Climate Change/Air Quality / Public News Service

Environmental Protection Agency data show the transportation sector accounts for 29% of greenhouse-gas emissions, the largest and fastest growing source in the United States. (VanderWolf/AdobeStock)

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Study: EVs in PA can rev up taxpayer savings, pollution reduction

Pennsylvania governments could save taxpayers millions and reduce pollution by transitioning their fleets to electric vehicles, according to findings …

According to the EPA, tropical storms and hurricanes have become more intense during the past 20 years.(Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Alabama group helps communities bounce back from severe storms

In rural Alabama, where hurricanes and tornadoes are a constant threat, communities often struggle with damage and limited resources for extended …

New Mexico's planned electric vehicle infrastructure would allow motorists to charge a vehicle in 30 to 45 minutes for about $20. (AdobeStock/serperm73)

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

NM Seeks Public Input on Zero-Emission Vehicle Standards

New Mexico wants more residents to drive electric vehicles, and is hosting a series of meetings to explain its advanced clean cars and trucks rules…

Power outages have increased to more than 100 times a year in the last five years, double the approximately 50 times a year in the early 2000s, according to an analysis by The Associated Press. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Maine Researchers Help Develop Climate Change-Resilient Power Grids

Researchers at the University of Maine are working to develop a more resilient electric power grid to withstand the growing number of climate change-r…

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing standards to regulate emissions from five unmeasured fugitive and intermittent particulate sources. (Aaron/Adobe Stock)

Comments About EPA's Proposed Rules for Blast Furnaces Ends Today

Emission standards for blast furnaces such as the iron and steel mills in Michigan haven't been updated in years. The Environmental Protection …

The lake bed of the Great Salt Lake is laced with arsenic, mercury and other toxic substances, according to the environmental law firm Earthjustice. (Jenny Thompson/Adobe Stock)

Lawsuit Argues UT Has Failed to Address Shrinking Great Salt Lake

Conservation and community groups have filed a lawsuit against Utah for what they claim is the state's failure to ensure enough water gets to the Grea…

U.S. medical costs associated with tick-borne diseases are substantial, with Lyme disease alone resulting in anywhere between $712 million and $1.3 billion in annual treatment costs, according to John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Multi-State Effort Begins to Study Dramatic Tick Increase in New England

Scientists in rural New England are working to better monitor and manage tick populations as climate change helps fuel their dramatic increase…

Upcoming Youth Climate Summit to Focus on Solutions, Hope

A 2021 survey published in The Lancet showed almost half of U.S. youth ages 16 to 25 feel "heightened worry" about climate change. Sponsors of …

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing standards to regulate HAP emissions from five unmeasured fugitive and intermittent particulate sources that currently are not regulated. (Clive Winward/Wirestock Creators/Adobe Stock)

EPA's Last Call on Comments About Rules for Blast Furnaces is Today

Emission standards for blast furnaces such as the iron and steel mills in Ohio have not been updated in years. The Environmental Protection Agency …

Data show people in rural communities are more likely to live in poverty, have higher mortality rates, and have higher rates of incarceration. (Adobe Stock)

Rural America Organizes to Create More Opportunities

Overall, Colorado has been on the rebound since COVID-19 affected supply chains and shook economies across the globe. But many of the state's rural …

On large dairy farms or other animal operations, a slurry of manure is funneled into an anaerobic digester, where microbes produce gas, which is piped away. (Erikdegraaf/Adob Sstock)

Renewable Natural Gas: Climate Change Solution or False Hope?

By John Carey for the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the…

New Mexico is projected to face a glaring

NM Youth Protest Over Climate-Change Accountability

Today's young people will struggle most with the affects of climate change, and a New Mexico youth group brings its concerns to the streets of …

In 2019, Connecticut had economy-wide emissions of 39.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, a 13.9% decline since 1990. Emissions hit an all time low in 2020 at 32.7%, but post-pandemic estimates show they're creeping upward again. (Adobe Stock)

CT Groups Head to New York City for Climate March

Community groups across the U.S. are making their way to New York City for the March to End Fossil Fuels - including some from Connecticut. The …

Water Equals Life is a coalition of water justice advocates, environmental groups and social justice groups who have come together in a statewide campaign to ensure everyone's basic human need for access to clean, safe, and affordable water is met, regardless of income. (Bovart/Adobe Stock)

Michigan Residents Pay Among Highest Water Bills in U.S.

Michigan water rates have surged more than 40% since 2010, and it is a trend that's expected to continue as cities and utilities work to upgrade …

Earlier this year, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators submitted a letter to President Joe Biden supporting the need for an international climate peace clause. (Adobe Stock)

NY Environmental Groups Seek Climate Peace Clause

New York environmental organizations are looking for a truce in the international trade wars. They're backing what they call a "climate peace …

A recent report found more than 400 jobs have been created in the Keystone State since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, and more than $190 million in investments have been made in clean-energy projects. (Anatoliy_gleb/AdobeStock)

Inflation Reduction Act Funds Multiple PA Clean-Energy Priorities

It has been one year since the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act became law, and Pennsylvania is seeing and using some of the funding…

Regulation 28 is a result of a Colorado law aiming to reduce climate pollution from buildings by seven percent by 2026, and to reduce energy use by 20% by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

CO Targets Apartment, Commercial, Industrial Building Climate Pollution

Colorado wants to reduce climate pollution from apartments and commercial buildings 50,000 square feet and larger, but there is growing concern …

In 2012, candidates took 7%, on average, of all their out-of-state money from ideologically-driven donors. But in the 2022 election cycle, ideological donors typically made up 13% of the out-of-state donor pool, according to Open Secrets. (Adobe Stock)

Local and State Politics Grow Increasingly 'Nationalized'

Political candidates running for federal office have grown increasingly reliant on out-of-state donations, according to a new report. Government …

Fermi 2 is a 1,198 MWe General Electric boiling water reactor that began operations in 1985.(spiritofamerica/Adobe Stock)

DTE Energy Nuclear Plant Closed for Almost 3 Weeks

The Fermi 2 Nuclear Plant has been closed for repairs for almost three weeks. Local residents and advocacy groups in Monroe County are voicing …

Buildings are the fastest growing source of climate pollution in Washington. (Casa.da.Photo/Adobe Stock)

Delay of Seattle's Cleaner Buildings Plan Disappoints Climate Groups

The wait to curb emissions from Seattle buildings has gone on long enough, climate groups say. The Seattle City Council is considering Building …

The Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act allocates $1.2 billion to a slew of climate-related measures, one of which is reducing flood risks, and helping communities brace for climate change-related flooding. (Adobe Stock)

NY Law Requires Disclosure of Property’s Flood Risk

New York is slated to become another state to require disclosing flood-risk information to prospective homeowners. The Legislature passed a law …

An estimated 2.4 million people work on farms and ranches nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Census of Agriculture. (Stiefi/Adobe Stock)

No Heat Protections for Michigan Outdoor Workers

By Mónica Cordero, Investigate Midwest/Report for America and Eva Tesfaye, Harvest Public Media for Investigate Midwest.Broadcast version by …

An estimated 2.4 million people work on farms and ranches nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Census of Agriculture. (J�rgen F�lchle/Adobe Stock)

Outdoor Workers in Missouri Suffering from Heat Exposure

By Mónica Cordero, Investigate Midwest/Report for America and Eva Tesfaye, Harvest Public Media for Investigate Midwest.Broadcast version by …

The Ready Campaign's 2023 National Preparedness Month theme is

Following Extreme NV Weather, Are You Prepared for Next Disaster?

The state of Nevada has gotten its fair share of intense weather in recent weeks - and with September being National Preparedness Month, experts are …

In Pennsylvania, the Department of Environmental Protection estimates the average cost of plugging one well to be around $33,000. (onyx124/AdobeStock)

Federal Dollars Could Connect PA Unions to Orphaned Well Clean-Up

Congress allocated billions of dollars in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to plug orphaned well sites across the country, and Pennsylvania is one …

Nine states in the Upper Midwest make up 32% of total installed wind capacity nationwide, according to the Clean Grid Alliance. (Adobe Stock)

Big Push for Wind as Rural Iowa Economic Development

Green energy advocates are pushing wind power as an economic development tool in rural America. Iowa is among the nation's leaders in wind energy …

An estimated 2.4 million people work on farms and ranches nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Census of Agriculture. (Diego/Adobe Stock)

Ohio Falls Short in Protecting Outdoor Workers from Heat

By Mónica Cordero, Investigate Midwest/Report for America and Eva Tesfaye, Harvest Public Media for Investigate Midwest.Broadcast version by …

Since 1970, Las Vegas has become 5.9 degrees warmer, according to Climate Central. (Adobe Stock)

Nevada Reactions to FEMA Guidance on Extreme Heat

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has released new guidance to increase community resilience against extreme temperatures and weather. Nevada …

As of Aug. 15, 2023, the federal government lists 75 disasters in the U.S. and its territories, compared with 55 in the same period last year. (Adobe Stock)

Most Older Adults Lack Emergency Plan for Natural Disasters

Most older adults are not as prepared as they should be to respond quickly in the event of natural disasters which can strike with little notice…

After the late August heat wave, less than half of Nebraska's topsoil had sufficient moisture, and only slightly more than half of pasture and rangeland was considered in good condition. (Adobe Stock)

Study Hopes to Strengthen Climate Resilience in Nebraska Rural Communities

Although drought conditions in Nebraska have improved since earlier this year, half of the state is still experiencing moderate to extreme drought…

More than $29 billion in public and private investment has led to around 100 solar, wind and hydroelectric projects being built across New York State. (New Yorkers for Clean Power)

Conservation Groups Collaborate for NYS State Fair Booth

Amid the chocolate-covered cheesecake on a stick, the 4-H pavilion and the carnival rides, you'll find the Clean Energy Corner at this year's New …

An artist's rendering of the proposed Pier Wind manufacturing platform in Long Beach shows how the floating facility would appear from the water. (Port of Long Beach)

Climate Change Groups Press for Passage of Offshore Wind Bills

In the waning days of the legislative session in Sacramento, climate change groups are promoting two bills which would smooth the way for offshore …

A 2023 Resources for the Future report noted the state of Virginia established a climate resilience fund in early 2022, using $25 million from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. (Chesapeake Climate Action Network)

Environmental Groups File Lawsuit to Keep VA in RGGI

Several environmental groups have filed a lawsuit to keep Virginia in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. In June, Virginia's Air Pollution …

The Human League says factory farming causes significant damage to rural communities, surrounding environments, and the farmed animals themselves. (zhang yongxin/Adobe Stock)

Rural Advocacy Groups: Corporate Farming Infringing on MO Family Farms

Despite the goal to unite Missourians around a common cause, rural advocacy groups have been pushing the EPA for more regulation from the Clean …

New vehicles that are assembled outside of North America are not eligible for a tax credit. (Stefan Bayer / Adobe Stock)

EV Sales Increase, Consumers Want More EV Infrastructure

One expert says interest and sales of electric cars aren't stalling. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Nevada has one of the highest …

The number of climate-related cases has more than doubled in the last five years, with 1,522 cases currently underway in the United States, according to Columbia University's Sabin Center for Climate Change Law. (Adobe Stock)

Climate Activists Organize for 'Green Amendment' in Maine

Youth climate activists in Maine are working to enshrine "the right to a clean and healthy environment" into their state's constitution. It is …

The share of electric cars in total sales has more than tripled in three years, from around 4% in 2020 to 14% in 2022, according to IEA. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Ohio Drivers Remain Interested in Electric Vehicles

Despite reports electric vehicle sales are slowing down, experts say consumer interest in Ohio remains high. Four in 10 Americans said they are …

Missoula-based Mountain Line has grown to provide an average of 1.5 million rides per year, up 70% from 2014. The transportation company is making major enhancements to its service with federal infrastructure investments. (Mountain Line)

A Year In, IRA Investments Bolster MT Homes, Businesses

It has been a year since President Joe Biden signed the $770 billion Inflation Reduction Act. In Montana, it has meant new jobs in agriculture…

As more traditional automakers bring electric vehicles to the market, industry analysts say it's going to be a learning curve for dealerships with little EV sales experience to become effective in marketing them to customers. (Adobe Stock)

Electric Vehicle Sales: Fact vs. Fiction in WI

The auto industry has been dealing with challenges lately, such as higher interest rates, but analysts said there are nuances, and they stressed …

Tesla, Chevrolet, Ford and Hyundai are the top four sellers of EVs in the United States. Chevrolet and Ford make theirs in Michigan. (uhdenis/Adobe Stock)

MI Makes Electric Vehicles. Are Michiganders Buying Them?

New car prices are dropping, with electric vehicle price tags leading the way. Will more drivers in Michigan decide to buy? Supply chain issues and …

Wildfire smoke is not only a mixture of hazardous air pollutants, but these fires also release large quantities of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. (Aleksandr Lesik/Adobe Stock)

Study: Wildfires Magnify Health Risks for GA Residents

From Georgia all the way north along the East Coast, poor air quality this summer has mostly been a result of wildfires many miles away in Canada…

A new report showed 35,515 megawatts of combined cycle gas capacity have been built in the 13-state PJM Interconnection system since 2011. (creativenature.nl/AdobeStock)<br />

Report Examines Private Equity Power Plants in PJM, Growing Financial Risks

A new report found Pennsylvania communities could be negatively affected by the increasing financial risk in the nation's largest electricity market…

So far, 283 projects in Colorado have been identified as priorities under the Inflation Reduction Act. (Adobe Stock)

IRA Funding Set to Boost Colorado's Clean Energy Economy

This month marks one year since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, the nation's first significant investment in addressing climate change…

Teachers could use the new Maine Climate Hub to teach students about the Gulf of Maine, which is considered one of the fastest-warming ocean regions on the planet. (Adobe Stock)

ME Students Benefit from New Climate Change-Related Education Tool

Educators in Maine will have a new online resource this school year to help them teach what they say is one of the most challenging subjects: climate …

According to an Indiana University Public Policy Institute study, nearly 68% of the state's unhoused population identifies as male, 32% as female, and less than 1% as transgender. (Adobe Stock)

Extreme Heat Creates Dangerous Conditions for Unhoused in IN

An excessive heat warning and an air quality alert are making life challenging in Indiana and across the Midwest this week. For those who are …

Massive Canadian wildfires, which began in May, have since sent much of the eastern United States indoors because of air-quality advisories. (Adobe Stock)

Experts Unclear on Whether Hazardous Air Quality Will Persist This Fall

By Leah Shephard/for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. On several days this summer, Ohioans awoke to their homes and neighborhoods …

Restaurant Opportunities Centers United reports, based on comments of more than 500 restaurant workers gathered in response to OSHA's proposed indoor and outdoor heat standards, many restaurants are inadequately prepared to mitigate the impact and have shown a disregard for keeping their workers safe and healthy. (Rade Lukovic/Adobe Stock)<br />

Restaurant Workers Battle Against Rising Heat for Safer Working Conditions

Restaurant workers are feeling the heat now more than ever as they battle hotter working conditions due to climate change, and they are calling for …

The Biden administration has jump-started offshore wind development, infusing coastal states such as Maine with funding through the Inflation Reduction Act, with a goal of 30 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

More Climate Investments Sought After Inflation Reduction Act

Backers of the Inflation Reduction Act say its historic funding is helping build a clean-energy future, but a National Climate Emergency Plan is …

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PNS Daily Newscast - September 22, 2023

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Climate Change

Study: EVs in PA can rev up taxpayer savings, pollution reduction

Alabama group helps communities bounce back from severe storms

NM Seeks Public Input on Zero-Emission Vehicle Standards

Maine Researchers Help Develop Climate Change-Resilient Power Grids

Comments About EPA's Proposed Rules for Blast Furnaces Ends Today

Lawsuit Argues UT Has Failed to Address Shrinking Great Salt Lake

Multi-State Effort Begins to Study Dramatic Tick Increase in New England

Upcoming Youth Climate Summit to Focus on Solutions, Hope

EPA's Last Call on Comments About Rules for Blast Furnaces is Today

Rural America Organizes to Create More Opportunities

Renewable Natural Gas: Climate Change Solution or False Hope?

NM Youth Protest Over Climate-Change Accountability

CT Groups Head to New York City for Climate March

Michigan Residents Pay Among Highest Water Bills in U.S.

NY Environmental Groups Seek Climate Peace Clause

Inflation Reduction Act Funds Multiple PA Clean-Energy Priorities

CO Targets Apartment, Commercial, Industrial Building Climate Pollution

Local and State Politics Grow Increasingly 'Nationalized'

DTE Energy Nuclear Plant Closed for Almost 3 Weeks

Delay of Seattle's Cleaner Buildings Plan Disappoints Climate Groups

NY Law Requires Disclosure of Property’s Flood Risk

No Heat Protections for Michigan Outdoor Workers

Outdoor Workers in Missouri Suffering from Heat Exposure

Following Extreme NV Weather, Are You Prepared for Next Disaster?

Federal Dollars Could Connect PA Unions to Orphaned Well Clean-Up

Big Push for Wind as Rural Iowa Economic Development

Ohio Falls Short in Protecting Outdoor Workers from Heat

Nevada Reactions to FEMA Guidance on Extreme Heat

Most Older Adults Lack Emergency Plan for Natural Disasters

Study Hopes to Strengthen Climate Resilience in Nebraska Rural Communities

Conservation Groups Collaborate for NYS State Fair Booth

Climate Change Groups Press for Passage of Offshore Wind Bills

Environmental Groups File Lawsuit to Keep VA in RGGI

Rural Advocacy Groups: Corporate Farming Infringing on MO Family Farms

EV Sales Increase, Consumers Want More EV Infrastructure

Climate Activists Organize for 'Green Amendment' in Maine

Ohio Drivers Remain Interested in Electric Vehicles

A Year In, IRA Investments Bolster MT Homes, Businesses

Electric Vehicle Sales: Fact vs. Fiction in WI

MI Makes Electric Vehicles. Are Michiganders Buying Them?

Study: Wildfires Magnify Health Risks for GA Residents

Report Examines Private Equity Power Plants in PJM, Growing Financial Risks

IRA Funding Set to Boost Colorado's Clean Energy Economy

ME Students Benefit from New Climate Change-Related Education Tool

Extreme Heat Creates Dangerous Conditions for Unhoused in IN

Experts Unclear on Whether Hazardous Air Quality Will Persist This Fall

Restaurant Workers Battle Against Rising Heat for Safer Working Conditions

More Climate Investments Sought After Inflation Reduction Act