Wed.Aug 06, 2025

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Chemours, DuPont, Corteva settle New Jersey PFAS claims for $875 million

Circle of Blue

This story was originally published by Reuters ; August 4, 2025 (Reuters) -Chemours, DuPont and Corteva have agreed to pay $875 million over 25 years to the State of New Jersey to settle environmental claims including pollution linked to PFAS, or “forever chemicals”, the companies said on Monday. Lawsuits accusing major chemical companies of polluting U.S. drinking water with toxic PFAS chemicals led to over $11 billion in settlements in 2023, with experts predicting that new federal

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Green Chemistry and the Ten Commandments of Sustainability

Environmental News Bits

Manahan, S. E. (n.d.). Green Chemistry and the Ten Commandments of Sustainability. LibreTexts Commons. Retrieved August 5, 2025, from [link] Abstract Green chemistry seeks to present a body of chemical knowledge from the most fundamental level within a framework of the relationship of chemical science to human beings, their surroundings, and their environment.

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Can Residential Electrification Support Energy Affordability?

Legal Planet

As the L.A. City Council considers repealing the city’s All-Electric Building Ordinance, reacting to the 2023 decision in California Restaurant Association v. Berkeley , new UCLA research suggests that electric buildings can save LA households hundreds of dollars each year on energy bills. Over the past decade, Los Angeles city leadership has put forth a suite of ambitious climate mitigation goals.

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As politicians quarrel over wildfire smoke, research on its health impacts piles up

Environmental News Bits

Read the full story at Inside Climate News. A growing body of research shows the cascading health impacts of wildfire smoke, from cognitive decline to heart issues.

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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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Proposed House Bill Would Weaken Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangering Whales, Dolphins and More

Scientific American

Skip to main content Scientific American August 6, 2025 4 min read The Law That Saved the Whales Is Under Attack Proposed amendments to the Marine Mammal Protection Act would cut down protections to whales, dolphins, polar bears and other species By Ryan Green edited by Andrea Gawrylewski Aaron Doughty finishes securing a dead humpback whale that was hauled out of Portland Harbor on to his trailer on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

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Safer Stuff: Green Chemistry Gets Down to Business

Environmental News Bits

This video is an introduction to green chemistry and is episode 1 of a 7 episode documentary series, Safer Stuff: Green Chemistry Gets Down to Business, which is an upbeat exploration of solutions to the problem of toxic chemicals in everyday products and the part green chemistry plays.

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Exposing Inequality: Environmental Injustice and Cardiovascular Health Disparities

Environmental News Bits

Thamman, R., Nasser, S. A., Ferdinand, K. C., Al-Kindi, S., & Brandt, E. (2025). Exposing Inequality: Environmental Injustice and Cardiovascular Health Disparities. JACC: Advances, 4(7), 101875. [link] [open access] Abstract This review explores the intersection between environmental injustice and cardiovascular (CV) health disparities, highlighting how climate change, pollution, and environmental exposures disproportionately impact vulnerable populations.

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Cefic Publishes Position Paper on EU Bioeconomy Strategy, Calls for Industrial Bioeconomy Strategy

Nanotech

On July 1, 2025, the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) announced a new position paper and five-point action plan that will “help deliver a [European Union (EU)] Bioeconomy Strategy that supports the scale-up of bio-based chemistry, biomanufacturing, and achieve industrial transformation while adhering to planetary boundaries.” According to Cefic, the European Commission (EC) should mainstream revision of the EU Bioeconomy Strategy into all forthcoming legislations.

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Disasters don’t disappear when the storm ends – cascading hazards, from landslides to floods, are upending risk models

Environmental News Bits

by Brian J. Yanites, Indiana University Hurricane Helene lasted only a few days in September 2024, but it altered the landscape of the Southeastern U.S. in profound ways that will affect the hazards local residents face far into the future. Mudslides buried roads and reshaped river channels.

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Wednesday PA Environment & Energy Articles - NewsClips: 8.6.25

PA Environment Daily

“The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania's public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.” - - Article I, Section 27 Pennsylvania Constitution [It’s Not A Suggestion] House Voting Schedule August: No Days Sch

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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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Rural North Carolina town forges ahead on clean energy, despite headwinds

Environmental News Bits

Read the full story from Canary Media. Federal lawmakers are throwing a wrench in Enfield’s plans for solar, energy efficiency, and a resilience center. But local leaders refuse to give up.

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The Assault on NEPA: A Threat Assessment

Legal Planet

After spending decades in the shadows, NEPA – the statute governing environmental impact statements — has become a hot topic. And not in a good way: it is under concerted assault from Congress, the White House, and the Supreme Court. As we will see, the Supreme Court’s recent decision in the Seven County Infrastructure Case is probably the biggest problem.

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Sustainability PR leader slams UN’s COP30 contract with Edelman

A Greener Life

Sustainability PR leader Colin Mahoney slams the UN for awarding COP30’s PR contract to Edelman. Photo credit: Mahoney Communications Group. By Anders Lorenzen As the UN gears up for the pivotal COP30 climate summit in Brazil, its recent decision to award a major media contract to PR firm Edelman—despite its links with the fossil fuel industry—has triggered sharp criticism from sustainability professionals.

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Techno-economic assessment of automobile waste to chemical production based on plasma gasification under CO2 atmosphere

Environmental News Bits

Mallick, R., Goyal, U., & Vairakannu, P. (2025). Techno-economic assessment of automobile waste to chemical production based on plasma gasification under CO2 atmosphere. Applied Thermal Engineering, 278, 127277. [link] Abstract Globally, India’s automobile sector ranked fourth in 2022, but after end-of-life, the recycling of automobiles from scrap is still in the beginning stages.

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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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EPA Issues Final SNUR for Graphene Nanoplatelets (Generic)

Nanotech

On July 29, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued final significant use rules (SNUR) for certain chemical substances, including graphene nanoplatelets (generic), that were the subject of premanufacture notices (PMN) and a Microbial Commercial Activity Notice (MCAN) and are also subject to an Order issued by EPA pursuant to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). 90 Fed.

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PA Supreme Court Rules No Republican Senate, House Members Can Intervene In Legal Challenge To Act 96 That Took Away Authority To Increase Conventional Oil & Gas Well Bond Amounts To Cover Taxpayer Costs For Plugging

PA Environment Daily

On August 4, 2025, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court denied efforts by all PA Senate Republicans and all PA House Republicans to intervene in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a law that took away the authority to increase conventional oil and gas well plugging bond amounts to cover taxpayer costs of plugging wells they abandon. Republicans supported taking away the authority to increase bonding.

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As sea levels rise, an island nation creates an escape route

Environmental News Bits

Read the full story from Inside Climate News. Australia has created a new visa program for citizens of the small island nation of Tuvalu, which is being inundated by ocean water.

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Why the EPA’s Latest Move Could Worsen the Climate Crisis

Scientific American

If the EPA abdicates its responsibility to address climate change, it will harm health and the planet in exchange for pandering to fossil fuel interests

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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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House Members To Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Advance Geothermal Energy Development

PA Environment Daily

On August 6, state Reps. Arvind Venkat (D-Allegheny), Elizabeth Fiedler (D-Philadelphia) and Craig Williams (R-Delaware) announced plans to introduce bipartisan legislation to establish regulatory clarity that will allow the development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems in Pennsylvania. With a skilled workforce that has made Pennsylvania a leader in electrical and natural gas production, the state is uniquely positioned to become a leader in next-generation geothermal energy.

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How shrinking the EPA could make wildfire smoke even more dangerous

Environmental News Bits

Read the full story at Grist. Monitoring air quality is key to forecasting and assessing wildfire smoke. Right now, that’s a coordinated effort between federal, state, tribal, and local entities.

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FracTracker Alliance: Shell Petrochemical Plant In Beaver County Released 17.9 Billion Pounds Of Air Pollution Since It Began Operation, During 80 Malfunctions, 43 Violation Episodes

PA Environment Daily

A new report by Johnstown-based FracTracker Alliance finds the Shell Petrochemical Plant released 17.9 billion pounds of air pollution during its operation and 80 malfunction and 43 violation episodes at the Beaver County facility between January 2020 and July 2024. The pollutants included benzene (a known carcinogen), 1,3-butadiene, naphthalene, and styrene.

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Super-sticky hydrogel is 10 times stronger than other glues underwater

New Scientist

Researchers analysed thousands of natural protein sequences and got assistance from AI in order to design a new hydrogel adhesive that can stay sticky underwater or even within a living body

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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.

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August 6 DCNR Resource Newsletter Now Available

PA Environment Daily

The August 6 DCNR Resource newsletter is now available featuring these articles-- -- PA Outdoor Corps - A Decade Of Impact -- DCNR Unveils New Statewide Outdoor Recreation Plan -- DCNR Investments Advances Trail Connections -- Skywalk At Kinzua Bridge State Park Will Reopen For Fall Foliage In McKean County -- State Agencies Highlight Lyme Disease Risk, Tick Bite Prevention -- Induction Of Bear Meadows Natural Area To Old-Growth Forest Network -- A 20-person crew from the DCNR Bureau of Forestry

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Feral honeybees are threatening other Southern Californian pollinators: Study

Environmental News Bits

Read the full story at The Hill. Wild honeybees in Southern California are devouring the food supplies of native pollinators — posing a potential threat to the region’s natural ecosystems, a new study has found.

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Machine learning for quantum systems

Physics World

Understanding the behaviour of atoms and molecules at the quantum level is crucial for advances in chemistry, physics, and materials science. However, simulating these systems is extremely complex. Traditional methods rely on mathematical functions that must be smooth and differentiable. This limits the types of models that can be used—especially modern machine learning models.

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New land grant research detects dicamba damage from the sky

Environmental News Bits

Read the full story from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Drones can now detect subtle soybean canopy damage from dicamba at one ten-thousandth of the herbicide’s label rate — simulating vapor drift — eight days after application.

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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 Butler-Volmer equation revisited: effect of metal work function

Physics World

The Butler-Volmer equation is commonly the standard model of electrochemical kinetics.  Typically, the effects of applied voltage on the free energies of activation of the forward and backward reactions are analyzed and used to derive a current-voltage relationship. Traditionally, specific properties of the electrode metal were not considered in this derivation and consequently the resulting expression contained no information on the variation of exchange current density with electrode-material-

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As Trump shrinks FEMA, state and local emergency managers say they’re barely getting by

Environmental News Bits

Read the full story at Inside Climate News. Emergency management experts warned that suddenly shutting off the funding and resources FEMA provides to local and state agencies was literally a recipe for disaster. Now a new study from the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory provides comprehensive data to back those assertions up.

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FracTracker Alliance Releases National A.I. Data Centers Tracker; Public Invited To Submit Information

PA Environment Daily

The Johnstown-based FracTracker Alliance has published a National A.I. Data Center Tracker that includes existing, permitted and proposed facilities. Pennsylvania is rapidly becoming a hotspot for A.I. data centers and the related industries announced over $90 billion worth of potential investments in the state on July 15. Read more here. Republican lawmakers in the Pennsylvania Senate and House are advancing legislation to entice A.I. data center developers with tax breaks, regulatory exemption

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Inside Apple’s $500 million bet on U.S. rare earths

Environmental News Bits

Read the full story at Trellis. Apple is shoring up its domestic supply of rare earth elements through a $500 million, multiyear contract with MP Materials, an 8-year-old Las Vegas mining and processing company that counts the U.S. Department of Defense as its biggest shareholder and General Motors as a marquee automotive customer.

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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.