Articles tagged with "environmental-protection"
Trump’s EPA Proposes to Reward States for Being Bad Neighbors - CleanTechnica
The Trump administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to reverse previous disapprovals of State Implementation Plans (SIPs) from several states—Alabama, Arizona, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, and Tennessee—that failed to meet Clean Air Act requirements for controlling ozone pollution affecting downwind states. Earlier in 2023 and 2024, the EPA had determined these states were not adequately limiting smog-causing emissions that harm neighboring states’ air quality. Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA is authorized to impose federal plans to reduce interstate pollution when states fail to act, but this new proposal would prevent the EPA from enforcing such reductions, effectively allowing continued harmful emissions. Environmental groups like the Sierra Club strongly criticize the proposal, highlighting the health consequences of unchecked ozone pollution. The Biden-era Good Neighbor Plan estimated that reducing interstate ozone pollution could prevent thousands of premature deaths, asthma cases, and emergency room visits annually. The Sierra Club notes that adherence to the Good Neighbor Plan
energyenvironmental-protectionEPAair-pollutionClean-Air-Actcoal-industryemissions-regulationNew pine bark filter removes over 90% of drug traces from wastewater
Researchers at the University of Oulu in Finland have developed an innovative, low-cost water treatment method using iron-modified pine bark to remove pharmaceutical residues from wastewater. This sustainable purification medium leverages pine bark’s natural polyphenolic compounds, enhanced with magnetite (iron oxide), to effectively capture a wide range of drugs—including antibiotics like trimethoprim and antidepressants such as venlafaxine—with removal rates exceeding 90%. The magnetic properties of the modified bark allow easy separation from water after treatment, offering a practical and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional methods like activated carbon and ozonation, which are energy-intensive and costly. The research team tested the material over four months at a wastewater treatment plant, targeting post-treatment water where drug residues, though low, still pose ecological risks. Their findings demonstrated near-complete elimination of certain pharmaceuticals, while advanced cobalt-magnetite composites showed potential for breaking down more resilient antibiotics like levofloxacin. This approach aligns with circular economy principles by utilizing abundant forestry by
materialswater-treatmentpharmaceutical-removalpine-bark-filtersustainable-technologyenvironmental-protectionwastewater-purificationUS: Hanford nuclear cleanup gets biggest funding boost after delays
The Hanford nuclear site, the most radioactively contaminated location in the Western Hemisphere, has received a record $3.2 billion budget for 2026, marking the largest Congressional funding boost for its cleanup efforts to date. Established in 1943 to produce weapons-grade plutonium for atomic bombs, Hanford generated 67 tons of plutonium over four decades, accompanied by billions of gallons of chemical and radioactive waste. Much of this waste—56 million gallons—was stored in 177 underground tanks, a third of which are leaking, contaminating an aquifer beneath and threatening the nearby Columbia River. Cleanup efforts began under a 1987 agreement among the state, U.S. Department of Energy, and EPA, but delays and funding shortfalls have pushed back the timeline significantly. The Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) started operations last year to convert radioactive waste into stable glass for underground storage, but substantial work remains. Plans include opening another facility in the 2030s to
energynuclear-cleanupradioactive-wasteHanford-siteenvironmental-protectionwaste-treatmentDepartment-of-EnergyEPA to Delay Air Clean Up Plans for National Parks, Again - CleanTechnica
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced another delay in enforcing regional haze guidelines, granting states an additional three years to submit plans aimed at reducing harmful air pollution in national parks. These plans, required every ten years under the regional haze program, are designed to improve visibility and public health by implementing emission reduction technologies, compliance schedules, and monitoring strategies. The delay postpones efforts to address pollutants that degrade the natural beauty of national parks and pose health risks to visitors and nearby communities. Environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, have strongly criticized the EPA's decision. Sierra Club Senior Attorney Joshua Smith condemned the delay, accusing EPA leadership, specifically Lee Zeldin, of prioritizing fossil fuel interests over environmental protection and public health. The Sierra Club emphasized the urgency of enforcing the regional haze program to restore national parks to their pristine condition and safeguard the well-being of the public. As America’s largest grassroots environmental organization, the Sierra Club continues to advocate for clean energy, community health, and conservation through activism,
energyenvironmental-protectionair-pollutionregional-haze-programemission-reductionpublic-healthnational-parksSierra Club Statement on Arctic Refuge CRA Vote - CleanTechnica
The article reports that Senate Republicans advanced a resolution using the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to revoke a 2024 land management plan protecting millions of acres in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The resolution passed 49-45, with Republican Senator Susan Collins joining Democrats in opposition. The vote threatens critical habitat for species such as caribou, migratory birds, and polar bears. This marks an unprecedented use of the CRA, a Clinton-era law traditionally used to overturn administrative rules, now applied to resource management plans. A similar resolution targeting protections for the Western Arctic also passed recently and awaits presidential approval. Athan Manuel, Director of the Sierra Club’s Lands Protection Program, condemned the vote, accusing Senate Republicans and the Trump administration of prioritizing corporate interests over environmental and Indigenous concerns. He emphasized the Arctic Refuge’s importance as one of the last wild places in the U.S., vital to the Gwich’in people and wildlife like the Porcupine caribou herd. The Sierra Club, a
energyenvironmental-protectionoil-and-gas-leasingArctic-Refugepublic-landsclimate-policySierra-ClubSierra Club Statement on House Votes to Overturn Public Lands Protections - CleanTechnica
House Republicans have passed resolutions using the Congressional Review Act (CRA) aimed at overturning protections for millions of acres of public lands in Alaska and Wyoming. These resolutions target land management plans for the Arctic Refuge and Western Arctic in Alaska, as well as the Buffalo region in Wyoming, threatening over 13 million acres of critical habitat for species such as caribou, migratory birds, and polar bears. While the resolution concerning the Western Arctic has been sent to the White House for expected approval by former President Donald Trump, the others await Senate action. The Sierra Club strongly condemns these moves, with Athan Manuel, director of its Lands Protection Program, accusing Congressional Republicans of prioritizing corporate interests over environmental preservation and public health. Rob Joyce, director of the Sierra Club Wyoming Chapter, criticized the attempt to revive coal leasing in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin, noting that recent lease sales have failed due to lack of demand and that coal mining is not economically viable. The Sierra Club emphasizes the importance of protecting public
energypublic-landscoal-leasingArctic-Refugeenvironmental-protectionoil-and-gasSierra-ClubDriving Best Practice in Mining Waste Management - CleanTechnica
A recent study by Transport & Environment (T&E) and Earthworks provides a global benchmarking of mining waste legislation across six regions, highlighting significant weaknesses in current regulatory frameworks. As demand for critical minerals surges due to the energy transition and other technological needs, robust mining waste management is essential to protect people and the environment. The research compares national laws against the "Safety First: Guidelines for Responsible Mine Tailings Management" and finds that no region fully mandates the use of best available technologies or meets all safety requirements, especially regarding the closure of tailings facilities. Despite widespread regulatory gaps, some countries demonstrate leadership in mining waste governance. Brazil stands out with the strongest legislative framework, notably being the only country to fully ban upstream tailings dams and enforce strict monitoring and proximity limits to residential areas. The US state of Montana also has strong independent monitoring rules, while China imposes restrictions on tailings facility locations near communities. Most jurisdictions require some form of financial assurance for mining waste management. The report calls on governments
energymining-waste-managementenvironmental-protectioncritical-mineralsmining-legislationsustainable-miningtailings-managementUS: Hanford facility starts solidifying nuclear waste into glass
The Hanford Site in Washington state has commenced operations to vitrify nuclear waste at the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP), marking a significant milestone in addressing the environmental hazards posed by legacy tank waste. Bechtel, which designed, built, and commissioned the WTP for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), began feeding radioactive waste and glass-forming materials into large melters where the mixture is heated above 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This process transforms the waste into stable glass logs, which are then poured into stainless-steel containers for safe, long-term disposal. The vitrification technique is seen as a critical step in protecting the Columbia River, local communities, and future generations from contamination. The WTP is the world’s largest radioactive waste treatment facility and is expected to process about 5,300 gallons of tank waste daily. The project reflects decades of collaboration among the DOE, state authorities, labor partners, and scientific experts. Despite recent leadership changes within the DOE that
energynuclear-wastevitrificationglass-forming-materialswaste-treatmentenvironmental-protectionDepartment-of-EnergyPope Leo Speaks About Climate Change. Is Anyone Listening? - CleanTechnica
On October 1, 2025, Pope Leo delivered a passionate address at Castel Gandolfo, marking the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’, which called for the protection of the Earth. Drawing on Saint Francis of Assisi’s canticle praising “Sister, Mother Earth,” Pope Leo emphasized humanity’s responsibility to care for the environment, lamenting how humans have exploited nature and caused widespread ecological harm. He highlighted that the environmental challenges identified a decade ago remain urgent and even more relevant today, urging all sectors of society—including NGOs, advocacy groups, and citizens—to pressure governments into adopting and enforcing stronger environmental regulations. Pope Leo’s message implicitly countered recent climate change denial rhetoric from certain political leaders, underscoring the need for a collective change of heart. He criticized those who dismiss climate science or blame the poor for environmental degradation and called on Christians to align their faith with active care for creation. The Pope stressed that loving God requires respecting and protecting all
energyclimate-changeenvironmental-protectionsustainabilityrenewable-energycarbon-emissionsclimate-policyChina recycles retired wind turbine blades into desert barrier walls
Researchers in China have developed an innovative approach to combat desertification by recycling retired wind turbine blades into durable sand barrier walls. Led by the Research Station of Gobi Desert Ecology and Environment at the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, this project addresses both environmental degradation and the growing issue of wind turbine waste. The blades, which will reach the end of their 20-25 year lifespan around 2025, are repurposed into porous structures that effectively trap sand and alter wind patterns to reduce sand transport near the surface. Tests show these recycled blade barriers are 14 times stronger than traditional wood composites and can withstand ultraviolet radiation, high temperatures, and sand abrasion, making them far more durable than conventional straw or reed barriers. This technology is particularly significant for desert-edge communities like Dunhuang in Gansu province, where sandstorms threaten oases and cultural heritage sites. The ability to locally recycle turbine blades into long-lasting sand-control structures offers a sustainable solution that aligns with China’s clean energy goals and
energyrenewable-energywind-turbine-recyclingdesertification-controlcomposite-materialssustainable-materialsenvironmental-protectionCarbon Storage’s Prudent Limit: The End Of Infinite Assumptions - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses a significant reassessment of global carbon capture and storage (CCS) capacity, challenging the long-held assumption that geological storage is nearly limitless. Previous estimates suggested sedimentary basins could store between 10,000 and 40,000 gigatons of CO₂, with industry and policy often treating storage as an infinite backstop for ongoing fossil fuel use and climate overshoot scenarios. However, a new study published in Nature applies a comprehensive risk-based analysis incorporating factors such as seismic risk, depth constraints, proximity to urban areas, environmental protections, and geopolitical considerations. This approach reduces the realistic, prudent global storage capacity to about 1,460 gigatons—roughly 90% less than earlier technical estimates. This recalibration has profound implications for climate strategy. The limited storage capacity means CCS cannot simultaneously serve as a broad solution for continued fossil fuel emissions and a safety valve for overshoot mitigation. Most existing 2 °C climate pathways already exceed this prudent
energycarbon-capturecarbon-storageclimate-changegeological-storageenvironmental-protectionsustainabilityThe Human Health Risk Of Breathing Carbon Dioxide - CleanTechnica
The article critiques recent claims attributed to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) promotes plant growth and benefits agriculture and ocean chemistry. The author strongly disputes this optimistic view, arguing that increasing CO2 levels pose significant health risks to humans and ecosystems. The piece condemns current U.S. leadership for prioritizing fossil fuel profits over environmental and public health, accusing them of ignoring the dangers of elevated CO2 concentrations. Supporting this stance, the article references a scientific study by Ugo Bardi and colleagues titled “Carbon dioxide as a pollutant: the risks on human health and the stability of the biosphere.” This research highlights that while CO2 contributes to global warming, it also chemically affects biological systems, increasing ocean acidity and harming marine life. Importantly, elevated CO2 negatively impacts human health, especially in enclosed environments where concentrations can rise to dangerous levels, as exemplified by the Apollo 13 mission’s life-threatening CO2 buildup. The article warns
energycarbon-dioxideenvironmental-protectionair-qualityhuman-health-risksclimate-changefossil-fuelsSierra Club Statement on Confirmation Hearing of Michael Boren - CleanTechnica
The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry recently held a party-line confirmation vote on Michael Boren, Donald Trump’s nominee for Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment at the Department of Agriculture, the role overseeing the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Boren, a 62-year-old Trump megadonor with no prior government experience, has been a controversial figure due to his history of disputes with government agencies, including the USFS. Notably, Boren clashed with the Forest Service over activities in the Sawtooth National Forest and filed multiple defamation lawsuits against the agency. Video evidence also shows a helicopter registered to Boren flying near a Forest Service trail crew in a manner described as intimidating. In response, Alex Craven, Sierra Club’s Forest Campaign Manager, criticized the nomination, highlighting Boren’s lack of respect for the USFS’s mission and expressing concern over his history of undermining the agency. Craven emphasized the importance of the USFS in conserving public
energyenvironmental-protectionclean-energywildfire-preventionpublic-lands-conservationSierra-ClubU.S.-Forest-ServiceGalileo Galilei And The End Of Science - CleanTechnica
The article "Galileo Galilei And The End Of Science" from CleanTechnica draws a historical parallel between Galileo’s conflict with the Catholic Church over scientific truth and contemporary challenges to science, particularly in environmental policy. Galileo, who invented the experimental method and confirmed the heliocentric model, faced house arrest and censorship for contradicting biblical interpretations. This tension between science and religion persists today, exemplified by groups like Answers In Genesis that reject scientific consensus on Earth’s age in favor of literal biblical chronology. The article highlights how some individuals remain unconvinced by scientific evidence, adhering instead to faith-based claims. The piece then shifts focus to recent developments at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under Lee Zeldin, who is portrayed as dismissive of science in policymaking. In 2025, the EPA announced plans to cut hundreds of scientific positions, undermining independent research critical to environmental regulations on chemical risks, wildfire smoke, and water contamination. Zeldin’s rollback
energyenvironmental-protectionEPAscientific-researchemissions-regulationsclimate-policyhazardous-chemicalsFlorida Approves Bill Banning Oil & Gas Operations Near Apalachicola - CleanTechnica
The Florida legislature has approved a bill banning oil and gas operations near Apalachicola, a small city in the Florida Panhandle known for its oyster industry that depends heavily on the Gulf of Mexico's waters. This move comes in response to concerns raised by local communities, environmental groups, and industry representatives following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which devastated marine life and the local economy, killing billions of oysters and numerous other species. The threat of oil drilling upriver in the Apalachicola River basin, which spans Georgia, Alabama, and Florida, prompted the formation of the environmental campaign "Kill the Drill," led by stakeholders including the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association. In April 2024, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) initially granted a permit for exploratory drilling to Clearwater Land and Minerals, a Louisiana-based company, sparking widespread opposition. A judge later ruled that the DEP had erred in issuing the permit and recommended its denial, which the DEP subsequently followed
energyoil-drillingenvironmental-protectionFlorida-legislationGulf-of-Mexicooil-spillrenewable-energy-alternativesVeolia Opens One of the Largest PFAS Treatment Plants in the U.S., Delivering High-Quality Drinking Water to Over 100,000 Delaware Residents - CleanTechnica
Veolia has inaugurated one of the largest PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) treatment plants in the United States, located at the Stanton Water Treatment Plant in Wilmington, Delaware. This $35 million facility is the largest of its kind in the Northeast and is designed to remove regulated PFAS compounds from up to 30 million gallons of drinking water daily, serving over 100,000 residents. The plant fully complies with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s PFAS regulations and sets a global benchmark for cost-effective, large-scale PFAS water treatment. It features 42 large vessels filled with granular activated carbon to adsorb contaminants, and includes an on-site laboratory for ongoing testing and innovation in filtration methods. This project is part of Veolia’s broader BeyondPFAS initiative, which aims to develop over 100 PFAS treatment sites across the U.S., potentially securing safe drinking water for nearly 2 million people. The Stanton plant took three years to design and build, with
energywater-treatmentPFAS-removalenvironmental-protectionsustainable-technologywater-purificationactivated-carbon-filtration31 đội tranh tài tại chung kết Sáng kiến Khoa học 2025
energyrecyclingsolar-panelsinnovationsustainabilityenvironmental-protectionbiomass