Latest Pollution News

EPA head Regan, who championed environmental justice, to leave office Dec. 31

Dec. 20, 2024 15:20 PM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) — Michael Regan, who championed environmental justice as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, will leave the agency Dec. 31, three weeks before the end of President Joe Biden's term. In a letter Friday to agency employees, Regan said he was proud of...

Biden, on his way out, sets 'ambitious' climate goal: Cut US greenhouse gas emissions by over 60%

Dec. 19, 2024 18:17 PM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is pledging to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60% by 2035 as he fights to ensure his legacy on slowing global warming, even as President-elect Donald Trump vows to undo much of Biden's climate work when he takes office next month. ...

Montana Supreme Court upholds landmark ruling in youth climate case over greenhouse gas emissions

Dec. 18, 2024 15:11 PM EST
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana Supreme Court upholds landmark ruling in youth climate case over greenhouse gas emissions.

EPA grants California authority to ban sales of new gas cars by 2035. Action faces reversal by Trump

Dec. 18, 2024 14:40 PM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday granted two requests from California to enforce strict standards for vehicle emissions, including a rule aimed at banning sales of new gasoline-powered cars in the state by 2035. The incoming Trump administration is likely to try...

Group says New Jersey toxic waste dumping caused $1B in harm, calls settlement inadequate

Dec. 18, 2024 04:25 AM EST

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

Dec. 17, 2024 17:55 PM EST

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

Dec. 16, 2024 11:54 AM EST

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

Dec. 13, 2024 19:03 PM EST

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

Dec. 12, 2024 13:23 PM EST

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

Dec. 12, 2024 11:25 AM EST

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...