Section
Environment
Climate, energy, conservation and environmental regulation. Rule-making is checked against the Federal Register and scientific claims against the published literature.
EPA Proposes Reallocating 2025 Small Refinery Exemptions
The EPA proposed a rule on October 15, 2026, to reallocate additional 2025 small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard.
Latest in Environment
EPA Extends Greenhouse Gas Reporting Deadline to March 2027
The EPA extended the 2025 greenhouse gas reporting deadline from October 30, 2026, to March 10, 2027. Approximately 8,200 facilities submit data each year under the program.
Forest Service Sets 15-Day Comment Period for Assessments
The U.S. Forest Service issued a final rule setting a 15-day minimum comment period for environmental assessments. This change reduces the previous review timeline of up to 150 days and limits objection filings to 15 pages.
Hawaii's Hōlei Sea Arch Collapses Into Pacific Ocean
The Hōlei Sea Arch in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park collapsed between September 23 and September 27. Officials warn visitors to avoid unstable cliff edges near the former site due to falling hazards.
Newsom Declares Emergency for El Niño Storms in California
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on September 21, 2026, to prepare for El Niño storms. Officials pre-positioned 500,000 sandbags as sea levels may rise 1.2 feet.
NOAA Declares Super El Niño With Record Strength in California
NOAA states this year's El Niño reached super status with a 75% chance of historic strength. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency as officials warn of coastal flooding.
NOAA Verifies First Sea Turtle Nesting on U.S. West Coast
NOAA confirmed two olive ridley sea turtles nested on Orange County beaches in September 2026. Officials fenced both sites to protect an estimated 50 to 100 eggs per nest until they hatch.
Forest Service Lacks Staff for Record Wildfires in U.S.
The U.S. Forest Service states it does not have enough personnel to handle the record acreage burned in 2026. Workforce cuts of 16% last year reduced support staff needed for wildfire logistics.
California Sees Record Black Bear Encounters in 2026
California reports a record number of black bear encounters in 2026 as urban expansion and climate change drive animals into neighborhoods.
Trump Administration Narrows Endangered Species Act Harm Definition
The Trump administration issued a September 14 directive redefining harm under the Endangered Species Act to exclude accidental killings. Twenty states and Washington, D.C.
Rhode Island Judge Restores $7 Billion Solar for All Program
A Rhode Island federal judge ruled the EPA illegally terminated the Solar for All program and vacated the cancellation.
California Board Adopts Dairy Nitrate Rules
The State Water Resources Control Board adopted regulations limiting dairy pollution in the Central Valley. The order requires a 10 milligram per liter nitrate standard and alternative drinking water for residents.
Florida Adopts New Pollution Plans for Nine Springs
Florida will implement new Basin Management Action Plans for nine springs to reduce nitrogen pollution from agriculture and septic systems.
Lucas Fire Reaches 3,476 Acres, Orders Evacuations
The Lucas Fire grew to 3,476 acres with 10 percent containment, triggering evacuation orders for residents. An evacuation shelter opened Friday evening at the Lake County Fairgrounds to house displaced people.
EPA Proposes Weakening Methane Rules for Stripper Wells
The EPA proposes weakening leak inspections and ending super-emitter tracking for over 700,000 stripper wells. The agency states the rule could save companies $42 billion through 2050.
U.S. Summer 2026 Sets Heat Record as Drought Expands
The contiguous United States recorded its hottest summer on record in 2026 with temperatures exceeding the 2012 high by 0.08 degrees. Drought conditions grew across the region.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Declines Listing Nine Species
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined nine species do not require endangered status. This decision keeps the populations outside federal conservation mandates unless new data emerges.
Colorado Ranchers Join Boulder Climate Suit Against Oil Firms
Seven Colorado ranchers filed a brief supporting Boulder's climate lawsuit against Suncor Energy and Exxon Mobil. The case could affect billions in damages and the future of 60 similar suits.
Trump Orders Interior to Review Wolf Protections
President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Interior Department to review gray wolf protections within 90 days.
Judge Denies Injunction on Catalina Island Deer Cull
A Los Angeles County judge denied an injunction, allowing the Catalina Island Conservancy to kill most of the island's 2,000 mule deer.
EPA Proposes Ending Public Comment on Air Permits in U.S.
The EPA proposes removing the federal mandate for public comment before states issue air pollution permits. Critics warn the change could prevent communities from reviewing data center emissions.
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%.
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.
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.