Climate & Environmental Policy
8 storiesTypical coverage includes policy explainers, regulatory updates, climate-risk analysis and conservation reporting, with attention to greenhouse gas targets and water regulation. In Climate & Environmental Policy, follow-up centers on the next verifiable decision or milestone.
Scarcity Drives New Risks and Opportunities for Local Governments
As demand for water, land, and energy grows, local governments face tough choices about resource allocation while investors see new opportunities. Fragmented oversight can leave communities exposed to risks that cross agency boundaries.
Colorado River Water Cuts Leave Western Towns and Farms Facing Uncertainty
A new federal plan to reduce Colorado River water use is forcing Arizona towns and farmers to reconsider their future, as reservoirs hit record lows and legal battles intensify over shrinking supplies
Forecasters Lower 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook
Meteorologists have reduced their predictions for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season as a strong El Niño pattern develops, increasing the likelihood of fewer storms but not eliminating the risk of severe impacts along the U.S. coast.
Michigan Candidates Split on Future of Line 5 Pipeline
The fate of Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac could shift after November's elections, as Michigan's next governor, attorney general, and U.S. senator may set new legal and policy directions for the controversial project
How Local Governments Are Using Data to Tackle Climate Risks
Local agencies are shifting from passive data collection to proactive strategies, using external datasets and local expertise to strengthen infrastructure resilience against severe weather and climate threats.
El Niño Expected to Bring Wetter, Warmer Winter to Connecticut
Connecticut is likely to see a warmer and wetter winter as forecasters predict a very strong El Niño for the 2026-27 season, with above-normal precipitation and temperatures expected across the state
Frog and Toad Monitoring Reveals Species Shifts in Southeast Michigan
Long-term monitoring by Friends of the Rouge shows four frog species declining and several others increasing in the Rouge River watershed, raising questions about habitat changes and climate impacts in southeast Michigan.
Senator Proposes New Federal Tax on AI Data Centers
A draft proposal from Sen. Ron Wyden would remove current tax breaks for new data centers and introduce an excise tax on facilities handling AI workloads, aiming to address rising energy costs and community impacts. Public feedback is open through August 31.