Tue.May 28, 2024

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Did the COVID Response Poison the Well for Climate Action?

Legal Planet

One meme that seems to be popping up is that the “evils” of the COVID response reveal some dark reality behind climate policy. There’s obviously some kinship: public health responses to COVID and climate policy are both efforts to head off serious global risks — one that, in the case of COVID, has killed over a million Americans. But this doesn’t explain the conspiratorial overtones.

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The behavioural science that can help us choose more sustainable foods

New Scientist

Sophie Attwood is working with the food industry to promote some surprising psychological tricks designed to make environmentally friendly choices more desirable

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An Alternative to Conventional Neural Networks Could Help Reveal What AI Is Doing behind the Scenes

Scientific American

Despite their performance, current AI models have major weaknesses: they require enormous resources and are indecipherable.

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Hackers are using AI to find software bugs - but there is a downside

New Scientist

Artificial intelligence models similar to ChatGPT are able to identify errors in computer code, letting people claim rewards for finding them - but others are using the same tools to report bugs that don't actually exist

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How to Drive Cost Savings, Efficiency Gains, and Sustainability Wins with MES

Speaker: Nikhil Joshi, Founder & President of Snic Solutions

Is your manufacturing operation reaching its efficiency potential? A Manufacturing Execution System (MES) could be the game-changer, helping you reduce waste, cut costs, and lower your carbon footprint. Join Nikhil Joshi, Founder & President of Snic Solutions, in this value-packed webinar as he breaks down how MES can drive operational excellence and sustainability.

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Colorado Legislature Passes Wetlands Permitting Bill

National Law Center

On May 16, 2024, the Colorado State Legislature passed House Bill 1379, a state law intended to regulate the discharge of. The post Colorado Legislature Passes Wetlands Permitting Bill appeared first on National Agricultural Law Center.

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Can seaweed provide the minerals we need for clean energy?

New Scientist

Mining for minerals needed for wind turbines and other clean energy technologies has a high environmental cost, but some kinds of seaweed could offer an alternative source

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Ancient Egyptian skull shows oldest known attempt at treating cancer

New Scientist

Cut marks on a 4000-year-old skull suggest ancient Egyptian doctors tried to treat a man with nasopharyngeal cancer

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PA Resources Council Hosts Household Chemical Collections In Cambria, Fayette, Washington Counties

PA Environment Daily

In June, Pennsylvania Resources Council will host household chemical collection events in Cambria, Fayette and Washington counties to enable area residents to conveniently dispose of materials such as cleaners, paints, batteries, automotive fluids, pesticides and e-cigarettes/vapes. The events will be held on these Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.-- -- Cambria County - June 8: Concurrent Technologies Corp.

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These scientific rules of connection can supercharge your social life

New Scientist

Several psychological biases undermine our ability to make new friends.

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What is a Stargazer?

Ocean Conservancy

The ocean is full of beautiful fish—the stargazer simply isn’t one of them. However, sometimes it’s the weird, wonderful, wacky fish that are the coolest, and the stargazer is no exception. Their wide, bugging eyes and perpetual frown will have you falling in love in no time. Let’s dive in to learn more about the stargazer. Want to learn more about ocean animals?

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The Key to Sustainable Energy Optimization: A Data-Driven Approach for Manufacturing

Speaker: Kevin Kai Wong, President of Emergent Energy Solutions

In today's industrial landscape, the pursuit of sustainable energy optimization and decarbonization has become paramount. ♻️ Manufacturing corporations across the U.S. are facing the urgent need to align with decarbonization goals while enhancing efficiency and productivity. Unfortunately, the lack of comprehensive energy data poses a significant challenge for manufacturing managers striving to meet their targets. 📊 Join us for a practical webinar hosted by Kevin Kai Wong of Emergent Ene

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What Now for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Green Finance Programs?

NRDC

EPA just announced $27 billion in Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) awards. What should stakeholders be doing now for the NCIF and CCIA programs?

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Extreme Heat Exacerbates Brain Conditions from Alzheimer's to Migraines to Strokes

Scientific American

Extreme heat caused by climate change can exacerbate a variety of neurological ailments, from Alzheimer’s disease to migraines to epilepsy, new research shows

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PUC: Prepare For June 1 Electric Price Changes, UGI Electric Only Utility Increasing Rates; Explore Possible Summer Savings

PA Environment Daily

On May 28, the Public Utility Commission reminded consumers that most electric distribution companies (EDCs) across the state will be adjusting electric generation prices on June 1 for non-shopping, or default service, customers. UGI Electric is the only electric utility increasing its quarterly rates-- this time by 5.5%, according to the PUC. All the other electric utilities are decreasing their rates this quarter from 0.9% to 18%.

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Lunar Dust Could ‘Sandblast’ Astronauts on the Moon, Studies Warn

Scientific American

A new theory tested on Apollo-era data suggests that high-speed moon dust could pose engineering hazards—and diplomatic headaches

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Implementing D.E.J.I. Strategies in Energy, Environment, and Transportation

Speaker: Antoine M. Thompson, Executive Director of the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition

Diversity, Equity, Justice, and Inclusion (DEJI) policies, programs, and initiatives are critically important as we move forward with public and private sector climate and sustainability goals and plans. Underserved and socially, economically, and racially disadvantaged communities bear the burden of pollution, higher energy costs, limited resources, and limited investments in the clean energy and transportation sectors.

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Adult Mentors Needed! Wildlife Leadership Academy Summer Student Field Programs

PA Environment Daily

The Wildlife Leadership Academy still has openings for adult mentors for their hands-on student residential summer field schools. Adult mentors learn alongside Academy students, volunteering to serve as the primary mentors for the participating youth (ages 14-17) throughout the 5-day residential summer field schools. Positions are available at each of the schools, which will focus on white-tailed deer, bass, brook trout, turkey, and bear.

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What Now for EPA’s $7 Billion Solar for All Program?

NRDC

EPA just announced $7 billion for low-income solar programs under its Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). What should stakeholders be doing now?

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The First Big Black Holes May Have Formed without Stars

Scientific American

Astrophysicist Priyamvada Natarajan predicted that black holes can form without the help of stars.

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How nature-based solutions can enhance urban resilience to flooding and climate change and provide other co-benefits: A systematic review and taxonomy

Environmental News Bits

Aghaloo, K., Sharifi, A., Habibzadeh, N., Ali, T., & Chiu, Y.-R. (2024). How nature-based solutions can enhance urban resilience to flooding and climate change and provide other co-benefits: A systematic review and taxonomy. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 95, 128320. [link] Abstract Planning clean, livable, and resilient cities is challenging.

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Shaping a Resilient Future: Climate Impact on Vulnerable Populations

Speaker: Laurie Schoeman Director, Climate & Sustainability, Capital

As households and communities across the nation face challenges such as hurricanes, wildfires, drought, extreme heat and cold, and thawing permafrost and flooding, we are increasingly searching for ways to mitigate and prevent climate impacts. During this event, national climate and housing expert Laurie Schoeman will discuss topics including: The two paths for climate action: decarbonization and adaptation.

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NRDC Offers Department of Energy Guidance on LNG Exports

NRDC

NRDC provides key recommendations that the U.S. Department of Energy should consider as it updates the studies it uses to review LNG export applications.

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Enhancing Indigenous Peoples’ participation in climate policy processes

Environmental News Bits

Hellin J, Fisher E, Ng’endo M, Loboguerrero AM, Ohenjo N, Rose S (2024) “Enhancing Indigenous Peoples’ participation in climate policy processes.” PLOS Climate 3(4), e0000392. [link] Abstract PLOS Climate has published several Opinion articles about Indigenous People’s active participation in climate change processes.

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Montrose and 3M Discuss Advancements for Removal of “Forever Chemicals” from Water

Montrose

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Montrose Environmental Group, Inc. (“Montrose”) (NYSE: MEG) today shared highlights from its presentation with 3M Company at the Bank of America 31st Annual Transportation, Airlines and Industrials Conference in New York. Montrose President and Chief Executive Officer, Vijay Manthripragada, and Montrose Chief Innovation Officer, Steve Woodard, Ph.D., joined 3M’s Chief Technology Officer John Banovetz, Ph.D., for a panel titled, “PFAS Panel: Advanci

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Developing hydrogen fuel from iron-rich rocks

Environmental News Bits

Read the full story in pv magazine. Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin are researching methods to produce hydrogen fuel from iron-rich rocks in an emissions-free process. The university received a $1.7 million grant from the Department of Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E).

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Sustainability at Retail

Sustainability impacts every nation, company, and person around the world. So much so that, in 2015, the United Nations (UN) issued a call for action by all countries to work toward sustainable development. In response to this and as part of a global Sustainability at Retail initiative, Shop! worked collaboratively with its global affiliates to address these critical issues in this white paper.

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Natural Resources Defense Council Releases Recommendations To US DOE On LNG Gas Export Facility Impact Analysis

PA Environment Daily

On May 28, the Natural Resources Defense Council released a set of recommendations for updating the US Department of Energy's LNG gas export facility impact analysis. It was described in this NRDC Blog post -- Historically, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has essentially rubber-stamped applications to export liquefied natural gas, or LNG. By law, DOE must evaluate whether approving more LNG exports to non-FTA [Free Trade Agreement] countries is consistent with the American public interest, b

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In a first, California cracks down on farms guzzling groundwater

Environmental News Bits

Read the full story at Grist. Regulators just imposed unprecedented fees on water usage in the state’s agricultural heartland.

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Team From North East High School In Erie County Wins 2024 PA Envirothon, Now Goes To International Competition In July

PA Environment Daily

The Pennsylvania Envirothon announced a five-member team from North East High School in Erie County won the 2024 Statewide Envirothon and will represent the Commonwealth at the 34th NCF Envirothon international competition July 28 – August 3 at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York. More than 45 teams from the United States, Canada, and China are expected to compete in the international Envirothon.

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Brownfield clean-up job training programs can get $14M from EPA

Environmental News Bits

Read the full story from Smart Cities Dive. Local governments and nonprofits can now apply for federal funding to recruit and train unemployed and underemployed local workers to clean up polluted sites for redevelopment, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on May 21.

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Tuesday PA Environment & Energy NewsClips - 5.28.24

PA Environment Daily

“The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania's public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.” - - Article I, Section 27 Pennsylvania Constitution [It’s Not A Suggestion] House next voting day June 3, 4, 5, 10, 1

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Cheap clean energy could unleash the power of thermal storage

Environmental News Bits

Read the full story at Canary Media. A growing crop of startups plans to use heat and rocks to tackle some of the hardest decarbonization problems, from chemical production to long-term grid storage.

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50+ Appalachian Groups Call On US DOE To Suspend ARCH2 Hydrogen Hub Project

PA Environment Daily

On May 28, the Ohio River Valley Institute delivered a letter to the US Department of Energy on behalf of fifty-four Appalachian organizations and community groups calling for the suspension of the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2), citing an extreme lack of transparency and meaningful community engagement during project negotiations. The ARCH2 Hub is a project covering Northern Appalachia in West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Kentucky.

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Webinar: In Case You Missed It: 2024 Better Buildings Summit Sampler

Environmental News Bits

Tuesday, June 4, 2024, 10-11 am CDTRegister here. In April, the Department of Energy hosted the 2024 Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit. This webinar showcases Summit presentations from the higher education, industrial, public, and multifamily sectors. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to catch one of the talks you might have missed.

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Here’s What We’re Asking Major Fossil Fuel Corporations at This Year’s Annual Meetings

Union of Concerned Scientists

At this year’s annual general meetings, major investor-owned fossil fuel corporations are facing fewer climate-related shareholder proposals than at any time since the adoption of the Paris climate agreement in 2015. But that doesn’t mean they’re under less pressure over their role in driving the climate crisis. As ExxonMobil retaliates against its own shareholders with an unprecedented lawsuit over a resolution requesting medium-term targets for reducing global warming emissions, institutional

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Toxic chemicals from microplastics can be absorbed through skin

Environmental News Bits

Read the full story from the University of Birmingham. Toxic chemicals used to flame-proof plastic materials can be absorbed into the body through skin, via contact with microplastics, new research shows.

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