Environmental Justice / Public News Service

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)

Friday, October 25, 2024

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…

How greener schoolyards benefit Colorado kids, communities

By Claire Elise Thompson for Grist.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Publi…

Because of their remote nature and limited capacity to access financial help, many of New Mexico's colonias rely on water wells not built to code. (GAO)

NM's colonias need oversight to improve water, wastewater systems

Federal funding for infrastructure improvements in colonias, predominately rural, Hispanic communities near the U.S.-Mexico border, including 150 in …

Around 9% of children in Syracuse have high lead levels in their blood. Even low-level lead exposure can harm a child's ability to learn and is linked to attention deficit disorder. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Syracuse water contains dangerously high lead levels

New data show lead levels in Syracuse's drinking water are higher than those in Flint, Michigan, and Newark, New Jersey. The city's tests show lead …

Metropolitan Congregations United aims to engage the entire state of Missouri on air quality issues and unite scientists and church leaders for change. (Carlos Santa Maria/Adobe Stock)

Researchers turn to MO churches to study air quality

By Rebecca Randall for Sojourners.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Missouri News Service for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News Servi…

The Salton Sea, south of the Palm Springs area, is a heavily polluted lake with large geothermal and lithium resources beneath it. (Dr. Manuel Pastor)<br />

Rural community seeks to benefit from lithium boom

Local groups in the Imperial Valley are working to make sure the coming boom in lithium extraction will benefit the community, as well as the …

According to industry data, Wisconsin is currently home to more than 70,000 clean energy jobs. (Adobe Stock)

More WI resumes could soon include climate work history

Federal data show health care and technology-related jobs are still in high demand but a career in clean energy is now at the top of the list, too…

Critics of Project 2025 allege it would put water at greater risk of pollution and contamination for the sake of corporate profits. (wckiw/Adobe Stock)

NM news org identifies impacts of 'Project 2025' on state residents

A New Mexico nonprofit news organization wants voters to know what is included in "Project 2025" and how it could potentially change the course of the…

Just one-third of Latinos live within walking distance of a park, compared to half of all white Americans who can easily access green spaces. (Adobe Stock)

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates, preserves Colorado's great outdoors

Communities in Colorado and across the U.S. are making time to connect with nature during Hispanic Heritage Month. Hilda Berganza, climate manager …

A Hispanic Access Foundation poll showed Latinos are extremely concerned about pollution in the Mississippi River and view the presence of microplastics, trash, chemical waste and PFAS, or

Latino voters in AR call on Congress to clean up Mississippi River

Some Latinos in Arkansas were among 400 residents across 10 states polled about the health of the Mississippi River. Both registered Republicans and …

If Duke Energy has its way, some Hoosiers may soon face higher electric bills. (Adobe Stock)

Duke Energy's proposed rate hike, profits under fire

Duke Energy is facing criticism over its proposed rate hikes of up to 16%, while delaying the retirement of its coal-fired power plants in Indiana…

The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is anticipated to save over $350 million annually on electric bills for 900,000 low-income households nationwide and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30 million metric tons over five years. (Felix Mizioznikov/Adobe Stock)

Solar power drives change in Ohio’s disadvantaged areas

Ohio's most vulnerable communities are set to benefit from more than $312 million in federal funding aimed at reducing energy costs and promoting envi…

Florida's new law, House Bill 433, preempts

New OSHA rule aims to protect Florida workers from deadly heat

A new federal proposal to protect workers from extreme heat is being hailed as a potential lifesaver by labor advocates, even as Florida faces …

Recipients of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Grant can now access funding to drive financing for thousands of climate-focused and clean energy initiatives. (bilanol/Adobe Stock)

MI included in landmark EPA climate investment

Michigan's most vulnerable communities are receiving federal funding to fight the devastating effects of climate change. It's part of the $27 billion …

One year of nuclear weapons spending could fund an estimated one-third of the costs for climate change adaptation in developing countries, and solarize more than 16.5 million homes. (Hamara/Adobe Stock)

TN group echoes global call: No money for nuclear weapons

A Knoxville-based environmental group is raising awareness about increasing U.S. nuclear weapons spending and supporting this week's global effort to …

According to NOAA data, since 1980, the U.S. has sustained 376 weather and climate disasters with a cumulative cost of $2.6 trillion. (Adobe Stock / AI)

Van Hollen introduces federal 'climate superfund' legislation

New federal legislation would make polluters pay for the costs of climate change mitigation. On Thursday, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., introduced …

The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana opened a recycling collection operation in 2023 after receiving a $565,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. (Adobe Stock)

Coushatta Tribe works to overcome obstacles to recycling program

By Taylar Dawn Stagner for Grist.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Louisiana News Connection, reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-…

Lead contamination poses serious health risks, especially to children, and has been linked to<br />developmental issues and organ damage. (Adobe Stock)

Indianapolis neighborhood fears ongoing lead contamination Superfund site

By Enrique Saenz for Mirror Indy.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Mirror Indy-Free Press Indiana-Public News …

Research indicates 3.6 billion people currently live in areas highly vulnerable to climate change, with an estimated 250,000 additional deaths annually projected between 2030 and 2050 because of its effects. (Adobe Stock)

Leaders to gather in NC to tackle health impacts of pollution, climate change

Environmental leaders are set to gather in Durham to address how climate change is impacting human health and well-being. Emily Wolfe, health …

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…

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 …

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 …

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…

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…

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 …

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 …

According to The Government Accountability Office, federal data suggests about 60% of Superfund sites overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency are in areas that may be impacted by natural disasters exacerbated by climate change. (Adobe Stock)

WI city, still hanging onto old factory site, plans for a greener future

In Rust Belt states such as Wisconsin, disadvantaged communities were left with blight - amid a shift away from industrialization. A federal grant …

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 …

The federal government began cleaning up nuclear waste in New Mexico's Acid Canyon in the late 1960s, but one scientist said it is not gone. (National Park Service)

Scientist: plutonium contamination still present in NM's Acid Canyon

A scientist who said he found extreme plutonium contamination in Los Alamos' Acid Canyon believes concerned residents should invest in monitoring equi…

More than 80 percent of Oklahoma's wastewater sludge ends up in crop fields, according to an analysis by Investigate Midwest. (Losonsky/Adobe Stock)

Concern grows over 'forever chemicals' in biosolid fertilizers

By Ben Felder for Investigate Midwest.Broadcast version by Will Walkey for Oklahoma News Service reporting for the Investigate Midwest-Public News Ser…

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)

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)

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, 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)

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 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)

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…

Recent reports show the economics of coal-fired power plants take a huge toll on ratepayer wallets and public health. (Adobe stock)

Study cites Indiana's costly reliance on coal plants

By Kari Lydersen for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public…

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 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…

A survey found half the residents at the Cherokee Forest Subdivision reported they consider themselves

MS Cherokee group: Industrial pollution threatens families

A rural Mississippi community is fighting to protect the health of some Cherokee residents threatened by industrial pollution. Barbara Weckesser…

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…

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…

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 …

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…

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 …

According to the Center for American Progress, economists predicted the Inflation Reduction Act will generate $178 billion in clean energy transportation investments. (Adobe Stock)

GA leaders celebrate impact of IRA on clean energy, environmental justice

Thursday marks the two-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act and Georgia leaders with Elected Officials to Protect America are reflecting on…

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 …

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 - October 25, 2024

2024Talks - October 25, 2024

The Yonder Report - October 24, 2024