Bill to strengthen pesticide protections offers farm bill “wish list”
By Shannon Kelleher
Advocates are cheering US Senator Cory Booker’s recent move to reintroduce a bill that would strengthen legal protections against dangerous pesticides used in agriculture. However, the bill may face a steep uphill journey towards being signed into law.
Floating solar gaining popularity as unconventional US energy source
By Grace van Deelen
For the small, working-class community of Cohoes, New York, climate change and costly energy prices are posing increasing concerns, just as they are for cities and towns across the country.
More evidence linking air pollution to mental health problems, study finds
By Shannon Kelleher
Long-term exposure to a cocktail of common air pollutants, even at low levels, is associated with increased risk for depression and anxiety, according to a new study published this week.
Postcard from California: The Mojave Desert should not be a solar sacrifice zone
The Mojave Desert is a national treasure: a crucial habitat for thousands of indicator species, including the bighorn sheep and desert tortoises that are supposed to be protected under federal law, and the fantastical Joshua tree, found almost nowhere else on earth.
EPA failing to regulate water pollution from oil refineries, says new report
Millions of gallons of unregulated wastewater generated at oil refineries are flowing into US waterways every day, a regulatory failure endangering public health, according to a report released Thursday.
New life for fishing gear aims to help address ocean plastic pollution
By Lena Beck
On the shores of southwest Washington state, little pieces of thick yellow rope sometimes wash ashore among tangles of seaweed and broken shells.
US politics complicates bid to protect nature
By Shannon Kelleher
It’s been a month since the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) ended with a historic international agreement aimed at expanding efforts to protect and preserve land, water and ecosystems around the globe.
Updated approach to regulating chemicals is “urgently needed,” say scientists
By Grace van Deelen
The US regulatory system for chemicals is not adequately protecting human health, and an overhaul is urgently needed, according to recommendations made this week by a group of environmental and health scientists.
Report finds “vicious cycle” between pesticide dependence and climate change
By Shannon Kelleher
Pesticide use is a significant factor in harmful climate change, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions in multiple ways, according to a report issued this week.
New US research finds “worrying” evidence linking Monsanto weedkiller to cancer
By Carey Gillam
New research by top US government scientists has found that people exposed to the widely used weed killing chemical glyphosate have biomarkers in their urine linked to the development of cancer and other diseases.