updated NW Forest Plan

The U.S. Forest Service is considering changes to modernize the Northwest Forest Plan. While it was hailed as a success when it was created 30 years …

Many Latinos consider the Mississippi River a vital part of their cultural identity. More than half of Latinos live within 10 miles of the river and a significant portion frequently visit nearby parks and trails for recreational activities. (EWY Media/Adobe Stock)

MS Latinos call for cleaner environment along Mississippi River

The latest survey of Latino voters in Mississippi and nine other states reveals overwhelming support for environmental initiatives, with 87% favoring …

Pew Research data show in 2021, 62.5 million Latinos resided in the United States in 2021, accounting for 19% of the total U.S. population. (Adobe Stock)

IL Latino communities advocate for a cleaner environment

A survey of 760 registered Latino voters found 87% of Latinos support projects to produce a cleaner, natural world. The poll, conducted in 10 states…

Research shows South Dakota had the fifth-highest rate of cropland abandonment between 1986 and 2018, trailing Texas, North Dakota, Kansas and Montana. (Adobe Stock)

Former croplands could be ‘sweet spot’ for renewable-energy production

Researchers mapped American croplands that have fallen out of production in hopes of inspiring new uses for them, such as renewable energy. Roughly 3…

Organizations such as the Sierra Club have long argued that the federal government should permanently shut down the Line 5 oil pipeline, which covers parts of northern Wisconsin. (Photo courtesy of Lorie Shaull)

Opponents, backers of Line 5 oil pipeline cap off public comment period

Public comment ends this week for a permit needed for a high-profile oil pipeline project in northern Wisconsin. Opponents, including tribal voices…

Colorado is investing in key infrastructure to power and maintain electric vehicles, including connecting new solar canopies to the electric grid, and adding more charging stations. (Adobe Stock)

Clean buses coming to Colorado transit systems

The Colorado Department of Transportation is investing nearly $32 million to help local governments and other stakeholders transition to electric vehi…

Seventy U.S. Supreme Court decisions and 17,000 lower court decisions have relied on Chevron, a 1984 case that set precedent and that the Supreme Court overruled in June. (Michele Ursi/Adobe Stock)

U.S. Supreme Court decision could shape animal farm regulations

By Marlena Williams for Sentient.Broadcast version by Kathleen Shannon for Greater Dakota News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service …

A mega-dairy concentrated animal feeding operations can produce as much waste as a city without the benefit of an advanced sewage treatment system. (ArtemZakharov/Adobe Stock)

NM group seeks moratorium on new factory farms

By Lena Beck for Modern Farmer.Broadcast version by Roz Brown for New Mexico News Connection reporting for the Modern Farmer-Public News Service Colla…

The Baltimore Tree Trust has planted nearly 17,000 trees around the city since 2008. (Andrew Kazmierski / Adobe Stock)

Community works to combat Baltimore heat island

With Baltimore City seeing record heat this summer, local groups are working to combat the effect of the city's urban heat island. Where …

Among U.S. adults surveyed, 20% said they have heard a lot about Project 2025, while 39% have heard a little and 42% have heard nothing at all, according to a recent YouGov poll. (Adobe Stock) <br /><br />

Conservative plan to ‘drill, baby drill’ threatens ocean health

Critics of a conservative plan to expand offshore oil drilling said it endangers coastal communities who rely on a healthy ocean. Project 2025…

Human health risks of exposure to PFAS include growth effects on infants and children, obstacles to a person's ability to become pregnant, effects on the immune system and increased risk of certain cancers, according to the South Dakota Department of Agricultural and Natural Resources. (Adobe Stock)

Report urges 'more stringent' look at health risks of pesticides

A new report warned about adverse health, wildlife and environmental impacts of toxic chemicals known as PFAS in states such as South Dakota…

The Washington State Department of Commerce expected to fund at least 6,500 rebates for EVs through June 2025 with its new program. (IanDewarPhotography/Adobe Stock)

Demand high for WA EV incentive program

Washingtonians want to drive electric vehicles and a new rebate program from the state is providing proof. Earlier this month, the Washington State …

The Interior Department says it will hold more lease sales in the Central Atlantic in 2026. (Twixter/Adobe Stock)

Offshore wind industry gains momentum in VA

Virginia's Dominion Energy has won a lease to continue growing its offshore wind portfolio near Virginia's coast. The move is expected to grow the …

In a statewide sampling effort, TDEC sampled 29 PFAS compounds in untreated water that supplies public drinking water systems. (goodluz/Adobe)

Report: Land application of toxic sludge making TN waters contaminated

The latest research reveals high levels of PFAS chemicals have been detected in Tennessee's soil and water, leading to demands for a statewide ban on …

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported there are 1,800 projected job openings for wind turbine technicians each year. (Adobe Stock)

SUNY Morrisville wraps first Offshore Wind Institute classes

SUNY Morrisville recently wrapped up its first classes as part of New York's Offshore Training Wind Institute. The state-funded program is part of …

CleanAIRE NC is a nonprofit organization based in Charlotte that focuses on addressing climate change, air pollution and environmental justice. (Alexey Rotanov/Adobe Stock)

Initiative aims to boost sustainability in underserved NC communities

A new project is set to help North Carolina communities address environmental justice and climate equity. The city of Charlotte, in collaboration …

Activists said Wall Street is bankrolling the coal, oil and gas companies, polluting communities. (Nicola/Adobe Stock)

TX climate activists target Wall Street

Environmental activists from across the country, including from Texas, are spending the summer protesting on Wall Street to highlight the effects the …

China is Maine's top export destination for seafood, accounting for 80% to 85% of U.S. lobster sales and bringing in more than $300 million to the state's economy in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

U of Maine study reveals pathways for U.S. seafood independence

A new study from the University of Maine found the nation could reduce the amount of seafood it imports and still meet consumer demand. Americans …

The BLM's Rock Springs planning area in southwest Wyoming is one of the largest in the lower 48 states and is part of the world's longest recorded mule deer migration. (Adobe Stock)

BLM's Rock Springs management plan has some wins for conservation

The Bureau of Land Management proposed a new plan for public lands in southwest Wyoming, that makes some headway for conservation. The BLM's new …

New Mexico's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant is the nation's only deep geologic long-lived radioactive waste repository. (DOE) New Mexico's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant is the nation's only deep geologic long-lived radioactive waste repository. (DOE)

Feds hold NM meetings to decide expansion of radioactive waste site

Public meetings in New Mexico this week will gather input on proposed expansion of a nuclear waste repository. But watchdog groups are urging a …

The Cleveland Cliffs Middletown Works project includes replacing an old blast furnace with two electric furnaces to produce iron with nearly zero greenhouse gas emissions. It is expected to create 170 permanent jobs, 1,200 temporary union construction jobs and sustain 2,500 existing jobs. (Adobe Stock)

Inflation Reduction Act boosts Ohio’s economy, environment

As the Inflation Reduction Act marks its second anniversary, Ohio communities are seeing changes spurred by investments in clean energy and …

The Lomakatsi Restoration Project partners with the U.S. Department of the Interior on forestry training for tribal youth. (fs.usda.gov)

Fed grant supports OR tribal youth conservation training

Federal grant money is supporting an Oregon organization rehabilitating the land and training tribal youth. The Interior Department's Indian Youth …

The number of Kentuckians who had their power disconnected increased by 228% in 2022, compared to a 29% increase nationwide, according to a new study by the Energy and Policy Institute and Center for Biological Diversity. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Utility disconnections in extreme weather harm communities

Housing advocates said they are seeing more Kentuckians affected by electricity shut-offs. In 2022, the number of Kentuckians who had their power …

Illinois is the nation's fifth-largest electricity producer, and typically sends about one-fifth of the power it generates to other states over interstate transmission lines. Illinois generates more electricity from nuclear energy than any other state.(Adobe Stock)

New study says IL needs new less expensive energy options

A new study warns that Illinois will face future energy shortages and a higher risk of blackouts, unless investments are made soon in cleaner energy…

Health effects from exposure toxic algae include skin rashes, headaches, vomiting, pneumonia and more, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. (Adobe Stock/AI-generated)<br />

Toxic algae blooms are on the rise in WV, industrial farming a driving cause

Harmful algae bloom events are increasing, according to a recent analysis of EPA data from the advocacy group Environment America and have occurred …

As Colorado experiences more extreme heat due to climate change, upgrading to efficient, all-electric appliances can reduce indoor air pollution and provide cooling for Denver's income-qualified residents. (Energy Outreach Colorado)

Colorado's first multifamily housing units upgraded to all-electric

A coalition effort led by Energy Outreach Colorado has completed a first-of-its-kind multi-family electrification project, replacing gas-powered …

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Environment

Iowa seeks to remove dangerous lead water pipes

KY communities consider solar zoning ordinances

Federal funding reduces barriers to solar for WV schools, churches

Advocates tout electric school buses in Nevada, ask for more resources

NC group offers virtual training to help residents advocate for clean air

IL environmental group monitors forests amid Biden legislation

Indigenous water protectors protest aging pipeline

Poll: Most SD voters disapprove of local control limits on carbon pipelines

Misinformation prevents VA from reaping solar-energy benefits

A new roadmap for a clean energy that prioritizes PA union workers

Ohio reacts to Biden's investment targeting rural electrification

Environmental racism threatens Hoosier communities

Climate solutions for the future of coffee

Tractors, barns and solar panels: Renewables help reshape MN ag land use

Polis taps nation’s strongest water-quality protections for 15 CO rivers

LA climate activists target Wall Street

New solar deal brightens Lansing's green future

Climate activists along TX coast want LNG ban

West Virginia’s PSC faces lawsuit over coal-plant directive

Southern pine beetle outbreak poses threat to Alabama forests, economy

Incentives for farmers work to restore Iowa habitat, protect soil

Supreme Court decision could impact wildlife and public lands

Committee makes recommendations in updated NW Forest Plan

MS Latinos call for cleaner environment along Mississippi River

IL Latino communities advocate for a cleaner environment

Former croplands could be ‘sweet spot’ for renewable-energy production

Opponents, backers of Line 5 oil pipeline cap off public comment period

Clean buses coming to Colorado transit systems

U.S. Supreme Court decision could shape animal farm regulations

NM group seeks moratorium on new factory farms

Community works to combat Baltimore heat island

Conservative plan to ‘drill, baby drill’ threatens ocean health

Report urges 'more stringent' look at health risks of pesticides

Demand high for WA EV incentive program

Offshore wind industry gains momentum in VA

Report: Land application of toxic sludge making TN waters contaminated

SUNY Morrisville wraps first Offshore Wind Institute classes

Initiative aims to boost sustainability in underserved NC communities

TX climate activists target Wall Street

U of Maine study reveals pathways for U.S. seafood independence

BLM's Rock Springs management plan has some wins for conservation

Feds hold NM meetings to decide expansion of radioactive waste site

Inflation Reduction Act boosts Ohio’s economy, environment

Fed grant supports OR tribal youth conservation training

Experts: Utility disconnections in extreme weather harm communities

New study says IL needs new less expensive energy options

Toxic algae blooms are on the rise in WV, industrial farming a driving cause

Colorado's first multifamily housing units upgraded to all-electric