July 11, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
Residents in the Shiloh Community have fought for years to remedy excessive storm water runoff caused by an elevated highway. Now they’re suing.
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.
July 9, 2025
Climate
Climate
Amid devastating Texas floods, FEMA’s delayed response raises concerns as President Trump pushes to dismantle the agency, shifting disaster management costs...
July 2, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
The Supreme Court let stand a $14.25 million penalty against ExxonMobil for over 16,000 Clean Air Act violations at its Baytown plant...
July 1, 2025
Climate
Climate
Recent Supreme Court rulings have weakened federal agency powers and funding, enabling the Trump administration to bypass environmental oversight...
June 27, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change
Disputes over climate finance and fossil fuel phaseout stalled progress at the Bonn climate summit, threatening preparations for COP30 in Brazil.
June 25, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change
Texas A&M researchers determined that climate change raised wholesale electricity prices in Texas by 20% during the summers of 2023 and 2024...
June 24, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change
Scientists warn that extreme heat exacerbates air pollution, increasing health risks, especially in marginalized communities, as climate change intensifies...
June 18, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
A federal judge deemed EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's halt of $600M in environmental justice grants illegal, stating it defied Congress’ appropriations...
June 4, 2025
Environmental
Environmental
Health officials in Texas warn that rising temperatures and recent storms have created ideal conditions for mosquito proliferation, increasing the risk of diseases...
June 2, 2025
Legal & Legislation
Legal & Legislation
The Supreme Court's ruling in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County limits environmental litigation by emphasizing agency discretion under NEPA...
May 30, 2025
Legal & Legislation
Legal & Legislation
The Supreme Court unanimously restricted federal environmental reviews under NEPA to direct project impacts, easing infrastructure approvals...
May 29, 2025
Energy
Energy
Over $14 billion in U.S. clean energy projects have been canceled in 2025 due to President Trump’s rollback of climate policies, stalling industry momentum...
May 23, 2025
Climate
Climate
Zillow's analysis reveals minority homeowners, especially Black and Hispanic, face significantly higher climate risks—such as extreme heat...
May 19, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore $176 million in environmental grants cut from nonprofits and municipalities, ruling the executive branch...
May 19, 2025
Environmental
Environmental
Texas lawmakers are advancing a bill to shield oil companies from liability when treated fracking water is reused, aiming to boost water supplies amid drought