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Earthworks Utilizes Optical Gas Imaging to Combat Oil and Gas Pollution Across U.S.

Earthworks Utilizes Optical Gas Imaging to Combat Oil and Gas Pollution Across U.S.

Earthworks, an advocacy organization, has spent the last decade using optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras to detect and record volatile organic compounds, carcinogens, and greenhouse gases emitted from oil and gas extraction sites. This technology, specifically the FLIR GF320 OGI camera, makes otherwise invisible pollution visible. Earthworks was the first advocacy group to train and certify staff in its use. Their efforts have focused on states like Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Pennsylvania, where a significant portion of U.S. oil and methane gas is extracted. Over 17.3 million Americans live within half a mile of these operations, often experiencing health issues such as foul odors, nosebleeds, and asthma. Earthworks' investigations have brought national and international attention to the scale of emissions and community exposure, leading to policy changes like New Mexico's State Land Office banning new oil and gas wells within one mile of schools.

Formosa Plastics Plant in Texas Continues Operations Despite Extensive Environmental Violations and Worker Injuries

Formosa Plastics Plant in Texas Continues Operations Despite Extensive Environmental Violations and Worker Injuries

The Formosa Plastics plant in Point Comfort, Texas, has maintained its status as a 'satisfactory performer' by state regulators despite a long history of environmental contamination and worker safety issues. An investigation by Public Health Watch reveals that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has allowed the company to expand its plant ten times in 16 years, reduced fines, and permitted it to avoid spending on pollution controls. The plant is a major emitter of vinyl chloride, a known carcinogen, and ethylene dichloride (EDC), a probable carcinogen. Formosa has accumulated 587 environmental violations since 2010 but has been fined for only 71, totaling approximately $1.4 million. Worker safety is also a significant concern, with at least 122 injuries reported between 2020 and 2025, more than four other large Texas chemical facilities combined. The company has also stored hazardous waste without a permit for 18 years.

Representative Dave Min Reelected to Congress, Bolstering Bicycling and Active Transportation Initiatives

Representative Dave Min Reelected to Congress, Bolstering Bicycling and Active Transportation Initiatives

Representative Dave Min has been reelected to California's 47th Congressional District, securing his second term in the House. His reelection is highlighted by organizations like CalBike, which endorsed his state Senate campaign in 2020 due to his strong support for low-stress bikeway networks and Complete Streets. Min's platform has consistently connected better mobility options, such as bicycling, to broader issues like climate change, affordability, and community safety. His continued presence in Congress is seen as a win for advocates pushing for more sustainable and accessible transportation infrastructure. This victory is part of a larger trend in California where voters are electing leaders who prioritize active transportation as a solution to everyday challenges faced by residents.

Environmental Justice Foundation Emphasizes Plastic Production Reduction for Climate and Humanity

Environmental Justice Foundation Emphasizes Plastic Production Reduction for Climate and Humanity

The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) has issued a statement underscoring the critical importance of reducing plastic production to safeguard the climate, environment, and humanity. The organization highlights that the current levels of plastic production and pollution pose significant dangers that extend beyond ecological damage, impacting human health and contributing to climate change. EJF's message emphasizes that while cleanup efforts are necessary, the fundamental solution lies in addressing the source of the problem: the excessive manufacturing of plastics. This perspective aligns with broader environmental advocacy efforts that call for systemic changes in industrial practices and consumption patterns to mitigate the widespread negative effects of plastic on global ecosystems and human well-being.

DOGE cuts cost tribes $470M, gutting funding for climate projects

DOGE cuts cost tribes $470M, gutting funding for climate projects

Two new reports from the Brookings Institution reveal the Department of Government Efficiency made significant cuts to tribal communities

Senator Jeff Merkley Announces Bid for Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairmanship

Senator Jeff Merkley Announces Bid for Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairmanship

Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) has officially announced his intention to seek the chairmanship of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee in the upcoming Congress. This move comes as Democrats are projected to hold at least 55 Senate seats, positioning Merkley, currently the ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee, for a significant leadership role. The chairmanship of the EPW Committee is becoming available because Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), the current ranking member, plans to chair the Senate Judiciary Committee next year. Senator Merkley expressed enthusiasm for the potential to lead the EPW Committee, highlighting its jurisdiction over critical issues affecting American communities. He emphasized the importance of clean air and clean water for all citizens, regardless of their location. Merkley outlined his priorities, which include tackling toxic substances such as asbestos, plastics, and 'forever chemicals' that pose substantial health risks. Additionally, he aims to s...

Marathon Petroleum Subsidiary Seeks Permit Change for Albuquerque Terminal, Raising Community Concerns Over Increased Emissions

Marathon Petroleum Subsidiary Seeks Permit Change for Albuquerque Terminal, Raising Community Concerns Over Increased Emissions

Western Refining Terminals LLC, a subsidiary of Marathon Petroleum Corp., is seeking to amend the air-quality permit for its Albuquerque Products Terminal. The proposed changes would increase the facility’s permitted emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by 15.36 tons per year, an amount estimated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to be roughly equivalent to the annual VOC emissions of 1,100 gasoline-powered cars. VOCs contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, or smog, which can cause respiratory illnesses. The company's initial application in July listed a lower increase, but a revised application was submitted in October after city staff identified a mathematical error where 'pi' was omitted from calculations, making storage tanks appear smaller than their actual size. The proposed amendments include adding two diesel loading arms, allowing two diesel tanks to store gasoline, updating fuel specifications, and installing a temporary combustion unit for vapor burning during main...

Lebanon's National Human Rights Commission Releases Study on Rights Protection and Climate Commitments at COP31

Lebanon's National Human Rights Commission Releases Study on Rights Protection and Climate Commitments at COP31

Lebanon's National Human Rights Commission, including the Committee for the Prevention of Torture, has published a study titled 'Climate Change and Human Rights in Lebanon: The Emerging Role of National Human Rights Institutions.' This release coincides with the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey. The study investigates how climate commitments can be translated into effective protection of human rights within Lebanon, a country grappling with fragile public services, an economic crisis, and the consequences of conflict. It concludes that assessing climate action requires evaluating its impact on life, health, water, housing, and work, in addition to measuring emissions. The study proposes an approach that links legal obligations, responsible institutions, financing, and evidence of implementation to enable citizens to assess changes in services and decisions affecting their lives. Key findings include an existing legal framework for monitoring, recent climate plans wit...

Industrialized Food Systems Face Environmental and Health Challenges Globally

Industrialized Food Systems Face Environmental and Health Challenges Globally

Industrialized food systems are facing significant criticism due to their environmental, health, social, economic, and governance issues, despite their success in increasing food supply. These systems heavily rely on non-renewable fossil resources, leading to their depletion, and contribute to the overexploitation of renewable resources like forests and marine life. Agriculture accounts for nearly 40% of the Earth's land area, with two-thirds used for livestock grazing and feed production, contributing to deforestation. The massive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has resulted in widespread pollution of water and air, with agriculture responsible for 90% of ammonia emissions in the EU. Furthermore, the industrialization of food has generated new individual health risk factors, including micronutrient deficiencies and a rise in overweight and obesity, affecting billions globally. Food systems are also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for a third of all global anthropogenic em...

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein Featured in Documentary on PFAS Contamination Fight

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein Featured in Documentary on PFAS Contamination Fight

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein is featured in a new documentary titled 'GENX: The Saga of Forever Chemicals,' which premieres in Saxapahaw. The film explores the nearly decade-long battle against PFAS contamination in the state's drinking water, particularly in the Cape Fear River. Governor Stein served as attorney general during a significant portion of the investigation and legal actions related to these 'forever chemicals.' The documentary, directed by Eli Yetter-Bowman and Sammy Bauer, delves into the history of PFAS contamination, its impact on communities, and ongoing efforts to hold chemical manufacturers accountable. It also includes environmental attorney Robert Bilott and actor Mark Ruffalo. The film highlights the personal connection of Yetter-Bowman, who grew up in Wilmington and was exposed to contaminated water, inspiring his investigation into the broader health implications. Recent testing has revealed the nationwide extent of PFAS contamination, with nearly 197 million Americans served...

New Research Links Paraquat Herbicide Inhalation to Parkinson's Disease in Mice, Raising Regulatory Concerns

New Research Links Paraquat Herbicide Inhalation to Parkinson's Disease in Mice, Raising Regulatory Concerns

Preliminary new research from scientists at the University of Rochester and the University of Georgia indicates that exposure to paraquat herbicide through inhalation can cause neurotoxic brain effects consistent with Parkinson's disease. The study, which is a preprint and has not yet undergone peer review, exposed laboratory mice to air containing paraquat particles for 60 days. The results showed reduced dopamine neurons and impaired motor function in the mice. This research is significant because it models human exposure more closely than previous studies, which often involved dietary or injected paraquat. Deborah Cory-Slechta, a neurotoxicologist and co-author, stated that these findings strengthen the existing body of evidence linking paraquat to Parkinson's. The study also noted greater impacts in male mice, mirroring the higher diagnosis rate of Parkinson's in men. This comes as U.S. regulators are reportedly re-examining the chemical, which is banned in approximately 70 other countries, including C...

Texas Community Questions Safety of ExxonMobil Carbon Storage Project Amid Environmental Justice Concerns

Texas Community Questions Safety of ExxonMobil Carbon Storage Project Amid Environmental Justice Concerns

Residents of Cheek, a predominantly Black and working-class community in East Texas, are expressing significant concerns over an ExxonMobil project that plans to inject and permanently store carbon dioxide underground. This project, approved by the Texas Railroad Commission in September 2026, is poised to be the first of its kind to operate in the state. Despite assurances from ExxonMobil and state regulators regarding safety, community members fear potential contamination of groundwater, air quality issues leading to suffocation, and inadequate emergency response capabilities. Douglas Cormier, president of the Cheek Texas Community Association, highlighted the shock and distrust among residents regarding the project's proximity to homes. The community has sought legal assistance from Earthjustice, a nonprofit, to challenge the permit, citing insufficient measures to protect water and public safety. This situation has also brought to light environmental justice issues, with residents believing their commun...