A federal judge temporarily blocked the Environmental Protection Agency’s attempt to recoup $20 billion in Biden-era climate...
A fiscal crisis is looming for many US cities
Summary
U.S. cities, including Chicago, San Francisco, and Houston, face mounting fiscal crises due to climate disasters, declining downtown economies, underfunded pensions, and the loss of federal COVID-19 relief funds. Houston, for example, is struggling with a $330 million budget deficit, worsened by a court-mandated $100 million investment in street repairs and drainage after years of severe flooding. Climate-related disasters are straining municipal budgets nationwide, forcing cities to spend on costly infrastructure upgrades while property tax revenues decline. The downturn in commercial real estate further reduces tax income, while rising pension costs add to financial pressures. With pandemic-era federal aid drying up, cities have fewer resources to cover shortfalls. The Trump administration’s opposition to aiding Democrat-led cities suggests federal support is unlikely. Experts warn that without new revenue strategies or spending cuts, cities may face service reductions, credit downgrades, or even municipal bankruptcies in the coming years.
Ana Toni, Brazil's chief executive of the upcoming Cop30 summit, emphasizes that nations must integrate climate action...
March 14, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
The Trump administration is reviewing and canceling environmental justice grants, putting projects aimed at clean water, disaster shelters, and renewable energy at risk.
The Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration (AVP) has launched a $142.5 million initiative to improve energy efficiency and resilience in 336 public housing communities.
March 14, 2025
Energy
Energy
With Gaza’s power infrastructure largely destroyed, solar energy has become a critical lifeline for residents.
Climate activists protested outside the CERAWeek energy conference in Houston, demanding transparency and accountability from industry leaders.
After the devastating 2024 Texas Panhandle wildfires, which burned over a million acres, state officials are considering a $500 million investment...
March 13, 2025
Human Health
Human Health
U.S. metro areas are experiencing renewed population growth, primarily driven by immigration, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
March 13, 2025
Energy
Energy
Despite the Trump administration’s opposition to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and its focus on fossil fuels, renewable energy investments remain strong due to high...
March 13, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
A $250M investment will help this lithium mine get up and running. That’s bad news for these tribes.
Lithium Americas has secured a $250 million investment to advance its lithium mine at Thacker Pass, Nevada, despite strong opposition from Indigenous tribes who consider the site
March 12, 2025
Climate
Climate
A federal judge sharply criticized the EPA’s cancellation of $20 billion in climate grants, questioning the agency’s lack of evidence for wrongdoing.
March 11, 2025
Energy
Energy
Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced that the Trump administration will focus on expanding domestic fossil fuel production, emphasizing natural gas as irreplaceable for many...
March 7, 2025
Education
Education
Dismantling of Education Department puts future of trillions of dollars in student loans in question
As President Donald Trump prepares to order the dismantling of the Department of Education, the financial arm of the agency – which makes loans directly to borrowers...
March 7, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recalled dozens of environmental justice staffers who were previously placed on administrative leave under the Trump...
March 7, 2025
Environmental
Environmental
The Trump administration has dismantled the White House Council on Environmental Quality’s (CEQ) authority over the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)...