National (U.S.)

Trump 2.0 Cuts Hit FOIA Offices at Federal Agencies

The Freedom of Information Act is a key tool for environmental journalists, but firings at many federal agencies’ FOIA offices threaten to seriously undermine it. That’s the warning from WatchDog Opinion, which points to dire implications for the free flow of information on public health and environmental health threats. A look at what’s at stake and what some are doing to keep FOIA alive.

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As One Door Shuts on Climate Risk Data, News Outlet Opens Another

Even as U.S. government agencies rush to wipe climate change information (or even the mention of the word climate) from their websites, others are racing to reconstruct lost data elsewhere. Case in point is a rescued database on climate risks preserved by The Guardian. The latest Reporter’s Toolbox has more on the preserved database and how best to use it.

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"A Legacy Of Resistance Lives On In Louisiana’s ‘Cancer Alley’"

"On a recent Wednesday night, three flares were raging from the industrial smoke stacks at Norco Shell, so bright they could be seen miles away from the interstate at the Bonnet Carré Spillway. They were my guide to Woodland Plantation in La Place, Louisiana, whose new owners were commemorating the site of the largest enslaved revolt in U.S. history."

Source: Yale Climate Connections, 04/14/2025

"Mexico To Send Water To Texas Farmers As US Treaty Threat Grows"

"Mexico will make an immediate water delivery to Texas farmers to help make up its shortfall under a treaty that has strained US relations and prompted tariff threats by Donald Trump, said Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, on Friday."

Source: Reuters, 04/14/2025

Court Allows Suit Alleging Environmental Racism In La. Parish To Proceed

"A civil rights lawsuit alleging a south Louisiana parish engaged in racist land-use policies by placing polluting industries in majority-Black communities can move forward, a federal appellate court says."

Source: AP, 04/14/2025

"Trump Hits Delete For Energy, Environment Regs"

"The president’s suite of executive orders to decimate environmental regulations will propel his administration into court."

Source: E&E News, 04/14/2025

"White House Outlines Plan To Gut NOAA, Smother Climate Research"

"The Trump administration wants to effectively break up NOAA and end its climate work by abolishing its primary research office and forcing the agency to help boost U.S. fossil fuel production, budget documents show."

Source: E&E News, 04/14/2025

#SEJ2025 — Confronting the Past, Surviving the Future

Next week, hundreds of environmental journalists are expected to gather in Arizona for #SEJ2025, the Society of Environmental Journalists’ expansive annual conference. Co-chair Kendal Blust has highlights of the four-day event, plus how the challenges facing the Southwest are those of communities across the United States, and why now is a critical time for journalists to come together. Read her rundown and register now, before the April 16 midnight deadline.

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