Author Archive
Alex Brown
Infrastructure
Offshore Wind in the Midwest? Some Great Lakes Leaders Think So.
The lakes have massive energy potential, but harnessing it will be a big challenge.
Public Safety
With Fire Departments Struggling for Volunteers, States Respond to the Alarm
More than 80% of U.S. fire departments are composed mostly of volunteers.
Finance
'Green Banks,' Poised for Billions in Climate Funds, Draw States' Attention
These banks provide financing for projects from efficient appliances to solar panels.
Health & Human Services
States Take on PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ With Bans, Lawsuits
Rising awareness has prompted action in more than two dozen states.
Health & Human Services
Public Health Agencies Lack Money to Combat Climate Threats
A study says climate change has worsened 58% of known infectious diseases.
Infrastructure
Cities Support Community Land Trusts to Protect Affordable Housing
Nonprofits aim to prevent developers from scooping up properties.
Public Safety
Private Lands Are the Next Battleground in State Conservation Policy
Conserving 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030 depends on private landowners.
Finance
Baseball Players Press Lawmakers for Minor League Labor Standards
“Every politician says they love baseball,” said Iowa state House candidate J.D. Scholten, a former minor league pitcher.
Finance
States Grapple With Allowing High School Athlete Endorsements
“This is not going to go away, so how do we find a way to uphold the core values of education-based athletic?"
Infrastructure
Seaweed Farming Has Vast Potential (But Good Luck Getting a Permit)
Most coastal states have little experience with ocean farms and some are trying to ease the permitting process.
Health & Human Services
Natural Gas Bans Are New Front in Effort to Curb Emissions
“We can’t stay here forever in a fossil fuel world.”
Featured eBooks
Health & Human Services
Booster Mandates Are a Tough Call for States, Businesses
New Mexico is the first and only state to require boosters for its employees.
Infrastructure
Salmon to Swim Free as Infrastructure Money Flows
The Biden infrastructure law includes $1B to remove fish barriers in several states.
Infrastructure
Coastal States Seek to Limit Seawall Construction
Hard structures can hurt marine life and accelerate erosion elsewhere.
Health & Human Services
OSHA to States: Protect Workers from Covid-19 or Forfeit Authority
The federal government put states on notice ahead of the vaccine mandate, saying it will take any defiance seriously.
Public Safety
Drought-Stricken Western Towns Say No to Developers
“We need to protect the people who live here before we let more people come in.”
Health & Human Services
States Embrace Vaccine Mandates Despite Potential Worker Exodus
“No one’s in panic mode here.”
Management
New Environmental Justice Measures Might Revive Cap-and-Trade
In Washington, the passage of a bill that places a cap on carbon emissions and charges polluters for contributing to climate change comes as support for such policies wanes. How the law plays out could could have implications for national climate policy.
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