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U.S. Schools Save Millions by Adopting Solar and Storage Solutions

U.S. Schools Save Millions by Adopting Solar and Storage Solutions

Over 7 million K-12 students in the U.S., approximately one in seven, now attend a solar-powered school, according to Generation 180. Schools are increasingly adopting solar panels and energy storage systems as a long-term investment to reduce energy costs and strengthen local grids. Studies indicate significant potential savings; for instance, Pennsylvania schools could save up to $342 million statewide by installing rooftop solar, while North Carolina's school rooftops could power 150,000 homes annually. SEIA is highlighting six schools, from elementary to college, that are successfully implementing solar solutions, such as Andover Elementary in Connecticut, Friedman Middle School in Massachusetts saving $35,000 annually, and McHenry High School in Illinois reducing energy costs by 30%.
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EPA Advances Review of Four Chemicals, Seeks Public and Expert Input on Health Risks

EPA Advances Review of Four Chemicals, Seeks Public and Expert Input on Health Risks

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is moving forward with its review of four chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA): 1,3,4,6,7,8-Hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta [g]-2-benzopyran (HHCB), phthalic anhydride, o-dichlorobenzene (oDCB), and p-dichlorobenzene (pDCB). The agency has released draft documents for public comment and independent scientific peer review by the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC). These chemicals are commonly found in various products, including fragrances, paints, coatings, cleaners, and industrial processes. The EPA's draft risk evaluation for HHCB, a fragrance ingredient, indicates no unreasonable risk under current law across 22 conditions of use. However, for phthalic anhydride, used in paints and plastics, the draft evaluation identifies unreasonable risks to workers and consumers from dermal and inhalation exposure. For pDCB and oDCB, used in manufacturing and cleaning, draft hazard assessments confirm serious non-cancer health concer...
Wilmington Star-News Wilmington Star-News
New Hanover landfill fire focuses fresh scrutiny on lithium batteries

New Hanover landfill fire focuses fresh scrutiny on lithium batteries

A fire at the New Hanover landfill in late August caused by a lithium battery has officials warning of how to properly dispose of the potential fire hazards.
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The Hartford Seeks Personal Insurance Product Director for Florida and North Carolina

The Hartford Seeks Personal Insurance Product Director for Florida and North Carolina

The Hartford Seeks Personal Insurance Product Director for Florida and North Carolina
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Action Behavior Centers Advocates for Autism Therapy Access in North Carolina Amid Medicaid Rate Reductions

Action Behavior Centers Advocates for Autism Therapy Access in North Carolina Amid Medicaid Rate Reductions

Action Behavior Centers (ABC), a prominent provider of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is actively engaging in advocacy efforts to safeguard and expand access to autism services across the U.S. In August, ABC's Family Advocacy team hosted legislative staff at its Clayton, North Carolina center. This visit included Trey Lewis, MPA, Northeast Regional Representative for U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, and Blake Belch, Southeastern Regional Director for U.S. Senator Ted Budd. The purpose of the visit was to demonstrate how early, individualized ABA therapy assists autistic children in achieving developmental milestones in social interaction, communication, and independence. Discussions also focused on policy factors influencing access to autism services in North Carolina, particularly in light of the state's implementation of a 10% reduction in Medicaid reimbursement rates for ABA services. ABC is advocating for funding and guidance that preserves individual...
Wilmington Star-News Wilmington Star-News
Despite raises, cost of living still outpaces New Hanover teacher salaries

Despite raises, cost of living still outpaces New Hanover teacher salaries

New Hanover County Schools teachers are getting raises, but rising housing costs are outpacing their paychecks.
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Maryland Community Seeks Answers on Emissions from W.R. Grace Plastic Recycling Plant

Maryland Community Seeks Answers on Emissions from W.R. Grace Plastic Recycling Plant

Residents in Howard County, Maryland, specifically in the Cedar Creek and River Hill communities, are demanding transparency regarding emissions from a W.R. Grace plastic recycling pilot plant. The multinational chemical company initiated its pilot program in 2023, and despite meeting state and federal permitting requirements, residents have reported foul odors emanating from the facility. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) granted the necessary air permit, requiring the company to control and monitor for volatile organic compounds and 'forever chemicals,' but an environmental impact assessment was not mandated for the pilot project. W.R. Grace claims some information about its process is proprietary, limiting public access to details about its operations and emissions. Community organizer Shamieka Preston, who lives near the facility, has been actively involved in the Stop Grace Coalition, advocating for accountability. The company states its new recycling method reduces emissions, saves ene...
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President Trump Administration Rolls Back Key Toxic Chemical Plant Pollution Rule

President Trump Administration Rolls Back Key Toxic Chemical Plant Pollution Rule

The administration of President Trump has begun to dismantle the Hazardous Organic National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (HON) rule, a regulation designed to significantly reduce toxic pollution from petrochemical plants. This rule, signed by EPA chief Michael Regan in April 2024, aimed to cut emissions of ethylene oxide and chloroprene by almost 80 percent and reduce cancer risks by 96 percent in communities near affected plants. However, shortly after President Trump began his second term, his administration granted two-year exemptions from the HON rule to over 70 petrochemical facilities. The EPA also announced plans to propose a rewrite of the regulation, which is expected to substantially weaken its protections. This move has drawn criticism from environmental justice groups and former EPA officials, who argue it prioritizes industry interests over public health, particularly in areas like Louisiana's 'Cancer Alley' where pollution disproportionately affects Black communities.
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Congresswoman Valerie Foushee Urges Amazon for Collective Dialogue Assemblies Amidst Worker Concerns

Congresswoman Valerie Foushee Urges Amazon for Collective Dialogue Assemblies Amidst Worker Concerns

Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, representing North Carolina's 4th District, formally requested Amazon to schedule collective dialogue assemblies at three of its facilities in Durham, Smithfield, and Garner. This request, made on February 20, 2026, comes in response to ongoing concerns regarding working conditions and a hunger strike by an Amazon associate, Italo Medelius-Marsano, who is advocating for better labor practices. Foushee's letter emphasized that Amazon's refusal to engage in such dialogues raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and respect for the local workforce. She also sought a written response from Amazon with a proposed timeline for these assemblies. However, according to Medelius-Marsano, Amazon has not yet responded to the congresswoman's letter. This action by Congresswoman Foushee highlights the growing pressure on large corporations like Amazon to address labor issues and engage in open communication with their employees.
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Black Girls Do Hike Founder Malika White Promotes Eco-Therapy for Mental Well-being

Black Girls Do Hike Founder Malika White Promotes Eco-Therapy for Mental Well-being

Black Girls Do Hike Founder Malika White Promotes Eco-Therapy for Mental Well-being
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
Possible measles exposure in Buncombe, Henderson counties. See locations

Possible measles exposure in Buncombe, Henderson counties. See locations

State health department reports two possible areas for measle exposure in Western North Carolina. Plus numbers on measles cases in NC this year, more.
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National Border Patrol Council Endorses Michael Whatley for US Senate, Citing Border Security Stance

National Border Patrol Council Endorses Michael Whatley for US Senate, Citing Border Security Stance

The non-partisan National Border Patrol Council (NBPC) has officially endorsed Michael Whatley for the U.S. Senate. NBPC President Paul Perez announced the endorsement during a series of events across North Carolina, emphasizing Whatley's commitment to securing the border. The NBPC criticized what it described as 'open border policies' supported by Roy Cooper, asserting that these policies have negatively impacted North Carolina families, particularly concerning illicit fentanyl. Congressman Addison McDowell joined Whatley and Perez at an event in Cabarrus County, while Beaufort County Sheriff Scott Hammonds was present at an event in Pitt County. These events also included 'Angel Families' and families affected by fentanyl-related deaths, highlighting the human cost associated with border security issues. Michael Whatley expressed honor in receiving the endorsement, reiterating his belief that a nation without secure borders ceases to be a nation and pledging to support border agents.