More than 550 men in a North Carolina prison were left trapped in flooded cells without lights, running water, or contact with the outside world for five days following Hurricane Helene.
In short:
Key quote:
“My husband told me this morning he’s going to have to go see a therapist because of the things that happened in there. He said, 'We thought we were going to die there. We didn’t think anybody was going to come back for us.'”
— Bridge Gentry, wife of inmate at Mountain View Correctional Institution
Why this matters:
Natural disasters like hurricanes expose how incarcerated people are vulnerable to inadequate care and neglect. The prison system's slow response to critical conditions during Hurricane Helene raises concerns about the humane treatment of prisoners during emergencies.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell called false claims about the agency's hurricane relief funding “dangerous,” urging people to reject misinformation.
In short:
Key quote:
"It’s frankly ridiculous, and just plain false. This kind of rhetoric is not helpful to people.”
— Deanne Criswell, FEMA Administrator
Why this matters:
Spreading misinformation about disaster relief efforts can lead to confusion, distrust and fewer people receiving the help they need during emergencies. FEMA's response capabilities must remain effective, especially as more storms are anticipated.
Related:
The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to block Biden administration rules aimed at curbing mercury and methane emissions, despite legal challenges from Republican-led states and industry groups.
Abbie VanSickle and Adam Liptak report for The New York Times.
In short:
Key quote:
“Climate change is the nation’s most pressing environmental challenge; the primary cause of climate change is the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere; methane is a highly potent greenhouse gas that drives climate change and additionally results in ground-level ozone; and the oil and gas industry is the largest industrial emitter of methane in the United States.”
— Elizabeth B. Prelogar, U.S. Solicitor General
Why this matters:
The court’s decision allows the EPA to enforce stricter pollution controls, addressing both public health concerns and the urgent need to combat climate change. Methane is a powerful contributor to global warming, and mercury is a toxic pollutant affecting human health.
The Supreme Court will soon hear cases that could reshape key environmental laws, including those affecting water permits and agency authority over climate rules.
Pamela King, Niina H. Farah and Lesley Clark report for E&E News.
In short:
Key quote:
“The Supreme Court has opened up such kind of amorphous ideas and allowed them to affect agencies’ legal decisions, that it invites departure from the text, departure from the purposes, and it flies to pro-industry policy points.”
— Lisa Heinzerling, Georgetown Law professor
Why this matters:
Some legal experts say the outcomes of upcoming cases could weaken environmental protections and make it harder for federal agencies to enforce rules on issues like pollution and climate change, tipping the balance in favor of industry interests.
Related EHN coverage:
The global petrochemical industry is bracing for a significant transformation, as a deep and extended downturn is expected to close many outdated plants, leading to more sustainable operations powered by low-carbon solutions and recycling technologies.
In short:
Key quote:
“We are in a trough; it’s wide, relatively deep, and the recovery is in 2028 onward.”
— Dewey Johnson, senior vice president at CMA
Why this matters:
The petrochemical industry, historically reliant on fossil fuels, is undergoing a major shift. Decarbonization and recycling innovations will help reduce its environmental impact, but the process could mean job losses and economic shifts in regions dependent on older plants.
Related: WATCH: Enduring the “endless” expansion of the nation’s petrochemical corridor
North Carolina residents with private wells may need to boil or test their water after Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters potentially contaminated thousands of wells across the state.
In short:
Key quote:
“Once people’s wells come on, there’s going to be a huge need [for testing].”
— Rory Mcllmoil, resident of Watauga County
Why this matters:
Private well owners face the challenge of managing water contamination without federal regulation, and floods can spread bacteria or chemicals into drinking water. Regular testing is critical to ensure safe water for those affected.
During their first Senate debate, Democrat Bob Casey and Republican Dave McCormick sparred over fracking, clean energy investments and the sale of U.S. Steel, accusing each other of distorting the facts.
In short:
Key quote:
“I supported legislation just two years ago that made the greatest investment in clean energy in American history, allowing us to combat climate change, and at the same time, have supported an all-the-above energy strategy for Pennsylvania.”
— Bob Casey, Democratic Senate candidate
Why this matters:
Energy policy is crucial in Pennsylvania, a major natural gas producer. The debate highlighted ongoing tension between supporting fossil fuels, transitioning to clean energy and addressing environmental regulations. Voters need clarity on how each candidate's approach will impact jobs and climate goals.
Related EHN coverage:
“Coalitions become this interesting way to create buy-in.”
A plastics treaty for the climate and health must address overproduction of plastics and head off the petrochemical and plastic industry’s planned expansion.
Last year Pennsylvania Department of Health studies showed increased risk of childhood cancer, asthma and low birth weights for people living near fracking. Advocates say not enough has been done since.
“Women, in all of their diversity, must be at the center of climate and energy decision-making.”
The discourse on climate resilience must include affordable housing policy solutions.
“Pennsylvania steel communities have lived with dangerous air quality for generations. That needs to end.”