February 13, 2025
by Conor Winters
Fossil Fuels
Litigation
Though the Supreme Court turned down an opportunity to decide whether state-level climate change lawsuits are preempted by federal law, the justices’ significant and recurring interest in the underlying question as well as the magnitude of what’s at stake for defendants make it likely that the question will return to the Court in the coming years.
February 11, 2025
by Nicholas Alois
Climate change
State and Local
New York has made it a mission to reduce its state’s negative climate impact. However, in working toward this goal, many resent the change associated with new climate initiatives – particularly those impacting their wallets.
February 6, 2025
by Carly Tolin
Air
State and Local
California’s inmate-firefighters save the state millions of dollars battling wildfires, but face low pay and enhanced risks. Reforms for fair wages, safer conditions, and better pathways for post-release job opportunities are long overdue.
January 31, 2025
by Alimatou Nyass
Legislation
Natural Resources
State and Local
Different levels of government can use legislation to support tree restoration efforts. The ability of trees to combat different environmental harms underscores the importance of legislatively backed initiatives.
January 30, 2025
by Agnes Enochs
Climate change
Federal Rollbacks
Renewable Energy
Trump spent his first day in office issuing a series of executive orders reversing the Biden administration’s policies on climate change and energy. As Trump retreats from global climate cooperation, is the U.S. falling out of step with the rest of the world?
January 23, 2025
by Matthew Grabianski
Climate change
As climate change worsens, so does its toll on Americans’ wallets.
January 22, 2025
by Isaac Worsham
Climate change
State and Local
Sustainability
Current attempts to address the desiccation of the Great Salt Lake are inadequate and will result in enormous environmental harm—putting more than 2.5 million Utahns in danger.
January 14, 2025
by Anthony Choi
State and Local
Sustainability
Wildlife
In Washington, Native Tribes fought for decades in court for their treaty right to fish. Their efforts have greatly impacted how salmon are managed in the state today.
January 12, 2025
by Olivia Sullivan
Regulations
Water
A Biden-Harris Administration EPA rule recently went into effect that will help to remove lead from drinking water. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require water systems to replace lead pipes across the country, and this huge public works project is backed by over $2.6 billion in infrastructure funding.
December 5, 2024
by Lexi Amos
Endangered Species
Forests
After seven years of petitioning, giraffes will likely receive endangered species protections under the ESA. But is this approach adequate to save the thousands of species in peril?
