Uncategorized Archives

Hawai‘i Vows to Go 100 Percent Renewable by 2045

The most oil-dependent state in the nation sets an ambitious goal to shift completely to solar, wind and other renewable energy by mid-century.

EPA Forced to Close Dangerous Loopholes in Clean Air Protections

Two lawsuits led by Earthjustice mandated that the EPA stop letting industrial polluters off the hook for pollution when facilities are starting up, shutting down or experiencing “malfunctions.”

Global Hunger for Coal Endangers the Great Barrier Reef

Fish and coral in the Great Barrier Reef

Australia’s planned expansion of coal mining and export terminals near the Great Barrier Reef threatens this iconic World Heritage site, and the World Heritage Committee must step up to protect it.

Clean Power Plan Affects Black Quality of Life

The Clean Power Plan—a component of the latest update to the Clean Air Act, which began in the 1950s—requires states to reduce their coal power plants’ emissions by 30 percent of 2005 levels, over the next five years.

Blacks, Latinos and Native Americans disproportionately suffer the effects of air pollution caused by outdated methods of energy production like coal power plants.

Council Creates a Coastal Safe Haven for Atlantic Deep-Sea Corals

A Paramuricea coral in Nygren Canyon which 165 nautical miles southeast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has voted to create the largest marine protected area on the East Coast, providing critical shelter for fragile coral ecosystems.

Officials in California’s San Joaquin Valley Fail to Protect Kids from Air Pollution

A smoggy day in California's Central Valley in January, 2015.

The South Coast air district used updated risk data to better protect children from toxic air pollutants, while the San Joaquin Valley air district used that same data to double the acceptable cancer risk threshold for industry.

To Save the Whales, You Must First Save the Sardines

A humpback whale feeding in Monterey Bay, California.

Sardines are in need of protections like those the menhaden, a similar species, received after their population reached the verge of collapse.

Climate Change Leaves Fish and Crabs Gasping for Breath

A variety of seabream fish swimming in the Mediterranean.

Rising water temperatures and falling oxygen levels are forcing Atlantic cod, rock crab and other species to make for the North and South Poles, stressing the ocean food chain to the breaking point.

Senator Cardin Paves the Way for Cleaner Water

Senator Cardin (D-MD) speaks in front of the White House.

Today Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) introduced the FRESHER Act, legislation that would close the loophole in the Clean Water Act that endangers water quality near oil and gas operations.