Environment

Trump White House Reverses Obama-Era Curbs On Coal Plants

8:15am October 10, 2017

Rachel Martin talks to former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, who helped finalize the Clean Power Plan. She talks to Rachel Martin about the Trump administration's moves to scrap that rule.

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Morning News Brief: Wine Country Fires, Clean Power Plan

6:46am October 10, 2017

At least 10 people have died in wildfires, forcing residents in wine country north of San Francisco to flee as homes went up in flames. And, the EPA plans to withdraw from the Clean Power Plan.

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Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt attends a Cabinet meeting with President Trump in June.

EPA Chief Announces Reversal Of Obama-Era Curbs On Coal Plants

12:30pm October 09, 2017

by Scott Neuman

In a speech in Kentucky on Monday, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt said the old rules aimed at reducing carbon dioxide were tantamount to declaring war on the coal industry.

Hurricane Nate Expected To Hit Gulf Coast As Category 2

6:45pm October 07, 2017

by Debbie Elliott

Hurricane Nate is intensifying as it takes aim at the U.S. Gulf Coast. People from southeast Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle are bracing for Nate, which forecasters say could strengthen to a Category 2 storm.

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As Residents Start To Return, Devastated Barbuda Struggles To Rebuild

6:45pm October 07, 2017

The Caribbean island of Barbuda had to evacuate all its residents when Hurricane Irma hit last month, but now they are slowly starting to return. NPR's Michel Martin catches up with reporter Anika Kentish who's been following the story.

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Damage to soybean plants and other crops has led to arguments and strain between neighbors.

A Wayward Weedkiller Divides Farm Communities, Harms Wildlife

2:44pm October 07, 2017

by Dan Charles

When a drifting weedkiller hit America's farming heartland this summer, it damaged crops and friendships. The chemical could also be bad news for other vegetation, as well as bees and butterflies.

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EPA's Scott Pruitt Vows To Speed Toxic Superfund Site Cleanup

5:11am October 06, 2017

by Joe Wertz

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt wants to clean up toxic Superfund sites faster. We visit one place where the process has dragged on for decades.

Legislators Override Veto Of Bill Addressing GenX Discharges

2:56pm October 04, 2017

by Gary D. Robertson, Associated Press

The General Assembly on Wednesday overrode Democratic Gov.

A public health worker in Nepal takes a sample of hair for mercury analysis.

Seal Meat, Gold Mining: How Lower-Income Women Are Exposed To Mercury

1:28pm October 03, 2017

by Greta Jochem

A study looked at women in 25 countries and found that many of them have elevated levels of mercury, likely due to human-caused pollution.

A bottle of Misadventure Vodka, which is made out of disregarded baked goods like cake and bread. The southern California distillery reduces food waste while also creating premium vodka.

Creative Distillers Tackle Food Waste, Redefining 'Getting Trashed'

8:00am October 03, 2017

by Jodi Helmer

In an effort to transform edibles from trash to treasure, innovative mixologists are using bruised strawberries, cucumber peels and citrus rinds to make unique, socially-conscious craft cocktails.