water pollution
The Supreme Court takes aim at environmental regulations this term
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:
- The court will consider a case challenging the EPA’s enforcement of the Clean Water Act, with fossil fuel groups supporting San Francisco's arguments.
- Another case could limit the scope of environmental impact reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act, potentially affecting climate analyses.
- The term may see a revival of the nondelegation doctrine, which could further restrict federal agencies' power.
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:
Hurricane Helene’s flooding raises concerns over private well water safety
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:
- Flooding from Hurricane Helene may have introduced harmful bacteria like E. coli into private wells, making the water unsafe to drink or use without testing.
- Health officials urge well owners to disinfect their water, test for contaminants and avoid using well pumps until floodwaters recede.
- Many residents remain without power, preventing access to clean water as private wells require electricity to function.
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.
Flooding from Hurricane Helene leaves North Carolina mountain residents isolated and at risk
As floodwaters recede in North Carolina's mountain areas, residents face growing health risks due to contaminated water, power outages and blocked access to hospitals.
In short:
- Flooding damaged water treatment systems, leaving many residents without clean water or power for weeks.
- Mold, contaminated water and mosquito-borne diseases are growing concerns for health, especially for vulnerable populations.
- Road closures are preventing access to essential healthcare, with many residents stranded and unable to get vital treatments.
Key quote:
"People need water for drinking, preparing food, cleaning, bathing, even flushing toilets. Contact with contaminated water can cause serious illnesses."
— Jennifer Horney, professor of epidemiology, University of Delaware
Why this matters:
Prolonged exposure to unsafe water and disrupted healthcare services after extreme weather events can lead to serious public health crises. Addressing these issues quickly is vital to preventing long-term health impacts for vulnerable communities.
Related: Hurricane Helene devastates Asheville, a once climate-resilient city
Oxy’s West Texas carbon capture project faces public scrutiny
Oxy has proposed the largest carbon capture site in the U.S. near Odessa, Texas, sparking concerns about its effectiveness and risks to groundwater and local ecosystems.
In short:
- Oxy’s Stratos facility aims to capture and store 722,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually in underground wells.
- Local and environmental advocates are concerned about potential groundwater contamination and earthquakes from carbon injections.
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is holding public meetings before deciding on the permit for this project, expected within 90 days.
Key quote:
“Outside of the ineffectiveness and inefficiency of (carbon capture) as a climate mitigation solution, the injection and sequestration of carbon dioxide is dangerous to the land, water, communities and ecosystems nearby.”
— Paige Powell, senior policy manager for Commission Shift.
Why this matters:
Carbon capture is promoted as a solution for reducing emissions, but questions remain about its safety and effectiveness. The risks of groundwater contamination and seismic activity could have long-term consequences for nearby communities.
Bottled water threatens health and the environment, experts say
Experts warn that bottled water, often marketed as safer than tap, exposes users to harmful chemicals and contributes heavily to plastic pollution.
In short:
- Bottled water often contains contaminants, including microplastics and chemicals like BPA, which can pose serious health risks.
- The production and disposal of plastic bottles contribute significantly to pollution, with only 9% being recycled.
- Researchers argue that governments must improve tap water infrastructure to reduce dependency on bottled water.
Key quote:
“The widespread use of bottled water contributes significantly to pollution; it exposes people to potentially harmful contaminants and also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.”
— Amit Abraham, lead author
Why this matters:
Plastic pollution from bottled water harms ecosystems and disproportionately affects low-income communities. Reducing bottled water use could improve public health and lessen environmental damage.
Related:
Hurricane Helene's catastrophic flooding linked to climate change, says FEMA
Hurricane Helene, which has claimed nearly 100 lives across five states, has been worsened by global heating, according to the head of FEMA.
In short:
- Hurricane Helene has caused extreme flooding and infrastructure damage, with at least 91 people dead and hundreds still unaccounted for in the southeastern U.S.
- Officials describe the storm as a "multi-state event" with deadly impacts stretching from Florida to North Carolina, where 29 inches of rain caused landslides and widespread destruction.
- FEMA and state leaders are coordinating search and rescue efforts, with President Biden pledging federal support for recovery.
Key quote:
“This storm took a while to develop, but once it did it intensified very rapidly – and that’s because of the warm waters in the Gulf.”
— Deanne Criswell, FEMA Administrator
Why this matters:
Warmer waters, driven by global heating, are supercharging storms like Helene, making them more destructive. Climate scientists have long warned that higher sea temperatures fuel stronger, wetter storms and yet we’re still playing catch-up with our disaster preparedness. As our climate shifts, so too will the ways we need to protect and rebuild our communities. Read more: Robbie Parks on why hurricanes are getting deadlier.
CNX’s controversial fracking study sparks debate in Pennsylvania
CNX Resources claims their fracking operations pose no public health risks based on a self-funded study, but climate activists argue the findings contradict peer-reviewed science and past reports of harm to nearby residents.
In short:
- CNX Resources, a major Pennsylvania gas producer, released a study downplaying health risks from fracking, sparking criticism from environmentalists.
- The study comes as CNX seeks federal funding for a hydrogen project, but opponents argue it overlooks proven health hazards from fracking, such as polluted air and water.
- Activists and researchers question the study’s scientific rigor, arguing that its findings are not supported by long-term or comprehensive data.
Key quote:
"CNX’s radically dishonest and irresponsible fracking report fails the fundamental tests of scientific integrity."
— Alex Bomstein, executive director of Clean Air Council
Why this matters:
Fracking has long been linked to serious health risks, particularly in communities near drilling sites. As CNX pushes to secure public funds, critics fear that flawed data may lead to environmental and public health sacrifices for the sake of industry profits.
Related EHN coverage:
- A Pennsylvania fracking company with more than 2,000 environmental violations was selected for federal environmental justice funding
- Fracking chemicals “imbalance” the immune system
- Fractured: The body burden of living near fracking
- Fractured: Harmful chemicals and unknowns haunt Pennsylvanians surrounded by fracking
