Environment

Why the United States undercounts climate-driven deaths

A number of limitations prevent health departments from identifying an accurate climate-related death count. Experts say the lack of robust data coverage could hamper state and local governments' ability to implement preventative measures.

‘How’s the air?’ Using AI to track coal train dust

Using artificial intelligence, researchers are tracking how en route trains affect air quality. The data could help improve environmental policy in urban areas hit hardest by poor air quality.

Water conservation model built on the Rio Grande may be a template for rest of US

Sen. Martin Heinrich hopes to add a nationwide groundwater conservation program to the Farm Bill.

A need for green: Cities look to trees to improve health, climate justice

Cities and nonprofits are turning to trees as a possible solution to incoming climate crises and public health disparities.

Montana kids win historic climate lawsuit—here’s why it could set a powerful precedent

COMMENTARY | This result sets a groundbreaking precedent for climate litigation and demonstrates a new way in which green amendments can be invoked to elicit environmental change.

Louisiana breaks ground on experimental project to rebuild lost wetlands

The Mid-Barataria Diversion Project is a cornerstone of a $50 billion effort to save the state’s eroding coast.

Most cities' climate plans don’t plan for a green workforce, report says

As cities look to meet ambitious climate goals, many are missing key details in their plans to build the workforce they will need.

Early detection helps states control invasive species before it’s too late

By leveraging innovative detection and monitoring tools, state and local land managers can get ahead of the environmental and fiscal consequences of the aggressive spread of non-native plants.

Feds announce funds for renewable energy facility planning

State and local governments can apply for funds to support the complex decision-making processes around large-scale renewable energy planning, siting and permitting.

As EPA cracks down on ‘forever chemicals,’ cities worry about the price tag

In addition to the billions of dollars it will take to keep PFAS out of drinking water, water utilities could be on the hook for even more if a federal law isn’t changed.

Biden’s EV charger rollout has begun. Will it deliver on environmental justice?

States are supposed to build EV charging stations while making sure their benefits reach disadvantaged communities. They’re off to a shaky start.

State AGs at odds over proposed EPA tailpipe emissions rules

Republican attorneys general say they are impractical and illegal. Democratic AGs applaud the proposals, but say they don’t go far enough.

Outdated flood data could drown out actual infrastructure needs

Historical data fails to capture current flooding conditions, which could steer communities in the wrong direction when trying to plan and recover from weather events.

Air taxis are taking off. Cities should start planning now.

A new report can help cities weigh safety, access and equity considerations when deciding where to locate air taxi hubs.

Preparing for a Future of Supercharged Storms

COMMENTARY | Thanks to the infrastructure law, community-driven resilience projects in Black and Brown neighborhoods that have been hit hard by past storms are finally being funded. It is essential that government leaders continue to prioritize these frontline areas.

How NYC Officials Failed to Prepare for an Air Quality Crisis

"It’s been a lackluster, underwhelming, frankly problematic response."

Is Generative AI Bad for the Environment?

COMMENTARY | A computer scientist explains the carbon footprint of ChatGPT and its cousins.

Las Vegas Needs to Save Water. It Won’t Find It in Lawns.

Drought-plagued Nevada pledged to do away with 3,900 acres of grass in the Las Vegas area within six years, but a ProPublica analysis found that the state grossly overestimated how much of that grass would likely be removed.

With $9B in Transportation Funding, Minnesota Looks to Meet Climate Goals

The law is dedicated to improving roads, but requires that all highway expansion projects meet the state’s goal of driving down greenhouse gas emissions.