Newswatch Environment State-by-State
Arizona
Rare Arizona desert spring faces a new border wall threat, advocates say
August 20, 2026 09:35 PM EDT
Arizona's Family.
Environmental advocates say border wall construction near Quitobaquito Springs could threaten wildlife and a rare desert oasis in southern Arizona.
Arizona
What Trump's plan to kill roadless rule means for Arizona's forests
August 19, 2026 08:03 AM EDT
The Arizona Republic.
Environmentalists say rescinding the roadless rule will allow development in forests and destroy wildlife habitat.
Arizona
Activist Tree-Sit in Ancient Cottonwood Continues Against Border Wall Construction in Arizona
August 19, 2026 04:00 AM EDT
Democracy Now!
A protest camp in the small border town of Lochiel, Arizona, is seeking to stop federal contractors from building another portion of President Trump’s border barrier with Mexico. At the center of the protest camp is a 200-year-old cottonwood known as a “grandmother” tree, with activists sitting in the tree to physically stop its destruction. “People are successfully forcing the government to stop, to slow down, or at least change course on border wall construction,” says journalist John Washington, a staff writer for the queer news outlet Lookout and author of multiple books about immigration. “They’ve been very clear that this is both an environmental and a political fight.”
Arkansas
Arkansas chemical plant where acid spill occurred operated without a permit, state regulators say
August 19, 2026 11:40 AM EDT
KTLO Radio.
The interior of the C&S Chemicals facility in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on May 3, 2026, including the ruptured acidified aluminum sulfate tank that caused the spill. (Photo courtesy of the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment) A
Arkansas
US officials move to end national forest road rule | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
August 19, 2026 03:56 AM EDT
Northwest Arkansas Newspapers.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The Trump administration announced Tuesday it is moving ahead with plans to rescind a quarter-century-old rule that blocked logging, road building and other development on national forest lands, drawing the ire of environmentalists nationwide.
Arkansas
US officials move to end national forest road rule | Arkansas Democrat Gazette
August 19, 2026 03:56 AM EDT
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The Trump administration announced Tuesday it is moving ahead with plans to rescind a quarter-century-old rule that blocked logging, road building and other development on national forest lands, drawing the ire of environmentalists nationwide.
California
Trump administration advances plan to rescind 'Roadless Rule' protecting national forests - West Hawaii Today
August 21, 2026 06:05 AM EDT
West Hawaii Today.
The Trump administration on Tuesday advanced a formal proposal to rescind a decades-old rule that protects more than 44 million acres of national forestland from road construction and timber harvesting, including about 4.4 million acres in California.
California
How Trump is trying to crush California's environmental policies
August 20, 2026 10:45 AM EDT
San Francisco Examiner.
The Trump administration is targeting California's environmental regulations and pushing back against the state's efforts to move away from fossil fuels, setting the stage for a contentious battle over environmental protection and energy dominance.
California
Forest fires follow roads. The Trump administration wants to build more
August 19, 2026 04:43 PM EDT
Kern Valley Public Radio.
The Trump administration announced it is rolling back a rule prohibiting logging and road construction in undeveloped parts of national forests, including more than 4 million acres of federally managed forest lands in California.
California
Editorial: Marin leaders join chorus in push to protect California coast
August 19, 2026 03:59 PM EDT
The Marin Independent Journal
Companies seeking permits have been going to the White House instead of following state and federal rules.
California
California scientists warn El Niño could bring record-high seas, coastal flooding this winter
August 19, 2026 08:35 AM EDT
Geo News
As El Niño continues to strengthen, the chances are it could become the strongest event in seven decades.Top California climate experts have warned El Niño might bring record-high seas and coastal flooding this...
California
Trump administration attacks California's ability to protect its coast
August 18, 2026 05:22 AM EDT
KALW Public Radio.
For months, Trump officials have pushed to allow floating nuclear reactors, large-scale desalination plants, and increased offshore oil drilling along California’s coast.
Colorado
Federal officials announce water cuts as Colorado River supplies continue to plunge
August 21, 2026 08:03 PM EDT
The Estes Park Trail-Gazette.
Last winter saw the worst snowpack on record for the Colorado River Basin.
Colorado
As Colorado River reservoirs plummet, the Trump administration orders water cuts
August 21, 2026 12:01 PM EDT
Los Angeles Times
The Trump administration is order water cuts along the Colorado River, where reservoirs have been dropping dramatically.
Florida
How Florida is challenging climate change in textbooks, while quietly updating its science standards
August 20, 2026 05:05 AM EDT
WUSF Public Media.
Publishers acceded to state requests watering down information on climate change’s impact, WUSF/Hechinger Report investigation finds. Now the state has turned to updating its science standards.
Idaho
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Climate change, SAVE Act and reproductive freedom
August 18, 2026 07:00 AM EDT
Idaho Press.
Idaho Press readers weigh in on issues impacting Idaho and the nation.
Illinois
Invasive carp get closer to Lake Michigan as project to halt their spread is ordered to stop
August 20, 2026 01:45 PM EDT
Michigan Public Radio
Invasive carp were detected in the Illinois River only 80 miles from Lake Michigan. The US Army Corp of Engineers ordered a stop-work order on a project to help stop the spread.
Illinois
Three Industrial Water Contamination Sites Deleted or Partially Removed from EPA Superfund Priority List
August 20, 2026 11:45 AM EDT
Water Technology.
The Kerr-McGee site at Kress Creek in Dupage County, Illinois was fully deleted from the NPL by the EPA. So was the Rowe Industries Groundwater Contamination site in Noyack/Sag...
Illinois
Ethanol plant to pay for wetland restoration at Emiquon wildlife refuge as part of Illinois River pollution settlement
August 20, 2026 06:00 AM EDT
The Chicago Tribune.
Lawsuit accused company of discharging hot water, which can dissolve oxygen and stress fish, as well as other aquatic wildlife and birds.
Illinois
EPA Wipes Florida, Georgia, And Illinois Sites From Superfund Priority List - Tampa Free Press
August 19, 2026 12:10 PM EDT
Tampa Free Press.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday that it is removing all or parts of eight contaminated locations from its National Priorities
Louisiana
Landry fast tracks critical minerals environmental reviews
August 19, 2026 05:02 PM EDT
The Center Square.
(The Center Square) - Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has signed a pair of executive orders that fast-track environmental permitting for critical minerals and rare earth production as part of an
Louisiana
Louisiana's push for offshore wind power stalls under Trump. 'No path forward'
August 16, 2026 09:00 AM EDT
The Times-Picayune.
Offshore wind in the Gulf – and nationwide – is up against tough-to-impossible odds under President Donald Trump, industry analysts say.
Maine
Some environmental advocates in Maine speak out against proposed changes to a federal forest protection policy - NewsBreak
August 20, 2026 12:51 PM EDT
News Break, Inc
Opponents say the rule protects 6,000 acres in Maine from destructive activities such as mining or logging.
Maryland
Moore inks solar deal to double Maryland's renewable power portfolio
August 20, 2026 06:17 AM EDT
E&E News.
State government will buy solar power generated on reclaimed coal mine land.
Maryland
Maryland approves 20-year solar deal for state energy use
August 19, 2026 02:24 PM EDT
The Baltimore Sun.
Maryland officials approved a 20-year solar power purchase agreement that they say could save the state approximately $300 million.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts doles out $27 million in tax credits to climate-tech firms - The Boston Globe
August 21, 2026 04:47 PM EDT
The Boston Globe
Eighteen winners were announced by the Mass. Clean Energy Center on Wednesday, including Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Electric Hydrogen, and Form Energy.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts awards $45 million to help 97 projects prepare for floods, heat, and storms
August 20, 2026 10:33 PM EDT
Yahoo! Inc.
The grants will support projects across Massachusetts, where communities face different threats.
Michigan
Michigan tribes say 'flawed' federal review of Line 5 project violates treaty rights
August 20, 2026 09:10 AM EDT
Interlochen Public Radio
The proposal to replace an aging segment of the Line 5 pipeline in the Great Lakes still needs state approval. Tribal nations say a permit approval by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was a breach of treaty rights.
Michigan
Michigan paying too much to prop up coal
August 19, 2026 06:30 PM EDT
Daily Kos.
Donald Trump wants a coal plant in Michigan to continue operations, even though it had been scheduled for closure last year and the company that runs it wanted to close it. A press release from the…
Minnesota
Minnesota agencies planning ahead for changes to state's water supply
August 21, 2026 01:25 PM EDT
minnpost
The 2100 Water Futures Project is one of six long-range planning projects designed to prepare Minnesota for generational shifts.
Minnesota
That was the week that was: energy, environment and natural resources (August 21, 2026)
August 21, 2026 10:26 AM EDT
americanexperiment
The top ten stories for the week: Energy American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) => Energy Affordability Report, 5th Edition Great Plains Institute for Sustainable Development => Minnesota Nuclear Energy Study T&D World => Xcel Energy Breaks Ground on Minnesota Transmission, Generation Projects Environment American Enterprise Institute (AEI) => How Roger Pielke Jr. Became Voldemort Cascade...
Minnesota
Minnesota Governor Issues Executive Order Blocking Controversial Mine Near the Boundary Waters
August 18, 2026 10:38 AM EDT
Outdoor Life.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order Tuesday morning that effectively blocks a controversial mine near the Boundary Waters.
Minnesota
Walz executive order moves to block copper mining near the Boundary Waters
August 18, 2026 07:30 AM EDT
Minnesota Public Radio News
Four months after Congress reversed a ban on mining over about 350 square miles in the watershed of the northeastern Minnesota wilderness, Gov. Tim Walz has issued a state executive order to block copper-nickel mining in the area.
Minnesota
Minnesota governor signs order to stop any mining efforts in Boundary Waters wilderness
August 18, 2026 06:07 AM EDT
Bozeman Daily Chronicle.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has suspended state work on proposed mining projects in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This decision comes four months after Congress and the Trump administration
Missouri
85% of Missouri's waterways have 'potentially unsafe' amounts of feces in them
August 19, 2026 12:10 PM EDT
The Independent.
Swimming or wading in water contaminated with fecal matter can lead to gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses
Montana
Wildfire Smoke Brings Hidden Ozone Risks To Montana Air
August 19, 2026 07:38 PM EDT
the Fairfield Sun-Times
BOZEMAN, Mont. — Wildfire smoke in Montana is raising another air quality concern beyond what people can easily see.
New Jersey
Court order could threaten permits for surviving US wind projects
August 18, 2026 08:49 PM EDT
WorkBoat.
A court decision remanding prior approvals for a wind energy project off New Jersey could pose a new threat to offshore turbine arrays under construction, as the Trump administration presses its relen
New Mexico
Border Wall controversy in New Mexico, other Southwestern states
August 21, 2026 08:00 AM EDT
KSFR Radio Free Santa Fe.
Construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall has resumed in three Southwest states, including New Mexico, where new wells have been drilled and pumped without permits, threatening groundwater for families and farmers.
New Mexico
Trump plan to allow drilling near US world heritage site sparks alarm
August 20, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
The Guardian.
Administration’s plan to scrap drilling-free buffer zone around New Mexico site prompts scrutiny from Unesco
New Mexico
Earth, Wind and Fire: New Mexico Environment Department rolls out proposed methane rule
August 20, 2026 01:00 AM EDT
The Santa Fe New Mexican.
The proposed rule is in the hands of the Environmental Improvement Board, which will decide whether to hold a public hearing.
New Mexico
Advocate: Most of NM's oil-related water contamination in area around Chaco
August 19, 2026 06:30 PM EDT
Taos News.
The majority of water contamination linked to oil and gas spills in New Mexico happens in a county that includes much of Chaco Culture National Historical Park, a culturally and
New Mexico
New Mexico leaders respond to end of 'roadless rule'
August 18, 2026 07:41 PM EDT
KOAT Action 7 News.
A proposed federal rule change could open 730,000 acres in the Gila National Forest to road building as the Trump administration says it would help fire management.
New Mexico
How New Mexico, the Saudi Arabia of Wind, is Beating Dirty Electricity
August 16, 2026 08:04 PM EDT
Informed Comment.
by Karin Kirk, Yale Climate Connections | - ...
New York
Commentary: Climate disasters and the cost to New York taxpayers
August 17, 2026 12:52 PM EDT
WAMC Northeast Public Radio.
The costs to New Yorkers will go beyond the damage to the public’s health and environment; it will hammer our wallets too.
Ohio
Ohio will expand firefighting foam takeback program to reduce forever chemical exposure
August 19, 2026 12:03 PM EDT
WYSO
The state will use $13 million from a PFAS contamination settlement to help fire departments, emergency management agencies and airports safely dispose of their foam.
Oklahoma
Services Rescind ESA Definition of “Harm,” Face Lawsuits - Oklahoma Farm Report
August 21, 2026 09:22 AM EDT
Oklahoma Farm Report.
Brigit Rollins with the National Agricultural Law Center writes that In mid-July, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (“FWS”) together with the National Marine Fisheries Service (“NMFS”) (collectively, “the Services”) finalized a rule to rescind the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act (“ESA”). The term is part of the ESA’s overall prohibition on
Oregon
Environmental group challenges federal push to expand grazing across the West, including Oregon
August 18, 2026 07:32 PM EDT
Oregon Public Broadcasting
In Oregon, the Bureau of Land Management alone already authorizes livestock to graze on nearly 14 million acres of public lands across. BLM has identified at least 50,000 acres of its own lands and at least 88,000 acres of Forest Service lands that could be opened to more livestock in the state.
Oregon
Forest Service moves to drop roadless rule. What it means for Oregon
August 18, 2026 07:26 PM EDT
Statesman Journal.
The U.S. Forest Service is taking the next step to rescind a rule meant to protect forests across the West from road building and logging.
Pennsylvania
Federal protections may change for parts of Allegheny National Forest
August 21, 2026 05:10 AM EDT
The Evening Sun.
Parts of Pennsylvania's only national forest could lose protections that limit road-building and logging.
Texas
4,000 acres of Sam Houston National Forest could lose roadless protections
August 19, 2026 03:15 PM EDT
KPRC 2 Houston.
A new federal proposal could remove protections from thousands of acres of roadless forest in Texas, including four areas of the Sam Houston National Forest north of Houston.
Utah
There's still time: Three USU professors urge Utah to clean up the air ahead of Utah 2034 Winter Olympics
August 20, 2026 07:40 PM EDT
The Herald Journal.
The article explores how Utah State University professors are advocating for sustainable strategies ahead of the 2034 Utah Winter Olympics, focusing on clean air initiatives and expanded electric vehicle infrastructure to reduce pollution and accommodate increased tourism across the state.
Utah
Judge orders new environmental review of Utah coal mine expansion
August 19, 2026 11:51 AM EDT
Courthouse News Service
A federal judge ordered the Bureau of Land Management to conduct a new environmental review of a Utah coal mine expansion after courts found flaws in the agency’s greenhouse gas analysis.
Utah
Growing food in a hotter, drier Utah calls for crops that survive like desert plants
August 19, 2026 04:00 AM EDT
kuer
Native desert plants evolved not just to handle hot, dry weather but to thrive in it. Now scientists are looking for clues that might help farm crops survive in a warming world.
Utah
Trump shrank Utah's monuments. Now mining companies are staking claims.
August 17, 2026 08:04 AM EDT
The Salt Lake Tribune
Just weeks after Trump drastically reduced the size of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, at least nine mining claims have been staked on land removed from the monuments.
Vermont
Commentary | Notes from a Vermont Activist by Nancy Braus: Revive the climate movement and save our planet
August 19, 2026 11:20 AM EDT
The Reformer.
For the many thinking beings living on planet earth right now, this is a time of great despair as to the healthy future of our planet. We are all being
Virginia
Dana Milbank: Data Centers Are Destroying Virginia's Countryside — Even in Places That Have No Data Centers
August 21, 2026 05:00 AM EDT
Notus
Why won’t Spanberger stop the madness?
West Virginia
Proposed rollback of federal roadless rule could affect West Virginia national forests
August 18, 2026 05:11 PM EDT
West Virginia News.
The Trump administration’s proposed rollback of the federal Roadless Rule could affect management of national forest lands across West Virginia.
