Section
Environment
Patagonia Sues Trump Over Utah Monument Cuts
Patagonia joined a federal lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump's July order reducing two Utah national monuments by 90%.
Latest in Environment
UNEP Report Says 1.5C Limit Will Be Exceeded Soon
The United Nations Environment Programme states the 1.5C warming threshold will be surpassed within years. Halving emissions by 2035 remains the best path to limit long-term risks.
Texas A&M Forest Service Contains 60% of River Bluff Fire in Atascosa County
Crews have contained 60% of the 350-acre River Bluff Fire in Atascosa County. No structures are at risk and no evacuation orders are in effect.
Rescue Teams Work to Free 100 Hydropower Workers Trapped in Nepal Tunnels After Glacier Collapse
Rescue crews are working to free about 100 hydropower workers trapped in tunnels after a glacier collapse in Nepal. The disaster knocked out 700 megawatts of power and left over 900 workers missing.
Nepal Flood Death Toll Surpasses 1,003 After Glacier Collapse
Authorities report 1,003 deaths and over 3,915 missing after floods hit northern Nepal. The Nepali Army deployed 9,200 troops as international teams join rescue efforts.
Three US Agencies Finalize NEPA Rule Changes
The Federal Highway, Railroad, and Transit Administrations finalized revisions to NEPA regulations in 2026. The rule incorporates the BUILDER Act and takes effect in 2026.
Scientists Inject 6,000 Elms With Disease Spores
Researchers injected 6,000 young American elm trees with Dutch elm disease spores to test resistance. Surviving trees will enter a breeding program to produce seeds for restoration in about 15 years.
Morocco Sardine Landings Drop 46 Percent
Morocco sardine landings fell 46 percent to 525,000 tons from 2022 to 2024. Climate change and rising fuel costs drove the decline in the top global supplier.
Monterey County Seeks State Emergency for Plaskett Fire
Monterey County leaders asked Governor Gavin Newsom to declare an emergency for the Plaskett Fire. The blaze grew to 8,241 acres with zero containment as evacuation orders expanded.
Twenty Missing After Flash Floods Hit Grand Canyon National Park
Flash floods in Grand Canyon National Park left 20 people missing and forced evacuations from the inner canyon. Infrastructure damage closed Phantom Ranch and the North Kaibab Trail indefinitely.
Wildfire Destroys 183 Homes in Le Porge, France
A July 2026 wildfire destroyed 183 homes in Le Porge and burned 162 square miles of forest. Officials estimate crews must clear up to 5 million tons of burned timber from the area.
Bureau Orders Water Cuts for Three Western States
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation mandates California, Nevada, and Arizona reduce water use by 1.25 million acre-feet annually. Nevada sued the agency, warning that planned cuts could leave basic needs unmet in Las Vegas.
Groups Sue EPA Over Two New Chemicals for U.S. Datacenters
Environmental groups filed a lawsuit against the EPA over approving two chemicals for datacenters. The agency acknowledged health risks but lacked sufficient hazard data before approval. The Trump administration proposed a rule to eliminate the fe.
Trump Administration Proposes Rescinding Roadless Rule
The Trump administration proposed rescinding the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule on Aug. 18, 2026. The move could expose 45 million acres of national forests to drilling and logging.
NRC Proposes Raising Worker Radiation Dose Limit to 10 Rem in U.S.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission proposed a rule creating a carveout allowing some workers to receive up to 10 rem annually under specific extensions.
Twelve Die in Algeria Wildfires as Ministers Visit
Twelve people died in northeastern Algeria wildfires. Six victims remain in critical condition while ministers assess response efforts.
U.S. Declares Drought Disaster for 26 Puerto Rico Towns
The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for 26 Puerto Rico municipalities on August 26, 2026. This action enables farmers in the affected regions to access federal emergency loans.
Josephine County Tops U.S. in Wildfire Smoke Deaths
A 2025 Nature study identifies Josephine County as having the highest U.S. rate of wildfire smoke deaths from 2006 to 2020. The research projects annual national smoke fatalities could rise to 70,000 by 2050.
Ross Fire Burns 50,000 Acres in Texas
The Ross Fire burned over 50,000 acres in Palo Pinto County by August 25, 2026. Officials ordered evacuations in Jack County as the blaze remained five percent contained.
National Park Service Sets Wake Zones at Gulf Islands National Seashore
The National Park Service establishes a 150-yard flat wake zone and new closures at Gulf Islands National Seashore. These rules affect over 80% of the park's marine habitat and take effect in 30 days.
Forest Service Proposes Rescinding 2001 Roadless Rule
The Forest Service published a proposed rule on August 20, 2026, to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The agency seeks public comments on the proposal until September 21, 2026. The stated intent of the proposed rescission is to reduce regulatory burden and return decisionmaking for the management of inventoried roadless areas to the land management planning process at the individual national forest level.
Hawk Fire Burns Over 13,000 Acres in Nevada
The human-caused Hawk Fire grew to approximately 13,000 acres by Sunday afternoon, forcing evacuations for nearly 90,000 residents in Reno. Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency as the blaze destroyed structures and injured six people.
California, Nevada, Mexico Agree to Colorado River Cuts
California, Nevada, and Mexico will reduce annual Colorado River water use under a new interim plan. The agreement provides stability through 2028 while upper basin states face no mandatory cuts.
Indiana Seeks Disaster Declaration After Seven Flood Deaths
Seven people died in Indiana floods as the state prepares a disaster declaration request. Indianapolis officials documented 552 damaged homes with residential losses exceeding $36 million.