Main Street Independent

STORYLINE  ·  active

Trump Climate and Energy Policy Rollbacks

EPA repeal of greenhouse gas endangerment findings, offshore wind lease cancellations, and withdrawal from climate commitments

House panel advances bill for permanent daylight saving time

Illustration accompanying article: House panel advances bill for permanent daylight saving time
  • The House Rules Committee approved a rule on a 6-4 vote to advance the Sunshine Protection Act, a bill to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide.
  • The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), would set daylight saving time as the permanent standard time, eliminating the twice-yearly clock changes.
  • The bill has bipartisan support, including backing from President Donald Trump, who called it a "very nice WIN for the Republican Party."
  • The House Energy and Commerce Committee previously passed the measure in May by a 48-1 vote.
 2026-07-14 · 3 MIN READ

Trump administration narrows habitat protection for endangered species

Illustration accompanying article: Trump administration narrows habitat protection for endangered species
  • The Trump administration on Friday finalized a rule narrowing the definition of "harm" under the Endangered Species Act, allowing oil, gas, mining and logging on critical wildlife habitats so long as animals are not directly killed or injured.
  • The change eliminates decades of federal protections that had prohibited development on habitat areas where threatened and endangered species live.
  • Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the rule restores the law's original intent and follows a 2024 Supreme Court decision limiting federal agencies' authority to interpret environmental statutes.
  • Environmental groups, including the Center for Western Priorities, said the move could drive species toward extinction and described it as a gift to oil and mining companies.
 2026-07-11 · 3 MIN READ
Illustration accompanying article: Wind project workers say Trump's stop-work orders cost them jobs

Two windows, one act.

2026-07-05

The bipartisan 'Ratepayer Protection Act' hands a thin, optional slip to the homeowner and a fat envelope of fast-track benefits to the data center.

Ruining Gary Gensler’s Climate Rule

2026-06-02

Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Paul Atkins is doing the devil’s work ruining his predecessor Gary Gensler’s great work.

Phoenix driver weighs EV switch as gas prices drive climate, cost questions

2026-06-01

Guadalupe Higuera, a Phoenix software developer, used a Department of Energy calculator to compare the cost of keeping his 2016 Jeep Wrangler against buying a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox electric vehicle, finding that the switch reduces his carbon emissions by 80 percent and matches the Jeep's cost of ownership within five years.

Miami-Dade taxpayers may foot $400M bill for Fisher Island fuel depot

2026-06-01

A Chicago-based developer has reached an agreement in principle to sell a Fisher Island property to Miami-Dade county for approximately $400 million, more than double the $180 million it paid for the land less than a year ago, potentially leaving county taxpayers with a $220 million bill over a Depression-era fuel depot that services the world's busiest cruise port.

Holman W. Jenkins’s Climate Brochure Is Donor-Class Insurance

2026-05-29

Holman Jenkins converts a quiet methodological correction into a donor-class permission machine aimed at killing carbon policy. His Wall Street Journal column, published May 29, 2026, inflates the UN's retirement of an outdated worst-case emissions yardstick into a Trump-vindication narrative, using techniques we helped build from inside the same opinion-page apparatus. The following excerpt-by-excerpt autopsy shows how a technical footnote becomes an insurance policy for the fossil-fuel industry.

Brazil to invest $75 million in Amazon highway, unveils protection plan

2026-05-27

Brazil’s federal government announced on May 27 a $75 million investment to pave the BR‑319 highway that cuts through the Amazon rainforest. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said the project will create “the most modern road in the world,” while also unveiling a new environmental‑protection plan to monitor a 50‑kilometer strip on each side of the road. The announcement comes as environmental groups warn the road could accelerate deforestation and undermine climate goals.

Brazil to invest $75 million in Amazon highway, unveils environmental plan

2026-05-27

The Brazilian government said Wednesday it will spend $75 million to upgrade the BR-319 highway running through the Amazon rainforest, a project environmental groups warn will accelerate deforestation and climate change. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva simultaneously unveiled an environmental protection plan that he said would make the road 'the most modern in the world' from an environmental standpoint, and challenged foreign critics to visit and see the safeguards.

Renewable energy projects overtake hydroelectric, coal in Africa’s power pipeline

2026-05-26

Solar and wind projects now account for the majority of new energy developments across Africa, with 173 of the 322 projects announced in 2025 being solar, according to industry data. The shift reflects falling technology costs, rising fuel import bills linked to the Iran war, and policy changes that are accelerating distributed renewable generation.

Cool water plan for Grand Canyon fish weighs ecological gains vs lost power

2026-05-26

The U.S. government is weighing whether to release cooler water from Lake Powell through Glen Canyon Dam to protect the humpback chub, a threatened fish that lives in the Grand Canyon stretch of the Colorado River. Environmental advocates say warm downstream water could allow non-native bass to spawn, further imperiling humpback chub and other federally protected species. Utilities that buy federal hydropower warn the cool-water “mix” would reduce generation and raise costs for customers.

BP ousts chair Albert Manifold over governance and conduct issues

2026-05-26

BP said it has ousted Chairman Albert Manifold after what the oil company described as serious concerns about governance oversight and conduct. The board named Ian Tyler as interim chair effective immediately, and BP said it would search for a new chairman. BP also reported a slide in its shares after the announcement.

Trump administration expected to repeal Roadless Rule, opening forests to logging

2026-05-24

Millions of acres of national forests in the U.S. face changes that could allow more logging after the Trump administration is expected to repeal the Roadless Rule, a decades-old conservation policy, NPR reported May 24. NPR said the rule—signed under President Bill Clinton—had barred new logging and road building on tens of millions of acres.

Nate Rott explores the ethical dilemmas of covering the natural world

2026-05-23

NPR science correspondent Nate Rott says his beat—“the natural world and humanity’s relationship to it”—pushes him beyond climate into questions about biodiversity, monitoring ecosystems and the boundaries of what people should try to preserve. In a Reporter's Notebook conversation, he describes using audio as a way to capture river life, and he discusses debates over emerging efforts to use genetic tools to make species more resilient amid climate change.

Trump’s deep‑sea mining order spurs investor rush as regulators fast‑track permits

2026-05-23

President Donald Trump’s 2025 executive order to develop a U.S. deep‑sea mining industry has ignited a wave of investor funding and soaring stock prices, while federal agencies accelerate permitting for seabed leases ranging from American Samoa to Alaska. At least nine companies are now in talks with the government for access to polymetallic nodules and other marine minerals.

UN General Assembly backs advisory opinion on climate duties after US opposition

2026-05-23

The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to support strong action to limit climate change, endorsing a July advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice despite diplomatic efforts by the United States to derail the measure. The nonbinding resolution passed 141-8 with 28 abstentions, with the U.S. among the countries opposing it.

Trump loosens refrigerant rules, framing move as lowering grocery costs

2026-05-22

The Trump administration loosened federal rules on refrigerants used in grocery-store cooling systems and air-conditioning equipment, the Environmental Protection Agency said on Thursday. President Donald Trump said the step would “substantially lower costs for consumers” by delaying restrictions on which refrigerants U.S. businesses and families can use.

Trump executive order boosts deep-sea mining growth, but future remains unclear

2026-05-22

The Associated Press reports that in the year since President Donald Trump signed an executive order to create a deep-sea mining industry, companies have raised money from investors and regulators have moved to fast-track permits. AP said at least nine companies have been in talks with the government for access to seabed minerals, including areas off American Samoa and Alaska. The report highlights the promise of commercial seabed mining alongside questions about company track records, unresolved plans for processing minerals, and whether the economics will work.

Federal fine arts commission approves Trump’s proposed Washington triumphal arch

2026-05-22

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approved the design for a 250-foot triumphal arch President Donald Trump wants built at an entrance to Washington, a key step in the project that does not set a construction timeline, the commission said Thursday. Trump told reporters he thought the vote was “fantastic,” and said, “we’re the only important and major city that doesn’t have one.”

Federal officials approve Dakota Access crossing segment near Standing Rock

2026-05-22

Federal officials approved the Dakota Access oil pipeline’s Missouri River crossing segment, ending a legal fight that stretched back to 2016 and 2017 protests near the North Dakota prairie. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said it granted a key easement so the pipeline can keep operating under added leak-detection and groundwater monitoring conditions.

UN General Assembly backs ICJ climate ruling after U.S. opposes measure

2026-05-22

The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to support strong action to limit climate change, endorsing a landmark advisory opinion by the U.N.’s top court issued last year. The 193-member body approved a nonbinding resolution despite recent diplomatic efforts by the United States to have the measure withdrawn.

Trump relaxes refrigerant rule in bid to address grocery costs

2026-05-21

The Trump administration on Thursday loosened federal rules requiring grocery stores and air-conditioning companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cooling equipment, a step that President Donald Trump said would help lower grocery costs. The move relaxes Biden-era restrictions on hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, emitted by refrigerators and other appliances.

Investors pour millions into deep-sea mining startups a year after Trump executive order

2026-05-21

At least nine companies are in talks with the U.S. government for access to seabed minerals a year after President Donald Trump signed an executive order pushing to build a domestic deep-sea mining industry from scratch, an Associated Press review found. Federal regulators have raced to fast-track a permitting process, and sections of seafloor from American Samoa to Alaska could be auctioned for mining this summer, but a close examination of the companies involved reveals uncertain track records and unanswered questions about how the minerals would be processed.

Federal officials grant final easement for Dakota Access pipeline crossing

2026-05-21

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers granted final approval Thursday for the Dakota Access oil pipeline to operate its Missouri River crossing, concluding a decade-long regulatory and legal battle sparked by widespread protests in North Dakota. The pipeline will continue running under new monitoring conditions.

Relaxed inspections may have contributed to engine falling off UPS plane

2026-05-21

The NTSB said a flaw linked to the engine mount on Boeing’s MD-11 grew unnoticed as federal regulators allowed the inspection schedule to be relaxed for longer periods, and that the FAA approved the change after reviewing a request from Boeing. The agency’s two-day hearing focused on why key safety information about the bearing and metal sheath problems did not get the attention it required before the Louisville crash killed 15 people.

UN General Assembly backs ICJ climate ruling despite U.S. opposition

2026-05-21

The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to endorse an International Court of Justice climate advisory opinion, despite recent diplomatic efforts by the United States to derail the measure. The nonbinding resolution was approved Wednesday, 141-8 with 28 abstentions, with the United States among those voting against it.

Trump failed to stop Indigenous exhibit at Berkeley, opened Sunday

2026-05-21

UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science opened its new mixed-reality exhibit, “Yuutka” (The Place of the Acorn), after a court fight over National Science Foundation grant cancellations tied to the Trump administration. The exhibit is co-designed with young people from the East Bay Ohlone community and includes a virtual guide based on Dolores Lameira, alongside interactive learning about Ohlone knowledge and ecology.

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy calls special session for LNG bill Thursday

2026-05-21

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy ordered lawmakers to convene for a special session Thursday in Juneau to consider a natural gas line bill, a move made one day after the deadline for the regular session. The House and Senate had been working Tuesday on different versions of the gas-line legislation before shifting back to committee and procedural steps.

Federal officials approve Dakota Access oil pipeline easement in North Dakota

2026-05-21

Federal officials approved a key easement allowing the Dakota Access oil pipeline to continue operating its Missouri River crossing in North Dakota, a decision that comes nearly a decade after the Standing Rock protests. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said the pipeline will keep operating but with conditions focused on leak detection and groundwater monitoring.

Fine Arts Commission approves Trump’s proposed 250-foot Washington arch design

2026-05-21

The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approved the design for a triumphal arch President Donald Trump wants built at an entrance to Washington, a key step in the project’s process that does not set a construction timeline. At the White House, Trump said the commission’s vote was “fantastic,” adding that “we’re the only important and major city that doesn’t have one.”

Montana Land Board overhauls land-swap process after yearslong dispute

2026-05-21

The Montana Land Board voted Monday to overhaul how it evaluates land-swap proposals, a process used to exchange state trust land for private land of equal or greater value. State Auditor James Brown presented the changes, saying they reduce bureaucracy and add comment opportunities, while opponents criticized the limited public notice. The board approved Brown’s proposal in a 4-0 vote, with Gov. Greg Gianforte abstaining after his motion for a 30-day comment period failed.

Trump deep-sea mining push draws investors as regulators move to fast-track permits

2026-05-21

President Donald Trump’s executive order promising to create a U.S. deep-sea mining industry has helped spur a rush of company interest, with investors pouring money into projects and regulators preparing to streamline permits. In an Associated Press review, at least nine companies are in talks with the government for access to seabed minerals from American Samoa to Alaska.

Trump loosens refrigerant rules, framing move as a grocery-cost fix

2026-05-21

The Trump administration on Thursday loosened federal rules requiring grocery stores and air-conditioning companies to cut greenhouse-gas emissions from cooling equipment, saying the Environmental Protection Agency action would help lower grocery costs. President Donald Trump said the change would “substantially lower costs for consumers” by delaying costly restrictions on the type of refrigerants U.S. businesses and families can use.

Trump order spurs U.S. push for deep-sea mining, but questions remain

2026-05-21

In the year since President Donald Trump signed an executive order to build a deep-sea mining industry in the United States, investors have backed companies, stock prices have risen, and regulators have moved to speed up permitting. An Associated Press review found at least nine companies are in talks with the government for access to seabed minerals, with lease areas from American Samoa to Alaska potentially up for auction this summer and fall.

UN General Assembly backs international court climate ruling, 141-8

2026-05-20

The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to endorse a landmark international court opinion declaring that countries’ failure to protect the planet from climate change violates international law, brushing aside a U.S. effort to have the measure withdrawn.

Alaska governor calls special session to advance natural gas line bill

2026-05-20

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Tuesday ordered the Legislature to convene a special session starting Thursday, one day after the regular session deadline, to consider a bill advancing a North Slope natural gas line that he has declared his top priority in his final months in office.

UN General Assembly backs ICJ climate ruling despite US opposition

2026-05-20

The United Nations General Assembly voted 141-8 with 28 abstentions on Wednesday to support strong action to limit climate change, endorsing an advisory opinion by the U.N.’s top court issued last July. The vote came despite recent diplomatic efforts by the United States to have the measure withdrawn. <a href='/articles/2026-02-16-us-urges-vanuatu-to-withdraw-un-climate-reparations-draft'>MSI previously reported that the U.S. urged Vanuatu to withdraw a related U.N. climate reparations draft</a>.

POET and Antora launch 5 GWh thermal energy storage beside South Dakota ethanol plant

2026-05-20

POET and Antora Energy have launched a 5 gigawatt-hour thermal energy storage system adjacent to POET’s ethanol plant in Big Stone City, South Dakota, with the companies saying it will absorb excess wind power that would otherwise be limited by grid capacity. The storage technology is designed to capture low-cost energy as heat in insulated blocks and convert it to steam for use at the ethanol facility, officials said.

UC Berkeley opens co-designed mixed-reality Ohlone exhibit after NSF fight

2026-05-20

UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science opened a new mixed-reality exhibit, “Yuutka” (The Place of the Acorn), after researchers and Ohlone youth overcame an interruption in National Science Foundation funding that followed the Trump administration’s terminations of multiple NSF grants. The exhibit, co-designed with young members of the East Bay Ohlone community, uses mixed reality to let visitors gather virtual acorns and learn about the plants and the community’s knowledge systems.

Senate confirms Steve Pearce to oversee federal public lands

2026-05-19

The U.S. Senate confirmed former New Mexico congressman Steve Pearce to lead the Bureau of Land Management on Monday, handing President Donald Trump the agency director needed to expand mining and drilling on federal territories while rolling back previous conservation measures.

Thermal energy storage project debuts beside South Dakota ethanol plant

2026-05-19

A South Dakota-based biofuels producer and a California energy startup have begun operations on one of the world's largest thermal energy storage systems, situated directly adjacent to an ethanol processing facility in Big Stone City. The 5-gigawatt-hour installation absorbs excess, low-cost electricity generated by nearby wind turbines and converts it into heat within carbon blocks for later dispatch.

Beloved Dallas whale mural replaced for World Cup art, prompting outcry

2026-05-19

Dallas residents and students are protesting the replacement of a long-beloved whale mural that covered two walls of a downtown parking garage as the city prepares to host World Cup matches. The mural, created by artist Wyland, has been painted over as part of a World Cup-related art installation, according to the organizing committee and the artist.

Scientists narrow climate worst and best case projections, but 1.5 goal slipping

2026-05-19

Scientists say they are discarding both the most catastrophic and most optimistic future climate scenarios because they no longer fit how the world is changing. A new set of seven plausible carbon pollution pathways suggests the Paris 2015 goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is not reachable as conditions stand, even in the best case.

Large energy storage plant launches in South Dakota as thermal system starts

2026-05-19

A new thermal energy storage system has launched adjacent to a POET ethanol plant in Big Stone City, South Dakota, to store excess wind energy and supply it for industrial use. The project, backed by Antora Energy, pairs the storage facility with the local biofuels site and aims to improve grid reliability while supporting jobs.

Senate confirms Steve Pearce to lead Bureau of Land Management

2026-05-19

The U.S. Senate confirmed President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Bureau of Land Management on Monday, approving Steve Pearce by a 46-43 vote. Pearce will oversee management of about a quarter-billion acres of public lands as the administration advances mining and drilling while reversing conservation plans.

Senate confirms Steve Pearce to lead Bureau of Land Management

2026-05-18

The U.S. Senate confirmed President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Bureau of Land Management on Monday in a 46-43 vote, as the administration moves to expand mining and drilling while reversing conservation plans. Steve Pearce, a former Republican congressman from New Mexico, will oversee about a quarter-billion acres of public lands through the federal land agency.

Canada conditionally approves exporting Marineland's captive whales to US

2026-05-18

Canada's Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson said Monday she has given conditional approval for the shuttered Marineland theme park to export 30 beluga whales and 4 dolphins to United States institutions. Thompson said she will issue final permits once Marineland provides additional required information, with a deadline of January 30. The conditional approval averts a threat by Marineland to euthanize the animals if export permits were not authorized by that date.

Sheridan, Oregon tests river after wood treater released toxic chemicals

2026-05-18

A northwest Oregon town is stepping up testing of the South Yamhill River, which supplies some of its drinking water, following reporting about a local wood-treating facility's years of chemical spills and stormwater releases that state and federal regulators had documented but not widely disclosed. The Sheridan City Council has instructed staff to consult with environmental researchers and state regulators on a plan to test water samples for chemicals used by Canadian company Stella-Jones.

Trump announces sculpture garden honoring 250 American heroes along National Mall

2026-05-16

President Donald Trump announced Friday that his administration will build the National Garden of American Heroes, a sculpture park featuring 250 statues of notable Americans, in West Potomac Park along the Potomac River. The plan, posted on social media, would place the new exhibit in a tightly regulated area of Washington’s monumental core and could bypass the multi-agency approval process required for major construction on or near the National Mall.

Michigan NRC votes to limit Lower Peninsula deer hunters to one buck per year

2026-05-16

Michigan's Natural Resources Commission voted Wednesday to limit hunters in the Lower Peninsula to killing one antlered deer annually starting next year. The decision, reached after a nine-hour meeting, rejects a more restrictive Department of Natural Resources recommendation and draws mixed reactions from the state's hunting community.

Trump to build National Garden of American Heroes near National Mall

2026-05-16

President Donald Trump said he plans to build the National Garden of American Heroes, an exhibit of statues honoring 250 prominent Americans, in West Potomac Park near the National Mall. In a Friday social media post, Trump described the site as prime waterfront real estate and said the project will be built as part of the nation’s 250th-anniversary commemorations.

Fisk University announces $900M campus overhaul with data center, arena

2026-05-16

Fisk University in Nashville announced a $900 million plan to transform its North Nashville campus, including a 100,000-square-foot data and technology center, a student center and a new sports arena. President Agenia Clark said the proposal, dubbed “Quantum Leap,” will be submitted to Metro for approval. The plan drew fresh attention to nationwide data-center concerns including power, water, noise and air quality, and Clark said Fisk’s theme is “do no harm.”

Michigan limits hunters to one buck in Lower Peninsula starting next year

2026-05-16

Michigan’s Natural Resources Commission voted Wednesday to limit hunters in the Lower Peninsula to taking one antlered deer starting next year, down from the current allowance of two. The policy, known as the “one buck rule,” passed after more than nine hours of public comment and commissioner debate over deer management, license structure, and enforcement of a separate “earn a second buck” pilot proposal.

EPA proposes rollback of coal plant wastewater limits, citing AI-driven energy demand

2026-05-15

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday proposed rescinding a 2024 rule that required coal-fired power plants to treat toxic heavy metals leaching into groundwater, arguing the regulation is too costly as electricity demand surges from data centers powering artificial intelligence. Environmental groups warned the move would permit hundreds of millions of pounds of neurotoxins and carcinogens to enter drinking water sources.

Canada to double electric grid by 2050 under new clean-energy plan, Carney says

2026-05-15

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a sweeping clean electricity strategy Thursday that aims to double the country’s grid by 2050, saying electrification is the path to affordability, competitiveness and net-zero emissions. The plan, which carries an estimated price tag of more than one trillion Canadian dollars, would overhaul the nation’s power system with a mix of hydro, nuclear, wind, solar, natural gas and other sources.

U.S. settles SEC lawsuit against Gautam Adani for alleged bribery scheme

2026-05-15

The U.S. government has agreed to settle a Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit that accused Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and his nephew, Sagar Adani, of concealing an alleged bribery scheme tied to a major solar project in India, according to court filings published Thursday. The settlement, which does not include an admission of wrongdoing, would require Adani to pay $6 million in civil penalties and his nephew $12 million.

Trump EPA proposes rolling back limits on toxic coal wastewater

2026-05-15

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency moved Thursday to roll back limits that require coal-fired power plants to prevent toxic heavy metals from entering streams and rivers through groundwater. The EPA proposed changing a rule finalized in 2024 under President Joe Biden, arguing it is unduly costly for the energy industry as electricity demand rises.

Trump halts U.S. offshore wind as global capacity grows, numbers show

2026-05-15

Offshore wind is gaining momentum worldwide, even as the Trump administration has moved to stop U.S. offshore wind projects and buy back federal leases, according to an Associated Press rundown. The United States has three operating offshore wind farms, while three more began delivering power or preparing to fully open after construction resumes following lawsuits.

Tunnel-boring machines assembled in N.J. for $16B Hudson River rail project

2026-05-14

NORTH BERGEN, N.J. — The Gateway Development Commission has begun assembling massive tunnel-boring machines that will dig a new $16 billion commuter rail tunnel beneath the Hudson River, marking a major milestone in one of the largest U.S. mass transit projects in generations. The new tunnel aims to relieve a chokepoint on the Northeast Corridor and replace the existing century-old tunnel severely damaged by Superstorm Sandy.

Texas county issues first moratorium on data centers to study impacts

2026-05-14

Hill County, Texas — a rural county south of Fort Worth — on Tuesday became the first in the state to impose a one-year pause on new data center construction in unincorporated areas, after county commissioners cited escalating public-health and safety concerns tied to the industry’s rapid expansion. The 3–2 vote puts the county on a collision course with developers and state leaders who have moved to block similar local restrictions, testing the limits of county authority in Texas’s booming data center market.

California sets 2032 deadline for recyclable plastic packaging, drawing lawsuits from both sides

2026-05-14

California finalized regulations at the start of May requiring producers to make all single-use plastic packaging recyclable or compostable by 2032, the most ambitious deadline in the country. The rules, enacted under a landmark 2022 law, have already drawn legal threats from environmental advocates who say they are too weak and from plastic manufacturers who say they are too costly.

US to settle SEC lawsuit accusing Adani of hiding alleged bribery scheme

2026-05-14

The U.S. government has agreed to settle an SEC lawsuit accusing Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and his nephew of misleading investors about alleged bribery tied to Adani Green Energy’s solar project in India, according to court filings published Thursday. The settlement would require Adani to pay $6 million in civil penalties and his nephew to pay $12 million, the filings say.

Hill County Texas pauses new data centers in rural unincorporated areas for a year

2026-05-14

Hill County in rural Texas approved a one-year pause on construction of new data centers in unincorporated areas, commissioners said Tuesday, citing public safety and public health concerns. The board voted 3-2 on the moratorium as residents raised questions about noise, water use and the scale of a proposed development. State leaders have faced a separate pushback in other Texas counties where moratorium efforts have been rejected.

Allegiant completes Sun Country merger, creating larger low-cost airline

2026-05-14

Allegiant Air said Wednesday it completed its purchase of Sun Country Airlines, finalizing a deal that combines two low-cost carriers as jet-fuel costs strain budget airlines after Spirit’s shutdown. The Las Vegas-based company said the transaction closed following required regulatory and shareholder approvals.

California plastic recycling rules spark court threats and industry pushback

2026-05-14

California’s newly finalized rules under a landmark 2022 law require plastic producers to make packaging recyclable or compostable or otherwise comply with stepped goals. The regulations—finalized at the start of the month—have triggered lawsuits from environmental groups and complaints from industry that the requirements go too far. Sen. Ben Allen, the law’s author, said the program will still “massively moves the needle” even as he acknowledged the compromise was “not perfect.”

Interior Department cancels conservation rule on public lands, a key Biden-era policy

2026-05-12

The Interior Department is canceling a 2024 rule that put conservation on equal footing with development on federally managed public lands, a move the Trump administration said will boost energy production and grazing but that conservation groups warned will harm water and wildlife. The repeal, announced Monday, is effective 30 days after its publication in the Federal Register, scheduled for Tuesday.

French and African leaders unveil $11 billion in renewable energy deals for Africa

2026-05-12

NAIROBI, Kenya — French and African leaders on Tuesday announced more than $11 billion in renewable energy investments across the continent, spanning sustainable aviation fuel, hydropower, solar and wind projects, during the France-Africa Summit in Kenya's capital. The commitments emerged from a closed-door CEO forum attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, Kenyan President William Ruto and leaders from more than 30 African nations, alongside executives from major energy and industrial companies.

Interior Department cancels conservation rule on public lands

2026-05-12

The Trump administration is canceling a rule that put conservation on equal footing with development on taxpayer-owned public lands managed by the Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the change could have blocked access to hundreds of thousands of acres, while conservation advocates said the rollback would weaken protections for water and wildlife.

France and African leaders announce $11 billion in renewable energy deals

2026-05-12

French and African leaders on Tuesday announced more than $11 billion in renewable energy investments across Africa, unveiled during a closed-door CEO forum in Nairobi alongside the France-Africa Summit. The commitments, involving companies including TotalEnergies, EDF, Kenya Airways and Rubis Energy, cover projects from sustainable aviation fuel to solar, wind, hydropower and clean cooking, as leaders discuss green industrialization and expanding electricity access.

Tongass plan revision draws criticism over timeline, old-growth protections

2026-05-11

Southeast Alaska residents told the U.S. Forest Service in more than 300 public comments that a proposed revision of the Tongass National Forest management plan is moving too fast and fails to adequately protect old-growth forests, salmon streams and subsistence uses, while mining and timber interests argued the plan should expand access to resource extraction.

Southeast Alaskans weigh in on draft Tongass plan shaping timber, mining

2026-05-11

Southeast Alaska residents submitted more than 300 comments to the U.S. Forest Service on a revised management direction for the Tongass National Forest, expressing sharply divided views over timber, mining and protections for old-growth forests. Supporters of mining and timber said the plan should better accommodate mineral exploration and development, while conservation advocates and other residents criticized the process as rushed and urged stronger safeguards for wildlife and old-growth. The Forest Service said the preliminary draft plan’s comment period has closed and that it will publish a draft plan and environmental impact statement later this year, with a final forest plan set for 2028.

Trump nominates Cameron Hamilton to lead FEMA a year after his firing

2026-05-10

President Donald Trump on Monday nominated Cameron Hamilton to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency, about a year after the former Navy SEAL was fired as FEMA’s temporary leader. The nomination comes as the administration signals it is backing away from earlier promises to dismantle the agency.

Trump’s Reflecting Pool and golf-course plans highlight power play in DC

2026-05-10

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has focused on high-profile changes to public spaces in Washington in recent days, including ordering the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool repainted a color he has described as “American flag blue,” according to a report published this week. He has also discussed transforming a Washington golf course into a premium, championship-caliber facility, as disputes and lawsuits over preservation and environmental impacts have continued.

Trump administration orders sweeping rollback of hunting restrictions on public lands

2026-05-10

The Trump administration has ordered federal land managers to dramatically scale back restrictions on hunting and fishing across national parks, wildlife refuges, and wilderness areas, raising concerns about visitor safety and the impact on wildlife. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum issued the directive in January, instructing agencies to remove what he called “unnecessary regulatory or administrative barriers” and to justify any regulations they wish to keep.

Michigan appeals court issues split ruling on local solar permitting rules

2026-05-10

A state appeals court on Thursday upheld most of Michigan’s rules limiting local control over large renewable energy projects, while rejecting two provisions that legal challengers argued exceeded the state’s regulatory authority. The Michigan Court of Appeals panel found that state regulators followed proper legal processes when implementing the 2023 law, but ruled on two specific points in favor of dozens of local governments that sued over the permitting framework.

Black Hills drilling project canceled after tribal backlash

2026-05-10

A South Dakota mining company canceled a graphite drilling project in the Black Hills after Native American tribes and advocacy groups opposed the project because of its proximity to a sacred site, the Associated Press reported. The cancellation came amid two federal lawsuits and a temporary restraining order that had halted the work.

Trump administration lifts hunting restrictions in national parks and refuges

2026-05-10

The Trump administration is pushing managers of national parks, refuges and wilderness areas to substantially scale back hunting restrictions, according to an Interior Department order issued in January. The order directs agencies to remove what Interior Secretary Doug Burgum described as “unnecessary regulatory or administrative barriers” to hunting and fishing, and to justify any limits that remain.

FAA approves Boeing plan to fix MD-11s grounded after UPS crash

2026-05-10

FedEx began flying grounded Boeing MD-11 cargo planes again after the FAA approved Boeing’s proposed fix for the aircraft type, the AP reported. The planes were grounded after a UPS MD-11 crash in November 2025 outside Louisville that killed three pilots and 12 people on the ground.

Appeals court issues split ruling in Michigan solar permitting suit

2026-05-10

A Michigan appeals court upheld most of the state’s rules limiting local control over renewable energy projects, while narrowing aspects that critics said went too far. The three-judge panel agreed Michigan regulators largely followed proper procedures for implementing a 2023 law that allows the Public Service Commission to approve large wind, solar and battery projects despite local objections. The ruling clarifies deadlines for local approvals and who qualifies as an “affected local unit,” both of which could shape how projects move through the permitting pipeline.

Brazil’s Amazon deforestation slows, but El Nino could worsen degradation

2026-05-10

Brazil is on track to record its lowest Amazon deforestation rate since 2012, but scientists and environmental groups warn that forest degradation remains widespread and could intensify during a strong El Nino forecast for 2026. The threats include wildfires, logging and drought, which experts say can damage forests even when trees are not felled.

Texas lifts fiber-optic rule for youth camps, clearing way for summer openings after deadly flood

2026-05-09

Texas health officials agreed Thursday to waive a requirement that youth camps install fiber-optic internet connections before operating, a mandate enacted after a flash flood killed 28 people at a Hill Country camp last July. The deal with a group of 19 camps that sued over the rule allows them to use cellular or satellite-based redundant internet instead, ensuring most camps can open for the summer season.

Texas lifts fiber-optic youth camp safety rule after deadly Hill Country flood

2026-05-09

Texas health officials on Thursday agreed to lift a requirement that youth camps install “end-to-end fiber optic facilities,” clearing the way for some camps to reopen this summer while other safety conditions remain in place. The agreement follows a lawsuit filed by 19 camps challenging the fiber rule passed after the July 4 flood in the Texas Hill Country that killed 25 campers and two counselors.

Clean energy group says Pentagon is stalling new onshore wind projects

2026-05-08

The American Clean Power industry association said the Pentagon has stopped completing national security reviews that would let more than 250 new onshore wind farms move forward on private land. The Pentagon said its siting “clearinghouse” is evaluating land-based wind projects so they do not impair national security or military operations.

Ted Turner remembered for conservation legacy across vast private lands

2026-05-08

Ted Turner, the media mogul who died Wednesday, left behind a conservation effort built around large-scale private land stewardship and endangered-species work, the Associated Press reported. Turner owned ranches and habitat across several states, including New Mexico and Montana, and promoted a view that environmental protection could be paired with business investment.

Kelp could someday fuel ships and planes, but hurdles remain

2026-05-08

Green cells grown from kelp are being developed into fast-growing strains that could eventually be processed into biofuel for ships and aircraft, researchers say. The work, funded earlier through a U.S. Department of Energy program, faces a bottleneck in scaling farms and securing stable buyers, especially after federal support faded.

Trump-appointed FEMA review council backs sweeping disaster-aid changes

2026-05-08

The Trump-appointed FEMA Review Council on Thursday approved a report outlining changes to how the federal government funds disaster preparedness, response and recovery, according to a public meeting held with thousands of virtual attendees. The council’s recommendations would shift more responsibility to states, tribes and territories and alter how FEMA determines which disasters receive federal support and how survivors receive assistance, though many proposals stop short of what the administration has promised. The council’s final recommendations will now be sent to President Donald Trump, and many reforms would require congressional action.

Trump plan to paint Eisenhower building could cost at least $7.5M

2026-05-08

President Donald Trump’s proposal to repaint the Eisenhower Executive Office Building near the White House white could cost at least $7.5 million, a White House official said as federal review bodies began considering the plan. Ryan Erb, who oversees construction operations and facilities for the White House Office of Administration, told the National Capital Planning Commission the estimate is preliminary and that the White House is testing paint on granite samples from a Maine quarry.

Michigan cities rethink “No Mow May” as experts question pollinator benefits

2026-05-08

Cities across Michigan are adjusting “No Mow May” rules and other grass-cutting plans amid concerns that taller lawns may attract ticks and that skipping mowing for a month does little for pollinators. Some communities have shifted toward yard-care programs that emphasize low-growing or intentionally planted native vegetation instead of an across-the-board monthly pause.

Corpus Christi to begin talks on privately built desalination plant

2026-05-07

Corpus Christi City Council voted to begin preliminary talks with a private company, AXE H2O, about building a desalination plant for the Coastal Bend as drought pressures mount. Seven months after the city axed its own desalination effort and with a water shortage projected within months, council members also advanced a separate groundwater proposal.

Judge OKs Alaska wildlife agents killing bears from helicopters to protect caribou

2026-05-07

Alaska Superior Court Judge Adolf Zeman ruled Wednesday that the state can resume shooting and killing black and brown bears, including from helicopters, under a plan aimed at helping recover the Mulchatna caribou herd. Two conservation groups had sought to halt the program as their lawsuit challenging the plan’s legality proceeds.

Corpus Christi to begin talks on privately built desalination plant

2026-05-06

Corpus Christi City Council voted May 6 to begin preliminary talks with a Houston-based company about building a privately financed desalination plant for the Coastal Bend area, after voting earlier to cancel its own desalination effort. The move comes as the city faces a worsening drought and leaders estimate a potential water emergency by September.

Alaska judge allows wildlife agents to kill bears by helicopter to save caribou

2026-05-06

Alaska Superior Court Judge Adolf Zeman ruled Wednesday that state wildlife agents can resume killing black and brown bears, including from helicopters, under a plan aimed at recovering the Mulchatna caribou herd. Conservation groups challenging the program said the state lacked key data about bear populations and sustainability.

East Wing debris at DC golf course tested positive for toxic metals: report

2026-05-06

Debris from the demolition of the White House East Wing that was dumped at a nearby public golf course has tested positive for lead, chromium and other toxic metals, the National Park Service said. An interim report described soil contamination at East Potomac Golf Links, which President Donald Trump plans to renovate.

Gold prices spark mining rush in Brazil's Amazon, fueling deforestation

2026-05-06

Gold prices have helped fuel a renewed illegal gold mining rush in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, accelerating deforestation inside protected areas and raising mercury contamination risks, officials and experts said. A study released May 5 found illegal mining sites drove clear-cutting inside three conservation areas in the Xingu region, and prosecutors described enforcement as a “cat-and-mouse game.”

Trump DOJ seeks to block Minnesota climate fraud lawsuit against oil companies

2026-05-05

The Trump administration asked a federal court Monday to block a nearly six-year-old Minnesota lawsuit that accuses major oil companies and an industry trade group of deceiving residents about climate change, arguing that the state is improperly attempting to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, a power reserved for the federal government.

Trump administration backs delay of right whale protections to 2035

2026-05-05

The Trump administration said this month it strongly supports a proposal to postpone new federal protections for North Atlantic right whales until 2035, a move that would prioritize the fishing industry over immediate conservation measures for a species numbering only about 380. The legislation, introduced by U.S. Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), would build on an existing regulatory pause and allow regulators time to craft rules that are less burdensome to fisheries, according to a White House memo released Friday.

Trump supports delaying endangered right whale protections to 2035

2026-05-05

The Trump administration said it strongly supports a proposal to delay new federal protections for North Atlantic right whales until 2035, backing a plan aimed at reducing new constraints on commercial fishing. The proposal, supported by U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, comes after the government paused new federal rules on right whales until 2028.

Tribes sue to halt exploratory graphite drilling near Black Hills sacred site

2026-05-05

Nine Native American tribes in South Dakota, North Dakota and Nebraska sued the federal government Thursday to stop exploratory drilling for graphite near Pe’Sla, a sacred ceremonial meadow in the Black Hills. The tribes said the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Department of Agriculture violated federal law when they approved the project without required consultation and environmental review.

Trump DOJ seeks to block Minnesota’s climate fraud lawsuit

2026-05-05

President Donald Trump’s Justice Department on Monday asked a federal judge to block Minnesota’s lawsuit accusing oil companies and industry groups of deceiving residents about climate change. The department argued that regulating greenhouse gas emissions is a federal responsibility, not a matter states can impose on the rest of the country, according to a filing in federal court in Minneapolis.

California investigates Trump administration deal to end offshore wind project

2026-05-05

California’s Energy Commission has opened an investigation into a Trump administration deal that would pay offshore wind developers to voluntarily abandon their leases, the agency said Monday. The subpoena seeks documents about an agreement with the U.S. Department of the Interior for a planned payout involving Golden State Wind, and the commission said the payments would use taxpayer money to “make projects disappear.” The probe follows the administration’s broader effort to end U.S. offshore wind projects through lease buyouts.

Serbian bird-watching group buys woodland to preserve habitat

2026-05-04

PLANDISTE, Serbia, on May 3, 2026, a Serbian bird-watching group said it used crowdfunding to buy a 5-acre woodland in the country’s northeast and protect it from being cut. The group, which says it now plans to preserve the forest as-is and document its plants and animals, announced the purchase after the effort raised 8,000 euros in less than a month.

Trump approves 650-mile Bridger oil pipeline from Canada

2026-05-02

President Donald Trump on Thursday granted a cross-border permit for the Bridger Pipeline Expansion, a major new crude oil line connecting Canada’s energy sector to U.S. markets through Montana and Wyoming. The project, nicknamed “Keystone Light” for its similarities to the canceled Keystone XL line, is slated to carry up to 550,000 barrels of oil daily once construction begins in fall 2027.

Maritime nations keep working on global carbon fee for shipping

2026-05-02

Maritime nations at the International Maritime Organization headquarters in London preserved a plan for a global carbon fee on shipping emissions, but they agreed to keep discussing alternative approaches through meetings later this year. The framework—known as the “Net-zero Framework”—is intended to create fees for greenhouse gas emissions above allowable limits and to fund incentives and support for the transition, with the United States and Saudi Arabia strongly opposing a carbon fee.

Delta tunnel plan nears end of Newsom era, but hurdles remain

2026-05-02

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s last-year push for a $20 billion Delta tunnel cleared another step in state review, but major court, water-rights and financing questions still stand in the way of construction. The Delta Stewardship Council voted 6-1 to require the state Department of Water Resources to address two of the project’s proposed impacts and challenges, leaving opponents and some legal timelines unresolved.

Caring about your climate footprint doesn’t end when you die

2026-05-02

Millions of Americans are weighing how to reduce the environmental impact of death, with some families choosing options such as green burial, natural organic reduction and alkaline hydrolysis. An Associated Press report describes practices that aim to let bodies decompose naturally and, in some cases, support conservation land management. The legality and availability vary across countries, states and provinces.

Trump approves Bridger Pipeline Expansion, dubbed “Keystone Light,”

2026-05-02

President Donald Trump approved a key permit allowing a new Canada-to-U.S. oil pipeline to cross the border in Montana. The Bridger Pipeline Expansion, dubbed “Keystone Light,” would carry up to 550,000 barrels of oil per day from Canada through Montana and Wyoming. Construction would require additional state and federal environmental approvals before the company can begin work.

FEMA reinstates employees who signed dissent letter after 8 months

2026-05-01

Federal Emergency Management Agency employees who signed a public dissent letter last August were told they would return to work after eight months on paid administrative leave, according to two FEMA staff members. The reinstatement comes as FEMA leadership also moves to extend contracts for some term-limited disaster workers ahead of the 2026 hurricane season and other national events.

Ohio county referendum tests power of local bans on solar

2026-05-01

The solar-power ban in Richland County, Ohio, is headed to a May 5 referendum after supporters collected enough signatures to put the measure on the ballot. The county’s commissioners approved the ban last year under a 2021 Ohio law that allows local officials to block certain utility-scale wind and solar projects. Opponents of the ban and supporters of it are framing the vote differently—property rights and government overreach on one side, and farmland preservation on the other.

Solar boom in Africa raises lead exposure risks, experts warn

2026-04-30

In Kenya’s coastal settlement of Owino Uhuru, residents say they are still coping with lead poisoning linked to a lead-acid battery recycling plant that operated for years and was later shut down. The Associated Press reports that experts warn similar risks are emerging across Africa as off-grid solar and battery use expand, often with informal or poorly regulated recycling that can release lead into air, soil and water.

Conference ends in Santa Marta with focus on financing fossil fuel phaseout

2026-04-30

Countries that gathered in Santa Marta, Colombia, to accelerate a transition away from fossil fuels ended their first conference on April 29 with an agreed direction: the global debate is shifting from whether to phase out oil, gas and coal to how to do it—especially the financing. The talks did not produce binding pledges, but participants said they left behind early outcomes such as plans for continued cooperation and working groups on issues including finance and labor transitions.

EPA and conservation groups challenge Wyoming’s “impaired” water sample limits

2026-04-30

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and conservation groups are urging Wyoming’s Department of Environmental Quality to revise a proposed policy that limits who can submit water samples used to decide whether waters are “impaired” under the Clean Water Act. Wyoming’s draft methods say data used for “use support determinations” must come from people employed by or under contract with a governmental entity, a restriction state officials say has been in place since 2020. In letters and public comments, advocates argue the rule conflicts with EPA guidance requiring states to use “existing and readily available” water-quality data.

Trump pays offshore wind operators to walk away; Democrats call it a scam

2026-04-30

Democrats in Congress have launched an investigation into a Trump administration plan to reimburse offshore wind lease fees after energy companies agree to end projects, according to an AP report. The effort includes deals announced Monday for Bluepoint Wind and Golden State Wind and a separate agreement involving TotalEnergies, Democrats said. Lawmakers say the arrangements appear to be unlawful and urged company executives not to accept the money.

Solar energy boom in Africa raises lead exposure risks, experts warn

2026-04-29

Africa’s expanding use of off-grid solar and battery storage is increasing demand for lead-acid battery recycling, experts warn, raising concerns about rising lead exposure in communities. The issue is rooted in how many batteries are recycled in informal or poorly regulated settings, with evidence of long-lasting contamination in Kenya’s Owino Uhuru settlement near Mombasa.

Montana considers ban on boat fishing in East Gallatin river

2026-04-29

Montana’s wildlife agency is proposing to prohibit fishing from boats on the East Gallatin River, a tributary north of Bozeman, as part of the 2027-2028 fishing regulations that are open for public comment. The proposal would extend a boat-fishing restriction that exists on the mainstem Gallatin to the river’s low-flow cousin, an agency official said. Bozeman-area anglers and conservation groups said they will weigh the change at a public meeting scheduled for May 19.

High-level talks begin on shifting from fossil fuels in Colombia

2026-04-29

High-level talks aimed at accelerating the shift away from fossil fuels began Tuesday in Santa Marta, Colombia, with President Gustavo Petro warning the world could reach “a point of no return” without the Amazon’s role in regulating climate. The two-day meeting, co-hosted with the Netherlands, brings together ministers and senior officials from more than 50 countries to discuss how to move from oil, gas and coal toward cleaner energy.

Trump administration pays Bluepoint and Golden State to exit offshore wind

2026-04-29

The Trump administration said it will pay Bluepoint Wind and Golden State Wind to end their U.S. offshore wind leases, after courts blocked earlier efforts to halt the projects. The Interior Department said the reimbursements total nearly $900 million and that the companies will not pursue new offshore wind projects in the United States.

White House withdraws Scott Socha nomination to lead National Park Service

2026-04-28

The White House on Monday withdrew President Donald Trump’s nomination of Scott Socha to lead the National Park Service, according to a White House announcement. The park service is currently led by acting director Jessica Bowron as it lacks a Senate-confirmed director. Socha, a hospitality executive at Delaware North, said he was dropping out of consideration for personal reasons.

California asks court to order Sable Offshore to remove pipeline

2026-04-28

California officials are asking a federal judge in Los Angeles to order Sable Offshore Corp. to stop using and remove a pipeline that crosses part of Gaviota State Park, a state official said at a hearing scheduled for Monday. The state argues the Trump administration’s order to restart drilling and pipeline operations exceeds federal authority and permits that expired, while Sable says it has proper authorization.

EU sustainability rules push Ferragamo to map leather origins

2026-04-28

Italian luxury brand Ferragamo said it can map the country of origin for much of the leather used in its footwear and handbags, a step it said supports traceability efforts as new European Union sustainability rules take shape. The company’s chief product officer, James Ferragamo, said in an interview that leather is “one of the more sustainable materials” and that many partner tanneries manage water use and workforce treatment while checking leather sources.

Colombia climate conference spotlights finance squeeze slowing fossil-fuel shift

2026-04-28

A global climate conference in Santa Marta, Colombia, focused on what governments need to accelerate the shift away from oil, gas and coal, and delegates said lack of financing remains a major barrier. Experts at the meeting said clean-energy transitions often run into borrowing costs, limited fiscal space and infrastructure needs, even when renewables can be cheaper to operate over time. Speakers also pointed to differing approaches ranging from using fossil-fuel royalties to policy tools such as carbon markets, alongside criticism from Indigenous groups that oppose offsets.

California regulators apologize to Elon Musk in SpaceX lawsuit settlement

2026-04-28

California regulators apologized to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk after settling a lawsuit that said a state agency showed political bias against him and his rocket company. The California Coastal Commission said it made “improper” statements about Musk’s political beliefs in a 2024 hearing tied to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch plans at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Atacama desert skies in Chile face light-pollution pressure

2026-04-28

Chile’s Atacama Desert is home to major astronomy projects, but scientists warn the region’s “darkest skies” face growing pressure from development and energy proposals near observatories. An appeal last year helped cancel a green power complex near Paranal, but researchers and Chilean monitoring groups say regulations remain unclear and are under review.

EPA administrator faces sharp questions over proposed budget cuts

2026-04-28

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin defended a proposed budget for the Environmental Protection Agency that would cut funding sharply, telling senators the agency can still enforce environmental laws. At a Senate committee hearing Wednesday, Democrats accused Zeldin and the Trump administration of abandoning the EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment as Congress weighs the final shape of the plan.

Maine governor vetoes nation's first statewide data center moratorium

2026-04-26

Maine Gov. Janet Mills vetoed a bill that would have created the country’s first statewide moratorium on large data centers and a special council to help towns assess proposed projects. The veto came after Mills said the legislation did not include a carve-out for a data center proposal in Jay that would bring jobs to a community affected by a mill closure.

Colombia hosts global summit to tackle fossil fuel reliance

2026-04-26

Governments from about 50 countries are gathering in Santa Marta, Colombia, for a summit aimed at accelerating the shift away from fossil fuels, organizers said. The April 24-29 conference is co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands and is expected to open political debate without producing binding commitments, officials said.

Boston-area groups urge end to sewage discharges in waterways

2026-04-26

Massachusetts officials are moving forward with a plan that keeps sewage releases into waterways during heavy storms, prompting grassroots groups to push for a full shift to separate sewer systems. In the Boston area, water authority officials say the proposal would reduce combined sewer overflows, while critics argue it leaves “open sewers” in place. The state water agency is expected to submit an updated plan to regulators at the end of April, followed by a five-month public comment period, with a final plan expected in January 2027.

Trump’s rejection of wind projects scrambles GOP politics before midterms

2026-04-26

When President Donald Trump tried to cancel five offshore wind projects under construction along the East Coast, the fallout reached coastal Virginia and shook Republican lawmakers who backed the projects. A letter signed by nine House Republicans demanded answers, including Rep. Jen Kiggans, whose district includes a planned $11.5 billion wind farm expected to create 1,000 jobs.

Indonesia removes tons of invasive “janitor fish” from Jakarta waterways

2026-04-25

Residents, city workers and environmental volunteers in Jakarta hauled bulging nets of invasive “janitor fish” to the surface of a reservoir in an operation launched this week to remove the fish from the capital’s waterways, the Associated Press reported Friday. Authorities are seeking to remove at least 10 tons (9 metric tons) of the fish, with officials saying the effort aims to restore balance in the Ciliwung River and renew public attention on water quality.

Michigan utility approves 12-month water ban for data centers

2026-04-24

The Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority approved a 12-month moratorium barring the delivery of water and sewer services to data centers in its service area, citing limited water and wastewater capacity and the need for additional studies. The decision affects hyperscale and mid-size facilities, artificial intelligence computing sites and high-performance computational centers, as a University of Michigan data center project and other proposals move forward in the region.

Up close with offshore wind projects taking shape on the U.S. East Coast

2026-04-24

On Thursday off Rhode Island, the Associated Press traveled roughly 100 miles to see offshore wind turbines spinning and under construction across the region, including Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind. The visit came as President Donald Trump seeks to end or roll back the U.S. offshore wind industry. Officials and industry advocates say the pace of development and the growing electricity demand for coastal states are colliding with a federal push to slow projects.

Supreme Court keeps Michigan lawsuit over Enbridge Line 5 in state court

2026-04-23

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that Michigan can keep its lawsuit in state court as it seeks to shut down part of Enbridge’s aging Line 5 pipeline beneath the Straits of Mackinac. Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote for a unanimous court that Enbridge waited too long to try to move the case to federal court.

Colorado River releases aim to keep Lake Powell generating electricity

2026-04-22

Officials plan to raise depleted Lake Powell levels by releasing more water from Flaming Gorge Reservoir on the Green River, a move intended to keep hydropower at Glen Canyon Dam running. The releases are expected to lower Flaming Gorge levels and could leave the downstream Lake Mead area with less water. The plan also comes as drought, evaporation and water demand have reduced Lake Powell to about a third of its capacity.

Michigan United Conservation Clubs says it may shut doors without $100,000 by May 1

2026-04-22

Michigan United Conservation Clubs, a statewide nonprofit that represents hunters and anglers, warned it may have to close if it does not raise $100,000 by May 1. The group’s president, Stephen Dey, said in an email to members and supporters that the organization has been selling major assets for years and that available funds may last only into May.

Environment groups sue Trump over BP’s Kaskida deepwater drilling project

2026-04-22

Environmental groups sued the Trump administration on Monday over its approval of BP’s ultra deep-water drilling project in the Gulf of Mexico, according to a lawsuit filed in federal court. The groups said required information for the approval was missing and that the project would endanger Gulf residents’ health and harm ecosystems.

DOJ files complaint vs Washington over Potomac raw sewage spill

2026-04-22

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a complaint in federal court against Washington, D.C., and DC Water seeking financial penalties over a Potomac River sewage leak, the Justice Department said. The complaint stems from a January collapse of a 72-inch Potomac Interceptor pipeline that spilled 244 million gallons of raw sewage, and it alleges the utility failed to properly operate and maintain the system.

Earth Day’s 1970 roots: how pollution protests became a global tradition

2026-04-22

Millions around the world are set to mark Earth Day on Wednesday, a holiday that grew out of a U.S. “teach-in” focused on pollution in 1970. The annual observance is not a federal holiday, but it has inspired volunteer cleanups and helped shape major U.S. environmental laws, according to EarthDay.org history shared by The Associated Press.

US judge blocks Doug Burgum from slowing wind and solar on federal land

2026-04-22

A federal judge in Massachusetts on Tuesday struck down several Trump administration actions that slowed clean-energy development, including a requirement that solar and wind projects on federal lands and waters receive personal approval from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. Chief Judge Denise J. Casper issued a preliminary injunction, saying wind and solar developers were likely to succeed on claims that the administration’s actions violate federal law and could cause irreparable harm.

Vermont seeks residents' input on Bennington Battle Monument restoration

2026-04-20

Vermont is hosting public meetings to gather resident feedback on the future of the 306-foot Bennington Battle Monument, which was saturated with 66,000 gallons of water and faces an estimated $40 million restoration bill. State officials announced meetings on April 29 and May 12 to discuss options for the iconic obelisk that commemorates the 1777 Battle of Bennington. The monument, the second-tallest unreinforced masonry structure in the United States after the Washington Monument, has become a test case for balancing historic preservation with fiscal reality. Its elevator remains non-functional, causing visits to the state's most-visited historic site to drop last year.

Arctic Refuge lease sale set for June despite indigenous opposition

2026-04-18

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management announced Friday that it will hold an oil and gas lease sale for Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge coastal plain on June 5. The sale marks the first under a law passed by Congress last year calling for four lease sales in the refuge's coastal plain over a 10-year period. The announcement comes amid ongoing litigation and after two prior Arctic Refuge sales drew no interest from major oil companies.

Supreme Court sends Louisiana environmental lawsuit to federal court

2026-04-17

The Supreme Court unanimously sided with oil and gas companies on Friday, ordering a Louisiana environmental lawsuit back to federal court after a state jury ordered Chevron to pay more than $740 million for coastal damage. Writing for an 8-0 court, Justice Clarence Thomas found the lawsuit was related to companies' World War II efforts to supply aviation fuel for the U.S. government and should be heard in federal court.

Trump expected to nominate Cameron Hamilton to lead FEMA

2026-04-17

Trump plans to nominate Cameron Hamilton, a former U.S. Navy SEAL whom the administration fired as FEMA’s acting leader last year, as FEMA’s permanent administrator, according to a person familiar with the matter. The offer comes as FEMA has gone through three temporary administrators during the president’s second term, and as the White House seeks broader changes to disaster response. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Wyoming communities ask for time as federal nuclear push meets waste storage debate

2026-04-17

Wyoming residents and tribal and state officials are urging time to evaluate nuclear energy and spent-fuel storage as federal efforts accelerate and developers consider new projects. The discussion follows Wyoming’s 2022 carveout that allows spent nuclear fuel from in-state plants, but some communities say the window for debate is narrowing as regulators and industry move faster.

Judge blocks turbine maker from exiting offshore wind project

2026-04-17

A Massachusetts judge on Friday blocked turbine manufacturer GE Renewables from terminating its contracts with the Vineyard Wind offshore wind farm, ruling that the company must continue providing installation and maintenance services. Judge Peter Krupp granted Vineyard Wind's request for a preliminary injunction after the developer argued that losing the manufacturer would devastate the project at a critical phase.

Ypsilanti Township calls 12-month pause on water for data centers

2026-04-17

The Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution Wednesday calling for a 12-month moratorium on providing water to data centers. The move aims to slow development of a $1.2 billion computing facility jointly planned by the University of Michigan and Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Trump administration halts federal renewable energy aid for farmers

2026-04-17

The Trump administration has effectively halted two federal programs that helped American farmers pursue renewable energy, leaving hundreds of projects stalled and forcing farmers to abandon or defer plans to cut electricity costs through solar installations. Within the first year of President Donald Trump's second term, the Rural Energy for America Program—which has distributed over $1.8 billion in grants since its inception nearly two decades ago—has stopped awarding grants, and the federal clean energy tax credit has been restructured with tighter deadlines that solar developers say are nearly impossible to meet.

FAA orders 300 daily flight cuts at O'Hare to curb summer delays

2026-04-17

Federal officials on Thursday ordered airlines to cut roughly 300 flights per day from Chicago O'Hare International Airport's schedule on the busiest summer days, capping operations at a maximum of 2,708 flights to head off what regulators said would be severe delays. The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration announced the directive after airlines filed expansion plans that would have pushed peak-day operations to more than 3,080 flights — a 14.9 percent increase over the prior summer — at an airport already contending with taxiway closures for ongoing construction. The flight limits take effect May 17 and run through Oct. 24.

Trump's 250-foot Triumphal Arch clears first review by Fine Arts Commission

2026-04-17

The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approved the design concept Thursday for President Donald Trump's proposed 250-foot Triumphal Arch at an entrance to the nation's capital, advancing the monument through its first formal review even as the commission's own secretary reported that about 1,000 written comments submitted to the agency all opposed the project. The Trump-appointed commission also gave concept approval to two companion projects: a plan to paint the historic granite exterior of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building white and the construction of an underground security screening center beneath Sherman Park for White House visitors and tourists.

Trump expected to nominate Cameron Hamilton as FEMA administrator

2026-04-16

Trump plans to nominate Cameron Hamilton, a former U.S. Navy SEAL and the person the administration fired as FEMA’s acting leader last year, to serve as the agency’s permanent administrator, according to a person familiar with the matter. The Homeland Security Department and Congress have been debating how FEMA should be reshaped as the agency has cycled through temporary leaders.

Hawaii agency approves $4.9M land purchase to acquire hazardous Wahiawā dam

2026-04-16

Directors of the Hawaiʻi Agribusiness Development Corp. voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a $4.9 million purchase of 142.5 acres on which the 120-year-old Wahiawā dam and spillway sit, moving the state closer to completing a multiagency takeover of a structure that carries the nation's highest federal hazard rating. The vote came weeks after Kona storms pushed Wahiawā Reservoir to within three feet of its brim and triggered the evacuation of thousands of downstream residents on Oʻahu's North Shore.

Forest Service proposes sustained-yield timber unit to shore up Montana logging industry

2026-04-16

The U.S. Forest Service has proposed creating a Tri-Forest Federal Sustained Yield Unit that would direct three Montana national forests to supply local businesses with at least 35 million board feet of timber per year, invoking an 82-year-old federal law in a bid to stabilize the state's faltering logging sector. The agency unveiled the proposal last month, citing the recent closure of the Pyramid Mountain Lumber sawmill in Seeley Lake and the shuttering of the Roseburg Wood Products facility in Missoula as evidence of the industry's vulnerability. The proposal drew mixed reactions at a Forest Service public hearing in Helena.

Senate passes resolution to lift mining ban near Boundary Waters

2026-04-16

The U.S. Senate voted 50-49 on Thursday to lift a federal ban on mining near Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, advancing a resolution that would allow a Chilean mining company to extract copper, nickel and other precious metals from the region. The measure now goes to President Donald Trump for his signature, with House Republicans having approved it last month.

Retired cranberry farm becomes Massachusetts wetland model as farms retreat

2026-04-16

A former cranberry farm in Plymouth, Mass., sold by Glorianna Davenport and her husband for conservation has become the single largest freshwater restoration project in Massachusetts, producing peer-reviewed science on how quickly degraded agricultural land can recover and helping launch a state program that has already converted roughly 500 acres of retired bog land into functioning wetland. The property, now Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary and managed by Mass Audubon, supports sinuous streams, native pitcher plants, sphagnum moss, and wildlife absent during a century of cranberry production. The transformation is monitored by a live network of cameras and sensors generating publicly available data that researchers from Massachusetts to the Amazon rainforest have drawn on.

Hawaiian Electric flood-zone issue clouds Waiau power project loan plans

2026-04-15

Hawaiian Electric’s proposed upgrade of its Waiau power plant on Oʻahu is at the center of a new dispute after a shadowy commenter raised that the site is now in a federally designated 100-year flood zone. The utility says its facilities sit above floodwaters, but the Public Utilities Commission is expected to revisit questions about whether the change could affect building permits, federal funding and cost increases for ratepayers.

Energy Secretary Wright says U.S. ‘wrong direction’ during pipeline remarks

2026-04-15

Energy Secretary Chris Wright raised eyebrows Tuesday after remarks at a groundbreaking for a natural gas pipeline project included a line suggesting the United States was going “in the wrong direction.” In what Energy Department officials later said was an editing issue, the department posted excerpts that did not include the comment.

Trump again denies Colorado disaster-aid request after FEMA appeal

2026-04-15

President Donald Trump again denied a request from Colorado Gov. Jared Polis for major disaster declarations after wildfires and flooding, denying FEMA public assistance and hazard-mitigation funding. FEMA acting administrator Karen S. Evans upheld the decision on appeal in letters to Polis. Polis said the outcome was “incredibly disappointing.”

EPA proposes reclassifying plastic pyrolysis, potentially gutting air pollution controls

2026-04-15

The Environmental Protection Agency is considering reclassifying chemical plastic recycling facilities as manufacturers rather than incinerators under the Clean Air Act, a move environmental advocates say would immediately eliminate federal air pollution controls at those sites and expose surrounding communities to toxic emissions. The agency has solicited public comment on a potential rule that would shift pyrolysis plants — which use heat to break down plastics — out of Clean Air Act Section 129, which limits emissions of nine air pollutants including toxic particulates, heavy metals, and dioxins, the Associated Press reported April 15.

Champlain Valley of Vermont proposed as federally recognized wine region

2026-04-15

Federal regulators have proposed designating Vermont's Champlain Valley as an American viticultural area, a move that would allow local winemakers to mark their bottles with a federally recognized regional label and require that nearly all grapes used in such wines be grown within specified boundaries. The U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau published the proposed rule, which covers land between Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains, stretching from Rutland County to the Canadian border. A public comment period is open until May 26 before federal officials make a final determination.

Maine legislature approves nation's first statewide data center moratorium bill

2026-04-15

Maine's Democratic-controlled legislature approved a bill Tuesday that would impose a yearlong moratorium on large data centers, sending what would be the nation's first statewide pause on the energy-hungry facilities to Gov. Janet Mills for her signature. The measure follows intense community backlash against proposed projects in Maine and escalating concerns about electricity costs, potential blackouts, and water consumption tied to the AI-driven surge in data center construction.

Nearly 200 groups demand restoration of $350M in federal solar funds for Puerto Rico

2026-04-15

Nearly 200 organizations called Wednesday on the Trump administration and Puerto Rico's governor to restore $350 million in federal funding for rooftop solar and battery systems, warning that low-income families dependent on medical equipment face potentially fatal consequences from chronic power outages as Atlantic hurricane season approaches. The letter, addressed to Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, was released as a May 9 deadline nears — the date at which a solar installation program that has left 12,000 low-income families in limbo will formally expire.

Some residents work to reverse local solar project restrictions

2026-04-14

A federal policy shift is pushing utility-scale solar deadlines forward, but some counties still restrict projects on farmland. In Canfield, Ohio, Wayne Greier said local officials blocked a proposal for a solar farm on his acreage in 2023, costing him a projected $540,000 in annual lease payments.

Wyoming’s Rocky Mountain Power says no new wind or solar planned through 2045

2026-04-14

Rocky Mountain Power, the state’s largest utility, has updated its long-range planning to flatline future wind and solar additions across multiple states, including Wyoming, from 2027 through 2045. The company said the shift is driven by a July 4, 2025 repeal of major parts of the Inflation Reduction Act, which it said phases out tax benefits for renewables. A Sierra Club organizer criticized the plan, saying it creates uncertainty for developers even as utilities can revise their forecasts.

Peru election offers few plans to tackle illegal mining in Amazon

2026-04-12

Peruvians are set to vote Sunday for a new president and Congress, but illegal mining—driven by high gold prices and linked to deforestation and mercury pollution—has received limited attention in campaign platforms, according to environmental and anti-corruption groups. Experts say the narrow focus reflects a broader failure to confront what they describe as the country’s largest illicit economy, with consequences for Indigenous communities and public health.

EPA proposes weakening rules for toxic coal ash groundwater protections

2026-04-11

The Trump administration has proposed weakening federal rules for handling coal-plant ash that can contain hazardous heavy metals and contaminate groundwater, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The proposal would ease monitoring near some ash sites and roll back requirements aimed at cleaning up entire coal properties, while also making it easier to reuse coal ash. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the changes reflect the agency’s commitment to “restoring American energy dominance” and “accommodating unique circumstances” at some facilities, while environmental and other groups warned the rule could increase the risk to water and human health.

As Trump boosts coal, opponents warn of higher costs and more pollution

2026-04-11

Before and during his second term, President Donald Trump has pushed to keep coal plants operating, using emergency authorities and other government powers to delay retirements that utilities had planned under Biden-era climate rules, according to an Associated Press review of government data and interviews with experts. Opponents say the approach could raise electricity prices, worsen air pollution and slow progress on cutting greenhouse-gas emissions.

Vineyard Wind sues GE Renewables to halt turbine contract exit

2026-04-11

Vineyard Wind, the developer of a Massachusetts offshore wind project, has sued GE Renewables seeking to stop the company from ending turbine services and maintenance contracts as of the end of April. The dispute follows a July 2024 blade failure that caused fiberglass fragments to wash onto Nantucket beaches and led to a settlement in which GE Vernova agreed to pay $10.5 million to compensate island businesses.

Argentina Congress approves Milei bill easing glacier protections for mining

2026-04-11

Argentina’s Senate on Thursday approved a bill promoted by libertarian President Javier Milei that eases protections for glaciers, a move environmental groups say they will challenge in court. The legislation passed with 137 votes in favor, 111 against and three abstentions, and is expected to be signed by Milei in the coming days, according to the AP.

Finland’s Onkalo begins path to bury spent nuclear fuel deep underground

2026-04-11

With a button press, workers descend hundreds of meters into Onkalo, Finland’s underground facility for permanently disposing spent nuclear fuel. After decades of construction, authorities are expected to grant a license within months, potentially making the site the world’s first operating permanent repository for commercial radioactive waste.

Michigan to consider “one buck rule” limiting hunters to one antlered deer

2026-04-11

Michigan’s Natural Resources Commission is considering a proposed “one buck rule” that would limit hunters to killing no more than one antlered deer per season in the Lower Peninsula, according to the state. The commission is expected to vote on the proposal on May 13, with the regulation—if passed—set to take effect in 2027.

Nevada utility warns AI data centers may force fossil fuels

2026-04-11

Nevada’s largest electricity provider, NV Energy, says planned data-center expansions could multiply the power demand it must serve—potentially making it difficult to hit the state’s clean-energy targets. The utility warned that meeting the expected load growth may require more fossil-fuel generation, as lawmakers and environmental groups argue over whether data centers should bear the costs of new renewable power.

Poland’s Clean Air program shows smog gains stall amid energy worries

2026-04-09

Activists say Poland’s flagship “Clean Air” program to curb household smog-linked heating demand has lost momentum, threatening both public health progress and the country’s energy security. The government points to a mid-program reform and says it needs tighter screening to prevent misuse of public funds.

Newcomers arrive and Amazon forests are cleared as Brazil explores for oil

2026-04-09

Brazil’s Petrobras has begun exploratory offshore drilling near the mouth of the Amazon after securing environmental licensing, triggering migration to a remote riverside city as residents weigh promised jobs against infrastructure strains and environmental risks. In Oiapoque, Brazil, new neighborhoods are expanding amid limited sewage and street access, while environmental and Indigenous groups have sued to halt the drilling. City council members and Indigenous leaders described the changes unfolding as operations begin offshore and political debates intensify.

Zeldin tells climate skeptics to "celebrate" endangerment finding repeal

2026-04-09

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin told a conference of climate skeptics to “celebrate vindication” after the agency repealed a 2009 legal determination used as the basis for federal rules to slow climate change. The remarks came as environmental groups and others criticized his appearance at an event hosted by the conservative Heartland Institute.

Michigan SOAR incentive reports show new hiring, but critics press accountability

2026-04-09

Michigan’s Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) business incentive program has generated “new” hiring, with state reports showing 1,846 jobs created in 2025 among 10 companies receiving about $1.74 billion in large taxpayer subsidies. The figures come as lawmakers, including Republicans and some Democrats, voted to remove SOAR funding from the 2026-27 budget and continued to question whether billions in incentives deliver enough return.

California considers green jet fuel tax credit that critics say drains road funds

2026-04-08

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is advancing a proposal that would give tax credits aimed at boosting production of sustainable aviation fuel, with credits funded through a mechanism tied to diesel excise taxes. Supporters say the plan protects jobs and helps meet climate goals, while critics including UC Berkeley economists and the state’s nonpartisan legislative analyst warn it could raise gas prices and divert money from highway and local road maintenance. The proposal is expected to receive a final legislative hearing on Thursday.

Deere agrees to pay $99 million to settle right-to-repair lawsuit

2026-04-08

Deere & Co. has agreed to pay $99 million to settle a class action accusing the company of monopolizing repair services by withholding repair software and limiting access to independent repair for farm equipment. The deal was filed in federal court in Illinois and still requires final court approval, according to the settlement terms described by The Associated Press.

Endangered Chinook restoration faces halt as state funding ends

2026-04-08

California is ending support for a partnership with the Winnemem Wintu Tribe to restore endangered winter-run Chinook salmon to the McCloud River in far northern California, tribal officials said. The tribe fears the abrupt stop will stall mid-stream restoration work, including research and jobs tied to the project. State officials said the funding was a time-limited drought response pilot that has been exhausted.

Tribes in Montana lose millions after USDA terminates farm grants

2026-04-04

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has terminated nearly $9 million in farm-grant contracts awarded through a Biden-era program, affecting projects on the Blackfeet and Rocky Boy’s reservations in Montana and leaving tribes and nonprofits scrambling to restructure plans. Officials at the Piikani Lodge Health Institute and the Chippewa Cree Tribe said the cancellations threaten agricultural training and land-acquisition efforts.

Sand mined from cranberry bogs fuels Massachusetts beach projects, residents say

2026-04-04

New research and reporting on sand sourcing in Massachusetts show how beach “nourishment” projects can depend on material taken from cranberry bogs, drawing complaints from people living near excavation sites. In Cranberry Village in Carver, residents living near a sand excavation site owned by A.D. Makepeace say sand dust and noise have become a public-health and quality-of-life concern.

Regulators seek public input for massive Montana-Wyoming oil pipeline proposal

2026-04-04

Regulators in the U.S. and the states of Montana and Wyoming are seeking public comment on the proposed Bridger Pipeline Expansion, a project intended to move Canadian crude from the border in Phillips County, Montana, to a terminal near Guernsey. The 30-day public scoping period began this week, with officials planning multiple public meetings as the federal review evaluates environmental and community impacts.

Interior Department to rejoin offshore drilling agencies in new structure

2026-04-04

The Trump administration said it is combining two offshore drilling agencies created after the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill into a single unit under the Department of the Interior. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the change would streamline offshore oil and gas permitting while keeping existing regulatory protections and safety standards.

Golden Gate Fields to become new East Bay public park under deal

2026-04-02

The San Francisco-based Trust for Public Land says it has agreed to buy the 161-acre Golden Gate Fields site on the Berkeley-Albany border and transfer it to the East Bay Regional Park District. The track closed in 2024, and the deal—valued at $175 million with a $20 million district contribution—would convert the former horse-racing venue into a new bayside park, according to officials and the trust.

Desalination offers freshwater as droughts intensify and water demand rises

2026-04-02

Climate change is intensifying droughts, disrupting rainfall and fueling wildfires, pushing more regions to turn to the sea for drinking water. Desalination—removing salt from seawater—can produce freshwater where rain, rivers or groundwater can’t meet demand, and its use is growing worldwide, including in drought-prone U.S. coastal areas. The technology comes with major trade-offs, including energy use and environmental impacts such as harm to marine life.

Brazilian banks to verify satellite deforestation data for rural credit

2026-04-02

Brazil’s banks will be required to verify satellite-based deforestation data tied to properties before approving rural credit, starting Wednesday, according to a rule approved in December. The new requirements use a government registry of areas flagged for potential illegal deforestation after July 31, 2019.

Federal judge upholds permit for lithium-boron mine in Nevada

2026-04-01

A federal judge in Nevada rejected a bid by conservation groups to block the Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron mine, ruling that regulators had properly approved the project and sufficiently examined impacts to an endangered wildflower. The case centered on Tiehm’s buckwheat, whose entire population is confined to a small area within the project site in Esmeralda County.

Trump officials exempt Gulf oil drilling from Endangered Species Act

2026-04-01

The Trump administration exempted oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico from the Endangered Species Act after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told officials the decision was needed for national security. The action, decided by a panel known as the “God Squad” and chaired by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, drew criticism from conservation groups and came as global oil markets have been shaken by the Iran war.

Florida airport cleared to rename after Trump as library design unveiled

2026-04-01

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill clearing Palm Beach International Airport to be renamed the President Donald J. Trump International Airport, with the rebranding planned for July. The move came days of attention on Trump’s effort to attach his name to institutions, as Trump also posted a video showing digital renderings for a Miami presidential library skyscraper.

Trump to move Forest Service headquarters from DC to Salt Lake City

2026-04-01

President Donald Trump’s administration plans to move the U.S. Forest Service headquarters out of Washington and into Salt Lake City, the agency announced Tuesday. The overhaul, expected to be completed by summer 2027, also includes shuttering research facilities in 31 states and concentrating research in the West.

Trump waiver from endangered rules raises risks for Rice’s whale in Gulf

2026-04-01

The Biden administration? No—Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the case for an exemption would be based on national security. The Endangered Species Committee granted that request this week, a move scientists and conservation groups said could put the rare Rice’s whale at greater risk as the Trump administration seeks to expand Gulf oil and gas drilling.

Judge clears way for Interior meeting on Endangered Species Act Gulf exemption

2026-03-31

A federal judge in Washington ruled Friday that the Trump administration can hold a meeting next week to seek a national-security exemption from the Endangered Species Act for expanded Gulf of Mexico oil and gas drilling. District of Columbia Judge Rudolph Contreras rejected a request by the Center for Biological Diversity to pause the Interior Department’s meeting, which the administration says is authorized under a provision tied to national security.

Judge hears challenges to Vermont's climate superfund law

2026-03-31

Vermont defended its 2024 climate superfund law in federal court on Monday, as the Trump administration and industry-backed groups urged a judge to throw out lawsuits challenging the measure. The case centers on whether Vermont can require fossil fuel companies to pay for harms tied to global greenhouse gas emissions and climate impacts in the state.

Study finds Americans misjudge climate impact of everyday choices, incl. dog ownership

2026-03-31

People often overestimate the climate benefit of low-impact actions such as recycling and underestimate higher-impact choices such as avoiding plane flights and changing meat consumption, a new study says. Researchers found that when Americans ranked the climate effect of everyday behaviors, they were frequently wrong about which actions mattered most.

Navy shipyard workers approve contract, ending strike in Maine

2026-03-29

Hundreds of Bath Iron Works employees in Maine voted Saturday to approve a new four-year contract, ending a weeklong strike at one of the Navy’s largest shipbuilding contractors. The Bath Marine Draftsmen’s Association ratified the agreement after an hourslong union meeting at a high school.

US appeals court overturns $16.1 billion ruling against Argentina’s YPF

2026-03-29

A U.S. appeals court overturned a $16.1 billion judgment against Argentina connected to the 2012 nationalization of energy company YPF, a case that U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska had ordered to be compensated. Argentine President Javier Milei celebrated the ruling and said his government sent a bill to Congress to limit expropriations and adjust compensation.

Trump seeks Gulf drilling exemption from Endangered Species Act

2026-03-27

The Trump administration is asking to exempt oil and gas exploration and development activities in the Gulf of Mexico from requirements of the Endangered Species Act, citing national security as it prepares for a meeting of the Endangered Species Committee, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Environmental groups said the government has not followed required procedures and are trying to block the committee from meeting before Interior Secretary Doug Burgum convenes it Tuesday.

Education Department to relocate to another Washington building

2026-03-27

The U.S. Department of Education will relocate from its headquarters to a smaller Washington office in August as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the agency, officials said Thursday. The Education Department said its headquarters building is about 70% vacant and that the Energy Department will assume the lease. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the move reduces the federal education footprint, while the union representing department workers criticized it.

What to do with old laptops, iPhones and other unused electronics

2026-03-27

Millions of Americans keep unused electronics in drawers and closets, even as global e-waste continues to grow. An Associated Press guide published this week outlines practical steps for consumers, including how to wipe data before recycling or donating devices. It cites estimates from the United Nations and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and includes advice from environmental and engineering experts on recycling’s environmental and supply-chain benefits.

EPA temporarily allows wider E15 sales in bid to lower gas prices

2026-03-27

U.S. regulators have approved a temporary expansion of E15—a gasoline blend with higher ethanol content—in warm months, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency saying the move is intended to help tamp down consumer prices that have risen since the Iran war began. The agency’s action follows years of summer-only waivers for the blend, which has been linked to concerns about worsening smog.

Connecticut lawmakers consider legality of plug-in “balcony” solar panels

2026-03-26

Connecticut lawmakers are weighing whether to lift restrictions on installing plug-in, balcony-style solar panels that customers can use without utility approval. The proposal would require the devices meet Connecticut building code and undergo testing and certification before customers connect them. The bill aims to help residents facing high electric bills, while utilities and regulators raise concerns about meter tampering and how excess power would be handled.

Corpus Christi explores buying desalinated water from private plant

2026-03-26

Corpus Christi’s City Council voted Tuesday to begin negotiations for water from a desalination plant owned by Corpus Christi Polymers, despite concerns about drought, cost and environmental impacts. The city, facing historic drought and low reservoir capacity, said the agreement could help avert a water emergency.

Feds press California for records on jet-fuel tax airport spending

2026-03-26

The federal Federal Aviation Administration has asked California’s finance department for detailed records tied to how the state spends jet-fuel taxes intended for airports, escalating scrutiny in a long-running dispute. In a March 5 letter, the FAA said it would take compliance and enforcement actions if California could not demonstrate spending under federal rules.

FEMA to resume $1 billion BRIC resilience grants after court order

2026-03-26

FEMA is reopening applications for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, or BRIC, grant program after a yearlong hiatus, following a federal court order that required the agency to reverse its cancellation. The Federal Emergency Management Agency said it will make $1 billion available for the program, which funds preparedness projects to help states, local governments, territories and tribes harden infrastructure against disasters.

Connecticut lawmakers consider lifting limits on plug-in solar panels

2026-03-25

Connecticut lawmakers are weighing whether to allow customers to install portable, plug-in solar panels without getting approval from their local electric utility, as interest grows amid high electric bills. The proposal, contained in House Bill 5340, would permit devices up to 1,200 watts if they meet safety and consumer-protection requirements.

Consumers Energy asks FERC to delay Hardy Dam spillway work amid sale

2026-03-25

Consumers Energy has asked federal regulators to delay a planned $350 million spillway replacement at Hardy Dam in Michigan while the company pursues the sale of the dam and 12 others to a private equity-backed operator. In a filing dated March 16, the utility requested a delay of about two years, pushing construction start to Dec. 31, 2028.

California sues Trump to keep shut oil pipeline on Santa Barbara coast

2026-03-25

California sued the Trump administration Monday in federal court to block what state officials call an emergency order that would restart a long-shut offshore oil pipeline on the Santa Barbara coast. The state says the March 13 order by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright overreaches under the Defense Production Act, while the Trump administration has sought to force the restart of the system owned by Sable Offshore Corp.

Corpus Christi weighs talks to buy desalinated water from private plant

2026-03-25

Corpus Christi, Texas, voted 7-1 to consider an agreement to purchase drinking water from a private desalination plant after scrapping its own seawater project, city officials said. The city faces a historic drought, with two main reservoirs at 8.4% capacity and city leaders warning the system has about 180 days of water if conditions do not improve.

FAA scrutinizes California jet-fuel tax use for airport funding

2026-03-25

The Federal Aviation Administration is seeking detailed records from California on how the state spends jet-fuel tax revenue for airports, according to a letter sent March 5. The dispute, which has stretched for more than a decade, centers on whether California is using the money in line with federal rules that require states to maintain airport infrastructure.

Trump administration pays TotalEnergies to exit U.S. offshore wind leases

2026-03-25

The U.S. Interior Department said TotalEnergies will receive about $1 billion to walk away from offshore wind leases off the coasts of North Carolina and New York, with the company saying the refunded money will instead fund liquefied natural gas and other fossil fuel projects. Democrats and environmental groups criticized the payment as a misuse of taxpayer dollars amid recent court rulings blocking the administration’s broader efforts to halt offshore wind.

Trump administration pays TotalEnergies to exit offshore wind, boosting LNG

2026-03-24

The Interior Department said TotalEnergies agreed to refund leases for offshore wind projects off North Carolina and New York, and will invest the money in liquefied natural gas exports in Texas instead. Supporters called the plan a novel way to halt offshore wind after court setbacks, while Democrats and environmental groups criticized it as a misuse of taxpayer dollars.

California sues Trump to keep shut Santa Barbara oil pipeline

2026-03-24

California sued the Trump administration in federal court to block what it calls an emergency order to restart a long-shut offshore oil pipeline on the Santa Barbara coast. The state argues the order oversteps U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s authority under the Defense Production Act and conflicts with state law and a federal consent decree requiring state fire-marshall approval.

US to pay TotalEnergies to drop offshore wind leases

2026-03-24

The Trump administration will pay TotalEnergies about $1 billion to terminate two U.S. offshore wind leases off the coasts of North Carolina and New York, the Department of the Interior said Monday. TotalEnergies will receive the refund and pledge not to develop new U.S. offshore wind projects, according to Interior.

Trump's EPA moves to weaken regional haze rule for national parks

2026-03-23

Federal environmental regulators told West Virginia last year its plan to reduce sulfur and smog over national wilderness areas was insufficient. Six months later, the Environmental Protection Agency under President Donald Trump approved a revised approach that conservationists say would allow states to roll back pollution limits that have improved visibility in parks nationwide.

Law meant to clean Michigan’s air now costs the state billions

2026-03-21

Michigan’s Air Pollution Control Exemption, designed to reward pollution-reduction equipment, has cost local governments billions in property-tax revenue over the last decade with limited state follow-up, an investigation found. The exemption is granted in perpetuity by the Michigan State Tax Commission after an initial EGLE environmental review, but EGLE says it lacks staff and budget to revisit whether businesses comply. The review by BridgeDetroit found that many exempted facilities later received air-quality violations or faced federal enforcement.

Lawsuit filed over death of Brett Gardner’s son at Costa Rica resort

2026-03-21

A negligence and wrongful death lawsuit filed in Philadelphia federal court alleges that resort owners and others tied to the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort in Costa Rica caused the carbon dioxide-related death of Brett M. Gardner’s 14-year-old son, Miller Gardner, in March 2025. The family says the resort’s machine room was not properly ventilated and that carbon monoxide from it killed Miller Gardner and sickened other relatives during a family vacation.

Michigan pollution tax breaks funnel millions while cities lack oversight

2026-03-21

Michigan’s Air Pollution Control Exemption law has provided long-running property and sales tax breaks for pollution control equipment, a system that leaves many local governments with little information about costs and limited say over approvals. A BridgeDetroit review found Sterling Heights and other municipalities lost an estimated $1.2 billion in property-tax revenue over the last decade, while the analysis also found state-granted exemptions totaling 333 over that period. City officials and state officials described gaps in reporting and local involvement, as questions linger about whether the incentives drive investment or subsidize routine compliance.

States and cities sue EPA over repeal of endangerment climate finding

2026-03-21

Two dozen states, along with more than a dozen cities and counties, sued the Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday, challenging the Trump administration’s repeal of a 2009 scientific finding that greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare. The states filed the case in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit after the EPA finalized the rescission last month, which plaintiffs said could roll back greenhouse gas emissions rules for cars, trucks and power plants.

Treasury to take over some student loan management as Education dismantles

2026-03-20

The U.S. Education Department will hand off management of about $180 billion in defaulted federal student loans to the Treasury Department, under an agreement announced Thursday. The change is the latest step in President Donald Trump’s effort to dismantle the education agency, with Treasury officials saying it will eventually assume operational responsibility for the rest of the portfolio.

Groups take opposite stands on logging plan in Vermont’s Green Mountain Forest

2026-03-20

Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest is cutting about 110 acres on Grass Mountain under a 15-year U.S. Forest Service plan to create young forest habitat, prompting disputes between conservation advocates and hunting groups. On one side, Tracey Forest, whose Spirit Hollow retreat sits near the logging area, said her programs were moved after guests objected to the sound and that she was not consulted. On the other, the Ruffed Grouse Society and Forest Service officials said cutting will help create early successional habitat for wildlife such as songbirds.

Hawaii lawmakers consider ban while managers seek limited aquarium fish permits

2026-03-19

Hawaii’s Legislature is weighing a proposed ban on aquarium fish harvesting on the Big Island as state aquatic managers advance separate rules that would allow limited, permitted collections after years of court blocks. The measures collide as residents and conservationists argue reefs have declined, while pet-trade advocates and industry participants push for a controlled reopening.

Florida activists press to reunite rivers after abandoned canal plan

2026-03-19

Florida environmental advocates are renewing a push to open a dam linked to the long-abandoned Cross Florida Barge Canal, aiming to restore connections between the St. Johns and Ocklawaha rivers and improve conditions for fish and manatees. Their latest effort failed last week in the Legislature, when lawmakers did not pass a bill supporting a $70 million, multi-year restoration project.

Wisconsin Senate sends $133M PFAS package to Gov. Tony Evers

2026-03-18

Wisconsin lawmakers sent a $133 million package to tackle PFAS contamination, often called “forever chemicals,” to Gov. Tony Evers for his approval Tuesday. The Wisconsin Senate approved the bills as a rare bipartisan compromise after years of Democratic-Republican disputes over how to spend a PFAS trust fund.

Offshore wind project Vineyard Wind completes, first during Trump term

2026-03-15

Offshore construction has finished on Vineyard Wind, a major Massachusetts offshore wind farm, with the installation of the final blades completed Friday night, a project spokesperson said. The project is the first to reach that construction stage during President Donald Trump’s tenure.

East Texas rancher donates water rights to help protect Caddo Lake

2026-03-15

In northeast Texas, rancher Bob Sanders has donated part of his water rights to a state program intended to preserve river flows for environmental purposes. The donation is aimed at protecting the health of the Big Cypress Bayou system that feeds Lake O’ the Pines and the state’s only natural lake, Caddo Lake, as drought and demand pressures grow.

Offshore wind project begins sending power to New England grid

2026-03-15

An offshore wind project targeted by the Trump administration has begun sending power to New England’s electric grid, the developer said. Ørsted said Revolution Wind is now generating electricity and will scale up over the coming weeks to serve Rhode Island and Connecticut.

Louisiana alligator farms mix capitalism and conservation

2026-03-15

ABBEVILLE, La., (AP) — Jacob Sagrera grades and stacks alligator skins tagged for legal trade at his family’s Vermilion Gator Farm, where hides are prepared for luxury brands and tanneries. Advocates for the Louisiana program say the market-based system helps preserve a species once threatened by hunting, while opponents question whether farming normalizes demand that can fuel poaching.

Energy secretary orders Sable Offshore to restore California operations

2026-03-15

WASHINGTON — U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright directed Texas-based Sable Offshore Corp. to restore oil and gas operations in waters off southern California damaged by a 2015 spill, invoking the Defense Production Act, according to a department release. The order targets Sable Offshore’s Santa Ynez unit and pipeline system off Santa Barbara.

Federal forest land in Arizona transferred for major copper mine

2026-03-15

The federal government has completed a land transfer in Arizona that cleared the way for copper mining at Oak Flat, a site used for religious ceremonies by the San Carlos Apache Tribe. A group of Apache women is now asking the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene after an appeals court lifted an emergency injunction that had blocked the transfer. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the project supports the Trump administration’s goals for energy independence.

Fake farms get tax breaks, but Hawaii can’t stop them yet

2026-03-15

Hawaiʻi lawmakers are considering a bill to define what qualifies as a “farm,” aiming to separate bona fide agricultural operations from landowners seeking tax benefits. The proposal would direct major state agriculture agencies to use a tiered system based on output, size, function and other factors. Advocates say clearer rules could help legitimate farmers, but they warn the approach could add burdens for small operators.

Indigenous women tour Ecuador oil field, warn of Amazon drilling harms

2026-03-15

30 Indigenous women traveled to Ecuador’s northern Amazon to witness oil extraction impacts and discuss threats from proposed oil expansion, an effort organized as a workshop ahead of possible new drilling. In Sucumbios province, activists and participants pointed to polluted streams, gas flaring and contamination concerns, while Ecuador’s Ministry of Energy and Mines did not respond to a request for comment.

Pipe repaired after massive leak of raw waste into the Potomac

2026-03-15

The massive sewage pipe that ruptured and leaked millions of gallons of raw waste into the Potomac River resumed operation Saturday after DC Water completed emergency repairs, the utility said. DC Water reported it finished testing to determine whether the 72-inch-diameter pipe could handle the flow.

Energy Secretary Orders Texas Oil Firm to Restart California Operations

2026-03-15

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Friday directed Texas‑based Sable Offshore Corp. to resume operations of its Santa Ynez oil unit and pipeline network off southern California, invoking the Defense Production Act. The order aims to mitigate supply‑disruption risks and bolster West‑coast energy security, officials said.

Wright Orders Sable to Restart California Offshore Oil Operations

2026-03-15

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright directed Texas-based Sable Offshore Corp. on Friday to resume oil production in waters off Southern California using the Defense Production Act, citing national security concerns. The move targets the Santa Ynez unit and pipeline near Santa Barbara, which have been inactive since a 2015 oil spill.

EPA proposes weakening air limits on ethylene oxide used to sterilize devices

2026-03-14

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed to weaken air pollution limits on ethylene oxide, a chemical used to sterilize medical equipment, reversing a Biden-era finding that tied manufacturing exposure to increased cancer risks. The EPA said the current standards “actively threaten” manufacturers’ ability to sterilize devices and jeopardize the domestic supply chain for essential medical equipment.

Connecticut lawmakers consider bill to study UAPs with UConn and agencies

2026-03-14

Lawmakers in Connecticut’s Appropriations Committee heard testimony on a bill that would require the University of Connecticut to partner with state agencies to study unidentified aerial phenomena, known as UAPs. The measure, filed by Republican Rep. Joe Hoxha of Bristol, would also explore creating a “state center” for further research into reports of UAPs in Connecticut skies.

Texas Permian Basin power transmission plan faces opposition

2026-03-14

Texas regulators overseeing the expansion of the state’s power transmission network are weighing whether proposed lines in and toward West Texas could proceed amid opposition from landowners and conservative groups. The Permian Basin Reliability Plan, which industry backers say is needed to keep oil and gas operations running, could face delays as opponents urge regulators to revisit routes, environmental review, and costs for ratepayers.

EPA proposes to roll back limits on cancer‑causing sterilization gas

2026-03-14

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on Friday it would relax air‑pollution standards for ethylene oxide, a chemical used to sterilize medical devices. The move would undo a 2024 rule that cut emissions by about 90% at nearly 90 facilities and contradict a 2016 classification of the gas as a human carcinogen. Environmental‑health groups say the change threatens communities near sterilization plants, especially those of color.

EPA Proposes Weakening Ethylene Oxide Pollution Limits

2026-03-14

The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday proposed weakening air pollution limits on ethylene oxide, a chemical used to sterilize medical equipment, reversing a Biden-era rule aimed at sharply cutting emissions of the cancer-causing gas.

Nevada warns data center boom may derail 2030 clean energy goal

2026-03-13

Nevada’s NV Energy says the state is on track to miss clean energy standards it is required to meet by 2030 for the first time, blaming rapidly rising electricity demand from data centers serving artificial intelligence. Utility regulators in April will review a draft plan addressing shortages, with potential fines if the renewable portfolio standard isn’t met. Sierra Club officials and an industry group said the scale of new load is pressuring the state’s ability to build enough renewable power.

Trump administration sues California over vehicle-emission rules

2026-03-13

President Donald Trump’s administration sued California on Thursday over state rules aimed at curbing air pollution from cars, a dispute that could reshape the timeline for electric-vehicle adoption. The lawsuit challenges California’s authority to enforce vehicle-emissions standards, even those that California says were already approved under less strict federal requirements.

ExxonMobil set to move legal headquarters from New Jersey to Texas

2026-03-12

Exxon Mobil Corp. said its board has recommended that shareholders approve moving the company’s legal home from New Jersey to Texas, a shift the company said is aimed at a more business-friendly legal environment. The company said the plan would be voted on at its annual meeting May 27, and that it would not affect its business operations or employee locations.

Syngenta to stop making paraquat herbicide at end of June

2026-03-12

Syngenta said it will stop producing paraquat, a herbicide banned in more than 70 countries, by the end of June, including at its facility in St. Gabriel, Louisiana. Paraquat is repackaged and distributed in the United States from Syngenta’s St. Gabriel site, where residents and environmental groups have tied industrial pollution concerns—often described as “Cancer Alley”—to elevated cancer risk.

Adirondacks residents clamor over proposed artillery testing

2026-03-11

Lews, N.Y., residents and environmentalists are pressing back against a proposal to conduct howitzer testing in the Adirondacks, saying it could disrupt private land and wildlife and trigger a rare public hearing. The Adirondack Park Agency scheduled the hearing for April 22 after the applicant sought approval for non-explosive barrel tests about 10 miles west of Lake Champlain.

Adirondacks residents clamor over proposed howitzer artillery testing

2026-03-10

Lewis, N.Y., is holding a rare public hearing on a proposal to test a large howitzer in a rural Adirondack Park town, drawing sharp opposition from residents and environmentalists. Critics say the blasts could disturb nearby private property and wildlife, while the project backer says the tests would involve non-explosive rounds and support national security research.

FAA briefly grounds all JetBlue flights after system outage, lifts stop in 40 minutes

2026-03-10

The Federal Aviation Administration imposed a brief ground stop on all JetBlue flights early Tuesday at the airline's request after a system outage disrupted operations. The FAA lifted the order approximately 40 minutes after it was issued, the agency said in a notice posted to its website. JetBlue said the outage had been resolved and that it had resumed operations.

Beta Technologies wins federal pilot slot for electric medical flights in Vermont

2026-03-10

Beta Technologies, the electric aircraft maker based in South Burlington, Vermont, said Monday it had been selected for a Trump administration federal pilot program that will allow the company to begin medical and cargo logistics flights between Vermont and New York this year. The company was approved for seven of the eight projects it applied for within the program, company leadership announced in an investor call.

DC Solar attorney sentenced to 11 years in $1 billion fraud scheme

2026-03-10

Ari Lauer, 61, outside counsel for the defunct California solar company DC Solar, was sentenced Monday to 11 years and five months in federal prison for helping orchestrate a $1 billion fraud scheme that deceived thousands of investors, federal prosecutors said. Lauer had pleaded guilty in October to 23 felony counts, including bank fraud and wire fraud, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

Unplugging electronics can cut household energy waste and emissions

2026-03-09

Devices left plugged in can draw “phantom energy,” also called vampire energy, even when they are off—raising household bills and adding to power demand from emissions-producing sources, Associated Press reported. The story highlights how leaving phone chargers, game consoles, smart TVs and other equipment connected can account for a portion of home energy use, and quotes experts on steps households can take.

NRC approves first non-light-water reactor permit in 40 years for Gates-backed Wyoming plant

2026-03-05

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission on Wednesday issued its first construction permit for a commercial non-light-water reactor in more than 40 years, authorizing TerraPower to build a sodium-cooled nuclear plant near Kemmerer, Wyoming. The permit is also the NRC's first commercial nuclear construction permit of any kind in eight years, the commission said. TerraPower said construction on the reactor is set to begin within weeks, with completion of the up to $4 billion plant targeted for 2030.

Nashville council votes to pass resolution opposing Musk’s Tesla tunnel plan

2026-03-05

Nashville’s Metro Council on Tuesday passed a resolution opposing Elon Musk’s The Boring Company plan for a Tesla-powered tunnel loop, with council members citing safety, transparency and what they said was limited local input. The measure, approved 20-15 with two abstentions, cannot force the company to stop or change its Music City Loop plans, which officials have described as aiming for early 2027 operations.

States pursue an end to twice-a-year clock changes

2026-03-05

The U.S. will move clocks forward at 2 a.m. Sunday for daylight saving time in most states, creating a 23-hour day that supporters and critics say disrupts schedules and sleep. A debate over whether to make daylight saving time permanent or keep standard time year round is playing out in state legislatures and in Congress, where federal change requires action.

Vermont bill would bar landfill leachate from Lake Memphremagog over PFAS fears

2026-03-05

Vermont lawmakers are considering legislation that would ban disposal of leachate from the state's only operating landfill into the watershed feeding Lake Memphremagog, an international waterbody shared with Quebec, amid concerns about contamination from PFAS — synthetic compounds known as "forever chemicals." The bill, H.652, was heard by the House Environment Committee in February and is backed by residents of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, a rural region that hosts the Coventry landfill but generates less than one-tenth of the state's total waste.

California watchdog urges data center power rules to shield ratepayers

2026-03-05

California's independent bipartisan oversight commission released a report Tuesday urging state policymakers to act quickly on data center regulation before soaring electricity demand from artificial intelligence expansion raises utility bills for ordinary households. The Little Hoover Commission outlined more than a dozen recommendations for managing the fast-growing industry's impact on the power grid, electricity prices and the state's climate goals.

Michigan coalition races to raise millions to preserve rare Sibley Prairie near Detroit

2026-03-05

A coalition of Michigan environmental organizations has until the end of 2026 to raise $6 million to purchase 440 acres of Sibley Prairie — a globally imperiled lakeplain habitat in Brownstown Township near Detroit — after striking a purchase agreement with Fritz Enterprises, the scrap metal recycling company that has owned the land for decades. As of mid-February, the groups had raised just over $500,000 toward that goal, with a total fundraising target of $9.7 million when restoration costs and an endowment fund are included.

U.S. Forest Service proposes long-term logging in Michigan

2026-02-28

The U.S. Forest Service is proposing the Silver Branch Vegetation Management Project in Michigan’s Ottawa National Forest, a plan that would clear-cut about 25,000 acres over decades and also includes gravel mining expansion, road building and habitat work. Environmental groups and other opponents say the proposal could threaten endangered species habitat, increase runoff and spread invasive species. Forest Service officials say the project focuses on forest maintenance and health, including protecting habitat for species such as the northern long-eared bat and Kirtland’s warbler.

Federal protections end for lesser prairie chicken after court ruling

2026-02-26

The Trump administration has ended federal protections for the lesser prairie chicken, a ground-dwelling bird known for elaborate mating dances on the southern Great Plains. Thursday’s delisting by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service formalized a court ruling that found the species was listed improperly. The move ends Endangered Species Act protections that required energy developers and ranchers to reduce disruptions to habitat and mating areas called leks.

Appeals court grills EPA, nonprofits over fate of Trump “green bank” contracts

2026-02-26

A federal appeals court on Tuesday grilled the Trump administration and nonprofits chosen to run a $20 billion “green bank” program over the termination of their contracts, questioning whether officials invented reasons to block the program and whether the nonprofits were demanding control of money that was not theirs. The case is before the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit after a three-judge panel last September agreed the administration had broad power to cancel the contracts.

Feds announce $26.5B loan for Georgia and Alabama utilities

2026-02-26

Federal energy officials announced a record $26.5 billion loan to electric utilities in Georgia and Alabama, saying the financing will cut long-term costs as companies expand capacity for electricity demand from computer data centers. The U.S. Energy Department said $22.4 billion will go to Georgia Power and $4.1 billion to Alabama Power, subsidiaries of Southern Company.

Judge rules ExxonMobil defamation suit vs California AG may proceed

2026-02-26

A federal judge in Texas ruled that ExxonMobil may pursue a defamation lawsuit against California Attorney General Rob Bonta over remarks about the company’s plastic recycling efforts. U.S. District Judge Michael J. Truncale said Bonta cannot claim official immunity for several statements, including a campaign email sent to Texas residents. Bonta has filed a notice of appeal.

Enbridge begins rerouting Line 5 around Bad River reservation in WI

2026-02-26

Enbridge has started work to reroute part of its Line 5 oil pipeline around the Bad River Band of Lake Superior’s reservation in northern Wisconsin after years of legal disputes. About 12 miles of the aging pipeline run across the reservation, and Enbridge began clearing trees Tuesday in the new right-of-way, according to a company spokesperson.

Judge to order Greenpeace to pay expected $345M in Dakota Access case

2026-02-26

A North Dakota judge said he will order Greenpeace entities to pay damages expected to total $345 million in a lawsuit tied to protests against the Dakota Access oil pipeline more than a decade ago. The ruling, issued in court filings Tuesday, is expected to trigger appeals in the North Dakota Supreme Court by both sides.

Federal protections end for lesser prairie chicken after court ruling

2026-02-25

The Trump administration ended federal protections for the lesser prairie chicken, a ground-dwelling bird known for elaborate mating dances on the southern Great Plains. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized the delisting Thursday, formalizing a federal court ruling that found the species was listed improperly. The decision strips away Endangered Species Act requirements aimed at avoiding harm to the bird’s habitat, including mating areas called leks.

Dense tree barriers to cut air pollution begin in West Oakland

2026-02-25

Thick plantings of pollution-blocking trees are scheduled to be planted along Frontage Road near the I-880 freeway in West Oakland next month, as the Prescott Greening project moves into the ground-breaking phase. The landscape work includes removing older trees, upgrading irrigation and regrading the site, with planting expected to begin in March.

Hawaii lawmakers advance bills that would shrink cruise green-fee funding

2026-02-25

Hawaii lawmakers have advanced bills that would remove cruise ships from a statewide green fee and replace the charges with an about $10-per-passenger fee, a change state projections show could reduce climate-related funding by millions. The move comes as the cruise industry challenges the green fee in federal appeals court, with oral arguments in a Cruise Lines International case scheduled for April.

Investors pour capital into Africa’s fast-growing e-mobility market

2026-02-23

Spiro, an electric mobility company operating across several African countries, said it has secured $50 million in debt financing to expand its battery-swapping network. The funding comes from Afreximbank, climate fintech platform Nithio, and the Africa Go Green Fund, the company said Monday.

Pentagon and Energy Dept. airlift microreactor to Utah as nuclear push speeds up

2026-02-22

In a demonstration flight, the Pentagon and the Department of Energy airlifted a nearly 700-mile microreactor from California to Utah, the first time the military has transported a small nuclear reactor for evaluation. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Undersecretary of Defense Michael Duffey traveled with the privately built reactor on a C-17 after a Feb. 15 trip aimed at accelerating licensing and deployment for military and civilian needs.

Pentagon and Energy airlift microreactor to Utah as nuclear push accelerates

2026-02-21

The Pentagon and the Energy Department for the first time airlifted a small nuclear reactor from California to Utah, demonstrating what they say is the U.S. potential to quickly deploy nuclear power for military and civilian use. The nearly 700-mile flight last weekend carried a 5-megawatt microreactor without nuclear fuel from March Air Reserve Base to Hill Air Force Base, according to officials who traveled with the project.

Giant tortoises reclaim Floreana Island in Galápagos after 150 years

2026-02-21

The Galápagos National Park released 158 juvenile hybrid giant tortoises on Floreana Island on Friday, aiming to restart a native ecosystem after the species disappeared there more than 150 years ago. The park said the tortoises, aged 8 to 13, were selected for their genetics and released to coincide with the season’s first winter rains.

Trump approves disaster aid for DC sewage spill into Potomac

2026-02-21

President Trump approved emergency federal assistance to Washington, D.C., on Saturday to help address a sewage leak that dumped 250 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River. The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Trump's approval after D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser requested federal help and declared an emergency following the Jan. 19 rupture of a 72-inch underground pipeline known as the Potomac Interceptor.

Trump EPA ends climate health “endangerment” finding; experts warn of uneven harms

2026-02-20

The Trump administration’s revocation of a scientific finding that climate change endangers public health is likely to hit communities of color and low-income areas hardest, public health experts said. In Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley,” where residents live near extensive fossil fuel and petrochemical facilities, residents and advocates said the change could mean more illness and higher death rates, with lawsuits challenging the rollback filed in federal court.

Olympics organizers aimed for impact with clean electricity at Milan Cortina

2026-02-20

Organizers for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics say they plan to power venues with clean electricity and use certified renewable sources for the Games’ demand, including when temporary power is needed. Italy’s Enel will supply 85 gigawatt-hours, with the organizing committee describing the effort as a way to push sustainability practices across major events.

Pentagon airlifts microreactor as Trump pushes fast-track nuclear deployment

2026-02-20

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — The Pentagon and the Energy Department for the first time airlifted a small nuclear reactor from California to Utah, marking what they said is a test of the U.S. ability to quickly deploy nuclear power for military and civilian use. The nearly 700-mile flight on Feb. 15 carried a 5-megawatt microreactor without nuclear fuel, with Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Undersecretary of Defense Michael Duffey traveling with the privately built unit.

EPA loosens mercury emission standards for coal-fired power plants

2026-02-20

The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday weakened limits on mercury and other toxic emissions from coal-fired power plants, continuing the Trump administration's effort to reduce environmental protections on fossil fuels. The agency announced the move at the Mill Creek Generating Station, a coal plant along the Ohio River in Louisville, Kentucky, saying it would save the industry hundreds of millions of dollars.

Trump backs 10-year deadline to replace lead pipes

2026-02-20

The Trump administration said Friday it backs a 10-year deadline for replacing lead pipes across the country, supporting one of the strongest drinking water standards in three decades. The Environmental Protection Agency told a federal appeals court it will defend the strict rule against a legal challenge by a utility industry association.

Florida Senate approves renaming airport after Trump

2026-02-20

Florida lawmakers this week approved renaming the international airport in West Palm Beach after President Donald Trump, just days after the Trump family company filed to trademark the use of the president's name on airports. The legislation, which passed the Florida Senate on Thursday, awaits the signature of Gov. Ron DeSantis. If signed and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, the Palm Beach International Airport will become the President Donald J. Trump International Airport in July.

Trump’s EPA climate health rollback likely hits vulnerable communities hardest

2026-02-19

The Trump administration’s revocation of a scientific finding that links climate change to public health dangers is likely to affect communities of color the most, public health experts say. In Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley,” residents and advocates argue that the loss of federal protections could mean more illness and death from air pollution. On Wednesday, a coalition of health and environmental groups sued the EPA over the revocation.

Olympics organizers aimed for impact with clean electricity at Milan Cortina Games

2026-02-19

Italy’s Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics organizers and power provider Enel said the Games will rely on clean electricity, backed by renewable-energy “guarantee of origin” certificates and a plan for rare backup power. The effort is part of a broader sustainability push that organizers say must also confront emissions from travel by athletes and spectators.

DC declares emergency on Potomac sewage spill, asks Trump for help

2026-02-19

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser declared an emergency and asked President Donald Trump to provide federal resources to help the city respond to a Potomac River sewage system leak. Bowser’s request seeks a Presidential Emergency Disaster Declaration and asks for full reimbursement for repairs that have included help from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Hawaii residents oppose plan to add more telescopes atop Haleakalā

2026-02-19

More than 100 people turned out for the first of two public hearings on a draft environmental impact statement for an Air Force plan to add telescopes atop Haleakalā, a Maui conservation district and home to threatened and endangered species. Opponents said the report does not sufficiently address potential harm to cultural resources and biodiversity, and they raised concerns that the expansion could increase military risk for the island.

Alcoa to pay $36 million over unlawful clearing in Australia’s Northern Jarrah forest

2026-02-19

Alcoa will pay the Australian government $36 million (55 million Australian dollars) to settle claims it cleared tracts of endangered forest without required approvals between 2019 and 2025. The payment follows an “unlawful” assessment by federal authorities and comes as regulators still review a proposal by the company to expand mining operations in Western Australia.

Alabama GOP bill would bar stricter pollution rules without proven harm

2026-02-19

Some Republican lawmakers in Alabama have approved a bill that would limit the state’s ability to set environmental regulations stricter than federal standards, framing the change as preventing regulatory overreach. The legislation, approved by the Alabama House and Senate, goes to Republican Gov. Kay Ivey for a decision after critics said it would raise barriers to addressing health risks from pollution, including PFAS.

Groups sue EPA over rescinding 2009 endangerment finding underpinning climate rules

2026-02-19

A coalition of health and environmental groups sued the Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday, challenging the agency’s decision to rescind a 2009 finding that greenhouse gas emissions threaten public health and welfare. The groups filed the lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit after the EPA finalized the repeal last week. The dispute centers on whether the Obama-era determination can be undone and what that could mean for Clean Air Act regulations governing greenhouse gases.

Indonesia tightens nickel control as EV battery shift cuts demand

2026-02-18

Indonesia is tightening state control over nickel, the country’s largest export and a key input for electric-vehicle batteries, as global demand shifts toward chemistries that use less of the metal. The measures come after years of betting nickel would underpin a domestic EV industry, a strategy that has drawn major Chinese investment and environmental concerns, Associated Press reported Feb. 18, 2026.

Momentum builds in Texas for small nuclear reactors amid grid demand

2026-02-18

Texas has become a major testing ground for small modular nuclear reactors as officials seek ways to meet rising electricity demand on the ERCOT grid. The push, spurred by Gov. Greg Abbott’s nuclear working group and backed by state and federal legislation, is moving from planning into a handful of projects that face technical and economic tests in the coming years.

EPA ends credits for automatic start-stop ignition in new vehicles

2026-02-18

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday it is ending tax credits for automakers that install automatic start-stop ignition systems in vehicles, a move announced with President Donald Trump at the White House. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin described the technology as something “everyone hates” and said the credits are now “over, done, finished.”

Bayer proposes $7.25 billion settlement to resolve Roundup cancer lawsuits

2026-02-18

Bayer and attorneys for cancer patients announced a proposed $7.25 billion settlement on Tuesday to resolve thousands of U.S. lawsuits accusing the company of failing to warn that Roundup could cause cancer. The deal would require court approval and is not expected to affect a separate case now set for the U.S. Supreme Court.

Lawsuits challenge planned lease sale in Alaska’s Petroleum Reserve

2026-02-18

Conservation groups and an Iñupiat organization filed lawsuits challenging the Trump administration’s renewed push for oil and gas drilling in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, including a lease sale set for March 18. The plaintiffs argue the sale would make ecologically sensitive lands available for leasing despite protections in place for decades.

Montana companies prove U.S.-made hemp shirts can move through supply chains

2026-02-18

A Fort Benton hemp processor and a Great Falls apparel brand have produced a limited run of American-made hemp shirts that, they say, never left U.S. borders for cultivation, processing and textile conversion. The companies’ prototype — sold as the Benton work shirt — is meant as proof of concept after hemp fiber production and know-how largely disappeared in the United States during decades of federal prohibition.

Kenya launches a carbon registry to attract climate investment

2026-02-17

Kenya has launched a national carbon registry aimed at making it easier to track carbon credit projects and reduce double counting as scrutiny of offset markets grows, the government said Monday. The registry was unveiled in Nairobi by the Ministry of Environment and the National Environment Management Authority, which said it will serve as the central platform for tracking projects and verifying emissions reductions.

Kenya launches a carbon registry to attract climate investment

2026-02-16

Kenya has launched a national carbon registry in Nairobi to track carbon credit projects and emissions reductions, aiming to improve integrity and attract climate finance as scrutiny of offset markets grows. The registry was unveiled by the Ministry of Environment and the National Environment Management Authority and is expected to become fully operational this year.

Lawsuit seeks to block Trump overhaul of historic East Potomac golf course

2026-02-16

Two golfers in Washington, D.C., sued the federal government to stop the Trump administration from overhauling East Potomac Golf Course, a more-than-100-year-old public course in East Potomac Park that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The suit, filed against the Department of the Interior, alleges the administration would violate the 1897 law that created the park and the National Environmental Policy Act. It also comes amid a series of legal fights over Trump efforts to change prominent public spaces in Washington.

US ocean agency plans changes to right whale ship speed rule

2026-02-16

The U.S. ocean regulator plans to propose “modernized” rules for protecting endangered North Atlantic right whales, shifting away from vessel-speed slowdowns that critics say are essential to preventing collisions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it plans a “deregulatory-focused action” to reduce “unnecessary regulatory and economic burdens” while maintaining conservation for the whales.

Ocean-based carbon removal ramps up, as scientists warn of unknown risks

2026-02-16

Companies are testing ways to remove planet-warming carbon dioxide by dumping minerals, nutrients, and organic material into oceans, an approach critics say could outpace the science. The industry is already selling “marine carbon credits,” while researchers and regulators in multiple countries raise questions about how well the removals last and what the ecosystem impacts could be.

US urges Vanuatu to withdraw UN climate reparations draft

2026-02-16

The Trump administration is urging other nations to press Vanuatu to withdraw a United Nations draft resolution supporting strong action on climate change, including provisions calling for reparations tied to international obligations, the State Department said in guidance sent to U.S. embassies and consulates.

Settlement keeps Green River Reservoir dam operating for now in Vermont

2026-02-14

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott said Wednesday that a settlement among the operator of the Green River Reservoir dam, state agencies, and conservation and recreation groups will keep the hydroelectric facility operating—for now. Under the deal, Morrisville Water & Light will withdraw its request to decommission the dam and instead pursue a new federal license while the state reviews water-quality requirements that govern how the dam operates.

OSHA says safety lapses “exposed” workers before US Steel Clairton blast

2026-02-14

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said it found incomplete, outdated or inadequate procedures and practices at a U.S. Steel plant near Pittsburgh after an August blast that killed two workers. OSHA fined U.S. Steel $118,214 and issued 10 citations, saying the shortcomings “exposed” employees to an explosion or explosion hazard when a gas valve ruptured.

California mountain lions become “threatened” in key regions

2026-02-14

State wildlife officials voted to permanently protect certain mountain lion populations under California’s Endangered Species Act, following weeks after a mountain lion wandered into San Francisco. The decision lists six groups of Central Coast and Southern California mountain lions as threatened, a status expected to trigger habitat protections and change how development projects are reviewed.

Trump EPA revokes 2009 endangerment finding underpinning Clean Air Act rules

2026-02-13

The Trump administration on Thursday revoked a 2009 “endangerment finding” that determined carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare, a legal basis for much of the federal government’s regulation of climate pollution under the Clean Air Act. The Environmental Protection Agency said the rule rescinds that Obama-era finding, setting up legal challenges and potentially rolling back greenhouse-gas standards for cars and trucks and affecting rules for power plants and other sources, experts said.

Hope and nerves in Clairton, 6 months after mill explosion outside Pittsburgh

2026-02-13

Two workers were killed and 11 others injured in an August 11, 2025 explosion at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works outside Pittsburgh, federal investigators said. Six months later, employees and nearby residents say they remain shaken by the blast and concerned about air pollution from the plant.

EPA revokes 2009 endangerment finding, reshaping US climate rules

2026-02-13

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has revoked its 2009 “endangerment finding,” a scientific conclusion that greenhouse gases from fossil-fuel pollution endanger public health and welfare. The decision, made Thursday, had served for 16 years as a legal foundation for greenhouse-gas limits on power plants, vehicles and other sources under federal law, and it could leave future climate rules in limbo as courts and challenges come into play.

Trump nominates hospitality executive Scott Socha as National Park Service director

2026-02-13

President Donald Trump has nominated Scott Socha, an executive at Delaware North, to lead the National Park Service, according to the Associated Press. Trump’s administration has faced blowback over firings inside the park service and changes to exhibits, including those related to slavery and climate change. A Senate confirmation is required.

Fact Focus: False claims by Trump administration as it revokes endangerment finding

2026-02-13

President Donald Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin revoked the 2009 endangerment finding that has been central to U.S. greenhouse-gas regulation, and the announcement included multiple claims about climate and energy that the Associated Press challenged as false or misleading. In an AP fact check, experts and other records cited by the report disputed Trump’s assertions about the finding’s legal basis, the cost of wind power, and links between climate and public health.

Trump’s EPA rejects climate as health threat, but studies find harms

2026-02-13

The Trump administration revoked an Environmental Protection Agency finding that climate change endangers public health, an idea President Donald Trump called “a scam.” Researchers say a large and growing body of peer-reviewed work links warming to increased illness and deaths, including heat-related fatalities and other health impacts.

Ecuador family guards at-risk Amazon plant seeds for reforestation

2026-02-12

In Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest, Ramón Pucha and his family have built a small “seed house” that preserves and grows threatened native plant species for replanting. Pucha, 51, said he travels into the forest—sometimes alone and for days at a time—to collect the seeds even when some trees no longer produce them yearly.

Six months after US Steel Clairton blast, safety and pollution questions linger

2026-02-12

Six months after an August 2025 explosion at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works outside Pittsburgh killed two workers and injured 11 others, residents and workers say safety and air-pollution concerns remain unresolved. A Chemical Safety Board probe found a release of coke oven gas during valve work that contacted an ignition source and exploded, according to a report shared with residents and officials.

Public pushes back on Forest Service plan for controlled burns in Vermont

2026-02-12

The U.S. Forest Service is facing public opposition over a plan to conduct controlled burning over the next 15 years in parts of the Green Mountain National Forest near Lake Dunmore and Silver Lake. The project would cover four areas totaling 2,770 acres in Addison County and is scheduled to begin in spring 2027, with a public comment period that ends this week, according to the Forest Service and commenters.

Trump administration, Congress move to delay US EV charging build-out

2026-02-12

The build-out of electric-vehicle charging in the United States has continued since Donald Trump returned to office, but the administration and Congress have introduced new steps that could delay it, according to reporting. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced new “fully American-made” requirements for chargers funded with federal money, while the administration and lawmakers have also moved to redirect or cut some EV-charging funds.

6 months after Clairton coke explosion, town weighs Nippon change

2026-02-11

In Clairton, Pa., residents are weighing the promise of a new Japanese owner for U.S. Steel against a long record of pollution and economic decline. Six months after an Aug. 11 explosion at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works killed two people, a newly elected mayor has pledged to “fix” the city while neighbors say they have heard promises before.

Trump EPA set to rescind 2009 endangerment finding underpinning climate rules

2026-02-11

The Trump administration will revoke a 2009 government finding that concluded greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare, the White House said. The Environmental Protection Agency plans to issue a final rule rescinding the finding on Thursday, with President Donald Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin set to formalize the change at a ceremony.

Illegal cannabis farms leave hazardous waste across California’s forests

2026-02-11

California lawmakers and environmental researchers are warning that illegal cannabis grows on public land are leaving hazardous trash, pesticides and fertilizers that can linger for years, even after raids. The Associated Press reports that ecologist Greta Wengert and colleagues have cataloged nearly 7,000 abandoned sites on California public lands, and that only a fraction—587—have been cleaned at least partly.

Tensions cloud Arctic push to cut black carbon from shipping

2026-02-11

The increase in Arctic marine traffic is raising black carbon emissions that warm the region and can ripple into global climate patterns, Associated Press reported. At the same time, countries are weighing a proposal at the International Maritime Organization to require cleaner “polar fuels” for ships operating north of 60 degrees latitude, AP said.

TVA signals it prefers keeping Kingston and Cumberland coal plants open

2026-02-11

Tennessee Valley Authority said it now prefers to keep operating two coal-fired plants in Tennessee that it had planned to shut down, according to new filings ahead of a board meeting. The utility said regulatory changes and growing electricity demand are pushing it to rethink closure dates for Kingston Fossil Plant and Cumberland Fossil Plant, even as it plans to add more natural gas generation at the sites.

US opens Texas facility to disperse sterile screwworm flies

2026-02-11

The first U.S. facility in Texas to disperse sterile screwworm flies from American soil in decades opened Monday, with federal and Texas officials saying it is meant to keep the flesh-eating parasite from spreading into the U.S. cattle industry. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Gov. Greg Abbott unveiled the center at a former Air Force base near Edinburg. The USDA is also building a larger sterile-fly breeding factory nearby, and is converting a fruit-fly facility in southern Mexico into another breeding site.

In Connecticut, opposition to Iroquois gas expansion crosses party lines

2026-02-10

Brookfield, Connecticut, is seeing resistance to a proposed $272 million compression upgrade to the Iroquois Gas Transmission System that, residents and officials say, would increase noise, emissions and safety risks near a middle school. State Sen. Stephen Harding, a Republican who represents Brookfield, said he wants a full, transparent process that gives every constituent an ability to object, and he said the project should not be approved. Despite that pushback, Connecticut regulators have issued draft approvals while the state awaits final air-permit decisions, with litigation and calls for tighter scrutiny under way.

Trump reopens Atlantic ocean monument to commercial fishing

2026-02-08

PORTLAND, Maine — President Donald Trump issued a proclamation Friday to reopen a protected area in the Atlantic Ocean off New England to commercial fishing, rolling back marine protections created under former President Barack Obama and restored under President Joe Biden. Trump said the change would allow appropriately managed fishing without threatening the monument’s historic and scientific objects.

Nevada lawmakers grill Musk’s Boring Company over Vegas Loop safety, environment

2026-02-08

Nevada lawmakers questioned state regulators on Tuesday about alleged workplace safety and environmental violations tied to Elon Musk’s Boring Company and its “Vegas Loop,” a tunnel network that ferries passengers around the Las Vegas Convention Center. The lawmakers spent hours grilling safety officials over violations the company has faced, while company representatives submitted written answers defending the project.

EPA reapproves dicamba for genetically modified soybeans and cotton

2026-02-08

The Environmental Protection Agency reapproved the weed killer dicamba for use on genetically modified soybeans and cotton, approving over-the-top spraying for two major crops in the United States. The EPA said it imposed new protections, including limits tied to application conditions and buffer zones, to manage drift risk. Advocates criticized the decision, saying recent court setbacks in 2020 and 2024 prevented similar expansions and that tighter rules do not address environmental harm.

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green seeks lawmakers’ approval for $126M green fee projects

2026-02-06

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green has asked lawmakers to review a proposed list of $126 million in green fee-funded environmental projects, according to the administration. The projects include work on cesspools, beach restoration, invasive species, reforestation and mosquito control, with lawmakers set to debate which items receive funding as the Legislature negotiates the broader state budget.

Texas judge declares anti-ESG state investment law unconstitutional

2026-02-06

A federal judge has ruled that a 2021 Texas law restricting state investment in some companies that the state says boycott fossil fuels is unconstitutional. In a summary judgment issued Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Alan Albright said the law’s definition of “boycotting” was “facially overbroad” and raised concerns under the First and Fourteenth Amendments.

Shutdown of Koko biofuel company forces Kenyans back to charcoal and costly gas

2026-02-06

Koko Networks, a Kenya-based bioethanol fuel company that expanded access to cleaner cooking stoves, shut down abruptly after failing to secure approvals needed for carbon-credit sales and bioethanol imports, leaving thousands of fuel supply points idle. Households that relied on refillable canisters, including residents of Nairobi’s Kibera, are now weighing a return to charcoal or finding money for more expensive liquefied petroleum gas.

At science fair, UC Berkeley researchers lobby for $23B state science bond

2026-02-06

In Sacramento, researchers from UC Berkeley and other California universities lobbied state lawmakers for a $23 billion science research fund backed by a bond measure aimed at shielding nonpartisan research from federal funding disruptions. The push centers on legislation authored by state Sen. Scott Wiener, which would put a proposed California Foundation for Science and Health Research on the ballot in November.

California revises CalEnviroScreen to steer cleanup funds to more areas

2026-02-05

California is rolling out an updated version of CalEnviroScreen, the pollution and health “tracker” used to choose which communities receive state cleanup funding. State officials said the fifth update adds two new indicators—diabetes prevalence and small air toxic sites—and improves data used in other health and pollution measures. The changes, developed with eight community organizations, are part of a debate over whether the system still leaves some burdened neighborhoods out of the funding pipeline.

Nevada falls short of 2030 greenhouse gas goals, report says

2026-02-05

Nevada missed its 2025 greenhouse gas-reduction targets and is projected to fall further behind when the state’s 2030 bar is raised, according to a report Nevada released before the new year, as officials and lawmakers dispute how much policy changes can reverse the trend.

Ecuador Amazon seed guardian family battles climate drought and policy risk

2026-02-05

An Ecuadorian Indigenous Quichua family is working to rescue and replant endangered Amazon plants on a 32-hectare farm, El Picaflor, in a remote area southeast of Quito. Ramón Pucha and his family say climate change and drought have reduced the forests’ seed output, pushing them to travel deep into the jungle to gather seeds. They warn that a new government plan to merge environmental responsibilities with the energy and mines ministry could weaken efforts to protect the landscape.

Energy chief says coal plant orders helped during winter storm

2026-02-05

The Trump administration said it used emergency orders to keep aging coal-fired power plants running during a winter storm that brought “brutally frigid weather” to much of the United States. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the orders helped prevent a major blackout, even as ice accumulation caused scattered outages. Critics said the administration’s approach understated the role of wind and solar and could raise costs for consumers.

Energy Star survives Trump budget cuts as other efficiency rules face rollback

2026-02-05

Energy Star, an Environmental Protection Agency-run program that helps consumers choose more efficient appliances, remains funded after President Donald Trump signed new budget legislation, an Associated Press report said. The program got $33 million in the legislation, slightly above 2024 levels, though environmental advocates said uncertainty about how it will be administered under a reduced EPA staff could affect its future.

FEMA staff reductions paused during winter storm will resume

2026-02-05

FEMA will resume staff reductions that were paused during January’s severe winter storm, according to two FEMA managers, renewing concerns inside the agency about being able to handle disasters with fewer workers. The planned cuts affect term-limited hires known as the “Cadre of On-Call Response/Recovery,” or CORE employees, FEMA managers said.

Judge clears Sunrise Wind to resume as Trump’s offshore freeze collapses

2026-02-03

A federal judge cleared the Sunrise Wind offshore wind project for construction to resume Monday, the fifth such project affected by the Trump administration’s December pause to be put back on track. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth said the government failed to show offshore wind is an imminent national security risk that warrants halting the projects in the United States.

Petition at Milan-Cortina Olympics urges IOC to curb fossil-fuel sponsorship

2026-02-03

Norwegian skier Nikolai Schirmer delivered a “Ski Fossil Free” petition to the International Olympic Committee on Feb. 4, ahead of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. The petition, signed by more than 21,000 people and athletes, urges the IOC and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation to evaluate fossil-fuel marketing ahead of next season.

As Mexico expands natural gas infrastructure, some communities raise concerns

2026-02-01

Mexico’s Southeast Gateway pipeline, which brings U.S. natural gas to serve Mexico’s power needs and eventually the Yucatán Peninsula, has drawn resistance from coastal communities and environmental groups. Residents and Indigenous activists say they were not consulted under Mexico’s constitution, while opponents warn of leak and reef impacts and a wider threat to the country’s climate goals.

Trump announces summer IndyCar street race in Washington, including Pennsylvania Ave

2026-01-30

President Donald Trump said Friday that an IndyCar race will take place this summer on streets in Washington, D.C., including Pennsylvania Avenue, as the country marks its 250th birthday. Trump signed an executive order establishing the race on Aug. 23 with Roger Penske, and he said he told organizers to choose the best route even if it required more approvals.

New Orleans City Council bans data centers for a year after concerns

2026-01-30

The New Orleans City Council on Wednesday (Jan. 28) passed a one-year ban on data centers and started a process to clarify zoning rules for future proposals. Council members said the moratorium is meant to pause development while officials define how data centers should be treated in city zoning, addressing concerns raised by neighbors about energy and water use.

Federal judge allows Massachusetts offshore wind project to proceed

2026-01-30

A federal judge on Tuesday allowed Vineyard Wind, a near-complete Massachusetts offshore wind project, to continue despite a Trump administration stop-work order tied to national security concerns. The ruling in U.S. District Court in Boston halted the administration’s order as developers and states pursue legal challenges to the broader pause of East Coast projects.

South Dakota sees debate over critical mineral reserves as exploration grows

2026-01-30

South Dakota’s deposits of minerals classified as “critical” have renewed interest from mining and exploration companies, even as Native American and environmental groups raise concerns about water and land impacts. The debate comes as federal and other research identifies where the state holds reserves and as state lawmakers have considered—but not passed—changes to how lithium mining is regulated.

Federal judge allows winter oil and gas exploration in Alaska preserve

2026-01-29

A federal judge ruled that ConocoPhillips Alaska can proceed with planned winter oil and gas exploration in a portion of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska after rejecting a bid to halt the project while lawsuits play out. U.S. District Judge Sharon Gleason said conservation groups and a group aligned with Iñupiat interests did not show they have a “fair chance of success” on the merits of their claims. The decision follows a court filing that a mobile drilling rig toppled onto snow-covered tundra while being transported last week.

EPA proposes approval of 8 states’ ozone plans under Good Neighbor rule

2026-01-29

The Trump administration proposed to approve ozone air-pollution plans submitted by eight states, a move the EPA said would remove the need for a federal “Good Neighbor Plan” for those areas. The proposal came Wednesday, when the agency said it found the states “have adequate data” showing they are not interfering with ozone attainment requirements under national air standards.

EPA proposes easing air pollution rule on interstate emissions

2026-01-28

The Trump administration on Wednesday proposed eliminating federal oversight of interstate air pollution by approving eight states to regulate ozone emissions as they determine appropriate, the Environmental Protection Agency said. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin described the action as "cooperative federalism," replacing what he called a "heavy-handed, one-size-fits-all, federal mandate." The affected states are Alabama, Arizona, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico and Tennessee, which the EPA under the Biden administration had found had not sufficiently controlled emissions traveling across state lines. Environmental groups said the proposal would harm downwind states by allowing industrial pollution to travel without federal constraint. "Letting states off the hook while their pollution continues harming air quality in neighboring states is dangerous," said Zachary Fabish, a Sierra Club lawyer.

California pollution rules, years late, still insufficient for vulnerable towns

2026-01-28

California's Department of Toxic Substances Control released draft regulations that would require hazardous waste facilities to assess cumulative pollution impacts in surrounding communities. The regulations are seven years overdue and do not go far enough to protect vulnerable residents, according to environmental advocates. "It's not enough to 'consider' cumulative impacts," said Angela Johnson Meszaros, an attorney for Earthjustice. "Communities want strong guidelines for when a permit should be denied. The draft doesn't deliver that."

Kauai Coffee faces closure over lease impasse, threatening 136 local jobs

2026-01-28

Kauai Coffee Company, the largest coffee grower in the United States, says it will cease operations and lay off nearly all its 136 employees by the end of March unless its land lease with property owner Brue Baukol Capital Partners is renewed. The company's lease is set to expire at the end of March after nearly two years of stalled negotiations, leaving the fate of an operation that has been a community fixture for decades uncertain. The Colorado-based investment firm that owns the land says it remains committed to keeping the company's workers employed and the land in agricultural use.

Tampa Bay Rays seek new stadium and multiuse district in Tampa

2026-01-27

Tampa Bay Rays president and CEO Ken Babby said the team is working to finalize a new stadium proposal in Tampa after signing a nonbinding memorandum with Hillsborough College for a multiuse development. The team says it wants a roof and is continuing talks with city officials, while Gov. Ron DeSantis said Florida will not finance the stadium but could help with related infrastructure and moving a juvenile justice facility.

UPS retires MD-11 fleet months after deadly Louisville crash

2026-01-27

UPS announced Tuesday that it has retired its entire fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo planes, less than three months after one crashed during takeoff in Louisville, killing 15 people — the three-person crew and 12 others on the ground. CEO Carol Tome said during a fourth-quarter earnings call that the company decided to "accelerate our plans and retire all MD-11 aircraft in our fleet." The Nov. 4 crash resulted when the plane's left engine fell off the wing, leaving the aircraft unable to climb beyond 30 feet before it struck a nearby recycling plant and auto salvage yard.

Vermont auditor finds state missing energy reduction targets

2026-01-27

Vermont's state government is failing to meet its longstanding energy reduction goals, according to a recent audit by State Auditor Doug Hoffer. The Department of Buildings and General Services, which oversees the State Energy Management Program, has not been measuring the state's progress despite a legal requirement to report on it every two years.

California seeks to expedite $10 billion climate spending plan

2026-01-23

Assemblymember David Alvarez, a Democrat from Chula Vista, introduced legislation Thursday to accelerate $10 billion in climate spending California voters approved through Proposition 4. Assembly Bill 35 would exempt the bond funding from review under the Administrative Procedure Act, a regulatory process that has caused lengthy delays in implementing voter-approved infrastructure projects.

California sues Trump administration over pipeline restart

2026-01-23

California sued the Trump administration on Friday for approving Houston-based Sable Offshore Corp.'s plans to restart two oil pipelines along the state's coast, escalating a dispute over federal authority to override state regulation of facilities in California's jurisdictional waters. Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta said the federal administration "has no right to usurp California's regulatory authority." The Trump administration, through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, defended the approval, saying it would bring "much needed American energy to a state with the highest gas prices in the country."

Trump administration cancels solar projects in Puerto Rico as grid falters

2026-01-22

The Trump administration has canceled multimillion-dollar solar projects in Puerto Rico aimed at helping low-income families as the island grapples with chronic power outages and a deteriorating electrical grid. The U.S. Energy Department said the grid cannot reliably accommodate more distributed solar power, a justification that industry officials sharply disputed.

Southeast Asia’s coal demand undermines progress on clean energy

2026-01-21

Rising coal demand across Southeast Asia is outpacing the region’s renewable-energy push, according to the International Energy Agency, complicating efforts to cut emissions tied to global warming. The trends are also raising questions about Indonesia and Vietnam’s 2022 Just Energy Transition Partnerships and about the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s moves to reverse climate policies.

EPA eases pollution rules under Trump; Texas air quality at risk

2026-01-21

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin announced 31 deregulatory actions within President Trump's first 100 days in office, targeting federal pollution standards from methane emissions to the legal framework obligating the EPA to regulate climate-changing pollution. Zeldin called the actions the agency's "greatest day of deregulation." The EPA also froze research grants, shrank its workforce, and removed references to climate change and environmental justice from its websites. Environmental advocates said the moves signal the EPA's new direction will prioritize deregulation over public health protections. Texas, the nation's top oil and gas producer and home to the Dallas, Houston, and Fort Worth metropolitan areas, faces particular exposure to the rollbacks because state environmental officials have shown limited interest in strengthening enforcement as federal standards weaken. Conservation groups fear the changes will bring higher pollution and health risks to communities near industrial sites.

Interior revokes American Prairie's bison grazing permits in Montana

2026-01-20

The U.S. Department of the Interior revoked grazing permits that American Prairie, a conservation nonprofit, had been using to sustain a herd of approximately 900 bison on federal public lands in Phillips County, Montana, the agency announced Friday. The decision concludes a 3.5-year dispute between the nonprofit and Montana's livestock industry, backed by Gov. Greg Gianforte and state officials, over whether bison qualify as production animals under federal law.

Trump's $50 oil promise threatens Texas economy, experts warn

2026-01-20

President Donald Trump's promise to bring oil prices down to $50 a barrel could devastate Texas' oil and gas economy, according to energy analysts and industry leaders. The pledge, which Trump has suggested could be accomplished by flooding the U.S. market with Venezuelan oil, would harm a state that has benefited from sustained drilling activity and higher prices since 2024. Regional economies like the Permian Basin, which depend heavily on oil and gas tax revenue and employment, stand to lose billions if production declines as predicted.

Climate activist says Trump’s renewable stance could raise power bills

2026-01-18

Longtime climate activist Bill McKibben said in Vermont this week that President Donald Trump’s stance against solar and other low-cost green energy will push electricity bills higher and could affect GOP fortunes in the 2026 elections. The Associated Press reported McKibben made the comments after installing a new set of plug-in solar panels on his home, adding to systems he has used for about 25 years.

Federal judge lets Virginia offshore wind resume as other cases lift pauses

2026-01-17

A federal judge ruled Friday that work on a Virginia offshore wind project could resume, the third such decision this week against the Trump administration’s pause on offshore wind leasing. The ruling allows Dominion Energy Virginia’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project to continue while the company’s legal challenge proceeds.

Juez permite seguir Empire Wind mientras evalúa orden de Trump

2026-01-17

Un juez federal permitió el jueves que el proyecto de energía eólica marina Empire Wind en Nueva York reanude la construcción mientras considera una orden del gobierno del presidente Donald Trump para suspenderlo. El fallo, dictado por el juez de distrito Carl J. Nichols, fue una victoria para Equinor, el desarrollador del proyecto.

Supreme Court takes up Bayer appeal to block thousands of Roundup cancer lawsuits

2026-01-16

The Supreme Court agreed Friday to hear an appeal from Bayer, the global agrochemical manufacturer, seeking to block thousands of state court lawsuits that allege the company failed to warn users its Roundup weedkiller could cause cancer. The justices will consider whether the Environmental Protection Agency's approval of Roundup without a cancer warning should preempt those state-court claims.

Trump and governors press PJM on AI-era power shortages and bill spikes

2026-01-16

The Trump administration and a bipartisan group of governors on Friday pressed PJM Interconnection, the operator of the nation’s largest electric grid, to take urgent steps to increase power supply and slow electricity price increases tied to data centers and artificial intelligence. The White House and governors proposed holding a power auction that would let tech companies bid on 15-year contracts for new generation, arguing that data-center operators should bear the cost of meeting their own demand.

Michigan hunters can use mobile app instead of paper kill tags starting March 1

2026-01-16

Michigan hunters will be able to validate kills using the Hunt Fish mobile app starting March 1, after the state's Natural Resources Commission approved optional electronic kill tags on Wednesday. The change applies to deer, bobcat, bear, fisher, marten and otter. Hunters who choose the digital tags will no longer need to display paper kill tags on certain animals.

Norwegian Cruise Line charges Hawaii tourist tax despite court injunction

2026-01-16

Norwegian Cruise Line is collecting Hawaii's 14 percent transient accommodations tax from passengers on its current Hawaii voyages, even though a federal appellate court blocked state officials from collecting those taxes on cruise ships just hours before they were set to take effect on Jan. 1. Passengers aboard Norwegian's Pride of America discovered the charges mid-voyage this week. Don Yonce, a Dallas resident, said an invoice he received during the interisland voyage Sunday included a $1,035 charge in state and county transient accommodations tax, based on the weeklong cost of his family's cabin suite.

Tesla gets five-week extension in federal full self-driving investigation

2026-01-16

Federal auto safety regulators have granted Tesla a five-week extension to respond to a government investigation into its Full Self-Driving software, which has been linked to dozens of reported incidents involving vehicles running red lights, traveling the wrong way on roads and colliding with other vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration set a new response deadline of Feb. 23, extending the original Jan. 19 date, according to the agency.

Virginia judge allows third offshore wind project to resume amid court losses for Trump

2026-01-16

A federal judge in Virginia on Friday granted a preliminary injunction allowing construction to resume on Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind, making it the third East Coast offshore wind project this week to win a court order blocking the Trump administration's 90-day lease suspension. The ruling followed similar orders earlier in the week that cleared Empire Wind off New York and Revolution Wind serving Rhode Island and Connecticut to restart work.

Judge weighs Trump pause on Empire Wind offshore project in NY case

2026-01-15

A federal judge is considering whether to set aside an order from the Trump administration pausing work on the Empire Wind offshore wind farm off New York, the developer said the suspension could end a project that is 60% complete. District Judge Carl J. Nichols, an appointee of President Donald Trump, heard arguments in the case Wednesday and is to issue a decision Thursday, according to the Associated Press.

Detroit auto show reflects EV retreat as Trump policies reshape U.S. market

2026-01-15

DETROIT — Electric vehicles no longer hold a dedicated lane at the North American International Auto Show, where indoor tracks once reserved exclusively for EVs now admit hybrids and gas-powered vehicles — a change organizers say reflects a broader industry shift under President Donald Trump's pro-fossil fuels agenda. U.S. electrified vehicle sales, including plug-in hybrids, grew just 1 percent in 2025, according to data released this week by Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, as China posted 17 percent growth and Europe 33 percent over the same period.

Federal judge clears Empire Wind to resume construction, second court loss for Trump this week

2026-01-15

A federal judge on Thursday cleared New York's Empire Wind offshore wind project to resume construction, handing Norwegian energy company Equinor a victory and dealing the Trump administration its second federal court defeat this week in its effort to halt East Coast offshore wind development. District Judge Carl J. Nichols, a Trump appointee, ruled that construction could proceed while he considers the merits of the government's suspension order. Nichols faulted the administration for failing to respond to key points in Equinor's court filings, including the contention that the administration violated proper procedure when it issued the freeze.

Deep-sea desalination startup claims 40% energy cut using natural ocean pressure

2026-01-15

A Southern California startup is developing technology it says would use the natural pressure of the deep ocean to power seawater desalination, cutting energy consumption by about 40% compared to conventional land-based plants. OceanWell plans to anchor reverse osmosis pods 1,300 feet below the surface of Santa Monica Bay, roughly four miles off the coast, using the ocean's own weight to force seawater through membranes that strip out salt and impurities. The company says its planned Water Farm 1 would produce up to 60 million gallons of drinking water daily while also reducing two environmental harms that have made conventional desalination the subject of years of legal challenges: concentrated brine discharged back into the sea and intake systems that draw in and kill marine life.

Trump-appointed judge sharply questions offshore wind freeze, cites government gaps

2026-01-14

A federal district judge appointed by President Donald Trump sharply questioned the administration's legal justification for pausing construction on a major offshore wind farm near New York on Wednesday, telling government attorneys their court briefs failed to address key procedural challenges raised by the project's developer. District Judge Carl J. Nichols said the government's filing did not even acknowledge the developer's argument that the administration acted arbitrarily, and said he planned to rule Thursday.

House passes Shower ACT to loosen federal showerhead water-efficiency rules

2026-01-14

The Republican-controlled House on Tuesday passed legislation aimed at loosening federal efficiency standards for showerheads, advancing a measure aligned with President Donald Trump’s order to reduce water conservation requirements. The bill, dubbed the Saving Homeowners from Overregulation With Exceptional Rinsing, or Shower ACT, passed 226-197, with 11 Democrats voting for it.

US greenhouse gas emissions rose in 2025, study finds after cold winter

2026-01-14

US greenhouse gas emissions rose 2.4% in 2025 compared with the year before, reversing recent reductions, according to a study released Tuesday by the Rhodium Group. Researchers said a cool winter, higher natural gas prices, and rising electricity demand from data centers and cryptocurrency mining contributed to the increase.

Arizona expands groundwater regulation to western edge of state

2026-01-14

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs announced new groundwater-use rules for the Ranegras Plain Groundwater Basin in the state’s western edge after the state agency determined plummeting water levels are causing land subsidence. The designation, announced Monday during Hobbs’ address to the Legislature, creates a framework for basin management plans and requires water users to track and report usage. Affected users and agribusiness operators say they will challenge the rules as groundwater declines continue.

Judge allows New York offshore wind project to resume construction

2026-01-14

A federal judge on Thursday cleared the way for a New York offshore wind project to resume construction while he reviews the merits of an administration order to pause it. District Judge Carl J. Nichols, an appointee of President Donald Trump, ruled that construction on the Empire Wind project could proceed as he considers the government’s request to suspend the work. Equinor, the developer behind Empire Wind, said it welcomed the decision.

House passes Shower ACT loosening federal showerhead water limits, 226-197

2026-01-13

The Republican-controlled House voted 226-197 on Tuesday to pass legislation loosening federal water efficiency standards for showerheads, with 11 Democrats crossing the aisle to advance a bill that would allow stronger water flow from shower nozzles than current federal rules permit. The measure — formally named the Saving Homeowners from Overregulation With Exceptional Rinsing Act, or Shower ACT — is part of a broader House effort to encode President Donald Trump's executive actions into federal law, according to the Associated Press.

EPA drops health-benefit calculations from air pollution rules under Trump

2026-01-13

The Environmental Protection Agency said Monday it will stop calculating the monetary value of lives saved and health care costs avoided when setting standards for fine particulate matter and ozone, ending a decades-long practice used by administrations of both parties to justify clean-air rules.

EPA proposes limits on state Clean Water Act authority for pipelines and data centers

2026-01-13

The Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday proposed new constraints on states' and Native American tribes' authority to block or impose conditions on pipelines, dams, and other major infrastructure projects through water quality reviews under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. The proposed rule would narrow the scope of those reviews and impose strict deadlines, reversing Biden-era rules that allowed broader environmental evaluation.

Judge says Trump administration illegally targeted clean energy grants

2026-01-13

A federal judge ruled Monday that the Trump administration acted illegally when it canceled $7.6 billion in clean energy grants for projects in states that supported Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in 2024. The decision by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta said the terminations violated the Constitution’s equal protection requirements.

Federal judge orders Revolution Wind construction to resume, rejecting Trump's freeze

2026-01-12

A federal judge ruled Monday that a nearly complete offshore wind project serving Rhode Island and Connecticut can resume construction, dealing the Trump administration a legal setback on the same day President Donald Trump declared the United States "will not approve any windmills." Senior Judge Royce Lamberth of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia said the government failed to explain why it could not take action short of a complete construction halt on Revolution Wind while it considers national security concerns, and did not provide sufficient reasoning for its change in position.

Allegiant Air to acquire Sun Country Airlines in $1.5 billion leisure-travel merger

2026-01-12

LAS VEGAS — Allegiant Air said Monday it will acquire Sun Country Airlines in a cash-and-stock deal valued at about $1.5 billion, including debt, combining two budget U.S. carriers that focus on leisure travel. The merged airline would serve approximately 175 cities across more than 650 routes with a fleet of roughly 195 aircraft, the companies told investors.

Judge rules Trump illegally canceled $7.6 billion in clean energy grants to Democratic states

2026-01-12

A federal judge ruled Monday that the Trump administration acted illegally when it canceled $7.6 billion in clean energy grants for projects exclusively in states that voted for Democrat Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta found the terminations violated the Constitution's equal protection clause, saying the administration offered no legitimate basis for targeting recipients based on their states' electoral preferences. The decision was the second federal court ruling in a single day to halt the administration's rollback of clean energy programs.

California hydrogen gas-blending pilot faces pushback from Orange Cove residents

2026-01-12

Southern California Gas Co. has proposed blending up to 5% hydrogen into the natural gas infrastructure of Orange Cove, a predominantly Latino farming town of roughly 10,000 in California's Central Valley, as part of a state-directed program to test whether existing pipelines can carry cleaner fuel. Residents who oppose the plan say they face health risks they cannot easily avoid and were not given a meaningful role in the decision.

EPA proposes limits on states, tribes under Clean Water Act Section 401

2026-01-12

The Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday proposed limiting how states and federally authorized tribes can use Clean Water Act Section 401 to block or delay major projects over water-quality concerns, including pipelines and some data-center infrastructure. The EPA said the change would add “transparency, efficiency and predictability” to reviews while still allowing states and tribes to protect their environment.

EPA to stop monetizing health benefits in key air pollution rule analyses

2026-01-12

The Environmental Protection Agency said it will stop calculating the dollar value of health care costs avoided and deaths prevented from rules that curb fine particle pollution and ozone. The EPA said it will continue estimating compliance costs for businesses and will keep working on its pollution-rule economic methods, while environmental and public health advocates criticized the change.

New York AG sues Trump administration over freeze on offshore wind

2026-01-11

New York Attorney General Letitia James sued the Trump administration on Friday in federal court in Washington over a decision to halt two major offshore wind projects off Long Island, expected to power more than 1 million homes in the state. James challenged a Dec. 22 order from the U.S. Department of the Interior suspending construction on the Sunrise Wind and Empire Wind projects, saying it was arbitrary and unwarranted.

Trump administration pauses offshore wind as developers challenge order

2026-01-11

A federal judge ruled Monday that work on Revolution Wind, a major offshore wind project for Rhode Island and Connecticut, can resume while courts consider challenges to a Trump administration order that paused multiple offshore wind farms over national security concerns. The decision came as developers including Orsted and Equinor sought to block the freeze in separate court proceedings.

New York attorney general sues Trump administration over offshore wind project freeze

2026-01-10

New York Attorney General Letitia James sued the Trump administration on Friday in federal court in Washington, asking a judge to reverse a Dec. 22 Interior Department order that suspended construction on two offshore wind projects off Long Island expected to power more than 1 million homes. James called the stop-work order — which the Interior Department justified on national security grounds — arbitrary and legally unsupported, noting that the projects had cleared more than a decade of federal, state and local safety and security reviews.

Trump administration approves Nevada's $170M broadband plan after earlier rescission

2026-01-09

Federal officials have approved Nevada's plan to spend approximately $170 million of its nearly $500 million federal broadband award to extend high-speed internet to about 28,000 homes, businesses, and community organizations statewide, Gov. Joe Lombardo announced Thursday. The approval came after the Trump administration rescinded Nevada's original broadband plan in June — weeks before construction was set to begin — under revised federal guidelines that favored satellite internet over fiber-optic technology.

Southern Arizona data centers advance as fights over power, water and rates intensify

2026-01-09

Two large-scale data centers proposed for Southern Arizona moved forward this week after the Marana Town Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to rezone roughly 600 acres for a facility developed by Beale Infrastructure, and Pima County completed a land sale exceeding $27 million for a second Beale project east of Tucson known as Project Blue on Christmas Eve. The back-to-back advances put the region on the verge of hosting its first major data centers — and deepened a conflict over who will bear the costs of powering and cooling them.

GM records $6 billion in charges as EV tax credits expire and emissions rules ease

2026-01-09

General Motors will record approximately $6 billion in charges in the fourth quarter after the U.S. government ended tax incentives for electric vehicle purchases and relaxed auto emissions standards, the Detroit automaker disclosed in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing Thursday. The charges sent GM shares down almost 3% Friday and mark the second consecutive quarter the company has booked significant EV-related write-downs.

Trump pulls U.S. from UN climate framework, experts warn of global damage

2026-01-08

The Trump administration on Wednesday began the process of withdrawing the United States from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the principal body through which nations negotiate, monitor, and enforce agreements to limit global warming. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the move, which also included simultaneous withdrawals from a U.N. climate science panel, a biodiversity initiative, the Green Climate Fund, and several other international environmental collaborations. Climate experts said the action goes further than Trump's earlier withdrawals from the Paris Agreement.

GM to take about $6 billion in charges as EV incentives end

2026-01-08

General Motors said late Thursday it will record about $6 billion in charges in the fourth quarter as U.S. electric-vehicle tax incentives have ended and auto emissions standards have been eased. The charges follow an earlier plan to take a $1.6 billion charge for the same reasons in the previous quarter.

House declines to override Trump vetoes for Colorado water, Miccosukee

2026-01-08

The House on Thursday refused to override President Donald Trump’s vetoes of two bills, leaving the measures to die as Republicans largely chose not to confront him in an election year. The bills involved a Colorado water pipeline project and a provision affecting the Miccosukee Indian Reservation in Florida.

Trump EPA rolls back grant and environmental justice support for water systems

2026-01-08

Scores of U.S. wastewater systems are failing to meet federal pollution limits, but the Trump administration has moved to cut or end some Environmental Protection Agency programs and grants aimed at communities most affected, The Associated Press reported. Advocates say the cuts, including steps tied to diversity, equity and inclusion, could widen health and economic disparities as communities struggle to fund maintenance and upgrades.

Aging sewers threaten health in poor communities as Trump aid is cut

2026-01-08

Poor communities threatened by aging sewer systems face new hurdles as federal grant and loan support promised under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is canceled or targeted for elimination under President Donald Trump’s administration, according to an Associated Press investigation. The reporting centers on Cahokia Heights, Illinois, and other majority-Black areas in Alabama and Georgia where sewage overflows and flooding have damaged homes and exposed residents to untreated waste, while local officials and advocates say help has been reduced.

White House says East Wing demolition was cheaper than saving it

2026-01-08

The White House told a federal review commission on Thursday that it was not feasible to save the East Wing of the White House because of structural problems, decay and water damage, and it said demolition and reconstruction would cost less over time. At a public meeting, officials also outlined preliminary plans for President Donald Trump’s new ballroom, including a projected height that a commissioner said could overwhelm existing buildings.

Offshore wind developers and states sue over Trump's 90-day East Coast lease freeze

2026-01-07

Norwegian energy company Equinor and Danish company Orsted filed civil suits late Tuesday in federal court challenging the Trump administration's Dec. 22 order suspending leases on five East Coast offshore wind projects for at least 90 days. Connecticut and Rhode Island filed a separate request Monday for a preliminary injunction. Dominion Energy Virginia, first to sue, called the order 'arbitrary and capricious' and unconstitutional.

Trump White House rescinds NEPA regulations to speed energy project approvals

2026-01-07

The Trump administration on Wednesday finalized a plan to rescind federal regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act, the 56-year-old law requiring federal agencies to assess a project's environmental impacts before granting approval. The White House Council on Environmental Quality, led by Katherine Scarlett, said the action eliminates bureaucratic delays that have slowed energy and infrastructure projects for years.

Trump begins U.S. exit from UN climate convention, experts warn

2026-01-07

President Donald Trump on Wednesday began the process to withdraw the United States from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, part of the UN’s climate-fighting system, according to experts and treaty specialists. They said the move will leave the U.S. isolated and could damage both American interests and global efforts as the world approaches internationally agreed temperature thresholds.

Franklin, N.C. votes to return ancient Cherokee mound to Eastern Band

2026-01-07

The city council of Franklin, North Carolina, voted unanimously Monday to return the Noquisiyi Mound to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, moving the largest unexcavated earthen mound in the Southeast closer to tribal control after roughly two centuries in outside hands. Noquisiyi — which translates to "star place" — was the center of a Cherokee mother town centuries before the founding of the United States and remains a site of deep spiritual significance to the Cherokee people. The unanimous vote initiates a process in which the tribal council must agree to accept the transfer before title to the property officially changes hands.

San Jose concedes 2030 carbon neutrality goal is off track as emissions inch up

2026-01-07

San Jose's City Council formally acknowledged Dec. 2 that the city is not on track to reach carbon neutrality by 2030, after the city's most recent greenhouse gas inventory found emissions edged up between 2021 and 2023, reversing earlier progress. The council approved the admission as part of an administrative update to Climate Smart San Jose, the city's emissions reduction plan.

Trump freeze sparks lawsuits over offshore wind leases on East Coast

2026-01-06

Offshore wind developers and state officials sued after the Trump administration suspended leases for five offshore wind projects on the East Coast for at least 90 days, setting up a legal fight over national security claims. Equinor and Ørsted filed civil suits in the District of Columbia late Tuesday, and Connecticut and Rhode Island sought a preliminary injunction on Monday for a separate project. The administration said the pause is intended to protect national security and military readiness, but it did not disclose specifics.

White House finalizes plan to curb NEPA environmental reviews for energy

2026-01-06

The Trump administration has finalized a plan to roll back regulations that implement the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, which requires federal agencies to consider environmental impacts before approving energy and infrastructure projects. The White House Council on Environmental Quality on Wednesday rescinded regulations tied to NEPA environmental review, according to the administration.

Court order forces EPA to propose perchlorate limit in drinking water

2026-01-05

The Environmental Protection Agency said Monday it will propose a drinking water limit for perchlorate, a chemical used in rockets, fireworks, and other explosives — but only because a federal appeals court ordered it to act. The agency said it would seek public comment on limits of 20, 40, and 80 parts per billion and require roughly 66,000 water utilities to test for the chemical, while also arguing that the expected cost to utilities would outweigh the public health benefit.

California refinery closures threaten Nevada fuel supply and prices

2026-01-05

Two major California oil refinery closures are raising alarms about fuel shortages and price spikes in Nevada, which depends on the Golden State for roughly 88% of its gas, diesel and jet fuel, energy industry experts and state officials said. Phillips 66 shuttered its Los Angeles-area refinery in October, and Valero has submitted notice of plans to close a Bay Area facility by April 2026. Combined, the two plants produced 284,000 barrels of oil per day — about 17% of California's total refining capacity.

FAA picks RTX and Indra to replace 612 outdated radar systems by summer 2028

2026-01-05

The Federal Aviation Administration selected defense contractor RTX and Spanish firm Indra on Monday to replace 612 radar systems that air traffic controllers rely on nationwide, accelerating a multibillion-dollar effort to retire infrastructure that in some locations still depends on floppy discs and spare parts sourced from eBay. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford announced the contracts, setting a target of completing the radar replacement by summer 2028.

Pipeline safety agency issues record $9.6M fine for 2023 Gulf oil spill

2026-01-05

Federal pipeline safety regulators on Monday issued a record $9.6 million fine against Third Coast Midstream, the Houston-based company whose 2023 pipeline failure spilled 1.1 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico off Louisiana's coast. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration said Third Coast's violations were systemic — including inadequate emergency procedures, insufficient risk assessments, and improper maintenance of the 18-inch Main Pass Oil Gathering pipeline — contributing to a leak that operators allowed to continue for nearly 13 hours before shutting down the line.

South Dakota small farms diversify to capitalize on farm-to-table demand

2026-01-05

Small farms across South Dakota are capitalizing on rising consumer demand for locally grown food by building diversified operations that combine produce sales with agritourism, specialty events, and direct-to-consumer marketing — even as the state's count of USDA-certified organic producers has dropped sharply since 2022. At Bear Butte Gardens near Sturgis, co-owners Michelle and Rick Grosek have developed their 80-acre certified organic farm into a year-round destination since opening in 2010, adding overnight rentals, fiber festivals, cooking classes, and farm tours alongside sales to local grocers and restaurants.

Trump administration orders Colorado coal unit to stay operating

2026-01-03

The Trump administration ordered the owners of Colorado’s Craig Station Unit 1 to keep the coal-fired generator running beyond its Wednesday retirement date, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The order came after Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association said a broken valve had taken the 446-megawatt unit out of operation, and that compliance would require repairs.

Trump administration terminates leases for Washington’s three public golf courses

2026-01-03

The Trump administration has ended a lease agreement for three public golf courses in Washington, offering President Donald Trump a chance to reshape federal land recreation. The National Links Trust, which has run the courses on behalf of the federal government for the past five years, said the Department of the Interior terminated the nonprofit’s 50-year lease after it failed to meet required capital-improvement plans.

Big Tech blocks California data center rules, leaving only a study requirement

2026-01-02

California's 2025 push to regulate data centers' surging electricity demand ended with a single surviving measure: a law directing state utility regulators to publish a report on cost impacts by 2027. Stronger proposals — including a separate electricity rate for data centers, grid battery mandates, and electricity-disclosure requirements — collapsed under pressure from Big Tech, business groups, and Gov. Gavin Newsom. The lone survivor, authored by state Sen. Steve Padilla, D-Chula Vista, began as a plan to shield households and small businesses from higher energy bills by creating a distinct rate structure for data centers. By the time it passed, that core provision had been stripped out.

9th Circuit blocks Hawaii's climate tourist tax on cruise ships

2026-01-01

A federal appeals court blocked enforcement of Hawaii's first-in-the-nation climate change tourist tax on cruise ships on New Year's Eve, halting a levy that had been set to take effect Jan. 1, 2026. Two judges of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted injunctions pending appeal after Cruise Lines International Association challenged the law as an unconstitutional tax on vessels entering Hawaii ports.

Under Trump, reshaped EPA veers from traditional mission

2026-01-01

The Trump administration has reshaped the Environmental Protection Agency in its first year, cutting federal limits on air and water pollution while promoting fossil fuels, according to an Associated Press review. The changes mark a sharp departure from the agency’s long-standing mission to protect human health and the environment.

Trump administration ends leases for DC’s three public golf courses

2026-01-01

President Donald Trump’s administration terminated the 50-year lease that governed three public golf courses on federal land in Washington, offering a new opportunity to reshape the sites in the nation’s capital, according to the National Links Trust and the Department of the Interior.

Trump administration orders Colorado coal plant to keep running past retirement

2026-01-01

The Trump administration has ordered Tri-State Generation and Transmission to keep Unit 1 of its Craig Station coal-fired power plant running beyond its Wednesday retirement date, citing an electricity-generation shortage in the northwestern United States. Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued the emergency order after a broken valve put 446-megawatt Unit 1 out of operation in December, and Tri-State said complying will be costly.

Trump vetoes two bipartisan bills, including Colorado water pipeline

2026-01-01

President Donald Trump issued his first vetoes of his second term on Tuesday, rejecting two low-profile bipartisan bills. He vetoed legislation from Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado on drinking-water pipeline funding and blocked a measure that would have given the Miccosukee Tribe more control of some tribal lands in Florida.

New 2026 state laws include Hawaii climate “green fee” and Trump plates

2025-12-31

With 2026 arriving, a new set of state laws is taking effect that spans climate policy, alcohol enforcement, prescription drug pricing and vehicle licensing. Hawaii plans to raise a tourist lodging tax to fund climate resilience projects, while Utah expands rules intended to keep alcohol out of the hands of people convicted of drunken driving. California, Washington and Georgia are also among the states introducing changes involving insulin pricing, minimum wage increases and specialty license plates.

Michigan loses $540 million in climate grants amid EV pullback

2025-12-30

Michigan saw about $540 million in climate-related federal grants canceled or held up after President Donald Trump took office, according to an analysis compiled by Atlas Public Policy. The shift also corresponds with changes in state and automaker plans for clean-energy manufacturing, including cancelled or delayed electric-vehicle and battery projects, the reporting says.

Some South Dakota tribes embrace visitors as a tourism engine

2025-12-30

Some South Dakota tribal nations are beginning to treat tourism as a source of economic development as the South Dakota Native Tourism Alliance works with reservation leaders and organizations to reshape how visitors engage Native communities. In interviews, South Dakota Native Tourism Alliance officials said outreach has required addressing concerns about exploitation while developing tours that connect visitors with land, culture and history.

South Korea climate pledges face LNG deal tension with Trump push

2025-12-30

South Korea has outlined plans to retire most of its coal-fired power plants by 2040 and cut emissions by 2035, but the country’s climate goals are drawing scrutiny amid negotiations to increase U.S. liquefied natural gas purchases tied to trade talks with President Donald Trump. At recent UN climate talks, South Korea’s new Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment said the shift is central to its carbon-cutting pledge. Climate advocates and energy analysts say adding more LNG could undercut the planned move away from fossil fuels, even if gas burns cleaner than coal.

Dominion Energy sues to block Trump order pausing offshore wind projects

2025-12-29

Dominion Energy Virginia has asked a federal judge to block a Trump administration order that paused construction of its offshore wind project and four others, saying the government acted without proper basis. The order from the Interior Department’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management set a 90-day period to assess national security threats, while a hearing is set for 2 p.m. Monday on Dominion’s request for a temporary restraining order.

California drops lawsuit seeking to reinstate federal high-speed rail funds

2025-12-29

California has dropped a lawsuit that sought to reinstate $4 billion in federal funding for the state’s long-delayed high-speed rail project, according to the California High-Speed Rail Authority. The authority said it will shift to other funding sources after the U.S. Transportation Department cut the money, including the agency’s plan to connect San Francisco and Los Angeles.

DOE watchdog to audit Trump clean energy grant cancellations tied to “Blue States”

2025-12-29

The U.S. Department of Energy’s inspector general will audit clean energy grant cancellations totaling $7.6 billion that the Trump administration terminated across 16 states. The move follows a court filing in which the government said the selection of grants was influenced by whether a grantee’s address was in a state that votes for Democratic candidates. Acting inspector general Sarah Nelson said the review will examine whether the cancellations followed “established criteria.”

Michigan faces $540 million in canceled climate grants as EV plans unwind

2025-12-29

Michigan has lost about $540 million in climate-related federal grants since President Donald Trump took office, according to an Atlas Public Policy database cited by Bridge Michigan. The cancellations come as auto and battery manufacturers have scaled back or halted some electric-vehicle projects and shifted investment toward gas and hybrid production.

New laws levy climate tax and sell Trump-themed license plates

2025-12-29

As 2026 begins, several U.S. states will roll out new laws that include a Hawaii tourism “Green Fee” aimed at climate impacts and a California program to sell state-labeled insulin. Other changes taking effect range from tighter Utah alcohol-identification requirements for bar and restaurant customers to new vehicle license plates in Georgia that feature “America First.”

EV ownership still pays off long-term despite end of federal tax credits, experts say

2025-07-03

Congress has eliminated federal tax incentives for electric vehicles, ending a $7,500 credit on new EVs and up to $4,000 on used ones before a Sept. 30 deadline for qualifying purchases. Even without the credits, transportation researchers and consumer advocates say electric vehicles remain financially and environmentally superior over the life of the car for buyers who can afford the higher sticker price.