Climate Change/Air Quality / Public News Service

A dirty air filter can keep air conditioners from running optimally. (Kevin Brine/Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 8, 2024

Home cooling tips as hot summer days come to OR

As Oregon is seeing its first major heat event of the summer, some simple tips can help you keep your home cooler. Most of Oregon was under a heat …

Minnesota officials say a new roofing standard, created by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, has shown to reduce the costs of hail and wind-related damages by up to 60%. The standard is now being used for home resiliency programs. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 8, 2024

Roof repair grants could keep MN insurance claims from spiraling out of control

Minnesota is part of a patchwork of states trying to reimagine storm preparedness, by making roofs on homes stronger - before winds and hail fueled …

Finn Does (center), summit co-chair, and other youth participants at the 2023 Bay Area Youth Climate Summit in San Francisco. (Finn Does)<br />

Monday, July 8, 2024

'Composting' our emotions: How climate action cultivates well-being

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

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

Friday, July 5, 2024

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 …

A Michigan Healthy Climate Plan recommendation is to meet a goal of 100% clean energy no later than 2050. (pinkrabbit/Adobe Stock)

Friday, July 5, 2024

MI empowers disadvantaged communities for clean energy

The effects of climate change often hit Michigan's most vulnerable communities hardest, prompting state environmental organizations to take action…

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)

Friday, July 5, 2024

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)

Friday, July 5, 2024

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 …

The Conservation Fund said it aims to protect five million acres of forest by 2035. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, July 5, 2024

National project helps MN push back against deforestation

Deforestation remains a concern in the U.S. but success stories are emerging and Minnesota advocates said new achievements bode well for all …

In total, The Conservation Fund has protected 529,213 acres of land and water across the state of New York. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, July 5, 2024

Thousands of acres of NY forest land protected for conservation

Almost 200,000 acres of New York have been protected by The Conservation Fund. Their efforts in the Empire State come as the group, which protects …

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

Friday, July 5, 2024

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 …

Utilities are shutting off power in an effort to keep downed and damaged power lines from sparking blazes and fueling the West's more frequent and intense wildfires. (Adobe Stock)

CO Nursing homes left in dark as utilities cut power to prevent wildfires

By Kate Ruder for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Service…

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)

'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)

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 …

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)

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)

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 …

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

‘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 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)

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…

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…

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 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…

North Dakota is moving forward with more than $25 million in federal funding to spur construction of electric vehicle charging stations, mainly in rural areas along interstates. (Adobe Stock)

ND isn't known for EV chargers but statewide network takes next step

Electric-vehicle owners in North Dakota have long called for more action to boost the state's charging station network. There continues to be mixed …

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…

The New York City Environmental Justice Alliance's newest report shows traffic congestion causes pollution to spike twice a day with the recorded air pollution levels significantly higher during rush hours. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Air quality worsens in NYC environmental-justice areas

A new report finds New York City environmental-justice communities face worsening air quality. It's part of the Community Heat and Air Mapping …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

The World Health Organization says globally, one in two people can be considered

America's 'Radical Elders' continue their work for fairness, justice

Members of the group Radical Elders are participating in a Chicago tech conference this weekend to explain the impact of technology on older Americans…

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 …

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 …

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 …

The Biden administration is awarding more than $600 million in grants to build the nation's electric-vehicle charging network. Maine is just the fifth state to benefit from what's known as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula. (Adobe Stock)

Federal funds boost ME high-speed EV charging network

Clean-energy advocates in Maine are applauding an expansion of the state's electric vehicle charging network. State officials recently announced 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…

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 …

Amphibians and reptiles have more restricted geographic ranges than other vertebrates and are highly susceptible to threats like habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation. (Adobe Stock)

BLM could throw lifeline to amphibians and reptiles

The recently finalized Bureau of Land Management Public Lands Rule could give a boost to America's most at-risk terrestrial vertebrates: amphibians an…

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…

New Mexico is among states with the most diverse species of animals, including the African oryx, or gemsbok. (NationalParkService)

Advocates: Communities, wildlife benefitting from clean energy investments

Wildlife advocates say the current transition to clean energy will not only protect people in New Mexico communities, but also will have a huge …

More than 40 U.S. colleges and universities now obtain 100% or more of their electricity from renewable energy sources while at least 76 schools get at least 50% of their energy from renewables, according to the Public Interest Network. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Dartmouth decarbonization plan preps students for climate-related future

Officials at Dartmouth College say a massive campus decarbonization project will serve as a real-world classroom for students interested in sustainabi…

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 …

Of the nearly 2.5 million people living within the 78 coastal communities in Massachusetts, roughly 55% are in state-designated Environmental Justice Block Groups, communities of color and low-income populations dealing with the effects of climate change. (Adobe Stock)

Federal funds help build Boston’s climate-ready workforce

The City of Boston has been awarded nearly $10 million in federal funding to help build a Climate-Ready Workforce. More than 1,000 people will …

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…

An Associated Press/NORC poll found 47% of people are unlikely to purchase an electric vehicle, with the biggest reason being the high cost. (Adobe Stock)

NJ elected officials work to relieve concerns about EVs

As New York and New Jersey transition to electric vehicles, consumers have mixed feelings about it. Polls show fewer than half of New York drivers …

Cobalt is essential for some of Washington's major sectors, including transportation and aerospace. (cornfield/Adobe Stock)

Mining conditions for minerals essential to clean energy tech under scrutiny

Critical minerals are crucial for the United States' clean energy future. But civil society and environmental groups are raising concerns about the …

South Dakota loses up to 100,000 acres of grasslands annually, according to the South Dakota Grassland Coalition. Grassland bird species are declining faster than any other group on the continent. (Gregory Johnston/Adobe Stock)

Support grows for threatened SD grasslands

About 1.6 million acres of Great Plains grasslands were destroyed in 2021 alone, according to a recent report, an area the size of Delaware. One …

A new Colorado law provides local and tribal governments with science-based resources for siting and permitting new renewable-energy projects, including maps identifying sensitive wildlife habitat. (Adobe Stock)

New resources available to site CO clean-energy projects, protect wildlife

To reach 100% clean energy by 2040 - a move seen as critical for averting the worst impacts of climate change - Colorado must generate five times more…

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Climate Change

Home cooling tips as hot summer days come to OR

Roof repair grants could keep MN insurance claims from spiraling out of control

'Composting' our emotions: How climate action cultivates well-being

NM wildfires prompt precautions, new food assistance

MI empowers disadvantaged communities for clean energy

Ways to stay safe as heat-related illness ticks up

Essential summer safety tips for staying healthy in Florida heat

National project helps MN push back against deforestation

Thousands of acres of NY forest land protected for conservation

Biden administration's proposed heat rules would protect ID farmworkers

CO Nursing homes left in dark as utilities cut power to prevent wildfires

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

Public less enthusiastic about renewables, but advocates still see path

Can e-bikes become a carbon reduction force?

ID poll: Clean energy production, preserving nature compatible goals

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

Changing climate contributes to record Iowa tornado season

Coalition forms to support restoration of OR Climate Protection Program

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

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

ND isn't known for EV chargers but statewide network takes next step

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

Report: Air quality worsens in NYC environmental-justice areas

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

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

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

Advocates: Climate change must be addressed at CT special session

America's 'Radical Elders' continue their work for fairness, justice

East Kentucky Power Cooperative invests in two large solar farms

Making 'climate candy' from upcycled fruits and veggies

Conservationists tout IN old mines, brownfields to develop renewable energy

Tips to keep Colorado trees healthy during searing summer temperatures

Federal funds boost ME high-speed EV charging network

Feds updating management plans for threatened sage grouse ecosystem

Pennsylvania braces for extreme weather exacerbated by climate change

BLM could throw lifeline to amphibians and reptiles

House Farm Bill could chop climate-smart programs

Advocates: Communities, wildlife benefitting from clean energy investments

Dartmouth decarbonization plan preps students for climate-related future

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

Federal funds help build Boston’s climate-ready workforce

Indiana's rural climate impact: Urgent call for action

NJ elected officials work to relieve concerns about EVs

Mining conditions for minerals essential to clean energy tech under scrutiny

Support grows for threatened SD grasslands

New resources available to site CO clean-energy projects, protect wildlife