Disasters

Energy Secretary Directs Oil Company To Restore Operations Off California

"U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright directed a Texas-based oil and gas company Friday to restore operations in waters off southern California that were damaged by a 2015 oil spill, invoking the Defense Production Act."

Source: AP, 03/16/2026

"Trump Administration Approves Ultra-Deepwater Oil Drilling Plan"

"The Trump administration on Friday approved a $5 billion oil drilling project in ultradeep waters of the Gulf of Mexico over protests from Democrats and environmental activists who said the venture posed significant risks to wildlife and communities."

Source: NYTimes, 03/16/2026

Human Waste Backing Up In Basements Shows US Infrastructure Problems

"At least 18.7 million people are served by one of roughly 1,000 utilities that are in serious violation of pollution limits. At least 2.7 million live with a system that violated federal clean water rules continually over the last three years, according to an Associated Press analysis of federal data."

Source: AP, 03/12/2026

"War Brings New Water Crises to an Already-Parched Iran"

"Iran has accused the United States of bombing a desalination plant on Qeshm Island. The country was already facing a severe water shortage." "The war in Iran has exposed the country’s water woes, which had been pushed to the brink by climate change, excessive agricultural use and decades of mismanagement."

Source: NYTimes, 03/11/2026

Environmental Journalists in a Perilous Era — A Survival Guide

Political upheaval. Economic uncertainty. Security fears. Today’s environmental journalism landscape is strewn with hazards. But whether you’re a freelancer or a staffer, you don’t have to face them alone. In fact, the best strategies for coping with on-the-job risks and riding out these tumultuous times involve community and collaboration. Contributors Madeline Ostrander and Michael Bradbury share insights and advice.

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Fire Sleuths Can Spark Story Ideas With Wildland Urban Interface Data Maps

Communities surrounded by forest can be a beautiful place to live … or a wildfire trap. Environmental journalists can readily map and identify these so-called wildland urban interfaces through a federal government resource, writes the latest Reporter’s Toolbox. More on this data mapping tool and how to use it to track your area’s risk, explore historical trends and layer other data.

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West Va. Senate Moves To Weaken Aboveground Storage Tank Rules

"West Virginia lawmakers in the Senate passed a bill to weaken drinking water protections by loosening regulations for certain aboveground storage tanks. It is the latest move to weaken the Aboveground Storage Tank Act, passed in 2014 after a chemical leak from Freedom Industries along the Elk River contaminated drinking water for nearly 300,000 West Virginians in the Charleston area."

Source: Mountain State Spotlight, 03/06/2026

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