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Environment
Home Collapses into Ocean at Cape Hatteras
An unoccupied home collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean in Buxton, North Carolina, on June 2, 2026. It was the fifth such collapse in the area during 2026.
Latest in Environment
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.
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.
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.
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.
Forest Service Fast-Tracks Bear Palmer Project
The U.S. Forest Service is expediting approval of the Bear Palmer Forest Health Project using emergency authority. The project would log and burn 4,401 acres near Yellowstone, drawing opposition over wildlife and tourism concerns.
Brockovich Launches Site to Track Data Center Projects
Erin Brockovich launched a website in April 2026 to collect public reports on U.S. data center developments. She cited lack of transparency as the top community concern across nearly all 50 states.
El Nino May Reduce 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Activity
NOAA forecasts a 55% chance of below-normal Atlantic hurricane activity in 2026 due to El Nino. The phenomenon typically suppresses Atlantic storms while raising global temperatures slightly.
U.S. Wildfires Double 10-Year Average by April
Wildfires have burned 2.4 million U.S. acres by a Friday in 2026, nearly twice the 10-year average. Dry soils, low snowpack, and drought conditions fuel concern among wildfire experts.
U.S. Moves to Nominate Okefenokee for World Heritage Status
The U.S. Department of the Interior authorized a UNESCO World Heritage nomination for Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in 2023. The refuge has been on the U.S. tentative list since 1981.
Study Urges Economic Shift for Louisiana Climate Adaptation
A study urges moving opportunity, not just people, to safer ground in coastal Louisiana. It recommends job investment and wetland restoration amid severe sea-level rise projections.
Muckleshoot Tribe Sustains Salmon Traditions and Habitat
The Muckleshoot tribe maintains intergenerational salmon fishing traditions and leads habitat restoration in Western Washington. Tribal members honor salmon as relatives and work to protect water and remaining habitat amid ongoing losses.
House to Vote on Geothermal Permitting Package
The House plans to vote on a bipartisan geothermal energy permitting package next week. The measure consolidates six bills to streamline approvals and designate a BLM ombudsman for geothermal projects.
Basseches Moves to Case Western to Study State Energy Policies
Joshua Basseches is joining Case Western Reserve University to continue his research on state renewable energy policies. His work examines how utility companies shape clean energy transitions through influence in state legislatures and public utility commissions.
EPA Hosts Hearing on Coal Ash Rule Rollback
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency held a virtual hearing on a proposal to weaken coal ash cleanup rules. Administrator Lee Zeldin called the changes commonsense, while environmental advocates warned they endanger groundwater.
Supreme Court Approves Rio Grande Water Settlement
The U.S. Supreme Court approved a settlement to reduce New Mexico groundwater pumping and ensure water deliveries to Texas. The deal requires cutting 18,200 acre-feet of annual use within a decade and establishes a flexible accounting system for shared water management.
Rain Increases South Texas Lake Levels
Heavy rain has increased lake levels across South Texas. Canyon Lake rose from 45% to 58% full in one year.
Glen Canyon Dam May Release Cool Water Again
Federal officials consider cool water releases from Glen Canyon Dam to protect humpback chub from predatory fish. The move could cost $25 million in lost hydropower revenue this year.
U.S. Grid Electricity Demand Rises 1.5 Percent in Q1 2026
Electricity demand in the U.S. increased by 1.5 percent in the first quarter of 2026. Solar generation offset 80 percent of this demand growth while fossil fuel use declined by 3 percent during the same period.
U.N. General Assembly Endorses Climate Change Advisory Opinion
The U.N. General Assembly voted to endorse a court opinion linking climate protection to international law. U.N. Secretary-General Guterres affirmed the decision as a duty to address the escalating climate crisis.
Top facts in Environment
- Study Links Wetland Loss to $10 Billion in Flood Claims 0 facts
- Western Reservoirs Open to Unlimited Fishing During Drought 0 facts
- Colorado River Reservoirs Risk Near-Empty Levels 0 facts
- Weather Disrupts Broccoli and Cauliflower Supplies 0 facts
- Lawsuit Challenges Alligator Alcatraz For Clean Air Act Violations 0 facts