News & Commentary

Could Grizzlies Make Good Neighbors?

February 13, 2017 ExplainerWashingtonJason Bittel

In Washington State, biologists and conservationists are working to open the wilderness (and people’s minds) to the Great Bear.

What Would Mark the End of America’s Moral Leadership in World Affairs?

February 9, 2017 Latest NewsUnited StatesJeff Turrentine

President Trump pulling us out of the Paris climate agreement.

Oregon Is Having a Tiny Home Boom

February 3, 2017 DispatchOregonBecca Cudmore

Some members of the small-house movement live off the grid—but Oregon’s cities want them to stay on it.

Good News for Public Lands! (No, Really!)

February 3, 2017 Latest NewsUnited StatesClara Chaisson

When a bill to sell off 3.3 million acres of federal land hit Congress, the public made a big stink—and won.

Shake-Up for the Federal Coal-Leasing Program

February 2, 2017 ExplainerUnited StatesBrian Palmer

Trump is pushing a fossil fuel–heavy energy agenda, but in the final days of the Obama administration, the Bureau of Land Management left a hurdle in his path.

Trump’s Attack on Endangered Species Really Stings

February 2, 2017 Latest NewsUnited StatesJason Bittel

Thanks to the Trump administration’s regulatory freeze, the endangered rusty patched bumblebee might not get the protections it desperately needs.

Played on Ivory Keys, This Is What Elephant Extinction Sounds Like

February 1, 2017 PerspectivesChicagoClara Chaisson

“Music for Elephants” translates poaching data into a song of mourning.

Can U.S. Highways Evolve After 60 Years of Stagnation?

January 31, 2017 DispatchGeorgiaRobynne Boyd

An 18-mile stretch in Georgia says yes. Will President Trump give the clean energy project a push? Eh, probably not.

The Tree Whisperer

January 27, 2017 DispatchCaliforniaElizabeth Svoboda

A Berkeley scientist is studying how climate change is affecting California’s giant sequoias, long considered dependable forest stalwarts.

Colorado Is Spending $4.5 Million to Rein in Bears and Cougars

January 26, 2017 Latest NewsColoradoJason Bittel

Is the state’s plan good science or just more predator persecution?

Ryan Zinke, Tell Us How You Really Feel About Public Lands (Like, Really)

January 25, 2017 Latest NewsUnited StatesJeff Turrentine

Donald Trump’s choice to head the Interior Department says he opposes giving away America’s wilderness. But he voted to make doing so much, much easier.

The Revolution Will Be Tweeted, by Our National Parks

January 25, 2017 Latest NewsUnited StatesClara Chaisson

NPS employees know facts matter. They won’t be silenced.

When This Artist Sees a Blank Canvas, He Gets Out His Snowshoes

January 17, 2017 PerspectivesUnited StatesClara Chaisson

Simon Beck walks in winter wonderlands to create “Snow Art”—and send an environmental message.

No Environmental Justice, No Peace

January 17, 2017 NRDC in ActionNew York, North DakotaMelissa Denchak

When social inequity is the issue, NRDC campaigner Rob Friedman falls back on the basics: people skills.

Kill the Renewable Energy Industry? The Midwest Says “NO!”

January 17, 2017 DispatchIllinois, Chicago, MichiganSusan Cosier

Since the election, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio have been keeping their clean power progress strong.

Scott Pruitt Wants to Take Us Back to the ’50s

January 13, 2017 ExplainerUnited StatesBrian Palmer

The incoming head of the EPA believes states should be in charge of their own environmental regulations. Been there, done that, got the oil-soaked T-shirt.

Scott Pruitt, You’ve Been Warned

January 11, 2017 Latest NewsUnited StatesJeff Turrentine

If Trump’s pick for EPA chief thinks that Americans are cool with a weak, polluter-friendly agency, he should Google the name “Anne Gorsuch Burford.”

Thar She Blows! New England Harnesses the Power Gusting Over the Atlantic

January 10, 2017 DispatchMassachusetts, United StatesClara Chaisson

The U.S. offshore wind industry got spinning in 2016. Will 2017 keep it going?

Can Military Dolphins Save This Tiny, Critically Endangered Porpoise?

January 9, 2017 ExplainerUnited States, MexicoJason Bittel

Scientists want to round up the world’s last vaquitas to protect them from extinction. Cue Flipper.

“Rivers in the Sky” Rain Death Upon Wild Oysters

January 9, 2017 Latest NewsUnited StatesJason Bittel

A new study suggests atmospheric currents like the Pineapple Express can cause serious devastation of wildlife.