"A proposal to bring down four hydroelectric dams near the California-Oregon border cleared a major regulatory hurdle Thursday, setting the stage for the largest dam demolition project in U.S. history to save imperiled migratory salmon."

"The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Thursday got a Senate-confirmed leader for the first time since 2017."

"The Senate confirmed President Biden’s pick for the No. 2 role at the Interior Department on Thursday with broad bipartisan support, but opposition from one progressive and a handful of Republicans."

"Millions of people across the South are bracing for a tropical storm that is threatening to dump heavy rain along the Gulf Coast."

"The record-breaking heat wave roasting the West is expanding its grip on Thursday, with the focus of the triple-digit heat shifting into California — particularly the Central Valley and desert regions."

"As storms grow more violent and Louisiana loses more of its coast, the family that makes Tabasco Sauce is fighting erosion in the marshland that buffers its factory from hurricanes and floods."

"The Vatican will host a gathering of faith leaders this fall to build momentum behind a moral appeal for strong, courageous commitments to be taken at a November climate change conference in Glasgow, organizers said Thursday."

"Many are growing more critical of bitcoin mining - a process that uses vast amounts of energy from fossil fuels. So just how dirty is the virtual currency, and can it clean up its act?"

"The U.N.'s approaching COP26 climate talks have been in the limelight, but COP15 - the biodiversity conference planned for China in October - will be equally critical. Here's why"