Environmental Politics

Trump’s EPA Pulling Back on Promise to Crack Down on Forever Chemicals

"EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin claims to prioritize combatting long-lasting chemicals called PFAS. Despite this, the agency has delayed enforcement of standards and terminated over $15 million in funding for “forever chemicals” research."

Source: ProPublica, 07/08/2025

"Death Toll From Catastrophic Flooding In Texas Surpasses 100

"The death toll from catastrophic flooding in Texas over the July Fourth weekend surpassed 100 on Monday as search-and-rescue teams continued to wade into swollen rivers and use heavy equipment to untangle trees as part of the massive search for missing people."

Source: AP, 07/08/2025

Solutions — and Death — in the Rainforest

A project begun to explore ways to protect the Amazon seemed to end with the murder of the journalist who conceived it, along with his guide and research partner. But others picked up the mantle and completed a volume exploring ways to save this precious and rapidly disappearing ecosystem. BookShelf reviewer Elyse Hauser on how this unusual book tries to meet that promise.

SEJ Publication Types: 
Visibility: 

"Pope Leo XIV Approves New Mass Centered On Care For The Environment"

"As record‑breaking heat scorches much of Europe — with triple‑digit temperatures, wildfires and deaths reported — the Vatican released a new liturgy Thursday for Mass reflecting concern for the environment, offering prayers, readings and hymns that highlight the church’s responsibility to protect the Earth."

Source: Religion News Service, 07/07/2025

"New Handbook Aims to Protect Scientists From Autocratic Threats"

"As autocratic regimes around the world increasingly step up attacks on scientists and academic freedom, a team of researchers has published a new anti-autocracy handbook to help scientists protect their personal safety and their work."

Source: Inside Climate News, 07/07/2025

"Trump Pollution Exemptions Would Shield Lawbreakers, Endanger Millions"

"Analysis shows EPA rollbacks of the HON rule would put overburdened communities at risk and benefit chemical plants that frequently violate their permits."

Source: Public Health Watch, 07/07/2025

5 Ways GOP Megabill Boosts Fossil Fuels And Hurts Renewables, Climate Action

"The Trump administration’s agenda megabill passed this week by the Senate and [passed] in the House contains a slew of provisions that are expected to bolster fossil fuels or harm the build-out of renewable energy — ultimately exacerbating climate change.

The extent of the phaseout of subsidies for green energy sources has been a significant point of contention among Republicans; but, ultimately, the cuts they make are expected to result in deep reductions in subsidies for the sector, even if moderates manage to stave off some of the most dramatic changes.

Source: The Hill, 07/07/2025

"E.P.A. Suspends 144 Employees After They Signed a Letter Criticizing Trump"

"The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday placed 144 employees on administrative leave and opened an investigation into their decision to sign a letter accusing the Trump administration of politicizing the agency."

Source: NYTimes, 07/07/2025

Recreation in Polluted Water Can Be Threat to Human Health

A cool swim on a hot day is one of the quintessential pleasures of summer. That is, unless polluted water makes it — and any other aquatic contact — a high-risk activity. It’s an important environmental and public health story for journalists to tell. TipSheet helps review waterborne illnesses to watch for, regulations supposed to protect against them and local story ideas to pursue.

SEJ Publication Types: 
Visibility: 

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - Environmental Politics