"Coal plant closures have become routine in 2018. American utilities plan to close roughly 13.5 gigawatts of coal capacity this year, the second-highest annual total on record. But even by that standard, the announcement by FirstEnergy Solutions that it intends to disconnect its last two coal plants was particularly notable."
"A well-known concert venue in the Washington, D.C., metro area receiving federal funding gifted free tickets worth tens of thousands to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, according to a report by a government watchdog released Thursday."
"The Corps says it found no significant environmental impact, but it's holding back the report. Standing Rock calls it rubber-stamping an 'illegal and flawed permit'."
"The Keystone XL pipeline is expected to draw protests from indigenous and environmental activists when construction begins, and many activists are worried law enforcement agencies may be planning surveillance and a militarized response. Now, the American Civil Liberties Union is accusing federal agencies of trying to hide the extent of these preparations, which the group says are clearly underway."
"President Trump’s nominee to lead a mining industry regulator withdrew his name from consideration Thursday, citing frustration over the ethics review process."
"Andrew Wheeler, Ryan Zinke and Rick Perry should block off plenty of time for congressional hearings next year if Democrats seize control of the House in November."
This brand new Nieman Foundation for Journalism fellowship at Harvard University will take place during the 2019-2020 academic year. Includes a $70,000 stipend, as well as an opportunity to take classes at other local universities and to interact with the robust scientific community based in and around Greater Boston. Deadlines: Dec. 1, 2018 (international applicants); Jan. 31, 2019 (U.S. applicants).
"Scores of coastal research labs around the U.S. are helping communities plan for sea level rise. But now many are starting to flood themselves, creating a dilemma: stay by the coast and endure expensive flooding, or move inland, to higher ground, but away from their subject of study."
"Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has hired an outspoken critic of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for a senior position as the Trump administration undertakes a historic effort to ease industry compliance with the law."
"Carcases of nearly 90 elephants have been found near a famous wildlife sanctuary in Botswana, conservationists say."
