Every five years, the federal farm bill affects millions of people in the United States.  The omnibus legislation impacts a wide range of issues: climate change, agricultural economy and food security.  That’s why the United Church of Christ’s Office of Public Policy and Advocacy in Washington, D.C., is collaborating with the Franklinton Center at Bricks…

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — This week, the EPA told residents they estimate there are more than 1,700 properties where soil needs to be removed and replaced because of high lead levels. Those homes in these neighborhoods are part of the EPA superfund site. Homeowners there are eligible for crews to come in to remove and replace…

A recent study sheds new light on the vital importance of sea ice for Adélie penguins, particularly during their annual molting phase.  The research, led by Dr. Annie Schmidt from Point Blue Conservation Science, has revealed a concerning bottleneck in the life cycle of these penguins that is likely to be intensified by the ongoing…

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — The stunning marine sanctuaries that dot the California coast are critical for the continued health of ocean species, areas like the Gulf of the Farallones, Cordell Bank, and Monterey Bay. But if we can think of them as massive cities in the sea, new research suggests we may also need something…

For Beth Stewart, the serenity and tranquility of the great outdoors represent what great leadership can and should be. “In my leadership style, I’ve really tried to channel this kind of peace, and joy and, and comfort that we find in nature,” Stewart said.Stewart is the longtime director of the Cahaba River Society, and working…

Laura Lundquist (Missoula Current) The Missoula Conservation District has added its voice to those calling for the Environmental Protection Agency to remove the berm that separates the Clark Fork River from the Smurfit-Stone mill site. On Thursday, Bradley Watkins, Missoula Conservation District director, told the Frenchtown Smurfit Stone Community Advisory Group that the district had written…

FAIRFAX — Over $420,000 in wastewater funding is set to come to Fairfax’s own Runamok Maple. $3.3 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars is to be awarded to municipalities and businesses across the state to improve wastewater quality, Gov. Phil Scott and the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Wastewater Program announced on Oct. 24. …

The African Carbon Markets Initiative, a consortium of Global North donors, corporate representatives, conservation groups and energy lobbyists, is pushing to expand carbon markets on the continent. The effort has gained the vocal support of Kenyan President William Ruto, along with a number of other African heads of state, who see carbon markets as a…

Fresh from introducing legislation to provide more accessibility for New Yorkers with disabilities, Democratic state Sen. Pete Harckham had the Hudson River on his mind. It’s a natural leap for the Peekskill Democrat, he’s the chair of the state Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation after all.  Harckham said between barges being parked in the Hudson…

The Farm Bill, typically renegotiated every five years will likely be extended to six years this time around, as Congress seems months away from finding a path forward – if not longer. The legislation governs an array of agricultural and food programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as SNAP, which Democrats typically…