Government

"Lisa Emery loves to talk about her “boys.” With each word, the respiratory therapist’s face softens and shines with pride. But keep her talking, and it doesn’t take long for that passion to switch to hurt. She knows the names, ages, families and the intimate stories of each one’s scarred lungs. She worries about a whole community of West Virginia coal miners — including a growing number in their 30s and 40s — who come to her for help while getting sicker and sicker from what used to be considered an old-timer’s disease: black lung."

"Here’s what’s open and what’s stalled as the political standoff continues."

"Katharine MacGregor returned to DOI after a lucrative gig as an executive at NextEra — the energy behemoth that touts itself as a leader in wind and solar."

"Drought is set to pose a greater risk to the $4 trillion municipal bond market than floods, hurricanes, and wildfires combined."

"White House budget officials leaned on EPA to broaden its rollback of tailpipe regulations as it sought this summer to repeal a foundational EPA policy that undergirds most federal climate rules, including those for cars and trucks."

"Lee Zeldin, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, has quietly retreated from plans to eliminate Energy Star, a popular program whose iconic blue labels help consumers choose energy-efficient dishwashers, refrigerators and other home appliances."

"The government shutdown isn’t stopping the Trump administration from advancing its policy priorities, especially when it comes to fossil fuels." "Between Oct. 1 and Wednesday, the bureau approved 474 permits to drill on public lands."