journalism

Our top 5 long reads of 2021

Check out must-read, in-depth reporting from the past year.

In a world of quick clips and soundbites, long-form journalism can be a tough sell. But some stories just deserve the space and attention.


Here are five long reads that rise to that level. Grab a coffee or tea, close your Twitter tab, and support the kind of reporting that can spark change.

1. Fractured: The body burden of living near fracking

fracking children health

In this 4-part investigative series, EHN finds western Pennsylvania families near fracking are exposed to harmful chemicals, and regulations fail to protect communities' mental, physical, and social health.

2. Why Indigenous women are risking arrest to fight Enbridge’s Line 3 pipeline through Minnesota

enbridge line 3 indigenous

Enbridge's Line 3 pipeline construction is running into tribal resistance over fears of water pollution, wild rice impacts, climate change, and exploitation of Native women.

3. We’re dumping loads of retardant chemicals to fight wildfires. What does it mean for wildlife?

wildfires climate change

As western wildfires become bigger and more intense, state and federal fire agencies are using more and more aerial fire retardant, prompting concerns over fish kills, aquatic life, and water quality.

4. Pollution’s mental toll: How air, water and climate pollution shape our mental health

environmental justice

A collaboration between Environmental Health News and The Allegheny Front found alarming evidence that residents throughout the western Pennsylvania region are likely suffering changes to their brains due to pollution in the surrounding environment.

Red and white tanker with "LNG" printed on the side.

Stung by Iran war, countries are turning against U.S. fossil fuels

As economies in Asia and Europe reel from the energy disruption, leaders make plans to permanently replace imported oil and gas with homegrown energy.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sign at the headquarters building in Washington, DC.
Credit: marcnorman/BigStock Photo ID: 21123533

EPA sets ‘no surprises’ science policy, reassigns researchers

Staff expressed frustration with how the transfers are being handled and perceive them as yet another measure to traumatize the workforce.
Coal mining operation featuring yellow rock trucks and excavators as well as one orange excavator in the center.

As Trump boosts coal, opponents warn of higher costs and more pollution

The Trump administration is using emergency powers and subsidies to keep U.S. coal plants running. Market analysts believe no coal plant closures are likely during President Donald Trump's term.
A large crane digging earth

Federal delay of silica dust rule leaves coal miners at risk of black lung

Federal regulators have indefinitely postponed a rule designed to limit coal miners’ exposure to harmful silica dust, citing ongoing litigation.

Wind turbines in a row against a blue sky

There’s hope for the offshore wind industry — yes, really

Trump’s court losses give the wind industry a chance to get back on stable footing.

Offshore wind turbines with a sailboat in the foreground

California’s ambitious floating offshore wind plan faces engineering hurdles and local opposition

California plans to transform Humboldt Bay into a hub for floating offshore wind power to help reach its 100% clean energy goal by 2045.

Blue-jean clad worker in heavy coat and gloves welding pipeline

Is the Keystone XL pipeline back?

A company has proposed to build a crude oil pipeline crossing the Canadian border near where the long-contested project would have entered the United States.
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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