Pollution

A new study by economists from West Virginia University (WVU) has found hot spots of harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) “forever chemicals” in United States public water systems, including in higher-income, densely populated areas, as well as those that use groundwater. At least four PFAS contamination hot spots were identified in the eastern U.S. […]

It’s almost the Fourth of July in the United States, which for many people means barbeques and fireworks. The long-standing American tradition of colorful pyrotechnic displays may be fun to watch, but they release harmful particulate matter into the air. The loud noises also frighten wildlife; interfere with feeding, breeding and migratory patterns; and can […]

The Supreme Court of the United States has overturned a 40-year ruling — Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council — that instructed lower courts to give deference to federal agencies when federal laws are seen as ambiguous. The decision means agencies will have a harder time regulating the environment, workplace safety, public health and other […]

A new study has confirmed that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS or forever chemicals, are absorbed through human skin. Additionally, researchers found that these chemicals are being absorbed through the skin at higher levels than previously thought. The research, published in the journal Environment International, set out to investigate the dermal absorption […]

The United States Supreme Court has put a temporary hold on enforcement of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s “Good Neighbor” plan that aims to reduce the drifting of dangerous air pollution from power plants and factories in states in the West and Midwest into those in the East. The 5-4 decision of the Court […]

The National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) investigation has determined that the venting and burning of tank cars of the derailed train in East Palestine, Ohio was not necessary, and that the decision to burn was made under incomplete and misleading information from Norfolk Southern, operator of the train. Last year, NTSB held an investigative hearing […]

Residents of California now have access to up to $14,000 in new incentives for electric vehicle purchases and charging access, perks that could help more people afford to swap older, higher tailpipe emissions vehicles for much cleaner options. The California Air Resources Board is rolling out a new Driving Clean Assistance Program that offers incentives […]

A new report by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) — Making Plastic Polluters Pay: How Cities and States Can Recoup the Rising Costs of Plastic Pollution — examines the economic and financial impacts of the plastics crisis on governments and how they can seek legal remedies. The report also documents the growing burdens […]