Environmental Health / Public News Service

The Bold Alliance is composed of landowners from several Midwestern states who oppose allowing private companies to use eminent domain to build a CO2 pipeline. (Bold Alliance)

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Midwestern group opposes plans for carbon-capture pipeline system

Landowners in several Midwestern states, including Nebraska, have organized in opposition to a plan to use eminent domain to construct a carbon-…

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)

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

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 …

In response to the House Draw Fire, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department invited reports of injured wildlife to a hotline typically used to report poaching. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

WY communities pitch in on wildfire recovery efforts

Recent extreme wildfires in Wyoming burned nearly 500,000 acres and among those recovering are ranchers and their surviving livestock. Wildfires …

Iowa has provided more than $3.3 billion to communities to help finance water quality improvement projects over the years, according to the Iowa Environmental Council. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 9, 2024

Iowa seeks to remove dangerous lead water pipes

Iowa is getting federal help to eliminate lead water pipes in the state. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is working with local water …

Around 66% of committed electric school buses are located in school districts with the highest shares of low-income households, according to the Electric School Bus Initiative. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 9, 2024

Advocates tout electric school buses in Nevada, ask for more resources

Nevada has secured 60 electric school buses to take students to and from school and as the school year kicks off, advocates want to see more of the …

According to the American Lung Association's

Monday, September 9, 2024

NC group offers virtual training to help residents advocate for clean air

The advocacy group CleanAIRE NC is offering a virtual training session Thursday to help North Carolinians tackle air quality issues in their communiti…

A new report by The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana reveals Indiana's housing is aging, with 15% of homes and rental properties built before 1939. (Adobe stock)

Environmental racism threatens Hoosier communities

A new report found Hoosier homeowners and renters face significant challenges from environmental hazards and climate change. "The State of Fair …

Colorado residents and out-of-state visitors spent an estimated $10.8 billion on outdoor recreation within Colorado's river basins in 2019. About a quarter of this came from participants in water sports such as rafting. (Adobe Stock)

Polis taps nation’s strongest water-quality protections for 15 CO rivers

Nearly a year after the U.S. Supreme Court left key watersheds unprotected by the Clean Water Act, the Polis administration has designated new …

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…

In 2022, there was a 1,700% increase in hard clams in Shinnecock Bay and more than 110 acres of seagrass was regrown. (Adobe Stock)

NY Indigenous women use seaweed to conserve shellfish

By Alexandra Talty for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for New York News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-…

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 …

Colorado is investing in key infrastructure to power and maintain electric vehicles, including connecting new solar canopies to the electric grid, and adding more charging stations. (Adobe Stock)

Clean buses coming to Colorado transit systems

The Colorado Department of Transportation is investing nearly $32 million to help local governments and other stakeholders transition to electric vehi…

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…

Among U.S. adults surveyed, 20% said they have heard a lot about Project 2025, while 39% have heard a little and 42% have heard nothing at all, according to a recent YouGov poll. (Adobe Stock) <br /><br />

Conservative plan to ‘drill, baby drill’ threatens ocean health

Critics of a conservative plan to expand offshore oil drilling said it endangers coastal communities who rely on a healthy ocean. Project 2025…

Human health risks of exposure to PFAS include growth effects on infants and children, obstacles to a person's ability to become pregnant, effects on the immune system and increased risk of certain cancers, according to the South Dakota Department of Agricultural and Natural Resources. (Adobe Stock)

Report urges 'more stringent' look at health risks of pesticides

A new report warned about adverse health, wildlife and environmental impacts of toxic chemicals known as PFAS in states such as South Dakota…

The Interior Department says it will hold more lease sales in the Central Atlantic in 2026. (Twixter/Adobe Stock)

Offshore wind industry gains momentum in VA

Virginia's Dominion Energy has won a lease to continue growing its offshore wind portfolio near Virginia's coast. The move is expected to grow the …

The Baltimore Tree Trust has planted nearly 17,000 trees around the city since 2008. (Andrew Kazmierski / Adobe Stock)

Community works to combat Baltimore heat island

With Baltimore City seeing record heat this summer, local groups are working to combat the effect of the city's urban heat island. Where …

In a statewide sampling effort, TDEC sampled 29 PFAS compounds in untreated water that supplies public drinking water systems. (goodluz/Adobe)

Report: Land application of toxic sludge making TN waters contaminated

The latest research reveals high levels of PFAS chemicals have been detected in Tennessee's soil and water, leading to demands for a statewide ban on …

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 …

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 …

China is Maine's top export destination for seafood, accounting for 80% to 85% of U.S. lobster sales and bringing in more than $300 million to the state's economy in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

U of Maine study reveals pathways for U.S. seafood independence

A new study from the University of Maine found the nation could reduce the amount of seafood it imports and still meet consumer demand. Americans …

Health effects from exposure toxic algae include skin rashes, headaches, vomiting, pneumonia and more, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. (Adobe Stock/AI-generated)<br />

Toxic algae blooms are on the rise in WV, industrial farming a driving cause

Harmful algae bloom events are increasing, according to a recent analysis of EPA data from the advocacy group Environment America and have occurred …

Health effects from exposure to toxic algae include skin rashes, headaches, vomiting, pneumonia and more, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. (Adobe Stock/AI-generated)<br />

Factory farms cited as one cause of rise in toxic algae blooms

According to the latest Environmental Protection Agency data, harmful algae bloom events are increasing across the country - including in Wisconsin…

$Recommendations from the Grand Jury�s report suggest requiring safer transport of the contaminated waste created from fracking sites and conducting a comprehensive health response to the effects of living near unconventional drilling sites. (SobrevolandPatagonia/AdobeStock)<br />$

Fracking boom in PA raises health and environmental concerns

Fracking is on the rise in southwestern Pennsylvania, leading to more plastic production and harsh consequences for residents. Washington County is …

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…

A Building Decarbonization Coalition report showed the combination of high fuel costs and high distribution system costs can lead to rising cost requirements from ratepayers. (Adobe Stock)

NYS Public Service Commission approves gas rate increase

New York's Public Service Commission has approved a three-year rate increase for National Grid. The more than 19% rate increase will impact Brooklyn…

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…

Exposure to smoke from wildfires has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, lung cancer and a decline in cognitive function. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for breathing easier during Colorado’s bad air quality days

Wildfires are becoming bigger and more frequent in Colorado and across the Mountain West, and health experts are offering tips to breathe easy even …

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 …

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…

A new report found there were 458 Clean Water Act violations at Idaho sewage treatment plants in 2023. (VIEWFOTO STUDIO/Adobe Stock)

Pollution violations continued at ID sewage plants in 2023, report says

A new report finds pollution violations at wastewater treatment plants have been a problem in more than half of Idaho's communities. The Idaho …

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management considers an agricultural business a concentrated animal feeding operation if the farm meets or exceeds animal threshold numbers including 2,500 swine above 55 pounds, 55,000 turkeys or 700 mature dairy cows. (Adobe Stock)

IN farms have stricter rules for CAFO operations

A new study shows more than 1 million tons of animal waste is produced every year in the U.S. Consumers' desire for more animal protein and better …

The industry group Illinois Pork Producers reported hog production and processing supports nearly 58,000 jobs in the state. (Adobe Stock)

Unsafe IL feed facilities harm workers, compromise public health

A new study shows more than 1 million tons of animal waste is produced every year in the U.S. Consumers' desire for more animal protein and better …

The 2014 water crisis due to algal blooms had an economic impact of around $65 million. (Elena/Adobe Stock)

Climate change contributes to shift in Lake Erie’s harmful algal blooms

By Kathiann Kowalski for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Networ…

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 …

TerraPower's Natrium plant, slated for construction in Kemmerer, will use liquid sodium to cool its reactor, instead of the industry standard of water, according to the company's website. (Adobe Stock)

Federal funds to help fuel ‘next-gen’ WY nuclear plant

Recent investments in clean energy from the Biden administration are hitting the ground in Wyoming. Engineering company TerraPower, founded by Bill …

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…

Beaches are tested for bacteria once a week during the summer because of the Federal Beach Act. (Adobe Stock)

Researchers study fecal matter numbers on TX beaches

Researchers in the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University are studying ways to determine levels of fecal contamination…

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 …

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…

In April, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued the first-ever national drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure to PFAS. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Pesticide use could do more harm than good

A new report sounded the alarm in states like Utah for the adverse health, wildlife and environmental impacts of toxic chemicals known as "PFAS." …

Algae blooms can clog up sewage and drinking water systems, create foul odors and hurt wildlife. (Rospoint/Adobe Stock)

Climate change is making harmful algae bloom events more frequent, experts say

By Aman Azhar for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Will Walkey for Virginia News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pub…

Concentrated animal feeding operations often house thousands of cattle at a single location. (Lukas Vincour/Zv�rata Nej�me/We Animals Media)

Report: CA factory farms perilously close to your produce

By Gabriella Sotelo for Sentient.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collab…

According to EPA< Indiana has more than 35,000 miles of rivers and streams, 100,000 acres of publicly owned lakes and reservoirs, and 50 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. (Adobe Stock)

IN summit seeks solutions to healthier waterways

The Annual Indiana Water Summit, coming up next week, will offer ideas on protecting the state's waterways. A 2022 report paints a troubling …

The most severe tornado this year occurred on March 14 in Logan County, where an EF-3 tornado resulted in three fatalities. (Nick Fox/Adobe Stock)

Record-breaking tornado number 66 hits Ohio

Ohio is experiencing an unprecedented year for tornadoes, with the latest confirmed touchdown occurring on Wednesday. In 2024, Ohio has seen its 66…

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