In new White House security agenda, climate change is not a threat

Dec 18, 2017
One noticeable different between this White House agenda for national security, and that of the previous two administrations? This one includes zero mention of climate change as a national security threat. That may not mean funding cuts for defense or other programs that deal with climate change. But it does mean the White House is […]

Congress faces a deluge in fixing flood insurance

Dec 15, 2017
The National Flood Insurance Program is set to expire on Dec. 22, in a year that's seen more than $100 billion in estimated damages.
A man walks through a flooded street as Hurricane Matthew passes through St. Augustine, Florida, on Oc. 7, 2016. The storm caused flooding in Virginia also.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

EPA head Scott Pruitt to face first congressional hearing. What's his grade so far?

Dec 7, 2017
Environmental Protection Agnecy head Scott Pruitt is scheduled to testify before Congress today. ((Thurs)) The oversight hearing before the House Energy and Commerce Committee will focus on how he’s managed the agency since taking the reins. Questions will come from Republicans and Democrats. What’s he likely to face?  Click the audio player above to hear […]

In Nebraska, historic shelterbelts are making way for more crops

Nov 28, 2017
The strips of trees once protected farmers from Dust Bowl storms. Reporter Carson Vaughan wrote about them.
A view of the plains in Sidney, Nebraska.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

For oil giant Shell, service station means electric cars, too

Nov 27, 2017
Running cars on something other than gas stands to greatly reduce the world’s need for oil. That has energy company Shell moving into the electric vehicle charging business. On top of last month’s purchase of major European electric vehicle charging network NewMotion, it’s got a new partnership to put high speed EV chargers in dozens […]

How the Jones Act complicates offshore wind power

Nov 23, 2017
Specialized European ships are designed specifically to install wind turbines out in the ocean, but they can’t dock in any U.S. waters to get the parts for the turbines. That’s due to the Jones Act, and it makes installing offshore wind power more expensive for the foreseeable future. Click the audio player above to hear […]

"The public has a right to know": Fracking companies don't have to disclose chemicals linked to health concerns

Nov 15, 2017
With drilling and fracking, the ingredients that make up the chemicals used to obtain oil and gas are legally allowed to be kept confidential.
A natural gas drill at a hydraulic fracturing site on in Springville, Pennsylvania, in 2012.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

U.S. officials tout cleaner fossil fuels, nuclear power at international talks

Nov 14, 2017
At the United Nations climate talks in Germany, White House officials are talking about plans to make fossil fuels cleaner or more efficient, and to expand nuclear power, as approaches to reducing emissions. While the rest of the world may be more into discussing renewable energy, the focus of the current U.S. delegation would reduce […]

Island nations prepare for a looming future without land

Nov 14, 2017
Kiribati has been identified as the first country that will disappear as a result of climate change.
Tarawa atoll, capital of the archipelago nation of Kiribati, in 2001. The islands are expected to be mostly submerged within 100 years.
Torsten Blackwood/AFP/Getty Images

New leaders want to add their states to carbon trading program

Nov 9, 2017
As the United Nations climate change talks continue in Germany, the U.S. could see an increase in commitments to the cause — from states, not federal programs. The governors-elect of Virginia and New Jersey want to add their states to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. The cap-and-trade program includes nine states already, and the addition […]