ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Mar 13 2025ENVIRONMENT

EPA Takes Aim at Climate Change Regulations

The EPA has decided to rethink a big decision from over a decade ago. Back in 2009, they declared that greenhouse gases pose a serious threat to public health. This move is part of a larger plan to change or get rid of many environmental rules. The EPA is looking at rules about pollution from coal plants, electric vehicles, and even how we define protected waterways....

reading time about 1 minute
Mar 13 2025ENVIRONMENT

Green Energy Grants in Limbo

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently made a surprising move. They decided to cancel $20 billion in grants. These grants were meant for climate and clean energy programs. The money was supposed to be used by eight different nonprofit organizations. They were chosen through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. This fund got $27 billion from Congress. The mo...

reading time about 1 minute
Feb 28 2025ENVIRONMENT

Farmers' Eco-Friendly Pest Control

Farmers today face a big challenge. They need to keep pests away from their crops while also protecting the environment and their communities. There's no easy way out. They can't just spray chemicals whenever they want. So, they are getting creative and using technology to stay ahead of the game. They are using drones to scout their fields for trouble. Sensors help t...

reading time about 3 minutes
Feb 27 2025ENVIRONMENT

What Happens If We Lose Our Environmental Guardians?

Imagine if the people in charge of keeping our planet healthy suddenly had to do their job with way fewer helpers. This isn't just a hypothetical scenario; it's a real possibility that could greatly impact our environment and health. The job of these environmental guardians is enormous. They need many people to watch over pollution, enforce rules, and safeguard natu...

reading time about 1 minute
Feb 26 2025ENVIRONMENT

Making Nature Safe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Protecting our environment and keeping biodiversity alive is a big job. The problem is, rules for protection are often too vague. They need to be made more specific to be useful. This guide is all about making those rules work better. It starts by looking at the benefits we get from nature, like clean air and water. These are called ecosystem services. Then,...

reading time about 1 minute
Feb 23 2025ENVIRONMENT

Guardians of the Steppe: Mongolia's Environmental Frontline

Mongolia's expansive steppes are under threat from more than just illegal hunting and air pollution. Dangerous chemicals, trash, and the illegal trade of rare animal parts are wreaking havoc on the environment. Customs officers are on the front lines, but they're not equipped with the right tools or training to tackle these issues effectively. These officers are the...

reading time about 1 minute
Feb 19 2025ENVIRONMENT

Minnesota's Wildlife: How Green is the North Star State?

Minnesota, famous for its chilly winters and sports teams that often fall short in the big games, is also known for its vast wildlife. But how well does the state protect its natural inhabitants? A recent study has some surprising answers. The study, which looked at factors like government and community support, legal protection, and ecosystem status, ranked all 50 ...

reading time about 1 minute
Feb 14 2025POLITICS

Back to the Office: EPA's Big Shift

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made a significant change to its work arrangements. Employees who have been working remotely or from home have been given a deadline to return to the office. This decision affects a large number of workers, as the EPA has been known for its flexible work policies. The EPA sent out a mass email to its staff, annou...

reading time about 1 minute
Feb 06 2025POLITICS

Realism over Ideals: The Path for Scientific Progress

In recent times, the federal government is expected to move towards a pragmatic approach in handling scientific matters. This shift aims to restore public confidence in government policies, which are rooted in science. The trust in government, especially science-based directives, has plummeted and has made people wary of the regulators. The current administration is ...

reading time about 1 minute
Feb 04 2025ENVIRONMENT

The 30-Year Journey of Mysid Toxicity Testing

A small marine creature, the mysid (Americamysis bahia), is used to test the long-term harm of pesticides. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US requires these tests for pesticide registration. The current testing guidelines, which were last updated in 1996, have some issues. With the help of over 30 years of data, researchers have found areas for impro...

reading time about 1 minute