Legacy Topic: Sustainability
Budget deal includes funds for rural broadband expansion
by
Ben Bradford
Feb 15, 2019
Efforts to expand broadband service in rural areas got a boost from the budget bill approved this week on Capitol Hill. Under the deal, the Department of Agriculture will receive $550 million to support broadband infrastructure in rural, underserved areas. It’s estimated that almost 30 percent of rural residents are without broadband compared to less […]
Critics say EPA moving too slowly on regulating chemicals found in Teflon
by
Scott Tong
Feb 15, 2019
There’s a family of chemicals inside our bodies that’s linked to birth defects, immune system problems and, possibly, cancer. The chemicals — known by the acronym P.F.A.S. — are contained in Teflon, which is found in everything from microwave popcorn bags to non-stick pans. This week, the Environmental Protection Agency made a plan to regulate […]
High-speed rail plans in California suffer setback
by
Ben Bradford
Feb 15, 2019
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced California does not have the $100 billion to fully build out the project.
U.S. ski industry steps up climate lobbying
by
Ali Budner
Feb 14, 2019
The ski industry is speaking out about dwindling snowfall and shorter ski seasons.
VW invests in more charging stations to tackle "range anxiety"
by
Scott Tong
Feb 8, 2019
A Volkswagen subsidiary is pouring half a billion dollars into more charging stations for electric vehicles as sales grow. Click the audio player above to hear the full story.
Senate confirmation process begins this week for EPA chief
by
Scott Tong
Jan 15, 2019
Andrew Wheeler is expected to face tough questions about his former role as a lobbyist for the fossil fuel industry.
Carbon emissions rise but could slide in 2019
Jan 8, 2019
For the first time in four years U.S. carbon emissions increased, mostly because a booming economy used more energy resources, even with a shift toward renewable energy and natural gas. But can a booming economy and rising emissions decouple? Click the audio player above to hear the full story.
For public good, not for profit.
What happens when a landfill runs out of space?
Jan 8, 2019
According to the Waste Business Journal, by 2021 the average landfill will only have 15 years of life left.
Loans for energy-efficient upgrades might be a bigger burden than a high energy bill
by
David Brancaccio
and Jonaki Mehta
Jan 7, 2019
Some see a conflict of interest in how PACE loans are made.
NYC traffic fatalities fall to an all-time low
by
Erika Beras
Jan 2, 2019
The city's Vision Zero program has cut road deaths by a third over five years