Climate Change/Air Quality / Public News Service

According to the Trump administration's 2026 fiscal year budget, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will cut 22% of its workforce, in addition to the workforce reductions that have already taken place. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, July 11, 2025

Federal impacts to ag conservation in WI 'complex'

Wisconsin's agriculture industry could see both wins and losses under the new federal budget. Climate change isn't a priority for the Trump …

A seed drill used by New Mexico farmers to plant cover crops causes minimal disturbance to the soil. (photo: courtesy NMhealthysoil.org)

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Building NM's soil for future farmers a marathon, not a sprint

New Mexico farmers finding it more difficult to grow historic crops are taking up conservation techniques to meet the challenge. Drought, water …

Some Pennsylvania farmers benefit from carbon markets or improved efficiency, such as savings on bedding from manure separators or reduced fuel costs from no-till farming. But owners of some smaller farms question the practicality of

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

PA farmers calculate return on climate-friendly ag practices

By Carolyn Beans for Lancaster Farming.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Keystone State News Connection reporting for the Lancaster Farming-MIT…

Iowa generates 59% of its electricity from wind, the highest share of any state. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa solar industry threatened by tax incentive cuts

Iowa is among the nation's leaders in wind energy production, and the state is looking to follow suit with solar power. But Congress has eliminated …

Arizona is among the top five states in the nation for solar energy production. (Adobe Stock)

Tax incentive cuts could dim Arizona solar investment

As part of the Trump administration's new budget, Arizona's burgeoning solar industry faces the elimination of tax incentives that have encouraged …

New Mexico homeowners planning to install solar will have to act quickly to take advantage of tax credits soon to be phased out under the

NM renewable energy advocates decry 'herky-jerky' policies

Renewable energy got short shrift in the budget bill passed by Congress last week and a New Mexico trade association said companies and their employee…

Members of the Blackfoot Drought Committee, first formed in 2000, include local landowners, irrigators and outfitters, as well as representatives from state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. (Jason Olstad/Adobe Stock)

MT’s dry conditions test updated Blackfoot River drought plan

Following last year's historic drought in Montana and hot temperatures early this spring, the Blackfoot River is running at roughly 25% of normal …

Residents along the Guadalupe River say it will take years for the area to recovery from the deadly flooding event on July 4. (Photo courtesy Casey Claiborne)

Texans grieve victims of deadly Hill Country flooding

Tributes and memorials are pouring in for victims of the deadly flooding along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County. The storm stalled over the Texas …

Beaver Dam analogs, designed to mimic natural beaver dams, can help restore and improve stream ecosystems. (Emily Luberto/National Park Service)

Beavers' dam expertise helps NM communities restore waterways

Sometimes called the original "ecosystem engineers," beavers and the techniques they use are guiding conservationists in New Mexico to protect scarce …

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…

Rogue Climate staff and volunteers are seen at the community-led Fire Relief Center, following the Almeda Fire in the Rogue Valley in 2020. (Rogue Climate)

Oregon state budget defunds climate resiliency programs

Oregon's new state budget cuts funding for programs intended to protect residents from extreme weather and make renewable energy more accessible…

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller says farmers in south Texas are suffering the most from water shortages caused by drought and failing infrastructure. (sawitreelyaon/Adobe Stock)

Without changes, TX could run out of water by 2030

Because of drought and failing infrastructure, the state of Texas will run out of water by 2030, according to the Texas Water Development Board…

Scientists are in search of new microbes that can capture carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, as plants do, but at much higher rates. (Adobe Stock)

CSU wants Coloradans’ gunk and goo to help fight climate change

The slime, gunk, and goo in and around your home could help mitigate climate change. Researchers at Colorado State University are asking Coloradans …

In Pennsylvania, EV advocates rallied support for cleaner transportation. They're urging U.S. Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick to protect federal funding for EV infrastructure and tax credits. (Courtesy of Rachael)

PA leaders urge Congress to safeguard EV tax credits, citing savings, clean air

Federal tax credits for electric vehicles are helping drive clean transportation in the Lehigh Valley, but advocates warn they're at risk of being …

The National Centers for Environmental Information reports 27 U.S. climate disasters in the past year caused at least $1 billion in damages, making it the fourth-costliest year on record. (USGS.gov)

New Mexico joins state consensus that FEMA assistance is essential

The Trump administration has floated the idea of downsizing or even eliminating the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but a new poll shows the …

Fire is a natural event on landscapes and indigenous people have used prescribed burns to keep forests and grasslands healthy for hundreds of years. (Adobe Stock)

CO aims to reduce catastrophic wildfire risks through prescribed burns

A new Colorado law aims to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires by providing financial protection for trained and certified individuals to safely…

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…

Among respondents in a Pew Research Center poll who have experienced a major wildfire, 58% made a link to climate change. (Neil Lockhart/Adobe Stock)

Most Americans want assistance after severe weather, but FEMA is under threat

As the Trump administration considers a major overhaul of the nation's leading disaster relief agency, a new poll finds the majority of Americans …

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…

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. (Heidi/Adobe Stock)

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…

Methane and other emissions at oil and gas operations, when combined with sunlight, can produce dangerous ground-level ozone pollution. (Adobe Stock)

Moves to delay methane polluter fee could impact Colorado air quality

As Congress debates the GOP's sweeping budget reconciliation bill, some lawmakers are working to include a provision which would delay a methane …

Energy Innovation projects the bill would reduce Ohio's new electricity capacity by 7.8 gigawatts by 2035, including a drop of 8.7 GW in solar, 0.9 GW in wind, and 1.4 GW in battery storage. (Adobe Stock)

Ohioans face higher bills under House energy plan

Ohioans could soon feel the pinch of rising energy costs. A bill passed by the U.S. House, the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," would repeal key clean …

The University of Minnesota and The Land Institute are among those leading research into developing an earth-friendly grain which can be used for beer. (Adobe Stock)

MN raises a glass to a powerful and sustainable grain

CLARIFICATION: In the initial release of this story, the photo caption included a typo that resulted in an unintentional racial slur. In discussions …

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 …

Fossil fuels are responsible for nearly a third of methane emissions tied to human activity. While agriculture and waste also release a lot of methane, experts say plugging leaks from oil and gas drilling is the fastest way to reduce them. (Dennis/Adobe Stock)

Congress could delay Methane Emission Reduction Program in PA

As Congress debates the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," environmental groups are watching closely for changes that could weaken the Methane Emission Red…

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Arkansas farmers sell almost $14 billion in goods annually. (Pawel/Adobe Stock)

Nonprofit: Budget reconciliation bill could affect AR farming

More than 37,000 farmers in Arkansas could be affected by the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" before Congress, according to a sustainable farming …

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 …

New Mexico's peak fire season is still a week away, but firefighters already are working round-the-clock shifts to battle blazes in the southern part of the state. (swfireconsortium.org)

Forest fires in Southwest NM force evacuations, emergency orders

Forest fires have broken out in parts of New Mexico that state forecasters had already warned would see an elevated wildfire risk this summer due to h…

Shipping pollution also contributes to cardiovascular health issues and cancer in port communities. (Adobe Stock)

Advocate: Shore powered cargo ships help ocean, port community health

June is World Oceans Month, and advocates are warning that industrial shipping pollution hurts both oceans and port communities. At least 31 …

According to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, more than 500,000 Hoosiers work in manufacturing, a sector increasingly dependent on affordable, renewable energy to stay competitive. (Adobe stock)

Proposed budget could drive up Indiana power bills

Indiana's economy could take a major hit under the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," now advancing in Congress. Michael Hicks, director of the Center …

Almost 33% of Nevada's electricity is solar power, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. (Dominic Gentilcore/Adobe Stock)

NV solar business surges as federal tax-credit uncertainty looms

A Nevada business said it is seeing a surge in the number of people interested in installing solar panels on homes and businesses as uncertainty grows…

Across the U.S., solar capacity jumped 51% in 2023, reaching a record 32.4 gigawatts added, making up 53% of new grid capacity. (wjarek/Adobe Stock)

Federal bill would dim rooftop solar’s future, says Michigan CEO

A federal proposal moving through Congress could stall Michigan's booming rooftop solar industry by ending key tax credits that have fueled clean ener…

The majority of Alaska's energy producers are small, municipally owned companies and did not qualify for most energy tax credits before the Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022. (Adobe Stock/AI)

Big budget bill would roll back tax credits for AK power co-ops

Energy experts said cuts proposed for renewable energy tax credits in President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" could be a significant blo…

The nonpartisan think tank Energy Innovation finds current language in the House budget reconciliation bill would shrink annual GDP in South Dakota by $24 million in 2030 and $50 million in 2035. (Adobe Stock) <br />

House reconciliation bill risks job losses, higher energy bills in SD

A new analysis of what Congressional lawmakers have dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act found it would eliminate thousands of jobs in South Dakota a…

Ohio has more than 74,500 farms, about half of which have livestock and the industry provides one of seven jobs in the state, according to the Ohio Livestock Association. (Adobe Stock)

OH farmers consider adopting 'regenerative agriculture' practices

By Jessica Scott-Reid for Sentient.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboratio…

The cost of replacing pipes is more than double the cost to electrify a home, at $35,000 compared to $16,300. (Adobe Stock)

Gas company criticized for slow projects in MD, Washington D.C.

As Washington D.C.'s sole gas company continues a multi-billion dollar, 40-year project to replace methane pipes, clean energy advocates argue 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 …

A single Abercrombie dairy facility will house 12,500 cows. Combined with the planned 25,000-cow Herberg site, these two operations will generate manure equivalent to that of a city of 1.5 million. (Adobe Stock)

ND mega-dairies draw criticism at Winnipeg news conference

North Dakota is facing growing opposition to two massive dairy operations planned near the Red River. Environmental advocates say the projects could …

The temporary permitting process at Hobbs State Park includes specific collection zones, boundaries and safety requirements. Only dead trees impacted by the 2024 storm may be removed. (Kit Leong/Adobe Stock)

Firewood permits available for Arkansas' Hobbs Park

As the cleanup effort continues at Hobbs State Park Conservation Area in Rogers, officials with Arkansas State Parks have authorized a temporary …

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 …

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…

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…

Nearly 150 of New Mexico's 500 bird species are in need of conservation, according to the draft 2025 New Mexico State Wildlife Action Plan. (spatesphoto/Adobe Stock)

Final day to comment on NM's State Wildlife Action Plan

New Mexico residents have until the end of today to comment on a draft of the new State Wildlife Action Plan. It identifies more than 500 species …

While not traditionally considered part of

MO nonprofits give financial boost to tornado-ravaged communities

Missouri Foundation for Health and its partners are putting $500,000 toward tornado recovery, boosting local relief efforts after storms devastated …

Ohio imposes a $200 annual registration fee on electric vehicles, exceeding the standard fee for gasoline-powered cars. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio EV fans concerned as federal tax credits face elimination

One thing prompting some Ohioans to make the switch to an electric vehicle has been a $7,500 federal tax credit for the purchase but it might be going…

A new study found 21 million Americans are considered

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Study: Hispanic and Black gasoline 'superusers' could see savings with an EV

A new study showed the top 10% of drivers by gas consumption, otherwise known as "superusers," use 35% of the gas supply. It found the cost of gas …

According to the US Energy Information Administration, Michigan ranks 10th among the states in total population and total energy consumption. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: Michiganders could pay millions to support outdated coal plant

Michigan taxpayers may end up footing the bill to keep an aging coal plant open. The J.H. Campbell plant was scheduled to close on May 31, but a …

Small businesses line Main Street in downtown Whitesburg, Ky. (Adobe Stock)

Disaster recovery workshops slated for eastern KY small business owners

As eastern Kentucky communities attempt to bounce back from a string of natural disasters, more small businesses are struggling to get back on their …

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