Air Pollution / Public News Service

Iowa produces around 2.5 billion bushels of corn annually, making it the nation's top corn-producing state, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Iowa farmers on board with corn-based jet fuel

A company working to create sustainable energy sources is investing in corn to make jet fuel, which it said burns far cleaner than the traditional…

The hottest year on record was 2024, as average global temperatures continue to rise due to the use of fossil fuels. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Worker's coalition aims to address climate emergency, economic inequality

As President Donald Trump abandons a promise the U.S. made in Paris nearly a decade ago, organized workers across Colorado are joining forces to …

The average retail electricity price in Texas is 2% lower than in West Virginia, 9% lower than in Ohio and 20% lower than in Pennsylvania, according to the Ohio River Valley Institute. (Adobe Stock)

PA power demand spurs concerns over rising rates, gas dependency

Utility providers foresee a big rise in electricity demand which could lead to double-digit rate hikes if it is met with new natural gas-fired power p…

According to the Texas Tree Foundation, the lack of trees and green spaces contributes significantly to the

TX nonprofit calls trees good for your health, cooling your neighborhood

By María Ramos Pacheco for The Dallas Morning News.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism …

The top cancers diagnosed in Iowa in 2023 were breast, lung, colon and rectal, and skin melanoma, according to research by the University of Iowa's Cancer Registry Report. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates call on Iowa lawmakers to defeat 'Cancer Gag Act'

Advocates for small communities in Iowa are calling on state lawmakers not to pass the so-called "Cancer Gag Act," which they said would give pesticid…

Federal incentives are being offered for carbon capture projects, including a multistate pipeline proposal for the Midwest involving ethanol emissions. However, skeptics said the project's designs are too big for unproven technology. (Adobe Stock)

Carbon pipeline and landowner rights take their seat again in SD's capitol

South Dakota lawmakers begin a new legislative session today and are already hearing from worried landowners about their rights as a private company k…

Despite the decline, coal still plays a role in some regions, especially in states such as Wyoming, West Virginia and Kentucky, where coal is a significant part of the energy mix. (James Phelps Jr./Adobe Stock)

MI expert discusses wind, solar surpassing coal on U.S. grid in 2024

A Michigan expert weighs in on an historic shift in 2024 - wind and solar power surpassed coal on the U.S. grid. According to research from Ember - …

Ohio ranks among the top 10 states in U.S. natural gas production, contributing about 5% of the nation's output and reserves, which is integral to the state's hydrogen hub project. (Calin Tatu/Adobe Stock)

Local concerns rise over Ohio’s hydrogen project

Ohioans are raising questions about the future of fracking and its environmental and community impacts, following the ARCH2 hydrogen hub open house …

Americans purchase about 50 billion water bottles per year, roughly 13 bottles per month for every person in the country, according to Earthday.org. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Trump administration should ban vinyl chloride

As public awareness about the link between plastics and cancer risk increases, environmental groups said they want the Trump administration to make …

Researchers are testing a number of propulsion systems, such as hydrogen, electricity and biofuels, to reduce the aviation industry's carbon footprint or cut it to net-zero. (Artist's Rendering/Adobe Stock)

Colorado strategizes with stakeholders to decarbonize future of air travel

By Ethan Brown for The Sweaty Penguin.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network…

Despite the New York Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act's minimum benefits for disadvantaged communities, there is insufficient integration of this and other justice mandates of the law into energy transmission plans. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NYS grid transmission process must be more equitable

A new report found New York State needs a more equitable grid transmission process. The Energy Justice Law and Poverty Center report noted …

U.S. Steel has had a presence in the Mon Valley since 1901 and currently employs about 4,000 workers.<br />(Jeffrey Bowser/Adobe)

Blocked sale of U.S. Steel does not allay fears of effects on workers, health, community

A Pennsylvania environmental justice group is voicing concerns about the blocked sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel, citing its effect on the …

New York's Climate Change Superfund Act could collect as much as $75 billion over 25 years for climate change impacts from those who are most responsible for it: big oil and gas companies. (Adobe Stock)

NY's Climate Change Superfund Act takes effect

A law signed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul takes effect this week to penalize polluters for emissions. The Climate Change Superfund Act puts a fine …

Two large-scale Wisconsin clean energy projects, the Apple River Solar Project in Polk County and the Darien Solar Energy Center in Walworth and Rock counties, are scheduled for 2025. (Adobe Stock)

Wisconsin ends year on a high note in clean energy

Wisconsin is ending the year on a high note in the clean energy space, with some notables like a first-of-its-kind energy dome and approval for the …

As of Dec. 2020, Pennsylvania had more than 12,000 active

PA group challenges fracking permits in Westmoreland County

CLARIFICATION: CNX entered into an agreement with Apex Energy II, but that sale has not been completed. Also, the state's agreement with CNX is not …

The estimated carbon footprint of a week-long cruise is eight times higher than that of a land-based vacation, according to Friends of the Earth. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Cruise ships in Maine ports get failing environmental grade

A recent report gives the majority of cruise ships anchoring in Maine ports a failing environmental grade. The Cruise Ship Report Card from Friends …

Iowa is the nation's number one hog producer, which is a huge economic driver for the state, but the industry also produces more than 100 billion pounds of manure every year. (Adobe Stock)

Cancer rates in Iowa mirror rising rate of manure pollution

By Nina B. Elkadi for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Iowa News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration A …

Dairy digesters remove methane from liquified animal waste. The gas can then be used to generate power. (Lance Cheung/USDA)

Environmental groups sue CA Air Resources Board over biogas credits

Three environmental nonprofits filed suit Wednesday against the California Air Resources Board to oppose the expansion of a program allowing oil and g…

The work of GreenLatinos Texas, centers around empowering frontline environmental justice and conservation advocates. Members are actively engaging with local communities to understand their campaign goals and identify areas where support is needed. (Photo courtesy of Green Latinos)

TX group works to give Latinos seat at table in fight against methane

Members of the environmental nonprofit GreenLatinos are involved in a push to get more Latinos across Texas involved in the fight against methane gas…

The Environmental Protection Agency has approved two clean-air waivers for California, but six more are still pending. (D. Jakli/Adobe Stock)

EPA allows CA to implement strict clean-car rules

Groups that fight for environmental justice are praising the Biden administration's decision to grant California a waiver so it can implement clean-ca…

A New York law will ban the use of PFAS in outdoor clothing used in wet weather conditions but not until 2028. (Adobe Stock)

NY to ban PFAS in clothing; wider bans being considered

A New York law takes effect in January, banning the use of PFAS in clothing. The law is another step in ending the unnecessary use of the long-…

California state energy goals include reaching 100% clean energy by 2045. (Anchalee/Adobe Stock)

Environmental groups call for LA County power plant closure

Environmental groups are calling for the immediate closure of Los Angeles County's Walnut Creek Energy Park, because of potentially dangerous levels …

The Environmental Protection Agency has set and implemented emissions standards to control pollution from everything from cars, heavy-duty trucks and buses, and construction and farm equipment, since 1970. (Adobe Stock/AI generated Image)

Poll: Most voters want a robust EPA, more pollution controls

Nationwide, 76% of Trump voters and 86% of all voters oppose attempts to weaken the Environmental Protection Agency, according to a new poll …

After some initial permit roadblocks, Summit Carbon Solutions has been gaining approval in Midwestern states for a large-scale carbon capture project involving ethanol plants. (Adobe Stock)

MN joins the carbon capture pipeline wave with permit approval

A massive carbon capture project proposed for the Midwest has another permit under its belt after Minnesota regulators gave their approval Thursday…

Save Ohio Parks group photo taken July 1st 2023 at Salt Fork State Park. (Photo Credit Paul Becker Photo)

Protesters rally against fracking near Ohio parks

Protesters are gathering at the Columbus Public Safety Building today to voice opposition to plans that could expand fracking activities near the stat…

Duke Energy ranks as the third-largest greenhouse-gas emitter in the United States, according to the University of Massachusetts Amherst's Greenhouse 100 Polluters Index by the Political Economy Research Institute. (Adobe Stock)

NC town files climate lawsuit against Duke Energy

The Town of Carrboro is leveraging state law to combat climate change, announcing a lawsuit aimed at Duke Energy. Barbara Foushee, mayor of Carrboro…

In the U.S., outdoor air pollution is responsible for about one in 10 lung cancer cases. <br />(rusty elliott/Adobe Stock)

Wayne State study links head, neck cancers to air pollution

Exposure to air pollution is a growing concern for public health and a breakthrough study from Wayne State University is shedding new light on its lin…

Around 131 million people in the U.S. live in communities regularly exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution, according to the American Lung Association. (Adobe Stock)<br />

New KY air monitoring project to address health effects of air pollution

A new air monitoring project aims to study the health effects of air pollution in west Louisville's Rubbertown neighborhood. More than two decades …

West Virginia has the nation's third highest electricity costs as a percentage of household income, according to a 2022 report by Citizens Utility Board of Illinois. (Adobe Stock)

Grid operator's $14 billion in costs mean higher bills for WV residents

Major electric grid operator PJM Interconnection estimates it'll cost more than $14 billion to provide electricity for 2025-2026, up from $2.2 …

The Illinois International Port District's top imports are sand and gravel, petroleum and metal products. (Adobe Stock)

EPA grants to fund IL port energy projects

Illinois, like many states, continues to seek innovative solutions for cleaner air. The Biden administration recently selected the Illinois …

Food systems are responsible for one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, with meat production, particularly beef, being a significant driver. (CanYalicn/Adobe Stock)

From Ohio to Azerbaijan: How COP29 could shape local farming

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration …

More than 700,000 vehicles enter the Manhattan Central Business District daily. (Adobe Stock)

NYC congestion pricing revived with some alterations

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has revived congestion pricing after a five-month pause. The program's biggest change is a $9 toll, down from $15 but by 2…

A report from the Maryland Public Interest Research Group anticipates future emissions reductions will come from the transportation and industrial sectors. (Adobe Stock / AI-generated)

Report: MD leads nation in greenhouse gas reduction

New research finds Maryland leading the nation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental Protection Agency data show between 2005 and 2022…

The Hoosier Environmental Council reports Indiana has more unlined coal ash pits that contaminate our groundwater than any other state in the nation. (Adobe stock)

Hoosier green goals at crossroads amid federal shifts

Indiana environmental advocates are facing uncertainties following the election. Changes in federal leadership could shift key environmental …

More than 8 million tons of cargo passes through the Port of Detroit annually, supporting more than 9,000 local direct jobs and more than $900 million in economic activity. (Detroit Wayne County Port Authority)

EPA grants $21.9M for MI port upgrades, emission planning

The Environmental Protection Agency is delivering more than $21.9 million to the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority, aiming to provide a greener …

$Short-term exposure to fracking pollutants can cause respiratory and other health issues, while long-term exposure, especially during pregnancy, is linked to birth defects and complications. (Aryfahmed/Adobe Stock)$

PA group fights for global treaty to end plastic pollution

An environmental group in Pennsylvania is among those backing a global plastics treaty set to be finalized by year's end. It is estimated 99% of …

Wisconsin will receive $78 million over five years from the federal government to expand electric vehicle improvements. It plans to have all new charging stations up and running by 2025. (Adobe Stock)

WI makes innovative strides, but lags in EV adoption

Electric vehicles have seen a nationwide uptick, yet Wisconsin lags behind - with EVs making up only about 1% of all cars on the road. …

According to a United Nations 2015 report, food system emissions were responsible for 18 billion tons of carbon dioxide, making up 34% of global emissions. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Investors, activists both work to shape companies' climate goals

The food we consume is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, with beef production -- key to the fast food industry -- among …

Shareholders step up to shape climate goals in corporate world

By Grace Hussain for Sentient.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Commonwealth News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabor…

Virtual power plants, a microgrid connecting renewable energy with smart appliances, costs ratepayers 40% to 60% less than building and maintaining conventional coal or gas-powered plants. (Adobe Stock)

Creating virtual power plants for resiliency during extreme weather, wildfires

An electric cooperative supplying power to Western Colorado is pioneering energy independence for homes, businesses and farms. They are creating a …

Pima and Maricopa counties are the only ones in Arizona currently offering vouchers to residents and commercial users for electric lawn equipment. (Tyger Gilbert/Adobe Stock)

As leaves fall in AZ, calls renewed to incentivize electric lawn equipment

It is finally cooling down in Arizona, which means more leaves on the ground as well as heightened use of lawn equipment to keep Arizona properties …

A new report from Datu Research found 33 methane mitigation companies now operate in Pennsylvania, marking a 65% increase over the past decade. Major hubs are in Pittsburgh, with 11 facilities, and other concentrations are found in Bridgeville, Charleroi, Canonsburg and Philadelphia. (Leonid Ikan/Adobe Stock)

Report: PA’s methane mitigation industry drives economic growth, clean air

A new report highlighted the growth of Pennsylvania's methane mitigation industry, showing positive effects on the economy, job market and …

The addition of more than 750 megawatts of renewable energy for rural portions of Kentucky significantly reduces the amount of greenhouse gases developed by natural gas and coal-fired generators. (Adobe Stock)

Power co-op to add renewable solar energy to KY rural transmission grid

New funding from the federal Empowering Rural America program will allow the East Kentucky Power Cooperative to add more than 750 megawatts of solar e…

PacifiCorp has committed to retiring just 27% of its coal use by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

PacifiCorp has 'room to improve' on clean energy commitments

A new report grades utilities based on their commitment to transitioning away from fossil fuels. The Sierra Club has graded utilities on their …

The State of Colorado supported Solid Power's early growth with an Advanced Industries Accelerator grant in 2014, which supports the development of early-stage technologies. (Adobe Stock)

$50 million Biden IRA funding goes to Thornton-based EV battery maker

The Biden Administration is investing $50 million from the Inflation Reduction Act in Colorado to produce more batteries to power electric vehicles…

New York State saw higher rates of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles purchased in 2023 than in 2024. (Adobe Stock)

NY, US face misinformation about electric vehicles

Despite their growing popularity, consumers in New York and nationwide still face misconceptions about electric vehicles. One of the most pervasive …

The practice of intentionally burning excess vegetation has faced opposition from the public. (gilitukha/Adobe Stock)

Ancient technique used to fight west TX wildfires

By Keaton Peters for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public …

Researchers at the World Resources Institute said the average American can cut their environmental footprint in half by reducing dairy and meat consumption. (Molly Condit/Sinergia Animal/We Animals)

Congressional briefing promotes dairy digesters to curb methane emissions

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborat…

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Air Pollution