Environmental Protection Agency
Black neighborhoods at risk as EPA cuts key climate rule
Black communities brace for fallout after Trump revokes core safeguard that outlined pollution’s impact on nature and humans.
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Food
At an Iowa pork plant, piles of dead pigs and wafting sulphur dioxide
When climate technology breaks down, the results can be deadly.
Inflation Reduction Act
‘Farming in the dark’: How Rollins’ USDA is endangering American agriculture
In her first six months, Donald Trump’s second agriculture secretary has altered the course of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She says prosperity is ‘just around the corner.’ But staffing cuts and restricted research could have long-lasting impacts.
Inflation Reduction Act
Floods are swallowing their village. But for them and others, the EPA has cut the lifeline.
The Trump administration has pulled more than $2.7 billion in climate grants, hitting vulnerable communities the hardest.
Sustainable Building
US warming up to geothermal: ‘It’s hot everywhere underground’
But even at one of the largest US geothermal projects, located near Austin, Texas, the upfront cost can be a barrier, making it ‘a tough sale.’
Gulf Coast
$80 million, few rules: Louisiana’s energy efficiency ‘slush fund’
One of the least energy efficient states allows elected commissioners to use ratepayer money for ‘patronage’ projects — with little oversight
Gulf Coast
Tulane scientist resigns, citing ‘gag order’ on environmental justice research
Emails show a racial disparities study angered elected Louisiana officials and potential donors to a $600 million university-led redevelopment project
Data Centers
Data centers are building their own gas power plants in Texas
Not so long ago, developers of the massive server farms talked about powering them with wind and solar power. But now, with the coming of power-hungry AI platforms, they’re bypassing the grid, building their own gas-fired power plants on site.
Sustainable Building
California board hits pause on plan to phase out gas appliances
A coalition that includes SoCalGas had launched a fierce campaign against a proposed transition from gas-fired furnaces and water heaters
Renewables
Support for renewables shrinks as fossil fuel interest grows
Observers blame ‘culture wars’ while Republican consultant says messaging must emphasize economic, not environmental, benefits
Gulf Coast
How Big Oil is ruining a small ‘slice of heaven’ town in Texas
Export terminals shipping nearly half of U.S. crude oil have formed around Ingleside on the Bay, turning the coastal town into an unlikely ‘fenceline’ community.
Sustainable Building
The gas lobby is weakening Southern California’s boldest clean-air plan in decades
A coalition that includes SoCalGas has launched a fierce campaign against a transition away from gas-fired furnaces and water heaters
Sustainable Building
This little-known ‘dark roof’ lobby may be making your city hotter
As cities heat up, reflective roofs could lower energy bills and help the climate. But dark roofing manufacturers are waging a quiet campaign to block new rules.
Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental groups sue over Louisiana’s ban on community air monitoring
Meanwhile, a state task force’s call for beefed up air monitoring in areas affected by industrial pollution appears to be falling on deaf ears.
Inflation Reduction Act
Trump’s USDA resurrects one climate grant program, kills another
Many farmers who spent big on solar are finally getting reimbursed. But another climate program for agriculture is headed for the morgue.
Renewables
Redlining shaped the power grid. Communities of color are still paying the price.
The clean energy transition is moving forward, but the legacy of segregation leaves many urban neighborhoods locked out.