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.

Offshore wind turbine silouetted against setting sun

Vineyard Wind puts final blade on long coming project

Vineyard Wind and Revolution Wind, the nation's largest offshore wind projects, are generating power off the New England coast.
Field scientist recording notes in notebook

White hydrogen: The hidden gas that could transform energy

Trillions of tons of hydrogen lie in Earth's crust. Can a Bavarian geologist unlock this clean and cheap energy source?
Symbol of law and justice, law and justice concept, scales of justice.
Credit: vladek/BigStock Photo ID: 46192432

The latest front in the battle over climate lawsuits: bills wiping out liability

Republican lawmakers are advancing legislation that would shield major polluters from legal accountability for climate change harms.
The oil rig Sevan Louisiana off the Curacao coast in the Caribbean.
Credit: Zaschnaus/BigStock Photo ID: 288731746

Trump administration approves ultra-deepwater oil drilling plan

The $5 billion project in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to help produce up to 10 billion barrels of oil by the end of this decade. Critics say it could endanger people and marine life.
Fracking well pad and drilling site

Pennsylvania publishes long-awaited study on radioactivity in landfill runoff

The state concluded there is “no current cause for concern.” Experts worried about the long-term impacts of fracking waste say more research is required.
Clock approaching midnight superimposed over a world map
Credit: chughes/ BigStock Photo ID: 20162111

'Doomsday Clock' advances to 85 seconds till midnight

A science-oriented advocacy group moved its “Doomsday Clock” to 85 seconds to midnight, saying the Earth is closer than ever to destruction.
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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