Newswatch Environment State-by-State
Alabama
Alabama Water Rules Change How Toxic-Pollutant Limits Are Calculated - WEIS | Local & Area News, Sports, & Weather
October 20, 2026 01:21 PM EDT
WEIS Radio.
Alabama water rules change toxicity calculations. What the decision means for Weiss Lake, fishing, and the Coosa River.
Alaska
Imperiled Endangered Species Act threatens Alaska's iconic orca - The Alaska Current
October 20, 2026 01:00 PM EDT
The Alaska Current.
Changes to the Endangered Species Act will reduce protections for imperiled ocean-based wildlife in the process.
Alaska
Trump Administration Opens Door to Bear Baiting, Den Hunting in Alaska Preserves
October 19, 2026 08:00 AM EDT
the Defenders of Wildlife
The National Park Service finalized a regulation that abdicates the agency's responsibility to manage wildlife in Alaska's national preserves, deferring instead to state regulations. Defenders of Wildlife condemns the rule, which mirrors a 2020 regulation promulgated by the first Trump administration that was later withdrawn and replaced in 2024.
Alaska
Native Nations Fight the 211-Mile Road That Could Transform Alaska's Arctic | Atmos
October 19, 2026 04:00 AM EDT
Atmos Earth.
A proposed mining road promises critical minerals. Indigenous communities say protecting the land is a better investment.
Alaska
Rule Lets Fossil Fuel Companies “Unintentionally” Kill Polar Bears and Walruses
October 17, 2026 10:05 AM EDT
Truthout.
The Trump administration’s rule change was a major priority for the Alaska Oil and Gas Association.
California
A 33-year-old California swimmer spent 111 days covering 900 miles of coastline in stages, battling seven-foot waves and polluted water; Catherine Breed has now completed her journey from Oregon to Mexico
October 20, 2026 08:50 PM EDT
The Times of India
For 111 days, Catherine Breed's world was measured in stretches of open water. One day brought towering waves, another brought punishing currents, and sometimes the ocean offered little more than exhaustion and uncertainty.
California
California creates first tribal-led marine protected areas along coast
October 20, 2026 06:31 PM EDT
NewsNation
The newly protected areas will increase the share of California’s coastal waters under conservation to 22.2%, Gov. Gavin Newsom said.
California
Vote No on Prop 45 to Protect California's Environment
October 20, 2026 03:40 PM EDT
https://baynature
An op-ed by Green Foothills, a longtime grassroots South Bay environmental organization.
California
Trump ended EV tax credits. California's replacement is taking off
October 19, 2026 03:48 PM EDT
Yahoo Inc
California has moved to backfill some of the lost $7,500 federal EV tax credit that was cut by President Trump. Here's how many they have given out.
California
In California, a bobcat with fire-scorched paws spent 65 days healing, then ran wild again - NewsBreak
October 19, 2026 05:42 AM EDT
News Break, Inc
"Bobcats play a vital role in our local ecosystems."
California
Thousands of homes threatened by California wildfires
October 16, 2026 11:07 PM EDT
NBC News
Thousands of homes threatened by California wildfires
Colorado
Colorado to receive federal funding to support Aspen Acres Fire recovery
October 20, 2026 08:00 AM EDT
KUNC.
The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved Colorado’s request for funding to support businesses harmed by a wildfire that grew to over 100,000 acres in southern Colorado this summer.
Colorado
Colorado wildlife overpass cut vehicle-animal collisions by 91%, report finds
October 19, 2026 07:17 PM EDT
The Guardian.
Elk, bear, frogs and other animals have used the overpass, which connects 39,000 acres of habitat, since its completion
Colorado
How Donald Trump Screwed Every Colorado Republican | Colorado Pols
October 19, 2026 03:09 PM EDT
Colorado Pols.
Last October, the federal Department of Energy under Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced billions of dollars in cancelled grants for renewable energy projects across the country, including over half a billion dollars in projects in Colorado. These renewable energy projects were ostensibly cancelled due to the Trump administration's general antipathy…
Colorado
Land use approved for largest solar farm in the state | Rocky Mountain PBS
October 19, 2026 08:00 AM EDT
Rocky Mountain PBS.
One of Colorado’s largest solar farms is coming to Adams County.
Florida
Florida divers remove record 36,187 invasive lionfish in statewide challenge
October 19, 2026 12:34 PM EDT
WCHS-TV.
More than 500 participants logged 1,468 dive trips during the FWC’s 2026 Lionfish Challenge, setting records for participation and removals.
Hawaii
Oil giants say Hawaii's climate suit belongs with lawmakers
October 20, 2026 12:46 PM EDT
Courthouse News Service
The companies argued the state is really asking a court to decide how much fossil fuel the world should have burned, a question they say belongs to the state legislature.
Illinois
'Tough road' seen for Waters' rivals at Financial Services
October 20, 2026 10:40 AM EDT
Roll Call, Inc.
The two Illinois Democrats who may challenge Rep. Maxine Waters for their party’s top slot on the House Financial Services Committee in the new Congress would focus on issues that haven’t been traditionally front and center for that panel — namely climate change and artificial intelligence. Younger voices within the Democratic Caucus have called for […]
Illinois
Trump is gutting the Endangered Species Act, putting dozens of Illinois species at risk
October 20, 2026 06:30 AM EDT
the Chicago Sun-Times
The Trump administration is rolling back Endangered Species Act protections. Bees, birds and dozens of species could be in danger.
Kansas
Adam Hamilton did not call to shut down beef industry
October 20, 2026 04:50 PM EDT
PolitiFact.
Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, said Democrat Adam Hamilton “wants to shut down the beef industry.” That’s wrong. Hamilton has suggested eating less meat to combat climate change, not eliminating consumption entirely.
Kansas
Trump warns US will 'burn' like France if Democrats win midterms
October 20, 2026 02:28 AM EDT
The News International
During a campaign rally in Park City, Kansas, to support embattled Republican Senator Roger Marshall, United States President Donald Trump warned voters that the U.S. would burn like France due to...
Louisiana
Louisiana Wildlife Federation submits SpaceX site concerns to FAA
October 20, 2026 09:39 AM EDT
KTAL NBC 6 News.
LOUISIANA, LA. (KLFY) — The Louisiana Wildlife Federation has submitted a second comment letter to the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Transportation regarding potential…
Maryland
Amid Trump Attacks on Chesapeake Bay, Maryland Must Lead the Way. Let's Start with Stormwater. • Chesapeake Bay Foundation
October 20, 2026 09:38 AM EDT
the Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Maryland leaders are urged to maintain stormwater management investments and Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts as federal support faces uncertainty, citing growing flood risks, pollution challenges, and climate change impacts.
Michigan
Michigan species at risk after Trump rolls back protections, advocates say
October 20, 2026 10:05 AM EDT
Interlochen Public Radio
Wildlife advocates said stripping landmark protections in the federal Endangered Species Act will weaken the law’s power and threaten at-risk species in Michigan. The changes are part of the administration’s broader efforts to reform regulations that it says are an obstacle to energy development.
Michigan
Michigan's Energy Future: Affordability and Climate Resilience — October 20, 2026
October 20, 2026 09:45 AM EDT
Grist Magazine
Register here to attend. This November’s election will bring Michigan to a critical moment for its energy future. From the ongoing Line 5 controversy, to some of the highest electric rates in the country, to the aging infrastructure of dams that are vulnerable to floods and extreme weather — the election choices of Michiganders will […]
Michigan
Great Lakes ice cover is shrinking fast. A century of data reveals why
October 19, 2026 06:48 AM EDT
UPNOW Media.
This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan (bridgemi.com), a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. To get regular coverage from Bridge Michigan, sign up for a free Bridge Michigan newsletter
Minnesota
DFL candidate in swing seat backed climate 'Superfund' bill that would cost billions | AlphaNews.org
October 19, 2026 08:00 AM EDT
Alpha News
DFL Sen. Rob Kupec has a far-left voting record and is running for a second term in his northern Minnesota legislative seat.
Montana
Montana PSC Sued over Climate Consideration Snub
October 18, 2026 02:24 PM EDT
RTO Insider.
Seventeen organizations sued the Montana PSC for refusing to consider climate change impacts in its utility regulations.
Montana
Tom Brokaw revitalized 1670 hectares in Montana: riparian fencing and sorghum planting increased biodiversity - Noticias Ambientales
October 16, 2026 06:05 PM EDT
Noticias Ambientales
In 1989, the renowned journalist Tom Brokaw, along with two partners, acquired an extensive ranch in Montana, at the foot of the majestic Absaroka
New Jersey
State Department of Environmental Protection puts forward resilience plan for Liberty State Park | ROI-NJ
October 20, 2026 06:44 AM EDT
ROI-NJ.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has launched a multiyear effort to protect Liberty State Park from climate impacts.
New Jersey
Press Release: Pallone and Booker Call for Cuts to Atlantic Menhaden Fishing Limits | Stock News
October 19, 2026 04:20 PM EDT
Quiver Quantitative
Pallone and Booker urge deeper menhaden fishing cuts to protect New Jersey’s coastal wildlife and ec
New Jersey
PFAS chemicals found in over 90% of tested New Jersey waters
October 19, 2026 06:00 AM EDT
The Press of Atlantic City
Toxic forever chemicals linked to increased cancer risks have been found in over 90% of tested New Jersey waterways.
New York
Trump Taps Wartime Powers To Revive Long-Stalled Pipeline With $42 Million In Taxpayer Funds
October 20, 2026 04:07 PM EDT
The Daily Caller
The Trump administration is tapping national defense powers to spend up to $42 million reviving a natural gas pipeline New York helped derail.
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New York
Elections 2026: New York State Senate Candidates Grapple With Affordability & the Environment | East End Beacon
October 20, 2026 07:43 AM EDT
The East End Beacon.
The high cost of living on Long Island and the importance of protecting the environment are two issues that New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo, of New Suffolk, and his opponent, East Setauket attorney Chris Murray, both see as top priorities. But what to do about those priorities is where they split. Pictured Above: (l)
North Carolina
EXCLUSIVE: NC Gov Roy Cooper's Top Climate Advisers' Salaries Were Bankrolled by Environmentalist Nonprofit as They Imposed Left-Wing Climate Policies on State
October 19, 2026 05:00 AM EDT
The Washington Free Beacon
Former North Carolina governor Roy Cooper's (D.) top climate advisers were paid for by a progressive nonprofit—the United Nations Foundation—in an initiative designed to enact left-wing climate policies at the state level, thus bypassing President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw America from the Paris Climate Accords, according to documents reviewed by the Washington Free Beacon. The advisers oversaw Cooper's policies prioritizing offshore wind projects, "decarbonizing" the state's electric grid, implementing electric car mandates, and making the state's buildings less dependent on natural gas.
Ohio
Judge preserves Ohio provision allowing citizens to sue polluters
October 20, 2026 02:32 PM EDT
ideastream
A Franklin County court ruled that Republican lawmakers violated Ohio's single subject rule when they inserted an measure ordering the state EPA to restrict citizens' right to sue polluters into the 2025 state budget.
Oklahoma
Court Upholds Environmental Protection Agency's Authority Over Tribal Lands in Oklahoma
October 19, 2026 05:22 PM EDT
Native News Online
Overview: An Oklahoma Tribe lost a challenge to a Trump-era decision about environmental management. A federal court last week ruled against the Pawnee Nation, upholding a Trump administration decision that gives the Environmental Protection Agency unconditional authority over tribal lands in Oklahoma. In a 2-1 decision, the court ruled that the agency acted under a […]
Oregon
Critics Warn Trump's “Roadless Rule” Repeal Could Increase Fire Risk While Degrading Drinking Water - Portland Mercury
October 20, 2026 05:54 PM EDT
Portland Mercury
Over the last year and a half, the Trump administration and its congressional allies have taken aim at a significant amount of the infrastructure protecting the country’s public lands—but a recent proposal from the US Department of Agriculture stands out for the threat it poses. “It’s all very concerning,” Sami Godlove, Central Oregon Field Coordinator […]
Oregon
Oregon's off track in reducing emissions from the transportation sector
October 16, 2026 09:27 PM EDT
Oregon Public Broadcasting
In the past year, Oregon’s effort to significantly reduce emissions from the transportation sector by mid-century dropped drastically from a projected 60% to 10%.
Pennsylvania
High schoolers hold fundraisers to plug oil and gas wells. Some say the industry should clean up its own mess.
October 19, 2026 04:13 PM EDT
The Allegheny Front
Pennsylvania is trying to speed up the plugging process, and some Pittsburgh high school students are stepping in to help
Pennsylvania
What Happened to Pennsylvania's Hydrogen Hubs?
October 19, 2026 02:30 PM EDT
Westside Action Network.
Backed by the federal government and bipartisan leadership, Pennsylvania’s hydrogen projects were supposed to create jobs and slash emissions. Now, they’re in limbo.
Rhode Island
RI bond question seeks support of coastal improvement projects
October 20, 2026 07:31 PM EDT
Yahoo! Inc.
Question 5 on Rhode Island's ballot, if approved, would split the bond money between eight separate projects statewide. Focuses of those projects include addressing flooding and coastal erosion, impro...
South Dakota
NorthWestern Energy applies for permit to build another natural gas power plant near Aberdeen
October 20, 2026 03:26 PM EDT
KFGO Radio.
ABERDEEN, S.D. (South Dakota Searchlight) - NorthWestern Energy wants to build another natural gas power plant...
Tennessee
TVA can keep building $2.5B gas plant as it appeals Chattanooga judge's order | Chattanooga Times Free Press
October 20, 2026 07:05 PM EDT
Chattanooga Times Free Press
Thousands of construction workers can continue building a $2.5 billion Tennessee Valley Authority gas plant after federal circuit judges said a Chattanooga judge likely misread an environmental law.
Tennessee
Data centers and wetlands: where Tennessee's District 9 candidates stand on the environment
October 20, 2026 12:03 PM EDT
Nashville Public Radio.
Two state legislators from Memphis are vying for the District 9 congressional seat based partially on their track record on sensitive environmental
Tennessee
TVA Secures Court OK to Continue Natural Gas Plant Construction
October 19, 2026 03:11 PM EDT
Bloomberg Industry Group
The Tennessee Valley Authority can continue building its multibillion-dollar natural gas plant that’s replacing a coal power plant while a challenge to its approval moves through the Sixth Circuit, the court ruled.
Utah
As Utah pushes nuclear power, some environmental and tribal groups push back
October 17, 2026 06:56 PM EDT
Fox 13 News.
More than a hundred people marched along Highway 191 here on Saturday, protesting the nation's only uranium processing mill nearby.
Vermont
Turn Vermont's aging plants into climate job engines
October 18, 2026 03:54 PM EDT
The Manchester Journal.
An op-ed argues cleaner, more efficient power plants could cut emissions, support farms and create jobs.
West Virginia
DEP permit bids detail significant Mason County data center environmental impacts
October 17, 2026 05:30 AM EDT
The Charleston Gazette-Mail
Documents recently filed with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection forecast significant environmental impacts from two planned data center projects in Mason County, where construction for one of them already has resulted in substantial pollution and erosion control failures adding to a groundswell of data center opposition rising in West Virginia and nationwide. Announced as state-certified in September 2026 by Gov. Patrick Morrisey, one of West Virginia’s most vocal supporters of data center growth, the projects are being developed by United Kingdom-headquartered artificial intelligence infrastructure firm Nscale and Starwood Digital Ventures, a data center investment platform of Miami Beach, Florida-headquartered global real estate-focused private investment firm Starwood Capital Group. Upcoming DEP meetings this month on permits sought for the Nscale-planned project are poised to rouse opponents of the enterprise, which the company has billed as an effort toward one of the world’s largest artificial intelligence factories to meet global demand for computing capacity.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin DNR to assess data center environmental impacts as part of settlement agreement
October 19, 2026 08:46 PM EDT
Civic Media.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and a group of environmental organizations announced a settlement agreement Monday that would require stricter environmental impact assessments of future data center developments and initiate a statewide review of how data centers use…
Wisconsin
EPA proposes shifting oversight of coal ash landfills in Wisconsin to state regulators
October 17, 2026 07:00 AM EDT
Wisconsin Watch
Wisconsin has six active landfills that are currently subject to state and federal regulations.
Wyoming
Butterflies passing through Wyoming won't see protections until 2030
October 20, 2026 04:21 PM EDT
Yellowstone Public Radio.
After conservation groups took legal action on behalf of monarch butterflies, the Trump administration decided to delay a final decision on tapping federal Endangered Species Act protections.
Wyoming
Wyoming reopened a blocked stream and cut non-native brook trout by 97%; native Snake River cutthroat trout then jumped more than 14-fold in just 3 years
October 19, 2026 11:10 AM EDT
The Economic Times.
Discover how Wyoming's Game Creek restoration project led to a dramatic increase in native Snake River cutthroat trout by over 14 times in just three years after eliminating invasive brook trout by 97%.
Wyoming
Bringing more beavers to watersheds is a powerful drought-fighting tool, experts say
October 19, 2026 09:00 AM EDT
WJXT Channel 4
Jackson Ramsay's family ranch in southwest Wyoming is embracing beavers as nature's engineers.
