New Mexico has filed a lawsuit against the US Air Force due to its failure to address significant PFAS pollution from Cannon Air Force Base, contaminating drinking water and agricultural land. Despite acknowledging the source of a four-mile chemical plume, the Air Force has largely disregarded state orders, leading to a seven-year battle and the state incurring associated costs. The lawsuit seeks water treatment solutions, pollution controls, and compensation for affected individuals, as the Air Force’s inaction has been criticized. The situation at Cannon is not unique, as the Air Force is often slow to respond to PFAS pollution at other bases nationwide, even with funding available for remediation.
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A recent Marist poll reveals that a majority of Americans believe Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has overstepped its boundaries in implementing President Trump’s immigration policies. Specifically, 54% of respondents felt ICE had gone too far, while 26% felt actions were “about right,” and 18% thought ICE had not gone far enough. The poll also showed significant partisan divides on deportation preferences for immigrants with and without criminal records, and on the deportation of immigrants working in specific industries. In response to industry concerns, Trump has discussed a potential “temporary pass” system for undocumented workers in the agricultural and hospitality sectors.
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A recent poll reveals that over half of Americans believe Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has become too aggressive in its pursuit of arresting migrants. This sentiment is particularly strong among Democrats, while nearly half of Republicans believe ICE’s actions are appropriate. Furthermore, the poll highlights that a majority of Americans support deporting migrants with violent crime convictions, yet ICE is arresting more non-criminals than ever before. The poll also indicates a widespread belief that the U.S. president should adhere to federal court rulings, irrespective of personal opinion on the matter.
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A proposed rollback of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, requiring large polluters to publicly report emissions, threatens to significantly increase emissions and hinder climate change mitigation efforts. The program’s data, crucial for tracking emissions reductions (over 75% of the overall U.S. decline since 2010), is now at risk, coinciding with EPA cuts to air quality monitoring. This lack of accountability and data, particularly in already underserved communities, makes it harder to address the health impacts of air pollution. Simultaneous funding cuts for air monitoring programs further exacerbate this issue, highlighting the urgent need for continued emission reporting and robust air quality monitoring nationwide.
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The EPA’s proposed rollback of environmental regulations, while touted as economically beneficial, is projected to have severe public health consequences. Analysis indicates the rule changes could result in an estimated 30,000 annual deaths and cost $275 billion in lost savings due to increased pollution. Experts deem these figures conservative, with even partial dismantling resulting in higher levels of harmful pollutants. Despite the EPA’s claims of economic benefits, the agency’s own prior assessments demonstrate the substantial health and financial advantages of maintaining existing regulations.
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Over 150 beaches on Russia’s Black Sea coast remain closed for summer due to lingering pollution from a large oil spill. The spill, originating from damaged tankers in a storm four months prior, released thousands of tons of fuel oil, impacting popular resort towns like Anapa and Temryuk. Beaches in these areas fail to meet safety and hygiene standards, jeopardizing the upcoming tourist season. Cleanup efforts are underway across affected areas, including annexed Crimea. The resulting environmental crisis raises serious concerns about the region’s tourism viability.
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A YouGov poll indicates that the “Signal Scandal” surpasses both the Trump classified documents case and Clinton email controversy in the eyes of the American public, with 74% deeming it at least somewhat serious. This includes a significant portion of Republicans (60%). The poll’s findings are discussed by MSNBC’s Jen Psaki and John Harwood. The severity of the leak is a major concern across the political spectrum.
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EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a sweeping rollback of environmental regulations, aiming to overturn more than a dozen rules concerning emissions, pollution, and the scientific basis for climate action. This plan, described as ending the “Green New Scam,” seeks to reduce regulatory costs and boost business growth by reassessing rules impacting oil, gas, and coal industries. Key amongst the targeted regulations is the 2009 endangerment finding that establishes greenhouse gases as a threat, a decision environmental advocates vow to challenge legally. The move has sparked outrage from environmental groups and some EPA staff, who deem it unprecedented in scale and potentially damaging to public health.
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Mysterious black balls that washed up on Sydney beaches in October 2024 were discovered to be mini “fatbergs,” composed of a disturbing mix of human waste, drugs, hair, and food debris. Scientists from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) identified the balls’ composition, revealing their disgusting nature and highlighting the pollution problem in Sydney’s coastline. While authorities have investigated potential sources, including shipping spills and wastewater outflow, the exact origin of the fatbergs remains unknown. The discovery serves as a stark reminder of the impact of pollution on coastal environments.
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Texas, a state known for its sprawling highways and car-loving culture, is now asking its residents to avoid using their cars. As someone who has experienced the challenges of getting around in Texas, this request comes as no surprise. The layout of the state makes walking or biking impractical in most areas, and the public transportation system is lackluster at best. It’s no wonder that Texans have become so reliant on their vehicles – what other choice do they have?
The recent call to avoid using cars seems like a step in the right direction, but it’s hard to see how it can be realistically implemented.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker