Latest Pollution News
Group says New Jersey toxic waste dumping caused $1B in harm, calls settlement inadequate
TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) — Years of toxic waste dumping in a Jersey Shore community where childhood cancer rates rose caused at least $1 billion in damage to natural resources, according to an environmental group trying to overturn a settlement between New Jersey and the corporate successor to the...
Energy chief Granholm warns against 'unfettered exports' of liquefied natural gas
WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States should proceed cautiously as officials consider new natural gas export terminals, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said Tuesday, warning the incoming Trump administration that “unfettered exports" of liquefied natural gas, or LNG, could drive up domestic...
Can U.N. summits save the planet? A faltering year of talks brings up questions about the process
The world's nations keep faltering in their efforts to join together to save the planet from several environmental crises. In the past few months United Nations-sponsored negotiations to tackle climate change, plastic pollution, loss of global species and a growing number of deserts...
Supreme Court will take up a challenge related to California's tough vehicle emissions standards
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Friday said it would take up a business-backed appeal that could make it easier to challenge federal regulations, acting in a dispute related to California's nation-leading standards for vehicle emissions. The justices agreed to hear an appeal...
New Jersey targets plastic packaging that fills landfills and pollutes
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey is aiming to drastically reduce the amount of packaging material — particularly plastic — that is thrown away after the package is opened. From bubble wrap to puffy air-filled plastic pockets to those foam peanuts that seem to immediately spill...
Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
A federal court on Wednesday affirmed a federal judge’s 2021 ruling imposing a $14.25 million penalty on Exxon Mobil for thousands of violations of the federal Clean Air Act at the company’s refinery and chemical plant complex in Baytown. The decision by a majority of the Fifth...
EPA awards $135 million to California to phase out big diesel trucks
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency is awarding $135 million in grants to fund 13 projects in California to help the state wean off fossil fuels and phase out big rigs that run on diesel. The money will go to the state transportation department, cities and...
Citizens against smog: Protesters in North Macedonia demand action against pollution
SKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP) — Thousands of protesters across North Macedonia took part in demonstrations Tuesday to demand better air quality in cities that are among the most polluted in Europe. In the capital, Skopje, demonstrators gathered outside the Environment Ministry, some...
Iran to shut offices, colleges and schools in Tehran because of air pollution
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran announced Tuesday that all governmental offices, universities, and schools in the province of Tehran will be closed for two days because of poor air quality, state TV reported. The capital city of Tehran — home to over 10 million people — saw the...
Indigenous Mayans want their sacred cenotes to have personhood status
HOMUN, Mexico (AP) — A huge poplar tree stands proud in Maribel Ek's courtyard, adorned with a sign that reads: “Florece desde adentro” ("It blooms from within"). Deep underground, the tree's long roots search for the water that makes this land special: a sinkhole lake, known...
