Author Archive
Alex Brown
Infrastructure
Locals Worry Wind and Solar Will Gobble Up Forests and Farms
Some locals have argued that the project, which began operation in 2012, harms wildlife corridors and watersheds. Others have said it’s essential for providing clean energy and fighting climate change.
Management
Timber, Condos, Glamping? States Debate Land Use to Fund Schools
Some states are getting into the development business.
Health & Human Services
States Are Growing Fewer Trees. Forest Owners Say That’s a Problem.
Washington produces about 8 million seedlings a year for reforestation on state and private lands, but many other states have closed nurseries or cut production in recent years, leaving small forest owners without a crucial supply of trees.
Management
Huge Winter Storm Gas Bills Push Cities to the Brink
The freezing temperatures that lingered over much of the country last month led to astronomical natural gas prices and put some cities on the verge of bankruptcy.
Management
A Bipartisan Push Could Change State Wildlife Protection
A bill in Congress would direct nearly $1.4 billion annually to state and tribal wildlife agencies to protect overlooked species.
Health & Human Services
Tenants Struggle Amid Patchwork of State Rental Relief Efforts
Whether billions of dollars in aid will help save renters depends on how effectively states distribute the money.
Management
Environmentalists Make Long-Shot Attempt to Ban New Factory Farms
It’s becoming clear that some lawmakers no longer see factory farming as a nuisance, but an emergency, as the industry's operations degrade water quality and cause other problems.
Health & Human Services
‘Tidal Wave’ of Evictions, Utility Shutoffs Tests Lawmakers
Few states have established a safety net to help millions of Americans handle accumulating debt from rent and utility bills that have piled up during the pandemic.
Management
Many States Resist Adapting Worker Safety Rules to Pandemic
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued no new rules during the pandemic. And states with their own workplace safety agencies lack a strong benchmark to follow.
Public Safety
Many State Capitols Have Security Holes
“We're deeply concerned for what's likely to come in the coming months in state capitols."
Management
Landmark Climate Policy Faces Growing Claims of Environmental Racism
Concerns about California’s cap-and-trade program derailed a likely EPA chief.
Featured eBooks
Management
The Pandemic Created New Hunters. States Need to Keep Them.
“If we let them go next year, they're not going to be coming back.”
Management
Once-Ignored Promises to Tribes Could Change the Environmental Landscape
The U.S. has largely ignored nearly 400 treaties with Native tribes.
Management
State Climate Action Unlikely After Democrats Fail to Flip Statehouses
After Democratic gains failed to materialize, the prospects of sweeping climate action—at least at the state level—have dimmed.
Health & Human Services
Emissions Exposure May Increase Covid-19 Mortality
"The burden of pollution is not equally shared."
Management
Rising Waters Threaten Great Lakes Communities
“You have built in a place that’s naturally giving into the lake.”
Management
California May Need More Fire to Fix its Wildfire Problem
The longstanding default position of suppressing every fire has created problems throughout the West.
Management
Struggling Farmers Work With Overwhelmed Food Banks to Stay Afloat
The pandemic is showing the need for strong local agriculture.
Management
The Pandemic Has Closed Public Restrooms, and Many Have Nowhere to Go
Sales of urine funnels and external catheters are soaring.
Management