Government

"Nearly a fifth of EPA’s workforce has opted into President Donald Trump’s mass resignation plan as he pushes to reduce the federal government’s payroll."

"Pennsylvania will no longer seek to be part of a regional climate agreement among states in the Northeast U.S."

"A group of Illinois congressional delegates is calling for the release of $3 billion in withheld federal funding that’s meant to help replace toxic lead service lines that supply drinking water to homes across the country."

"EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s travel didn’t cease over what has become the federal government’s longest funding lapse in history." "In a sign of the Trump administration’s novel approach to the funding gap, the administrator traveled for 16 days during the shutdown."

"The head of the International Maritime Organization said Monday he’s continuing to “advocate and campaign” for global regulations to move the shipping industry away from fossil fuels, despite the United States and Saudi Arabia blocking new rules last month."

"A new lawsuit accuses the Trump administration of “political retribution” in its recent decision to cancel a slate of energy projects that are primarily located in blue states."

"The Trump administration plans to allow new oil and gas drilling off the California coast for the first time in roughly four decades, according to three people briefed on the matter. The move would set up a confrontation with Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who has fought offshore drilling and who has emerged as one of President Trump’s chief political antagonists."

"A chemical company lobbyist, an advocacy group that soft-pedals the dangers of climate change and an organization seeking to end animal testing in research are among those pushing candidates for EPA’s premier scientific advisory panel, according to records obtained by POLITICO’s E&E News."

"Lisa Emery loves to talk about her “boys.” With each word, the respiratory therapist’s face softens and shines with pride. But keep her talking, and it doesn’t take long for that passion to switch to hurt. She knows the names, ages, families and the intimate stories of each one’s scarred lungs. She worries about a whole community of West Virginia coal miners — including a growing number in their 30s and 40s — who come to her for help while getting sicker and sicker from what used to be considered an old-timer’s disease: black lung."