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U.S. wildfires torched more than 10 million acres in 2015. -

Last year set a new record for number of acres burned, at about 4 million above average. The previous record was set in 2006. Nine of the countrys 10 worst wildfire seasons have occurred since 2000. USA Today

TransCanada sues U.S. government for rejecting Keystone XL. -

The company filed a lawsuit in federal court today saying President Obama exceeded his constitutional powers when he nixed the controversial pipeline in November after a seven-year review. TransCanada also plans to seek $15 billion in a North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) claim. Reuters

El Niño brings some relief (and danger) to dry California. -

At least five days of snow and rain will dump between one and six inches of precipitation across the Golden State this week. The abnormally warm waters in the eastern Pacific are expected to soak Cali with above-average rainfall for the next few months, which poses its own dangers. Los Angeles Times

Michigan governor declares state of emergency over Flint’s toxic water. -

Citizens have been exposed to high levels of lead for a year and a half, the result of the citys decision to source drinking water from the Flint River instead of Lake Huron. Flints mayor issued a state of emergency in December, and on Tuesday the governor followed suit. The U.S. Attorneys Office is also now investigating. CNN

Climate change threatens the global electricity supply. -

The hydro- and thermoelectric power plants that provide 98 percent of electricity worldwide depend on water from rivers and reservoirs for cooling. But warmer water temperatures and droughts could significantly reduce the plants generating capacities. The Guardian

The FDA is banning unsafe chemicals used in pizza boxes. -

The agency says new data show that perfluoroalkyl ethyls, used to keep paper packaging dry (think microwave popcorn bags and sandwich wrappers), may not be safe for food contact. In response to a petition from several advocacy groups (including NRDC), the FDA will ban three specific types of the chemicals. Food Safety News