Latest Pollution News
Thai authorities seek to ease air pollution in capital by offering free public transport
BANGKOK (AP) — Thai authorities have made travel by public transport in Bangkok free for a week starting Saturday, the latest tactic to try to tackle soaring levels of air pollution that have already seen hundreds of schools closed and employees working from home. The travel...
Dutch court orders government to meet pollution reduction targets or face millions in fines
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — A Dutch court on Wednesday ordered the country’s government to meet its own goals for reducing overall nitrogen emissions by 2030, a decision that could have major economic and political consequences. The District Court of The Hague criticized the...
Contaminated drinking water is a growing concern for cities facing wildfires
As fires continue to burn across Los Angeles, several utilities have declared their drinking water unsafe until extensive testing can prove otherwise. A warmer, drier climate means wildfires are getting worse, and encroaching on cities — with devastating impact. Toxic chemicals...
DC sues federal government over pollution in Anacostia River
The District of Columbia on Friday filed a lawsuit against the federal government over pollution in the Anacostia River, arguing it has inflicted “catastrophic harm” on the mostly poor and minority communities living along the urban waterway. The lawsuit argues that federal...
In Los Angeles, people snap up air filters and wear masks against smoke pollution
LOS ANGELES (AP) — With levels of sooty air pollution far too high across swaths of the Los Angeles area, Dana Benton is sleeping with a mask on, even with her air purifier running. “My car was just covered in ash, and it’s just disgusting to think that we could be inhaling...
Stargazers' delight: Efforts to cut unwanted light pollution in New Mexico win praise
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Advocates for limits on indiscriminate outdoor lighting that obscures night skies worldwide are recognizing efforts by an oil and natural gas developer to reduce scattered light in New Mexico. DarkSky International, an advocacy group for preserving or...
Visiting the Big Apple? Prepare to pay more if you drive to busiest part of Manhattan
NEW YORK (AP) — New York’s much-debated plan to charge drivers to enter the center of Manhattan is set to take effect Sunday, following years of bureaucratic and legal roadblocks. The goals of what is known as “congestion pricing” are to reduce gridlock and pollution and...
Maryland sues maker of Gore-Tex over pollution from toxic 'forever chemicals'
Maryland is suing the company that produces the waterproof material Gore-Tex often used for raincoats and other outdoor gear, alleging its leaders kept using “forever chemicals” long after learning about serious health risks associated with them. The complaint, which was filed...
Wisconsin Gov. Evers finally appoints new DNR secretary after yearlong search
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has finally picked a new leader for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The governor announced Monday that he has appointed Karen Hyun as the agency's secretary. Hyun has worked as chief of staff of the National Oceanic and...
EPA head Regan, who championed environmental justice, to leave office Dec. 31
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...
