pollution
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Drilling in Permian Basin linked to high ozone levels in New Mexico park
Oil and gas drilling in the Permian Basin is causing excessive ozone pollution at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, a new study reveals.
In short:
- The study found summer ozone levels at Carlsbad Caverns frequently exceed EPA health standards, linking this to increased drilling in the Permian Basin.
- Researchers identified oil and gas extraction as major contributors to high ozone levels, with nitrogen oxide emissions from drilling operations being significant.
- The study suggests electrified, grid-powered drill rigs could help mitigate ozone pollution.
Key quote:
"Our measurements confirm that activity such as drilling and natural gas flaring is a major driver of the high ozone levels we see."
— Andrey Marsavin, PhD candidate, Colorado State University.
Why this matters:
Ozone pollution can cause asthma and other health issues and harm crops and ecosystems. Understanding its sources helps in developing strategies to protect both human health and the environment.
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Credit: Danny Burke/Unsplash
Fossil fuel plants release toxic pollution during hurricane
A powerful storm has already caused fossil fuel plants on the Gulf Coast to release toxic pollutants into the air, prompting medical experts to call for a halt to new plant construction in hurricane-prone areas.
In short:
- Hurricane Beryl caused power outages at multiple refineries and petrochemical plants in Texas, leading to the release of harmful pollutants.
- Environmental justice advocates warn that new LNG terminals will exacerbate pollution in storm-affected areas.
- Medical professionals urge the Biden administration to consider public health impacts when approving new fossil fuel infrastructure.
Key quote:
“Despite massive flood walls, facilities can become isolated by surrounding open water. Federal and state agencies failed to fully consider future sea level rise, land subsidence, and the stronger and more frequent hurricanes brought on by climate change when permitting these facilities.”
— Shaq Cossé, program manager at the Louisiana Bucket Brigade
Why this matters:
The increase in hurricanes due to climate change intensifies the risks posed by fossil fuel plants. Communities, especially low-income and minority groups, are disproportionately affected by pollution from these facilities.
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Photo by Pedro Henrique Santos on Unsplash
The cultural legacy of coal mining and its relevance to renewable energy
Coal mining, while hazardous and polluting, fostered strong community bonds and cultural pride that could be emulated in the renewable energy sector.
In short:
- Coal mining in the UK has ended, leaving a significant cultural and community legacy.
- Renewable energy projects, such as wind farms, may not require as many local workers but still offer opportunities for community identity.
- Community Energy projects enable local involvement and benefits from renewable energy production.
Key quote:
“They were tough men. And they were proud of it, proud of every minute of it. It ruined people, it broke people. And one of those people was my grandad.”
— Kate Rusby, Yorkshire folk-singer
Why this matters:
Transitioning to clean energy must consider the social and cultural impacts on communities historically dependent on coal. Embracing community-driven energy projects can preserve the sense of pride and belonging once found in coal mining towns.
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Newsletter
Credit: Zbynek Burival/Unsplash
Oil industry drops effort to repeal California's neighborhood drilling law
The oil industry has withdrawn its $40 million campaign against a California law protecting communities from oil drilling, but may challenge the measure in court.
In short:
- California’s Senate Bill 1137, signed in 2022, bans new oil wells within 3,200 feet of sensitive sites like homes and schools and tightens oversight of existing wells.
- Research has shown that Black and Latino and low-income Californians are most likely to be living near oil and gas wells.
- The oil industry spent over $60 million on lobbying and campaigning to overturn the law, but withdrew their referendum efforts after facing strong opposition from communities.
- Grassroots activists and legislators remain vigilant as the oil industry might pursue legal challenges against the law, arguing violations of private property laws.
Key quote:
“I think the fossil fuel industry saw that power, the power of that organizing and that momentum. And I think they knew it was a losing battle.”
— Luis Martinez, campaigns organizer with the nonprofit Fossil Free California.
Why this matters:
Neighborhood oil drilling exposes residents, especially in low-income and minority communities, to harmful chemicals linked to cancer and respiratory issues. This law, a cornerstone of California's aggressive environmental policies, seeks to create safer distances between oil drilling sites and residential areas, schools and other sensitive locations. For many Californians, especially those in lower-income and predominantly minority neighborhoods, this is a long-awaited step towards reducing health risks such as respiratory problems and other pollution-related ailments.
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Credit: Ian Hutchinson/Unsplash
Supreme Court limits federal agencies' regulatory authority by overturning Chevron decision
The Supreme Court has overturned a 40-year-old precedent that allowed federal agencies broad regulatory powers, including on a range of environmental issues.
Melissa Quinn reports for CBS News.
In short:
- The Supreme Court's conservative majority ruled to overturn the 1984 Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council decision.
- The ruling limits federal agencies' power to interpret laws without explicit congressional authorization.
- Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the court that the decision would not apply retroactively to prior cases.
- However, in their dissent, Justices Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson warned of the consequences of increased judicial control over regulatory matters, and potential new challenges to longstanding agency interpretations.
Key quote:
"What actions can be taken to address climate change or other environmental challenges? What will the nation's health-care system look like in the coming decades? Or the financial or transportation systems? What rules are going to constrain the development of A.I.? In every sphere of current or future federal regulation, expect courts from now on to play a commanding role."
- Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan
Why this matters:
This decision could significantly impact the ability of federal agencies to regulate critical areas such as the environment, health care and workplace safety. The shift in judicial power may lead to more legal challenges and uncertainty in regulatory processes. Here's a look at some other consequential rulings the Supreme Court has made in the past year on environmental issues.
Credit: Adam Michael Szuscik/Unsplash
Supreme Court to rule on key environmental cases
The Supreme Court will soon decide on cases that could significantly impact environmental regulations and agency powers.
In short:
- The justices are set to rule on four cases affecting environmental protections, including EPA's cross-state smog controls and the Chevron doctrine.
- The 40-year-old Chevron doctrine, which allows agencies to interpret laws, is under threat, potentially altering long-standing regulatory practices.
- A separate case could open old federal rules to new legal challenges, creating the possibility of reopening old cases.
Key quote:
“Brace for impact.”
— Michael Waldman, president of the Brennan Center for Justice in a recent analysis.
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Why this matters:
As the court deliberates, the outcomes will be closely watched by a diverse array of stakeholders, including health professionals, environmental advocates and industry leaders. The decisions could set new precedents for how far federal agencies can go in implementing measures to protect the environment, impacting everything from industrial emissions to natural resource management.
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Credit: Unpossible/Flickr
Research highlights fungi's key role in carbon capture
The underground networks of plant roots and fungi are proving to be essential in sequestering carbon in the soil, according to recent studies.
In short:
- Kew Gardens' fungarium, the world's largest collection of fungi, showcases the biodiversity and ecological importance of fungi.
- Mycologist Laura Martinez-Suz's research reveals that fungi, particularly mycorrhizal types, are crucial for carbon storage in soils, influencing the effectiveness of reforestation efforts.
- Nitrogen pollution disrupts beneficial fungi, but reducing pollution levels can help restore these critical networks.
Key quote:
“Replacing the complete set of fungi with other fungi has implications for long-term carbon sequestration in soil and biodiversity.”
— Laura Martinez-Suz, mycologist
Why this matters:
Understanding and protecting fungal networks is useful for improving carbon capture and mitigating climate change impacts, putting a focus on the importance of reducing pollution and supporting biodiversity. Read more: How fungi could help clean up our biggest toxic messes.
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