Our 2021 Annual Report: Environment, health, science & impact

An update from the front lines of climate change and environmental health

What a time of change and growth!

We are pleased to share Environmental Health Sciences' 2021 Annual Report, highlighting the many activities we undertook last year that set EHS up for a strong 2022.


Download our annual report here:

EHS-2021-Annual-Report.pdf

Environmental impact

Agriculture and environmental health

2021 was a year of excitement and challenge for our small nonprofit.

  1. We launched EHN en Español,
  2. Doubled down on our commitment to the groundbreaking early career science program Agents of Change, and
  3. Saw significant gains on both the toxics and climate fronts.

And we watched readers – like you! – get engaged in ways that continually surprised us.

Our work continues

PFAS in cosmetics

In just the first three months this year EHS staff has been a hive of activity:

  • Partnered with wellness community Mamavation.com to investigate PFAS contamination in sports bras, cosmetics and other products.
  • Driven a global campaign around groundbreaking BPA limits in Europe – and why the same scientific standards should be applied in the U.S.
  • Published 10 Agents of Change essays & podcasts exploring everything from new pathways into science to workplace chemical exposures.

Take a look at the work EHS did last year and be proud that you, as a reader, are moving it forward.

We certainly are grateful to you!

PS: Just today we published a look at impacts one year after publishing "Fractured," our groundbreaking investigation into spillover pollution from fracking fields in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Check it out!

Banner photo art by David Ryder for EHN.org

Coal fired power plant with two red/white smokestacks rising above a huge pile of coal, awaiting burning

Trump announces $700 million in funds meant to boost coal industry

The president announced a total of $700 million in federal money to reinvigorate the domestic coal industry, which has been in decline for decades.
Solar panels in foreground with wind turbines and a setting (or rising) sun in background

California and New York weaken climate rules as red states ramp up green energy

Republican-led states growing renewable capabilities at faster rate as Texas emerges as clean-energy leader.

illustration of large rechargeable lithium-ion battery energy storage stationary for renewable electric power station generation.
Credit: petovarga/BigStock Photo ID: 357758258

Why North Carolina’s electric co-ops are turning to grid batteries

From the suburbs to the barrier islands, the state’s local cooperatives are using aggregated battery systems to weather outages and protect consumers’ wallets.

Workers installing solar panels on a roof with palm trees in the background

Stuck on oil: Can Hawaii power itself?

Hawaii imports much of its fuel — and pays the price. From solar to geothermal, the state is searching for a way out of fossil fuel dependence.

An SUV parked in front of a restaurant on a sunny day

California’s Lithium Valley dreams meet reality at the only restaurant in town

How Vicky Hernandez and her customers at the Buckshot Deli & Diner in Niland view plans to turn Imperial Valley into a green energy hub.
Oil tankers at a terminal full of storage tanks

Oil industry warns Trump administration of price spikes within weeks

Industry executives said the loss of oil through the Strait of Hormuz is draining petroleum inventories to dangerously low levels.
A podcast microphone against a pink background
Credit: A. C./Unsplash+

NYT, WSJ podcasts promote pro-drilling ads by top US oil lobby

The New York Times has included dozens of ads pushing looser permitting rules on America’s third-most popular podcast since September, analysis finds.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

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