North Dakota's diverse environmental views revealed in statewide poll

A recent poll in North Dakota shows a wide range of opinions on climate change, carbon capture, and electric vehicles, reflecting the state's varied environmental perspectives.

Jeff Beach reports for North Dakota Monitor.

In short:

The poll indicates that 43% of North Dakota voters see climate change as a serious problem, with a clear divide along party lines.
Opinions on carbon capture and storage are mixed, with many residents undecided about its effectiveness in reducing climate change impacts.
There is low interest in electric vehicles among North Dakotans, with 85% unlikely to purchase one next.

Key quote:

“We found that opinions on environmental issues have become highly politicized."

— Trevor Smith, chief research officer at WPA Intelligence

Why this matters:

The poll results highlight the complexity of environmental issues in North Dakota, a state known for its extreme weather and significant role in energy production. Understanding these diverse viewpoints is crucial for developing effective environmental policies and addressing climate change challenges.

Be sure to read Peter Dykstra’s 2022 piece: Pipeline politics.

northdakotamonitor.com

Smoke billows from an industrial chimney at sunset near several homes.

Credit: Tanner Messenger/Unsplash

Judge rules EPA overstepped in cutting pollution grants

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from canceling $600 million in environmental justice grants aimed at helping underserved communities reduce pollution.

Rachel Frazin reports forThe Hill.

In short:

The grants stem from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which set aside $3 billion for environmental justice programs.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under President Biden had planned to distribute the $600 million through regional groups, which would fund local efforts, before the Trump EPA terminated the grants earlier this year.
Judge Adam Abelson ruled the EPA's cancellation exceeded its authority “precisely because they are ‘environmental justice’ programs."

Key quote:
The move included a “lack of any reasoned decision-making, or reasoned explanation.”

— Judge Adam Abelson, U.S. District Court

Why this matters:
Underserved communities often face the greatest environmental health risks and climate impacts. These grants were designed to help local groups respond to long-standing environmental harms and health risks, and canceling them would have cut off vital support just as cleanup efforts were beginning to gain traction. The Trump administration has also attempted to cancel a similar $20 billion program that would fund climate-friendly projects.

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