Environment

This February 2021 photo released by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife shows a protected gray wolf near Yosemite, Calif.

Biden administration restores threatened species protections dropped by Trump

4:16pm March 28, 2024

by The Associated Press

Among the changes, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will reinstate a decades-old regulation that mandates blanket protections for species newly classified as threatened.

The country's two biggest reservoirs are on the Colorado River. Water levels at Lake Powell have dropped steeply during the two-decade megadrought.

The Colorado River rarely reaches the sea. Here's why

3:41pm March 28, 2024

by Nathan Rott

More than half of the Colorado River's water is used to grow crops, primarily livestock feed, a new study finds. The river and its users are facing tough decisions as the climate warms.

The coal power plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming, owned by Rocky Mountain Power, is scheduled to be decommissioned next year.

Why a town on the front line of America's energy transition isn't letting go of coal

6:07am March 28, 2024

by Kirk Siegler

Kemmerer, Wyo., is on the front line of America's energy transition, with its coal plant slated to close and a nuclear plant in the works. But some think the rush to quit fossil fuels is impractical.

French bulldogs have skyrocketed in popularity. Legislation being considered in New Hampshire could put rules on breeding ones with chronic breathing problems.

Environment

Bulldogs are prone to health problems. New Hampshire could limit their breeding

6:53pm March 27, 2024

by Lauren Sommer

French bulldogs have soared in popularity, but they and other short-nosed dogs often have serious health problems. New Hampshire could be the first state to put health restrictions on breeders.

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Environment

Some states want to keep these pretty pear trees from blossoming

7:59am March 24, 2024

by Ayesha Rascoe

Bradford pears are blooming all over parts of America: pretty, but a problem! NPR's Ayesha Rascoe talks with master gardener Jessica Damiano about the trees.

Warehouse workers often labor in extremely hot conditions in California, as do many others whose workplaces are indoors. The state has been considering new rules protecting them when temperatures soar to dangerous levels, but political headwinds have left the rules in limbo.

California wants to protect indoor workers from heat. That goal is now in limbo

10:46am March 23, 2024

by Alejandra Borunda

The state was on the cusp of making new rules to protect people who work in places like warehouses from dangerous heat. A last-minute shake-up leaves workers wondering if they'll be safe come summer.

Environment

A college gardening group is bringing native plants back and 'rewilding' New Jersey

10:42am March 23, 2024

by Buffy Gorrilla

College campuses around the country are returning to their roots, replacing lawns and shrubs with native plants. Students at The College of New Jersey joined the movement with a planting day.

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Fire crosses a road in the Smokehouse Creek fire in February in the Texas panhandle.

A warm, dry spring has U.S. forecasters worried about the upcoming wildfire season

5:19pm March 21, 2024

by Michael Copley

States in the southern High Plains will be "quite vulnerable to high wildfire risk, especially during high wind events," said Jon Gottschalck of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

New vehicle emission rules are meant to quicken the change to electric vehicles

7:26am March 21, 2024

The EPA has finalized new vehicle emissions standards to dramatically speed up adoption of electric vehicles over the next decade. It's part of the White House effort to fight climate change.

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Morning news brief

5:13am March 21, 2024

EPA finalizes strict new limits on tailpipe emissions. Alabama's governor signs ban on DEI funds that restricts divisive concepts in schools. Reddit premieres on the New York Stock Exchange Thursday.