"In an effort to shrink the federal government, President Trump and congressional Republicans have taken steps that are diluting the country’s ability to anticipate, prepare for and respond to catastrophic flooding and other extreme weather events, disaster experts say."
"US regulatory actions to ensure oil and gas pipeline safety have plummeted to a record low for the start of a presidential administration as Donald Trump pushes to streamline the government and cut red tape."
"Less than a month ahead of what would have been the first US trial over allegations that a popular weedkiller causes Parkinson’s disease, pesticide maker Syngenta has settled the case."
"Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has doubled down on her past calls to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) — but also says it should be “remade” as the agency responds to floods in Texas."
"The Trump administration says it will uphold a Biden-era ban on the ongoing use of asbestos after previously saying it would reconsider the rule."
"The White House is planning to eliminate the board, a small agency that investigates chemical disasters to understand what went wrong."
"As record‑breaking heat scorches much of Europe — with triple‑digit temperatures, wildfires and deaths reported — the Vatican released a new liturgy Thursday for Mass reflecting concern for the environment, offering prayers, readings and hymns that highlight the church’s responsibility to protect the Earth."
"Analysis shows EPA rollbacks of the HON rule would put overburdened communities at risk and benefit chemical plants that frequently violate their permits."
"While wealthy coastal counties bear the brunt of landfalling storms, poor residents in inland counties are navigating an even bleaker insurance market that leaves them at risk of no coverage."
"The Trump administration’s agenda megabill passed this week by the Senate and [passed] in the House contains a slew of provisions that are expected to bolster fossil fuels or harm the build-out of renewable energy — ultimately exacerbating climate change.
The extent of the phaseout of subsidies for green energy sources has been a significant point of contention among Republicans; but, ultimately, the cuts they make are expected to result in deep reductions in subsidies for the sector, even if moderates manage to stave off some of the most dramatic changes.
