Air Quality / Public News Service

Just 30% of U.S. solar and 57% of wind projects are expected to survive under the new GOP tax and spending law signed by President Donald Trump. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Report: Cuts to clean energy will cost Colorado $7.3 billion in GDP

More than $7 billion in Colorado's GDP and 9,600 jobs are projected to be lost under President Donald Trump's signature tax and spending bill which cu…

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Good news accompanies NM's 80th anniversary of Trinity atomic bomb test

Today's 80th anniversary of the Trinity nuclear bomb test in New Mexico comes weeks after Congress agreed to include the state in the Radiation Exposu…

Washington state has the world's largest public port system. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 14, 2025

Calls grow for WA to cut ship emissions at ports

Environmental advocates are urging Washington state lawmakers to require cargo ships to plug in while in port. The Port of Seattle will require all …

Clean air advocates rallied at Los Angeles City Hall last spring to increase support for a rule to combat air pollution at the ports. (4th Street Productions)<br />

Hearing today on CA bill to limit rules on clean ports

A controversial bill on how best to clean up the air at California ports gets a hearing today in Sacramento. Senate Bill 34 would place limits on …

Ohio ranks among the top 10 states for electric vehicle-related manufacturing jobs, with more than $3 billion invested in recent EV and battery projects, according to EV Jobs Hub. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio manufacturer warns federal rollbacks could stall EV progress

Ohio's fast-growing electric vehicle sector could face serious setbacks if proposed changes to federal clean energy tax credits move forward…

A poll showed Americans largely support requiring oil and gas companies to pay pollution fees but Congress wants to delay a polluter fee established under the Biden administration. (Adobe Stock)

Congressional budget battle threatens Ohio methane crackdown

Ohio is stepping up efforts to reduce methane pollution from the oil and gas sector, but Congress is attempting to delay a federal methane emissions …

The Natural Resources Defense Council points to a large body of research showing communities of color are disproportionately exposed to fumes, toxic dust, ash, soot and other pollutants from hazardous facilities in their neighborhoods. (Adobe Stock)

Environmental justice activism finds energy in MN's Latino communities

Minnesotans are cooling off after last weekend's extreme heat but communities bearing the brunt of environmental injustice said there will be more cli…

GOP aims to roll back methane rule Americans largely support

New Mexico is a leader in trying to reduce methane pollution from the oil and gas industry but Congress wants to prevent implementation of a federal r…

Most Americans support requiring oil and gas companies to pay pollution fees, according to recent polling from Global Methane Hub. (Adobe Stock)

AZ air quality could take a hit if Congress delays methane polluter fee

As Congressional leaders continue debate over the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," environmental advocates are concerned about changes which could transl…

According to Cox Automotive, U.S. electric vehicle sales hit 1.3 million in 2024, a 7.3% increase over 2023, accounting for roughly 8.1% of new car sales. (skyNext/Adobe Stock)

MI nonprofits help roll out plan to close EV equity gap

As Michigan aims to support 2 million electric vehicles by 2030, the new "Equitable EV Action Plan Framework" could help local leaders with the …

Thermal imaging of emissions rising from Total's Bruder drill site in Arlington, Texas. (photo courtesy EARTHWORKS)

'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' could mean big changes for TX environment

As Congress continues to debate specifics of the budget reconciliation bill, also known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," environmental rights …

There are about 30 rules to which the EPA is considering repeals or rollbacks. (Adobe Stock)

EPA proposed rollbacks on pollution rules could come at high cost

As federal lawmakers move forward with proposed environmental protection rollbacks, advocates are sounding the alarm and requesting additional time …

Veterinarians said when there is a bout of unhealthy air from wildfire smoke and you have to get your pet some outside time, mornings are best when the weather is cooler. (Adobe Stock)

Protecting furry friends from wildfire smoke

Minnesota's transition to the warmer months has been rough when factoring in air quality. Just like in 2023, there are occasional bouts of unhealthy …

The Environmental Protection Agency said in 2021, U.S. landfills released 3.7 million metric tons of methane. It is the equivalent of 295 million metric tons of greenhouse gases when you count how strong methane is over 20 years. (kaliantye/Adobe Stock)

Methane detection study could aid Michigan’s landfill challenges

As Michigan faces growing concerns over landfill emissions, researchers have launched the third phase of a major methane detection study which could …

The Pennsylvania Eddystone Generating Station oil and gas power plant near Philadelphia will stay open past its planned shutdown after a last-minute Trump administration order halted its closure. (Dossy/AdobeStock)

Critics: Rollback of Biden-era climate rules could harm PA health, environment

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to roll back Biden-era limits on greenhouse gas emissions from coal and natural gas power plants…

Under President Donald Trump's budget proposal, Kansas agriculture could lose billions of dollars in renewable energy investments if demand for clean energy declines. (Adobe Stock)

'One Big, Beautiful Bill Act' could hike KS energy bills, cost thousands of jobs

An analysis of President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" revealed the measure would increase energy costs, reduce jobs and harm the …

The average cost for a gallon of regular gas is about $3.24 in Pennsylvania, according to AAA. (Dusan Petkovic/AdobeStock)

Survey: Gasoline burden highest among Black and Latino drivers in PA

As federal electric vehicle incentives face potential rollbacks, a new study highlighted the burden of gasoline costs on Black and Latino …

The E-Wolf is the state's first zero-emission ferry, operating out of San Diego. (Pacific Environment)

During World Oceans Month, California leads the way in clean shipping

June is World Oceans Month and California environmental groups are highlighting advances in zero-emission shipping. International shipping emits …

It is estimated 250,000 workers in New Mexico will endure the summer without any protection rules from heat Illness or injury. (RCP/Adobe Stock)

Another summer without heat-protection rules for NM's outdoor workers

A New Mexico coalition is stressing an urgent need for the state to adopt the strongest possible heat risk standards for indoor and outdoor workers…

Buried food and yard waste break down without oxygen and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas (likstudio/Adobe Stock)

County leader working to change the way Michigan handles trash

By Nina Misuraca Ignaczak for Planet Detroit.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection for the Planet Detroit-Public News Servi…

The average cost for a gallon of regular gas is about $3 in Wisconsin. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Blacks, Latinos disproportionately burdened by gas costs

As federal electric vehicle incentives face potential rollbacks, a new study is highlighting the burden of gasoline costs on Black and Latino drivers …

There are currently some 15,000 producing oil and gas wells in Weld County, not counting shut-in wells and temporarily plugged and abandoned wells. (Adobe Stock)

New alert system brings oil and gas spill data directly to Colorado residents

Over the past 12 months, 884 oil and gas spills were reported near homes in Greeley, Fort Lupton, Kersey, La Salle and Platteville, according to …

As part of Illinois' Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, consumers can receive rebates of up to $4,000 for electric vehicle purchases. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Black, Latino drivers burdened as ‘superusers’ of gasoline

As federal electric vehicle incentives face potential rollbacks, a new study is highlighting the burden of gasoline costs on Black and Latino drivers…

Landfill regulations are managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. In Harris County, 78% of the methane emissions come from three privately owned landfills over which the city has no jurisdiction. (rob245/Adobe Stock)

Houston officials look at options for growing trash problem

By Elena Bruess for Houston Landing.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Houston Landing/MIT Climate Change Engage…

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, which allocated $57 million for electric vehicle charging stations in Colorado, aims to build out stations every 50 miles on major corridors across all 50 states. (Adobe Stock)

Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' sets sights on clean energy in Colorado

As the U.S. Senate considers President Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" recently passed by the House, clean energy advocates are sounding the …

A study from Community Partners in Asthma Care analyzed attendance and environmental data from three academic years in Clairton City schools and found within two miles of the school and near the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works, asthma affected 16.6 percent of students, based on nurse records. (Natalie Schorr/AdobeStock)

PA climate advocates criticize possible partnership between U.S. Steel, Nippon

A possible partnership between U.S. Steel and Japan's Nippon Steel is drawing publicity but some environmental groups in Pennsylvania are raising …

In 2023, several Midwestern states saw prolonged stretches of unhealthy air due to smoke blowing in from Canadian wildfires. A similar pattern has emerged this spring. (Adobe Stock)

With return of wildfire smoke, ND residents in tune with air quality

If they have not already, North Dakotans are urged to become familiar with an online tool detailing air quality in their area, as environmental …

A 2022 Colorado law bans the use of PFAS, or forever chemicals, but a new report has raised concerns about their continued use at oil and gas wells. (Adobe Stock)

Oil and gas companies fail to disclose toxic chemicals at Colorado well sites

In 2022, Colorado passed a law requiring oil and gas operators to let the public know what chemicals were being used underground. Chemicals are …

Along Minnesota's Iron Range, taconite mining is one of the heavily scrutinized industries in the push to protect surrounding resources, like Lake Superior. (Adobe Stock)

How will Great Lakes region fare with diminished EPA enforcement?

Minnesota has its own carbon emissions reduction goals in place but under a changing federal Environmental Protection Agency, it is an open question …

Currently, 10 Tesla vehicle models, including the Cybertruck, currently qualify for a $7,500 tax credit. (Adobe Stock)

Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill' could end EV tax credits for Utahns

Utah is embracing electric vehicles but President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" could eliminate a $7,500 EV tax credit which helps buyers af…

As part of 2021's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Congress allocated $4.7 billion for plugging orphaned oil and gas wells nationwide. (Adobe Stock)<br />

WV law changes standards for plugging abandoned oil wells

There are more than 20,000 abandoned oil and gas wells scattered across West Virginia, putting communities at risk for water contamination and …

Researchers found between 2010 and 2018, more than 60% of solar projects faced National Environmental Policy Act-related litigation. (Adobe Stock/AI)<br />

House budget bill would streamline environmental permitting in WI

The budget bill passed by the U.S. House and now under consideration in the Senate would reform environmental permitting in Wisconsin and nationwide…

Created in 1970 by Congress, the NIOSH Mining Program has been the only federal agency supporting the mining industry through health and safety research. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Loss of federal mining program could harm workers, researchers

Loss of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Mining Program will reverse decades of progress in preventing disease, injury and …

Proponents of concentrated animal feeding operations said they are good for business and are an economic necessity to keep operating costs down and prices for milk, cheese and meat products affordable. (Adobe Stock)

Pierce County residents say fight against CAFO is a fight for their lives

A group of Pierce County residents is awaiting a response to a petition for a contested case hearing for the expansion of Ridge Breeze Dairy to grow f…

According to the Argonne National Laboratory, consumers can save more than $6000 in lifetime repair and maintenance costs from an EV compared to a gas-fueled vehicle. (Adobe Stock)

IN electric vehicle owners may lose 4-figure tax credit

Supporters of electric vehicle ownership said there are a number of advantages to owning one. Studies show EVs can convert 85% to 90% of their …

In 2022, U.S. subsidies for fossil-fuel companies totaled $757 billion, according to the International Monetary Fund. The figure included uncompensated costs of negative health effects and environmental degradation. (Adobe Stock)

IRA cuts would remove $1.58 billion from two Republican-led CO districts

Congress is set to claw back $6.5 billion in climate-related Inflation Reduction Act investments to help pay for the Trump administration's priorities…

The Farm Animal Investment Risk and Return Initiative compared and evaluated 22 on-farm interventions, 12 of which were nature-based and 10 tech-based, and found the nature-based solutions provided superior results. (Adobe Stock/AI)

Investment group touts nature-based agriculture solutions to climate change

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Arkansas News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborati…

In Kentucky, 11.7% of adults and 6.8% of children suffer from asthma, according to state data. (Adobe Stock).

EPA rollbacks could trigger higher asthma, cancer rates in Kentucky

A new data dashboard from the Sierra Club showed more Kentuckians would be at risk for higher exposure to air and water pollution if the U.S…

Power companies plan to shut down more coal plants in 2025, cutting about 5% of the country's coal power capacity. (DimaBerlin/Adobe Stock)

Missouri Sierra Club launches dashboard tracking impact of EPA rollbacks

The Missouri Sierra Club has unveiled a new mapping tool they said shows how rolling back U.S. Environmental Protection Agency safeguards on coal …

Coal plants in Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia could release more than 138 million additional tons of CO2 if federal greenhouse gas limits are repealed, according to the Sierra Club. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio's Gavin coal plant among top polluters in new mapping tool

A new Sierra Club dashboard highlighted how Southeastern Ohio coal plants could face sharp increases in pollution if several federal environmental rul…

West Virginia is the nation's fifth-largest energy producer, largely from fossil fuels, according to federal data. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Experts: Plans to loosen environmental rules will hurt West Virginians’ health

West Virginia is the only state in the country where the Trump administration has overturned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's previous …

After decades of decline, black lung disease among miners in recent years has been on the rise, largely driven by increased exposure to fine silica dust, according to the American Journal of Managed Care. (Adobe Stock)<br />

WV coal miners sue over NIOSH cuts impacting black-lung screenings

West Virginia coal miners filed a lawsuit asking a federal judge to temporarily halt the Trump administration's layoffs impacting the Coal Workers Hea…

The Environmental Protection Agency said it will roll back 31 environmental rules including a scientific finding which has long been the central basis for U.S. actions against climate change. (Simon/Adobe Stock)

New dashboard shows effects of possible EPA rollbacks on TX environment

A new mapping tool from the Sierra Club showed how proposed rollbacks on coal-pollution safeguards could affect the Texas environment. The Trump …

The Sierra Club said pollutants can worsen heart conditions, asthma and other respiratory illnesses, especially on days when air quality drops. (Adobe stock)

New Sierra Club dashboard tracks IN coal pollution

Indiana residents now have a new way to track pollution from coal plants across the state. The Sierra Club's new online national dashboard shows how …

The American Lung Association reports more than 2.6 million Ohioans, including over 600,000 children and 500,000 people with asthma, are at higher risk from air pollution exposure. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio cities brace for impact of federal EV rollback proposals

As air pollution levels rise in parts of Ohio, new federal proposals could roll back protections that limit emissions from gas-powered vehicles…

The Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act included tax credits and incentives to promote electric vehicle adoption in New Mexico. (See Less/Adobe Stock)

U.S. veterans who hold elective office want environmental investments restored

A bipartisan group of current and former elected officials said the continued use of fossil fuels threatens global security and they want funding for …

Nebraska emitted about 81 million metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2021, 26th highest in the country, according to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. (Adobe Stock)

New report stresses EVs for Nebraskans' lung health

A new report from the American Lung Association found air pollution continues to be a problem even as Congress stymies efforts to bolster the electric…

Pollution in PA worsens amid ongoing clean-vehicle policy debate

Air pollution in Pennsylvania is getting worse, according to a new report citing transportation emissions as the primary culprit. The American Lung …

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Air Quality