Environmental Health / Public News Service

The latest project for Rhonda and Kim Theus,

Friday, July 26, 2024

Art breathes new life into pollution-ravaged MI community

By Randiah Camille Green for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News …

New EPA rules on tailpipe pollution are expected to lead to $62 billion in reduced annual fuel costs, and maintenance and repair costs for drivers. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, July 25, 2024

EPA clean-car standards projected to bring $100B annual benefits

Clean-air advocates in Colorado are celebrating new EPA standards, which they believe can play a major role in reducing air pollution impacting …

The Hanford site in Washington state contains waste from the production of plutonium for the two atomic bombs used on Japan in World War II. (Alison Jones, Danita Delimont/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Environmental groups criticize Hanford nuclear waste cleanup plan

A new agreement on plans for cleaning up nuclear waste at the Hanford site in Washington state is receiving pushback from environmental groups…

The Biden administration has released a Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan, describing how programs funded by the Farm Bill should adopt practices to improve manure management and substantially reduce methane emissions from livestock, which contribute to climate change. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Farm waste ups dangers of climate change-related weather events

As the Atlantic coast braces for what could be an active hurricane season, environmental groups are warning about the dangers of agricultural …

Research shows global plastic production has surged from 15 million tons per year in 1964 to more than 450 million tons per year today. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Biodegradable plastics more marketing than environmentally friendly

As West Virginia opens its door to the plastics recycling or "advanced recycling" industry, a recent report found only a fraction of plastics are …

Sioux Falls experienced its wettest two-day period in the National Weather Service's record keeping, according to NASA, which began in 1893. (Brian Jackson/Adobe Stock)

Water contamination a concern in Midwest flood aftermath

As South Dakotans affected by recent record floods take stock of damages, researchers say water quality is among the concerns. The state has been …

Two South Dakota ethanol production facilities are considered high-priority emission violators, according to EPA data, including plants in Redfield and Aberdeen. (Adobe Stock)

Report: SD ethanol plants release hazardous air pollutants

Biofuels are painted as a greener energy alternative to fossil fuels but a new study found the industry produces plenty of its own air pollutants…

Scientists say in order to avert the worst effects of climate change, global temperature increase must be limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius and emissions cut by 45% by 2030 to reach net zero by 2050. (Adobe Stock)

Scientists reconsider net-zero pledges to reach climate goals

By Stephen Battersby for the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Commonwealth News Service…

Radioactive contaminants can create harmful effects on public health, particularly for pregnant people, as well as for the environment. (Alexeiy/Adobe Stock)

Groups renew calls to address radioactive contamination in food, water

Some organizations are renewing calls to address radioactive contamination in U.S. food and drinking water. The issue has gained prevalence in the …

Workers can file safety or heat-related complaints at the Cal/OSHA office nearest their work site or by calling 866-924-9757. (Sculpies/Adobe Stock)

As temps climb, CA workers encouraged to know their rights

California has shattered heat records left and right this month and temperatures are forecast to be 10 degrees above normal this weekend, so the …

A 2021 report found more than 70% of the 3,000 hazardous natural gas leaks in Washington, D.C. posed an immediate threat to residents. (Adobe Stock)

DC residents push back on natural gas infrastructure build-up

Washington D.C. residents are pushing back on a plan to build out existing fossil fuel infrastructure. Washington Gas' $12 billion Project Pipes …

Researchers Anna O'Brien, left, and Ciana Lazu examine a sample of duckweed found at Mill Pond in Durham, New Hampshire. (UNH Marketing)

NH duckweed study aims to counter impacts of manure, farm runoff

University of New Hampshire scientists said a common aquatic plant called duckweed could help filter polluting runoff from dairy farms and so-called m…

Wyoming's Bighorn Basin is located between mountain ranges that block the flow of moisture-laden air from both the east and west, making it one of the driest places in the state, according to the Water Resources Data System and State Climate Office. (BLM Wyoming)

Projected costs loom over benefits of proposed Bighorn Basin dam

Wyoming's irrigation infrastructure is aging and the state gets regular requests to update it but in some cases, project benefits may not outweigh …

Fracking waste being stored in Martin's Ferry by Austin Master Services. (Ohio Department of Natural Resources)

Ohio residents seek answers over lack of action on fracking waste cleanup

The CEO of Austin Master Services - owner of a fracking-waste storage facility in Martin's Ferry, Ohio - will attend a hearing by phone today in …

Agriculture accounts for nearly 85% of Oregon's water use. (Deyan Georgiev/Adobe Stock)

Oregon seeks public comment on large-scale farming regulations

Oregonians have until July 22 to submit comments on the implementation of new environmental restrictions for the state's largest farms. When the …

The Black Swamp Conservancy has grown to protect more than 175 properties since 1997, covering more than 21,000 acres. (Linda/Adobe Stock)

Grants boost environmental education and restoration in Ohio

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is awarding $271,000 in grants for environmental education projects across the state. The programs will …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends drinking 8 ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes when doing strenuous activity outside, which translates to 24 to 32 ounces per hour. (Adobe Stock)

Health care professionals urge caution in Iowa heat

Health care experts are reminding Iowans to be careful in the summertime sun. From sunburns and bike safety to water accidents and sports injuries…

The ocean is a good place to cool off on summer days but water safety is key, especially for children. (richardbarrow/Adobe Stock)

Safety tips for enjoying outdoors on hot days of summer

South Carolina and much of the country has seen extreme heat since summer began but people still want to enjoy the outdoors and a few tips can help th…

Overheating can cause heat-related illnesses when the body struggles to cool down. Some of these illnesses, such as heatstroke, are life-threatening emergencies. (Microgen/Adobe Stock)

Beat the heat: Crucial summer safety tips for staying cool and safe in PA

As summer heats up in Pennsylvania, staying safe, cool and healthy while enjoying the outdoors is vital. The National Weather Service predicts highs …

Health care providers said if you must be outside during the summer heat drink plenty of water and take multiple breaks. (praewpailyn/Adobe Stock)

Triple-digit temperatures create health concerns for Texans

The heat is already making it hard for Texans this summer with most regions reporting triple digit temperatures for multiple days. The National …

A University of Minnesota expert said drinking enough water helps your muscles work efficiently, a key benefit for those doing outdoor labor during hotter stretches. (Adobe Stock)

Ice cold water: A shield against hot temperatures, especially for outdoor workers

Minnesota could see temperatures reach the 90s in the coming days and as residents try to stay hydrated, one health expert said consistency is key…

Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. Both short- and long-term particle pollution exposure is associated with increased mortality from heart disease, lung disease and lung cancer according to the American Lung Association. (Wikimedia Commons)<br />

Critics: KY regional haze plan doesn’t protect environmental, public health

Under the federal Clean Air Act, Kentucky is required to keep haze air pollution under control in Mammoth Cave National Park. Critics said the …

Rising temperatures can cause spikes in emergency-room visits for heat-related issues and workplace injuries. (Adobe Stock)

Common-sense summer health, safety strategies offered

As a changing climate exposes Coloradans to more days of dangerously high temperatures, health experts are offering common-sense summer safety …

Untreated factory farm waste runoff contains high levels of fecal pathogens such as E. coli, antibiotics and cleaning chemicals. (Adobe Stock)

Clean-water advocates head back to court over Colorado factory farms

Clean-water advocates are heading to state district court after Colorado regulators turned their back on a judge's decision last year calling for bett…

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of emergency room visits related to heat-induced illnesses increased from an average of 151 per 100,000 visits in 2018-2022 to 180 per 100,000 in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Ways to stay safe as heat-related illness ticks up

As the calendar turns to summer, emergency rooms start seeing more patients due to seasonal injuries and illnesses and expanded virtual health care …

When it comes to managing the summer heat, health experts suggest for every 15 minutes of outdoor activity, people should drink about four ounces of water, which is about four sizable gulps. (stevepb/Pixabay)

Essential summer safety tips for staying healthy in Florida heat

As the summer sun blazes, especially in the Sunshine State, it is easy to get caught up in the fun and excitement of the season. But according to …

Farmworkers laboring in extreme heat are at risk of heatstroke or even death. (F Armstrong Photo/Adobe Stock)

Biden administration's proposed heat rules would protect ID farmworkers

The Biden administration is proposing rules to protect workers from extreme heat. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said its …

Recent wildfires and subsequent flooding have made some low-income households in New Mexicans eligible for federal disaster food assistance. (AdobeStock/goodmanphoto)

NM wildfires prompt precautions, new food assistance

New Mexicans affected by recent wildfires and subsequent flooding may be eligible for Disaster Supplemental Nutritional Program benefits. The …

More than 90% of the pollution reduction needed to clean streams in Pennsylvania's portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed must come from agriculture, according to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. (World Travel Photos/Adobe Stock)

Calls for more funding in state budget for clean water initiatives

Pennsylvania's budget is overdue, having missed its Sunday deadline and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation is asking state lawmakers and the governor to …

Environmentalists say the plastics and fossil fuel industries driving plastic pollution and related problems have made false promises about efforts to address the pollution. (aryfahmed/Adobe Stock)

TX environmental groups fight for global plastics treaty

Environmental groups in Texas are backing a proposed global plastics treaty set to be finalized by the end of the year. The treaty aims to minimize …

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 …

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 …

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 …

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…

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 …

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…

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 …

Around 27% of South Dakotans who applied for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, funded by Inflation Reduction Act dollars in 2023, were accepted. (Marc Braner/Adobe Stock)

House Farm Bill could chop climate-smart programs

The U.S. House of Representatives will likely vote this summer on a version of the Farm Bill, which passed through the committee process last month…

Last year, the Washington State Building Code Council approved codes to incentivize electric heat pumps. (V. J. Matthew/Adobe Stock)

Initiative to stop natural-gas phase out would 'turn back the clock' in WA

Signature gatherers in Washington state hope to get an initiative on the November ballot to roll back the state's attempt to phase out natural gas in …

Other efforts in North Carolina aimed at protecting salt marshes include Gov. Roy Cooper's Executive Order 80, and the state's 2020 Climate Risk Assessment and Resilience Plan. (Adobe Stock)

NC counts on salt marshes' role in hurricane protection

Hurricane season is here, and conservationists are shining a light on the role salt marshes play in protecting coastal North Carolina communities…

A new Rural Climate Partnership report found rural communities have not been prioritized in efforts to help them harness the benefits of clean energy and energy efficiency. (Adobe stock)

Indiana's rural climate impact: Urgent call for action

A new report from the Rural Climate Partnership revealed a significant climate impact on rural Americans, including more than one in five Hoosiers…

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Public News Service (podcast)"
	"Hey Google, play the Public News Service podcast"
	"Alexa, play Public News Service podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the 2024 Talks podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the 2024 Talks podcast"
	"Alexa, play 2000 24 Talks podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Alexa, play the Yonder Report podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - July 26, 2024

2024Talks - July 26, 2024

The Yonder Report - July 25, 2024