Environment / Public News Service

The financially beleaguered U.S. Postal Service expects to save billions of dollars by using electric rather than gas-powered mail delivery trucks. (USPSoig.gov)

Friday, October 11, 2024

NM streets will be quieter, cleaner when USPS electric mail trucks arrive

Neighborhoods across New Mexico and other states will soon be cleaner and quieter as the U.S. Postal Service rolls out its new electric mail-delivery …

The Inflation Reduction Act allocates more than $369 billion in funding through tax breaks, incentives and grants to combat the climate crisis, addressing the increasing toll of extreme weather and worsening air quality on communities. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, October 11, 2024

Savannah climate resilience efforts get boost from federal investments

Savannah's leaders are pointing out the ways federal dollars are being used to boost the area's resilience against climate change. In the aftermath …

Data suggest that, contrary to popular belief, rural and urban voters in America share many bedrock values. (Matt/Adobe Stock)

Friday, October 11, 2024

Ohio voters have more in common than you might think

As Ohio heads into a pivotal election season, the divide between rural and urban voters might seem deep - but one expert says the gap isn't as wide …

Federal regulations are an area in which the president has significant latitude to affect food policy. (Credit: Gage Skidmore/Flickr)<br />

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Where does Harris stand on meat, factory farming?

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for West Virginia News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Colla…

Concentrated animal feeding operations make up about 6% of farming operations in Missouri, but are the source of a great deal of air and water pollution due to the concentration of farm animals.(Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Bill would help MO farmers transition to climate-friendly production

A bill pending in Congress would use federal funds to help farmers in Missouri and elsewhere transition from concentrated animal feeding operations…

Federal officials said by embracing energy-efficient upgrades, such as a smart thermostat, a single eligible household can enjoy savings of up to $14,000. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

With the help of navigators, MN Latinos take the clean energy plunge

Summerlike temperatures are still around but winter is lurking and Minnesotans will soon have to crank up their thermostats. Now, there is outreach …

Indiana law requires electricity utilities to issue long-term plans for power plants every three years. (Adobe stock)

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

IN environmentalists push back on Duke’s coal extension

By Dan Gearino for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public N…

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Wednesday, October 9, 2024

ME ‘living shorelines’ counter rising sea levels, stronger storms

By Erik Hoffner for Mongabay.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Maine News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News Ser…

Water purification in Orange County's Groundwater Replenishment System involves three steps: microfiltration, reverse osmosis and advanced oxidation. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

CA facilities could turn sewage into tap water, but public acceptance lags

By Matt Vasilogambros and Kevin Hardy for Stateline.Broadcast version by Kathleen Shannon for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Jour…

The BLM's Blue and Gold timber sale is on the Oregon coast north of Roseburg. (Cascadia Wildlands)

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Groups challenge project to stop logging old growth OR forests

Environmental groups have filed a lawsuit to stop the logging of centuries-old trees on the Oregon coast. The Bureau of Land Management is moving …

Construction of the Prattsburgh Wind Farm will create $4.3 million of local economic benefits through housing, fuel and living expenses for five towns across Steuben County, New York. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

It's full speed ahead for some NY wind farms

Though New York is slated to miss its climate goals, several county projects are bolstering renewable energy development. Several large wind farm …

Air pollution from livestock farms and feed production is estimated to cause 16,000 deaths per year. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Advocates: Global veganism offers sustainable, nutritious alternative

As worldwide demand for meat and dairy continues to grow, so does evidence showing animal agriculture, as currently practiced, is harming the …

New federal legislation would allow land managers to prioritize the needs of wildlife during critical times, including calving season. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

GORP Act would conserve 730,000+ acres of public lands in Colorado

New legislation making its way through the U.S. Senate would conserve more than 730,000 acres of federal public lands in and around Colorado's …

According to projections from the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, the state's economy is expected to have 39,500 more jobs in 2032 than it did in 2022, an increase of 7.7%. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

SD data show wind sector to lead job growth in coming decade

Projections of South Dakota's job growth could lead to more degrees from technical colleges, which are seeing increased enrollment. Occupational …

The American Clean Power Second Quarter 2024 Market Report ranked Ohio fourth nationally and first in the Midwest for clean power installations and first in the Midwest for utility-scale solar capacity this year. (AnnaStills/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Ohio’s clean-energy surge drives jobs, growth

As Ohio continues to embrace clean energy solutions, the debate over its economic and environmental impact remains a focal point for residents…

The nonprofit Greater Indiana predicts sales of electric vehicles will equal almost 30% of all new car sales in the state in the year 2030. (Adobe Stock)

More prospective tax breaks for EV charging infrastructure

Electric vehicles are considered one solution for a cleaner environment and Indiana has just over 26,000 EVs already on the road. Energy officials …

Farm runoff contributes to nitrate pollution in nearby waterways. (Reagan/Adobe Stock)

WA advocates push back on animal operation pollution

By Claire Carlson for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Washington News Service for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Collab…

Salmon species in the Northwest have been struggling because of increasing temperatures. (Cavan/Adobe Stock)

Salmon habitat set to benefit from updated Northwest Forest Plan

Struggling salmon and other fish species could benefit from an updated Northwest Forest Plan. The U.S. Forest Service is set to release a draft …

Elkhorn Slough near Monterey is one of many areas likely to be included in the list of protected areas under the state's 30x30 plan. (Kerstin Wasson)

Ocean Protection Council refines plans to protect CA coastal waters

California has set a goal to protect 30% of its land and waters by the year 2030, so the Ocean Protection Council is working on which waters should …

According to a key industry group, North Dakota ranks last in the nation for solar-energy capacity. (Adobe Stock)

When ND is ready for more solar, study says it won't hurt property values

North Dakota lags behind other states in advancing large-scale solar projects. If additional development does gain steam as it has elsewhere in the …

Supporters of large-scale aquaculture say it's needed to meet the growing demand for seafood. U.S. per capita consumption of fish and shellfish rose from nearly 16 pounds in 2002 to more than 20 pounds in 2021, a 31% increase, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. (Adobe Stock)

Federal court rejects permit for industrial aquaculture structures

Ocean advocates are hailing a federal judge's decision that deemed a nationwide permit for industrial aquaculture structures unlawful. The U.S…

$A fracking waste impoundment pond site. Research shows radioactive waste from fracking can spread to groundwater. (FracTracker/Flicker)$

WV lawmakers consider new rules on radioactive waste

West Virginia lawmakers are pushing legislation forward to pave the way for state management of the transport, storage and disposal of potentially …

To date, the Bureau of Land Management has permitted clean-energy projects on public lands adding 29 gigawatts of electricity, or enough to power more than 12 million homes, according to the agency. (Adobe Stock)

BLM’s proposed Western Solar Plan leaves room for wildlife

A new federal proposal details which public lands across the West would be open to solar development. Wildlife advocates are glad to see that some - …

According to the International Energy Agency, methane emissions from fossil fuels must drop by 75% by 2030 to meet climate goals set in Paris. (Adobe Stock)

High-tech tools can bust careless oil and gas drillers

By Jennifer Oldham for Sierra.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public New…

Around 74% of Arizona's electric vehicles are Teslas, according to Recurrent. (Adobe Stock)

It's National Drive Electric Week, AZ's EV sector grows

It is National Drive Electric Week and the Arizona Public Interest Research Group Education Fund wants to raise awareness about the benefits electric …

A rendering depicts the proposed entryway for Teague Park in Longview, Texas. (Photo courtesy City of Longview)

East TX city receives federal grant money to improve park

The City of Longview, in east Texas, will use a $1.3 million federal grant to make upgrades to one of its largest parks. Teague Park sits in the …

Visitors can take in the view from Bear Rocks at the Dolly Sods. According to data collected by the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, an estimated 35,000 people visit the Dolly Sods each year. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Dozens of volunteers help maintain West Virginia’s Dolly Sods

A volunteer program has caught the attention of West Virginia tourism officials. The Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards program has been recognized with …

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…

Colorado State University researchers found snowpack in areas burned by the Cameron Peak Fire disappeared 7 to 11 days earlier than unburned areas. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Wildfire burn areas see faster snowpack melts, disrupt water resources

As a warming climate brings bigger and more frequent wildfires, burn scars left behind at high mountain altitudes are seeing snowpack melt much …

Wildfire seasons are projected to get longer in coming years in Colorado and across the Mountain West. (Adobe Stock)

Spikes in emergency visits during CO bad air days cost $1.14 billion in 2019

Colorado lawmakers are digging into the health and economic impacts of the state's poor air quality from wildfire smoke and ozone pollution created by…

Electric motors are able to convert up to 85% of the energy they burn into motion, compared with less than 40% with a combustion engin, according to Earthjustice. (Adobe Stock)

Expert calls electric vehicles better for environment

Nevada is home to North America's largest lithium deposit, a needed metal for electric vehicle battery manufacturing. And while some argue EVs are …

The New England Fishery Management Council is developing new management strategies for important forage fish stock off the Massachusetts coast, with the goal of improving river herring conservation. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

River herring loss in MA part of greater forage stock decline

Members of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head are asking federal regulators to help restore the river herring, a forage fish they said is vital to the …

For decades, the fossil fuel industry has been able to slow or prevent policies to reduce climate pollution by laundering false claims and junk science through allied think tanks and media outlets. (Adobe Stock)

Report names donors bankrolling climate change disinformation

As Coloradans deal with record-breaking heat, wildfires, and prolonged drought - linked to a changing climate - a new report shows how American …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates more than one-third of food produced in the U.S. is never eaten, wasting the resources used to produce, process and distribute it. (Adobe Stock)<br />

ME tackles food waste in effort to mitigate climate change

A new study found Maine households are a leading contributor of food waste in local landfills, which in turn contributes to climate change. …

Experts said there is growing debate over whether waste incineration plants can be considered a form of renewable energy. Environmental advocates argued they are often located near communities suffering from environmental injustice. (Adobe Stock)

MN's carbon-free law takes a more complex pathway

Environmental groups in Minnesota are considering their next steps on the heels of a regulatory decision they said weakens the state's landmark carbon…

The federal Rural Energy for America Program provides loan guarantees and grants to farmers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. (Adobe Stock)

Report: USDA program helped hundreds of KY businesses become energy efficient

In Kentucky, 462 businesses, farms and schools have received $77 million in federal funding to boost energy efficiency through the U.S. Department of …

The website FundHubWA shows Washingtonians clean energy opportunities, such as electric vehicle rebates. (IanDewarPhotography/Adobe Stock)

With unprecedented climate funding available, WA launches resource hub

Washington state has launched a new website that lets people and organizations know about ways they can fund going green. With resources for clean …

Viva Farms leases out parcels of more than 100 acres it operates in the Skagit Valley. (Lena Beck)

WA incubator helps new farmers overcome land access barrier

By Lena Beck for Modern Farmer.Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Washington News Service reporting for the Modern Farmer-Public News Service Col…

IEDC reports Indiana ranked third in nation and first in Midwest for utility-scale solar in development in Q2 2024. (Adobe stock)

IN emerges as national leader in clean energy innovation

Indiana is positioning itself as a national leader in clean energy, driving economic growth through innovative projects and significant investments…

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources says up to 500 species of native bees live in the state and contribute to the existence of plant species and agricultural crop production. (Adobe Stock)

IL bee population stunted by pesticides

One of nature's hardest workers is facing extinction from repeated exposure to a dangerous pesticide. Scientists conducting CT scans reveal …

Declining monarch butterfly populations are getting help from

Testing the 'butterfly effect' in New Mexico's Bosque

New Mexico volunteers will test the "butterfly effect" this Saturday as they perform small actions meant to produce monumental change. Civic and …

Bobcats were protected in Indiana until 2005, when they were removed from the state's endangered species list. (Adobe stock)

Public hearing planned for Indiana bobcat trapping proposal

Indiana is considering a limited bobcat trapping season and the Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input on the proposal. The plan …

The GIANT Company and the nonprofit organization Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful provided more than $108,000 in funding to support 32 different tree planting projects. (Chesapeake Bay Foundation)<br />

Grant funding boosts tree planting efforts in Lancaster, PA

The Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership is making significant strides in Pennsylvania's environmental efforts. A $4,000 grant from The GIANT …

Little Rye was among the winners of the 2023 Montana Conservation Voters Education Fund's Pups for Public Lands photo contest. (MCVEF)

Pups with a purpose: Photo contest a backdrop for MT public lands

A Montana conservation group is holding a photo contest, with a focus on dogs and social media to promote the state's vast trove of public lands…

State environmental officials in North Dakota said large bodies of water such as Devil's Lake have not seen many fish kills or other harmful effects because the state has not seen a lot of factory farms in the region. But changes to the law are being pursued to boost animal agriculture in North Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

'I feel on the edge': ND communities navigate factory farm movement

A North Dakota task force meets again next month as it considers updating the scope of local zoning laws dealing with factory farms. It is an issue …

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 …

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…

According to the report, data centers and large manufacturing facilities may run around the clock and require that 100 megawatts of power be available every hour of the day. (Eimantas Buzas/Adobe Stock)

Growing industries threaten Georgia’s climate goals amid rising energy demand

A new report warned climate goals in Georgia and nationwide are threatened by the rapid growth of industries like data centers and electric vehicles…

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PNS Daily Newscast - October 11, 2024

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Environment

NM streets will be quieter, cleaner when USPS electric mail trucks arrive

Savannah climate resilience efforts get boost from federal investments

Ohio voters have more in common than you might think

Where does Harris stand on meat, factory farming?

Bill would help MO farmers transition to climate-friendly production

With the help of navigators, MN Latinos take the clean energy plunge

IN environmentalists push back on Duke’s coal extension

ME ‘living shorelines’ counter rising sea levels, stronger storms

CA facilities could turn sewage into tap water, but public acceptance lags

Groups challenge project to stop logging old growth OR forests

It's full speed ahead for some NY wind farms

Advocates: Global veganism offers sustainable, nutritious alternative

GORP Act would conserve 730,000+ acres of public lands in Colorado

SD data show wind sector to lead job growth in coming decade

Ohio’s clean-energy surge drives jobs, growth

More prospective tax breaks for EV charging infrastructure

WA advocates push back on animal operation pollution

Salmon habitat set to benefit from updated Northwest Forest Plan

Ocean Protection Council refines plans to protect CA coastal waters

When ND is ready for more solar, study says it won't hurt property values

Federal court rejects permit for industrial aquaculture structures

WV lawmakers consider new rules on radioactive waste

BLM’s proposed Western Solar Plan leaves room for wildlife

High-tech tools can bust careless oil and gas drillers

It's National Drive Electric Week, AZ's EV sector grows

East TX city receives federal grant money to improve park

Dozens of volunteers help maintain West Virginia’s Dolly Sods

More WI resumes could soon include climate work history

Study: Wildfire burn areas see faster snowpack melts, disrupt water resources

Spikes in emergency visits during CO bad air days cost $1.14 billion in 2019

Expert calls electric vehicles better for environment

River herring loss in MA part of greater forage stock decline

Report names donors bankrolling climate change disinformation

ME tackles food waste in effort to mitigate climate change

MN's carbon-free law takes a more complex pathway

Report: USDA program helped hundreds of KY businesses become energy efficient

With unprecedented climate funding available, WA launches resource hub

WA incubator helps new farmers overcome land access barrier

IN emerges as national leader in clean energy innovation

IL bee population stunted by pesticides

Testing the 'butterfly effect' in New Mexico's Bosque

Public hearing planned for Indiana bobcat trapping proposal

Grant funding boosts tree planting efforts in Lancaster, PA

Pups with a purpose: Photo contest a backdrop for MT public lands

'I feel on the edge': ND communities navigate factory farm movement

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates, preserves Colorado's great outdoors

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

Growing industries threaten Georgia’s climate goals amid rising energy demand