News & Commentary

Toxic Two-Step

May 15, 2015 DispatchTexasJeff Turrentine

When politicians and corporate polluters step onto the dance floor in Texas, the state’s environmental agency provides the music.

When to Bet Against the House

May 7, 2015 DispatchNevadaJeff Turrentine

Will the threat of water shortages be enough to convince Vegas to stop gambling on overdevelopment?

A Delicate Dance

April 21, 2015 Latest NewsWestAlisa Opar

Conservation efforts kept the bistate sage grouse off the Endangered Species List. Will they work for the rest of the grouses?

Climate Change Vs. the Blob

April 14, 2015 Latest NewsCaliforniaBrian Palmer

A new study says a stubborn blob of warm ocean water is exacerbating the California drought.

Bathroom Bandits

April 13, 2015 Latest NewsCaliforniaKatherine Ellen Foley

Law-breaking urinals? California's water rules will force new fixtures to toe the water line.

Fish Out of Water

April 3, 2015 DispatchCaliforniaAlisa Opar

Scary-low snowpack may spell disaster for some California wildlife and ecosystems.

A Silent Victory

April 1, 2015 NRDC in ActionHawaii, United StatesBrian Palmer

A federal judge stands up to the noisy navy for the sake of marine mammals.

Powering Down

April 1, 2015 DispatchCaliforniaAlisa Opar

California’s proposed energy-efficiency standards for computers could make the screen time of all Americans easier on the climate.

Old Cow, New Tricks

March 10, 2015 DispatchWestAlisa Opar

Desert-friendly cattle that came over with Columbus might be better bovines for the drought-plagued West.

Say Cheese, Skunk Bear

February 25, 2015 Latest NewsMontanaAlisa Opar

For wolverine research in Montana, it’s all about getting a belly shot of those scrappy recluses.

Lord of the Tree Rings

February 18, 2015 Latest NewsWestAlisa Opar

Benjamin Cook looks at ancient trees to forecast future droughts. His latest findings are not good news for the West.

California, Here Dry Come!

February 13, 2015 Latest NewsCaliforniaBrian Palmer

A new study shows that the current California drought is nothing compared to what’s coming.

Sea to Table

February 5, 2015 DispatchWestAlisa Opar

Consumers are increasingly getting to know their local fish—and fishermen—through companies that cut out the middleman.

Acid Attack

January 23, 2015 Latest NewsHawaiiJason Bittel

Invasive ants are harrying Hawaii’s native seabirds and causing horrifying deformities in their young.

Out of the Woods

January 13, 2015 Latest NewsCaliforniaAlisa Opar

To ensure its survival, California’s only native freshwater turtle will be wintering in captivity this year.

Cause Célèbre

January 13, 2015 Latest NewsLos AngelesAlexis Sobel Fitts

An L.A.-based eco-fashion line counts A-listers among its biggest fans.

Two Steps Forward…

December 22, 2014 Latest NewsWestAlisa Opar

A major bill passed by Congress last week included good news for conservation in the West—and some serious setbacks.

This Land Is Mine Land

November 17, 2014 Latest NewsWestSusan Cosier

Abandoned mines are polluting Western waterways.

Port Arthur, Texas: American Sacrifice Zone

November 13, 2014 DispatchPort Arthur, TexasTed Genoways

If built, the Keystone XL pipeline would end in one toxic town.

What a Mega-Drought Would Look (and Taste) Like in California

November 4, 2014 ExplainerCalifornia, West, United StatesAlisa Opar

As the state’s drought reaches the next level, Californians will have to learn to live in a waterless reality.