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.

Finance

'Green Banks,' Poised for Billions in Climate Funds, Draw States' Attention

These banks provide financing for projects from efficient appliances to solar panels.

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

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.”

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.