News & Commentary

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Explainer

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Dispatch

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Perspectives

Discover intersectional viewpoints from activists and artists on the environmental issues of the moment.

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Expert Blogs

Hear from our policy advocates, scientists, and litigators about the challenges and solutions for building a healthier and more just world.

Pollution Strikes Again on the Southeast Side

Expert BlogChicagoGina Ramirez
The EPA has begun remediation of another nearby ballfield, this time because of shockingly high levels of lead and arsenic in the soil that require immediate removal.

Ann Arbor’s Climate Plan Centers Community Voices

Expert BlogMichiganAviva Meyers
In its journey toward carbon neutrality, Ann Arbor is employing innovative ways to engage with community members. The city seeks input from frontline populations in order to create an equitable future where all Ann Arborites can thrive.

To Support Recovery, Protect Environmental Agency Budgets

Expert BlogNew MexicoNoah Long, Drevet Hunt
The legislature will face many tough decisions in this special session. Whether to retain as much funding as possible for environmental and natural resources agencies is not one of them.

This Is What a Just Transition Looks Like

ExplainerUnited States, Peoria, IllinoisBrian Palmer
To help a community leave its dirty energy economy behind, advocates must fight for local representation, equity, and retraining that prepares workers for high-quality jobs.

What Can We Do to Fix the Drinking Water Problem in America?

ExplainerUnited States, Flint, Newark, Michigan, New Jersey
Seth Siegel, author of the new book “Troubled Water: What’s Wrong with What We Drink,” says we must change people’s mind-sets and get to the root of the issue to ensure safe drinking water for everyone.

How Long Does It Take to Get a FEMA Buyout for a Flooded Home?

ExplainerUnited States, KentuckyKeith Mulvihill
Millions of people in America could be displaced by rising sea levels and repeated flooding. Yet, as Kentucky resident Olga McKissic learned, it can take years to get the help needed to move to higher ground.

Albuquerque Commits to 100% Clean Light-Duty Fleet

Expert BlogNew Mexico, AlbuquerqueEloisa Portillo-Morales

Mayor Tim Keller pledged that any eligible new vehicles purchased for the city’s light-duty fleet will be electric, hybrids, or powered by alternative fuels. 

Principles for Parks and Equitable Development

Expert BlogUnited States, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, MemphisSasha Forbes, AICP

Assets in our communities that offer us increased connectivity, shelter, and planned outdoor spaces can act as triggers that escalate land values which usually price out existing residents, often low-income and people of color, and more often renters. But communities…

Michigan PFAS Testing: Good Start but Many Still at Risk

Expert BlogMichiganDr. Anna Reade

While the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) announced that approximately 90 percent of water supplies had no PFAS detections, results show that many communities are still exposed to levels that can lead to serious health effects.

Nurturing Nature on the Southeast Side

Expert BlogIllinois, ChicagoGina Ramirez

The Southeast Side, once an industrial capital, is home to a surprising number of beautiful natural preserves: wetlands, forest, and prairie. In order to protect these threatened habitats, there needs to be a shift to a green industrial corridor.

Midwest Floods May Lead Illinois to New Solutions

Expert BlogUnited States, IllinoisRob Moore

The Midwest floods of 2019 have caused hardship and loss but, Illinois has not seen much in the way of damages. Part of the reason is because Illinois has strong floodplain management regulations, something Governor Pritzker is expected to keep…

Campaign Pushes for Fresh, Local Food at Dollar General

Expert BlogAlbuquerque, New MexicoSara Imperiale, Margaret Brown

A delegation from the Campaign for Healthier Solutions attended the 2019 Dollar General shareholder meeting to insist that Dollar General phase out toxic chemicals from its consumer products and source locally grown, fresh produce to better protect the health of…