Consumer

Trump Eases HFC rule, Claiming It Will Lower Surging Grocery Costs

"The Trump administration on Thursday loosened federal rules that require grocery stores and air-conditioning companies to reduce greenhouse gases used in cooling equipment, a step that President Donald Trump said would help lower grocery costs."

Source: AP, 05/22/2026

"Chesapeake Crab Population Rallies A Bit From Long-Term Slump"

"The Chesapeake Bay’s blue crabs have clawed their way out of the cellar. The dredge survey conducted last winter by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Virginia Institute of Marine Science found that the Bay’s crab population — especially the young crustaceans — have rebounded from a protracted slump, despite an unusually harsh winter."

Source: Bay Journal, 05/20/2026

"Wildlife Crossings Included In Bipartisan Transportation Bill"

"Funding for wildlife crossings has been included in a bipartisan transportation bill that the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee plans to introduce to the House in the coming weeks. The BUILD America 250 Act would invest in roads, bridges and transit infrastructure across the country, as well as fund wildlife crossings through the reauthorization of the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program."

Source: National Parks Traveler, 05/20/2026

"Sign Of The Times: NextEra-Dominion Merger Would Create Utility Giant"

"NextEra Energy agreed to buy Dominion Energy in a roughly $67 billion deal that would create the largest power company in the U.S., underscoring the energy industry’s pursuit of scale and capital to meet growing electricity demand from U.S. tech companies."

Source: E&E News, 05/20/2026

Minnesota Sues 3M, Says PFAS From Cottage Grove Continue To Pollute Water

"The state of Minnesota has filed a new lawsuit against Maplewood-based 3M, alleging that PFAS from the company’s manufacturing plant in Cottage Grove continue to contaminate groundwater and the Mississippi River."

Source: MPR News, 05/19/2026

Calif. Hazardous Waste Rules Slammed as Years Late and ‘Polluter-Friendly’

"Wherever they turn, residents in and around Santa Fe Springs, California, contend with toxic hazards." "Proposed hazardous waste oversight changes are years behind schedule and fail to account for a community’s health risks from pollution, environmental groups warn."

Source: Capital & Main, 05/19/2026

"Data Centers Drive 76% Surge In PJM Power Prices"

"The findings highlight inflationary pressures on electricity costs in mid-Atlantic and Midwestern states. “The price impacts on customers have been very large and are not reversible,” the grid market monitor said."

Source: E&E News, 05/19/2026

"Tick Bites Surge, Sending Many To ER. Maps Show Where."

"Emergency department visits for tick bites have surged to the highest level for this time of year since 2017, driven by warmer temperatures that are boosting tick activity especially in the Northeast and Midwest."

Source: USA TODAY, 05/19/2026

Solar-Powered Charging Station In Cuba Brings Life To A Darkened Island

"Yudelaimys Barrero Muñoz used to spend up to three hours on the side of a highway under the blazing sun waving money at drivers as she attempted to hitch a ride from Cienfuegos, Cuba to Santa Clara, where she buys supplies to resell and support her husband and two children."

Source: AP, 05/18/2026

"New York Plastics Law Advances Amid Debate Over ‘Chemical Recycling’"

"Legislation that would reduce plastic waste in New York is advancing in the state Legislature amid a contentious debate over chemical recycling." "Environmentalists and some state lawmakers say the process does more harm than good. Plastics producers are pushing back."

Source: Inside Climate News, 05/15/2026

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