January, 2025

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LA Fires and the Climate Connection

Legal Planet

Like millions of Angelenos, Ive been staying indoors and off the roads, glued to the Watch Duty app, radio, and TV coverage as LA is engulfed by these historic fires. The last 48 hours of coverage has focused, understandably, on the firefight and immediate devastation. Now, its time to start hearing about the climate connection, especially from local officials, policymakers, and the TV news anchors that so many people turn to for information during scary urban fires.

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The Alberta Energy Regulator has turned a blind eye to over a decade of toxic spills in the oil sands

Enviromental Defense

The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) was caught hiding evidence of environmental degradation caused by toxic tailings spills, and misleading the public with false claims that it is closely monitoring the oil sands industry. The AER is supposed to regulate energy companies to protect communities and the environment, but it has already come under fire in the past for protecting the oil industrys interests over those of Albertans.

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Ask A Scientist: How Can Scientists Drive Change Through Climate Lawsuits? 

Union of Concerned Scientists

As the climate crisis deepens, so does the urgency to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for decades of deception. Governments representing more than a quarter of the US population have filed lawsuits against major corporations including ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, and BP, seeking justice for the harm caused by their lies about the dangers of their products.

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Viewpoint – Nice Rice: the first sustainable rice brand

A Greener Life

By Jeremy Williams Last year, I wrote about the out-sized carbon footprint of rice , which accounts for almost a quarter of all greenhouse gases from global food production. Half the world eats rice every day, so thats perhaps not surprising. However, theres no question that its much more damaging to the climate than other staple grain crops. Analysis: Climate change drives down yields and nutrition of Indian crops You can look up my previous article to read up on why that is.

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Precision in Motion: Why Process Optimization Is the Future of Manufacturing

Speaker: Jason Chester, Director, Product Management

In today’s manufacturing landscape, staying competitive means moving beyond reactive quality checks and toward real-time, data-driven process control. But what does true manufacturing process optimization look like—and why is it more urgent now than ever? Join Jason Chester in this new, thought-provoking session on how modern manufacturers are rethinking quality operations from the ground up.

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The AMOC is slowing, it’s stable, it’s slowing, no, yes, …

Real Climate

There’s been a bit of media whiplash on the issue of AMOC slowing lately – ranging from the AMOC being “on the brink of collapse” to it being “more stable than previously thought” AMOC, of course, refers to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, one of the worlds major ocean circulation systems which keeps the northern Atlantic region (including Europe) exceptionally warm for its latitude.

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DEP Issues Permits For Bishop Brothers Minard Sand, Gravel, Sandstone Mine In Bradford County

PA Environment Daily

On January 8, the Department of Environmental Protection issued permits to Bishop Brothers Construction Company Inc. for the Minard Mine , a surface mining operation for sand, gravel, and sandstone in Athens Township, Bradford County following careful regulatory review and consideration of extensive public comment. DEPs Moshannon District Mining Office has issued an industrial mineral surface mining permit and associated National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for the mini

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What Does the New Political Reality Mean for Climate Action in Canada

Enviromental Defense

Prime Minister Trudeaus recent decision to prorogue Parliament and announce his upcoming resignation may have left you wondering about what this could mean for climate change policy. At Environmental Defence, we have two main take-aways: Increased urgency: there are still a few critical climate policies that now have a shortened timeline to cross the finish line.

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Why Were 2023 and 2024 So Hot?

Union of Concerned Scientists

The year 2023 was by far the warmest in Earths recorded history, and perhaps in the past 100,000 years , shattering the previous record set in 2016 by 0.27C (0.49F). According to recent data from NOAAs National Center for Environmental Information, 2024 is likely to be even warmer than 2023. Scientists are sounding the alarm because this warming is shockingly bigbigger than what we would have expected given the long-term warming trend from fossil fuel-caused climate change.

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Federal protection for monarch butterflies could help or harm this iconic species, depending on how it’s carried out

Environmental News Bits

by William E. Snyder, University of Georgia and Michael Crossley, University of Delaware Monarch butterflies are among the most beloved insects in North America. They are brightly colored and unique, both as caterpillars and later as mature insects. Monarchs are found in every U.S.

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1,4-dioxane in drinking water — Part 1

Smith Enviorment

January 19, 2025. In March 2022, the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (EMC) adopted a numerical water quality standard for a toxic chemical called 1,4-dioxane. The water quality standard would have established the safe level of 1,4-dioxane in rivers, lakes and streams used as a drinking water source. The standard would also become the benchmark for setting permit limits on wastewater treatment plant discharges of 1,4-dioxane to those waters.

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The Key to Sustainable Energy Optimization: A Data-Driven Approach for Manufacturing

Speaker: Kevin Kai Wong, President of Emergent Energy Solutions

In today's industrial landscape, the pursuit of sustainable energy optimization and decarbonization has become paramount. ♻️ Manufacturing corporations across the U.S. are facing the urgent need to align with decarbonization goals while enhancing efficiency and productivity. Unfortunately, the lack of comprehensive energy data poses a significant challenge for manufacturing managers striving to meet their targets. 📊 Join us for a practical webinar hosted by Kevin Kai Wong of Emergent Ene

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DEP Launches New Permit Tracking Webpage For Applicants, Public

PA Environment Daily

On January 14, Acting DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley briefed DEPs Citizens Advisory Council on a new Permit Tracking webpage that just became available for applicants and the public to see where permits are in the DEP review process. With this new tool, users can search by county, program area, permit type or by the authorization (permit) ID or by keyword.

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Remote sensing: A key to monitoring tropical forest restoration

The Applied Ecologist

Laura Vedovato introduces readers to a range of remote sensing tools, explaining how they can be applied to topical forests to monitor the effectiveness of restoration efforts. Read more in the original Review article. Introduction In recent years, global commitments to forest restoration, like the UN Decade on Restoration and the Global Biodiversity Framework, have highlighted the need for scalable, effective ways to track progress.

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How Can We Protect the Environment and Thrive in 2025? We’ve Got a Plan!

Enviromental Defense

2024 had some bumps in the road for environmental protection. Attacks on nature, clean energy, and livable communities filled the headlines. But what about for 2025? Can we secure a better future despite the regressive forces out there that want to drag us all down? We are committed to trying, and history shows that together we can succeed. Lets take a look at some key issues and explore how we can work together to create a better 2025.

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How Transmission—Not Gas—Will Bolster Winter Grid Reliability: A Look at MISO South

Union of Concerned Scientists

As the year kicks off with a very cold January weather forecast, US power grid operators and the regulators who oversee them are paying close attention to ensure that the grid failures of several past extreme winter storms dont happen again. These dangerous grid failures over roughly the last decade have left millions in the dark and cold, sometimes with tragic and deadly consequences.

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Implementing D.E.J.I. Strategies in Energy, Environment, and Transportation

Speaker: Antoine M. Thompson, Executive Director of the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition

Diversity, Equity, Justice, and Inclusion (DEJI) policies, programs, and initiatives are critically important as we move forward with public and private sector climate and sustainability goals and plans. Underserved and socially, economically, and racially disadvantaged communities bear the burden of pollution, higher energy costs, limited resources, and limited investments in the clean energy and transportation sectors.

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Reuse, Rewear, Repair

Academy of Natural Sciences

It is the new year and time for a lifestyle change. While its daunting to contemplate the many issues that we need to tackle to achieve greater social equity and environmental sustainability especially in our everyday lives small, individual actions can add up to make a difference. Here are some tips to get you started on simply reusing, repairing and rewearing, all to inspire care and support for our natural world.

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A Duty on Public Bodies to Prioritize Climate Action? Coolglass Windfarm Limited v. An Bord Pleanala

Law Columbia

Planning law has proven to be a useful tool for climate activists seeking to block or challenge new fossil fuel developments. However, it has also been used to frustrate efforts to accelerate the renewable energy transition by delaying the construction of new renewable energy infrastructure (see here ). Ireland has been a particular victim of this latter problem, with developers citing concerns over current planning laws as a reason for delays in constructing onshore wind farms, among other faci

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Susquehanna River Basin Commission Announces Award Of $155,000+ To Support 34 Local Watershed Improvement Projects

PA Environment Daily

On January 7, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission announced the award of more than $155,000 to support 34 local projects striving to improve the welfare of our watersheds. In its second year, the Stream & Watershed Enhancement Grant Program is supporting 34 community-based environmental projects or events that will enhance, restore or protect our basins waterways.

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Fuel efficiency, power trading, and emissions leakage from driving electric vehicles: Evidence from Chinese provinces

Environmental News Bits

Wei, F., Walls, W. D., & Zheng, X. (2025). Fuel efficiency, power trading, and emissions leakage from driving electric vehicles: Evidence from Chinese provinces. Energy Policy, 198, 114473. [link] Abstract This paper investigates how driving electric vehicles redistributes tailpipe emissions and brings unintended impacts elsewhere.

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Shaping a Resilient Future: Climate Impact on Vulnerable Populations

Speaker: Laurie Schoeman Director, Climate & Sustainability, Capital

As households and communities across the nation face challenges such as hurricanes, wildfires, drought, extreme heat and cold, and thawing permafrost and flooding, we are increasingly searching for ways to mitigate and prevent climate impacts. During this event, national climate and housing expert Laurie Schoeman will discuss topics including: The two paths for climate action: decarbonization and adaptation.

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The Great Bank Exodus: what’s the story?

Enviromental Defense

Four of our largest banks have recently withdrawn from the UN-backed Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA). This may seem like a setback for climate progress in Canada, but it simply underscores the limits of voluntary initiatives and the need for the government to enforce climate-aligned financial regulations. This news also coincides with Mark Carneys official entrance into the Liberal Party leadership race.

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About

PBS Nature

A landmark documentary fulfills the long-held dreams of David Attenborough by bringing the incredible pantheon of the London Natural History Museums long-extinct creatures to life. Using a groundbreaking collaboration of cutting-edge science and astounding CGI, Attenborough takes us on a magical after-hours journey through the museum to see the now-living exhibits as they looked when they roamed the planet.

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Does California Need New Nuclear Power Plants?

Union of Concerned Scientists

Theres been a lot of talk about nuclear power recently. Plant owners have been making plans to restart their retired nuclear power plants, Google signed the first corporate deal to purchase energy from small modular nuclear reactors, and the US pledged to triple its nuclear generating capacity by 2050. As one energy news outlet put it, 2024 was a breakout year for the US nuclear power sector at least on paper.

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Extreme weather ran amok in 2024, report

A Greener Life

Image credit: WWA. By Anders Lorenzen A report produced by World Weather Attribution (WWA) and Climate Central finds that 2024 was quite a year for extreme weather events fuelled by climate change. Several trends manifested and strengthened throughout the year, with extreme weather dominating from the beginning to the end, which scientists say is the warmest ever recorded.

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Sustainability at Retail

Sustainability impacts every nation, company, and person around the world. So much so that, in 2015, the United Nations (UN) issued a call for action by all countries to work toward sustainable development. In response to this and as part of a global Sustainability at Retail initiative, Shop! worked collaboratively with its global affiliates to address these critical issues in this white paper.

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Penn State Extension Hosts Feb. 10 Webinar On Nitrogen - Crop Nutrient And Water Pollutant

PA Environment Daily

The Penn State Extension will hold a February 10 webinar on Nitrogen - Crop Nutrient and Water Pollutan t from Noon to 1:00 p.m. Modern agriculture relies on nitrogen fertilizer but increasingly faces its downsides, including carbon emissions, surface water pollution, and groundwater contamination. The manufacturing of ammonia from atmospheric nitrogen has resulted in an overabundance of inorganic nitrogen in soils worldwide.

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Sabin Center Files Amicus Brief Amid Trump Transition to Support EPA’s Heavy-Duty Vehicle Standards 

Law Columbia

Yesterday, January 21, 2025, the Sabin Center filed an amicus brief on behalf of the National League of Cities (NLC) and the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) in support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) 2024 greenhouse gas emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles (the HDV Rule) that went into effect on June 21, 2024. Our involvement in this case, Nebraska v.

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Groups Oppose Brampton Waste Incinerator Expansion and Demand Updates to Ontario Pollution Policy

Enviromental Defense

Ineffective requirements to control toxic pollutants could allow a dangerous spike of cancer-causing chemicals into the air and soil in the GTA ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE, THE BRAMPTON ENVIRONMENTAL ALLIANCE, DURHAM ENVIRONMENT WATCH, THE TORONTO ENVIRONMENTAL ALLIANCE,THE CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICIANS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Toronto | Traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat Community, environmental, and health groups across Ont

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To Save the Great Salt Lake, Farmers Will Have to Grow Less Alfalfa

Inside Climate News

New research found that the crop used to feed dairy and beef cows uses the vast majority of agricultural water that would otherwise replenish the largest saline lake in the nation. By Wyatt Myskow The Great Salt Lake is shrinking, and new research published Tuesday reports that saving it requires reducing the amount of farmland that is irrigated in the region.

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How to Modernize Manufacturing Without Losing Control

Speaker: Andrew Skoog, Founder of MachinistX & President of Hexis Representatives

Manufacturing is evolving, and the right technology can empower—not replace—your workforce. Smart automation and AI-driven software are revolutionizing decision-making, optimizing processes, and improving efficiency. But how do you implement these tools with confidence and ensure they complement human expertise rather than override it? Join industry expert Andrew Skoog as he explores how manufacturers can leverage automation to enhance operations, streamline workflows, and make smarter, data-dri

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How to Vet Presidential Nominees for Their Science Savvy—a Handy Checklist for Senators

Union of Concerned Scientists

Senators have the herculean task of ensuring that our nations future is in the hands of appropriate leaders. Through the Senate confirmation process , they are responsible for vetting nominees for the most senior leadership positions in federal agencies. There are more than 1,300 positions requiring Senate confirmation, many of whom will shape policies and programs that rely heavily on scientific expertise and knowledge.

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The Green-State Playbook

Legal Planet

Nearly half of U.S. states, with more than half the U.S. population, have made climate pledges. Trumps election is a body blow to U.S. climate policy, but there are ways that those states can fight Trump and, importantluy, also move forward on their own plans. Ive posted a new paper on states as havens for climate policy. The paper goes into a lot more detail about the strategies and legal issues.

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​​Stroud Water Research Center ‘Cut The Salt’ Citizen Science Project Invites You To Test Your Nearby Stream For Salt

PA Environment Daily

Over the past 50 years, the use of road salt during winter has dramatically increased, impacting our streams, lakes, and rivers year-round, according to the Stroud Water Research Center. Its time to Cut the Salt. While road salt manages winter road conditions, it can have serious unintended consequences. High concentrations of salt disrupt aquatic life, damage plant growth, harm community infrastructure, and lead to the contamination of local waterways all year.

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Analysis: The Southern California wildfires bear the hallmarks of extreme heating; still, the climate crisis is barely mentioned

A Greener Life

San Fernando, one of the affected areas pictured on the 7th of January 2025. Image credit: By P. Rivas – CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia. By Anders Lorenzen The Southern California wildfires, burning on their sixth day since emerging on the 7th of January and have devastated large parts of Greater Los Angeles (LA), are set to be the state’s largest and most extreme weather event ever recorded.

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How to Drive Cost Savings, Efficiency Gains, and Sustainability Wins with MES

Speaker: Nikhil Joshi, Founder & President of Snic Solutions

Is your manufacturing operation reaching its efficiency potential? A Manufacturing Execution System (MES) could be the game-changer, helping you reduce waste, cut costs, and lower your carbon footprint. Join Nikhil Joshi, Founder & President of Snic Solutions, in this value-packed webinar as he breaks down how MES can drive operational excellence and sustainability.