Environment

Princeton, Iowa Shuts Down New Well For High Nitrate Levels

Princeton, Iowa closed a new $800,000 well after nitrate levels exceeded federal limits. The town now relies on a single 1963 well while seeking solutions.

Regent House Demolished During Swift Nesting Season

Regent House near Dorking was demolished during bird nesting season despite hosting dozens of swifts. Conservationists call it a wildlife crime, and authorities are investigating potential breaches of planning rules.

Tasmanian Devil Escapes Gold Coast Theme Park

A Tasmanian devil named Mary escaped from Paradise Country theme park early Tuesday. Staff and wildlife teams have not found her despite extensive searches.

Baby Coyote Rescued After Cactus Spine Entanglement

A baby coyote was rescued in Surprise, Arizona, covered in thousands of cholla cactus spines. Veterinary staff spent over two hours removing the spines, and the pup is now recovering well.

Study Links Wetland Loss to $10 Billion in Flood Claims

A study ties U.S. wetland loss after the 2023 Sackett ruling to $10 billion in added flood insurance claims. Researchers say unprotected wetlands previously provided $177 billion in flood-mitigation benefits nationwide.

Western Reservoirs Open to Unlimited Fishing During Drought

Wildlife officials in Colorado and Oregon lifted fishing limits at multiple reservoirs due to severe drought. Managers expect the reservoirs to dry up by summer, prompting early unrestricted fishing seasons.

New World Screwworm Detected Near U.S. Border

Two cases of New World screwworm were found in livestock in Mexico's Coahuila state, within 31 miles of the U.S. border. U.S. officials say the parasite is not currently present in the United States and poses very low risk.

Colorado River Reservoirs Risk Near-Empty Levels

Experts project Colorado River reservoirs could nearly dry up after another warm, arid winter. Even wetter conditions would only temporarily refill lakes Mead and Powell before overuse drains them again.

state Environment

McLemore Resort Fined, Confronts Building Moratorium

McLemore Resort received a $111,875 fine and a three-year building moratorium for sewer violations. The resort exceeded permitted wastewater flow limits, prompting Georgia regulators to approve a Phase 2 expansion plan.

South West Water Fined £1.85M For Contaminated Water

South West Water was fined £1.85 million for supplying unsafe drinking water that caused a cryptosporidiosis outbreak in Brixham. The outbreak sickened 537 people and severely damaged public trust in the local water supply.

Santos Cleared to Drill 12 New Gas Wells

Santos received approval to drill up to 12 new gas wells in the Northern Territory's Beetaloo basin. The company aims to assess the resource's commercial potential, while critics urge federal environmental review.

Lt. Gov. Sandhu Approves Reconstituted Delhi Ridge Board

Lieutenant Governor TS Sandhu approved the reconstitution of the Delhi Ridge Management Board under the Environment Protection Act. The board includes senior officials and experts to oversee environmental management in Delhi.

Researchers Propose Enhanced Hurricane Scale

Scientists in South Florida propose a new hurricane rating system that includes wind, storm surge, and rainfall. The current scale only measures wind speed and does not reflect flooding risks.

Slug Surge Threatens Early Strawberry Crops

Entomologists warn slugs are emerging in large numbers, endangering early-fruiting strawberries. Dr. Hayley Jones urges non-lethal control methods to protect crops and preserve biodiversity.

state Environment

Sherrill Delays REAL Environmental Rule for One Year

Gov. Mikie Sherrill paused the REAL rule for one year to allow stakeholder review. The rule mandates stricter flood and sea-level rise protections, drawing both support and criticism.

NC State Approved to Demolish PCB-Contaminated Poe Hall

North Carolina State University received EPA approval to demolish Poe Hall due to PCB contamination. The building closed in November 2023 after tests found toxic chemicals exceeding safety standards.

Weather Disrupts Broccoli and Cauliflower Supplies

Freezing temperatures and heavy rain in California reduced broccoli and cauliflower availability in early 2026. Mexican broccoli helped meet demand as prices rose and shortages lasted through late May.

Lawsuit Challenges Alligator Alcatraz For Clean Air Act Violations

A federal lawsuit claims the Alligator Alcatraz detention site violates the Clean Air Act by operating unpermitted diesel generators. The facility, near Miccosukee lands and Big Cypress Preserve, emits pollutants linked to serious health risks.

Drivers Report Lower Fuel Economy With E15

Houston drivers say E15 gasoline reduces their fuel efficiency. The blend contains 15% ethanol, which has less energy per gallon than regular gasoline.

Americans Adopt Green Habits Primarily to Save Money

A Pew Research survey finds most U.S. adults engage in eco-friendly behaviors. Saving money drives actions like turning off lights and buying secondhand goods.

Most Americans Doubt Climate Action Will Prevent Worst Effects

A majority of Americans say countries will not act sufficiently to avoid severe climate impacts. Democrats express significantly more concern than Republicans about current harm and government inaction.

48% of Americans Blame Humans for Climate Change

A 2026 Pew survey finds 48% of Americans attribute global warming to human activity. Views remain split by party, with 75% of Democrats and 21% of Republicans citing human causes.