Environmental groups

Seven environmental groups and California are challenging the federal government's approval of an offshore oil pipeline near Santa Barbara, arguing it was restarted without proper oversight after a 2015 spill. The legal dispute centers on whether the pipeline constitutes interstate commerce, with the federal government and California presenting conflicting arguments about its regulatory jurisdiction.

A federal court dismissed a lawsuit filed by three environmental groups seeking to block the reopening of the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in Michigan. The court upheld the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s exemption allowing Holtec International to restart operations at the plant, which was previously decommissioned in 2022. Holtec announced completion of major upgrades, advancing the project toward becoming the first recommissioned retired U.S. nuclear plant.

The Municipal Services Committee (MSC) will delay its recommendation on replacing aging athletic fields at Villa Parke and Robinson Park with artificial turf while an ad hoc committee gathers additional data. Local stakeholders, including parents, youth sports advocates, and environmental groups, expressed conflicting views during a recent meeting.

The federal government is considering seabed mineral mining off the Virginia coast. Environmental groups are concerned about potential harm to marine life and increased erosion from the activity.

Environmental groups are challenging North Carolina’s decision to pause Duke Energy’s utility-scale solar and battery projects until a long-term plan is approved. The state commission argues this prevents overcommitment to potential surplus energy, while environmental groups claim the delay risks missing tax incentives and increasing customer costs due to growing electricity demand.

Downtown Baton Rouge is initiating a multiphase project to restore its urban tree canopy by planting new street trees in vacant sidewalk 'tree wells.' Local partners, including city agencies and environmental groups, aim to enhance shade, reduce urban heat, improve air quality, and manage stormwater runoff. The first phase involves 100 new trees, with future plans to fill remaining gaps.

Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie questioned the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's decision to relocate detainees from the 'Alligator Alcatraz' facility, citing hurricane preparedness concerns. Guthrie stated the facility's structures could withstand Category 1 hurricane winds and emphasized the site's temporary nature, though he acknowledged uncertainty about future detainee transfers.

Inmates have been moved out of Alligator Alcatraz, the Everglades migrant detention site, the Trump administration confirmed. The administration stated the move was to ensure safety during hurricane season, while environmental groups seeking litigation over the site demand more transparency.

Colombia enacted a new law requiring beef to be traced back to its origins to combat deforestation in protected areas. The law will take effect over two years and is seen as a potential model for the Amazon region, where cattle ranching is a leading cause of tree loss.

The Trump administration is implementing a plan to allow off-road vehicles on public lands and national parks, which environmental groups argue will harm wildlife, ecosystems, and waterways. Critics describe the move as reckless and nonsensical, warning of habitat destruction and increased human-wildlife conflict.

The US government is set to transfer 280 hectares of wildlife refuge land near SpaceX's Starbase facility in South Texas to the company in exchange for land it owns farther north. Environmental groups are suing to block the swap, citing threats to biodiversity and local beach access from Starbase's expansion.

Environmental groups sued the Trump administration over a land swap with SpaceX in Texas, arguing it would increase ecological risks in the Gulf coast region. The deal involves SpaceX surrendering 683 acres of its land to receive 700 acres from the Lower Rio Grande Valley national wildlife refuge.

Environmental groups sued the Trump administration over a land swap with SpaceX in Texas, alleging it would increase ecological risks. The deal involves SpaceX receiving over 700 acres of federal wildlife refuge land in exchange for 683 acres it owns, approved by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Environmental groups are challenging a land swap deal between the federal government and SpaceX. The Trump administration is involved in the swap.

California is rethinking nuclear energy, as shown by Diablo Canyon's resurgence, which reflects a reimagined approach to environmentalism. The article argues that legacy environmental groups should also reconsider their stance on nuclear energy.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama defends a luxury resort project by Jared Kushner on Sazan Island and the Zvërnec coastline, dismissing protests as a politically motivated campaign against U.S. President Donald Trump. Environmental groups warn the project threatens wildlife habitats, while Rama claims it supports Albania’s economic growth through foreign investment.

California cities are paying high costs to clean up water pollution from big box parking lot runoff. Environmental groups argue the state should hold businesses accountable for this pollution.

California cities are paying high costs to clean up water pollution from parking lots, with environmental groups urging businesses to be held accountable.

California cities are spending significant resources to clean water pollution from parking lots. Environmental groups argue the state should hold businesses responsible for this pollution.

A race to mine rare earths and metals in Myanmar's eastern mountains is polluting waterways used by millions downstream, following the start of operations at a new tungsten mine near the Thai border. Myanmar ranks among the top three producers of rare earths and critical minerals essential for electronics and electric vehicles.

Two men were killed by crocodile attacks in North Sumatra, Indonesia, highlighting the country's status as having the world's highest annual crocodile-related fatalities. Environmental groups attribute these incidents to habitat destruction caused by logging, plantations, and other land-use changes.

California air regulators updated the cap-and-trade climate program, granting free allowances to companies building emission-reducing projects. Environmentalists and the oil industry criticized the changes, arguing they weaken emissions cuts and hinder energy cost reductions, while regulators claim it supports business retention and climate goals.

Environmental groups propose a plan for Southern California to source 85% of its water locally, bypassing the controversial Delta tunnel project. The initiative, termed a 'water renaissance,' emphasizes increased investment in local water solutions.

Environmental groups propose a 'water renaissance' plan for Southern California to source 85% of its water locally, potentially avoiding the Delta tunnel project. The plan emphasizes increased investment in local water resources.

California’s top air regulator proposed changes to the state’s cap-and-invest carbon market program. Key lawmakers and environmental groups argue the overhaul would undermine the program and California’s decarbonization goals.

Environmental groups are urging the Jersey government to revive driverless car plans and transition from car-centric transportation models. The call aims to shift focus from traditional car-dependent infrastructure to autonomous vehicle solutions.

A federal appeals court lifted an order requiring the dismantling of 'Alligator Alcatraz' after a 2-1 vote ruled that the Trump administration did not have sufficient federal control over the Florida immigration facility's construction to necessitate an environmental review. The decision aligns with the administration's stance against a lawsuit filed by environmental groups.

Environmental groups sued the Trump administration over its approval of BP's new ultra-deep oil drilling project in the Gulf of Mexico, 16 years after the company's Deepwater Horizon disaster caused the worst oil spill in US history. Advocates criticized the project for drilling deeper into the ocean bed, citing BP's past failures.

A gas causing climate change, specifically methane, is being released from water reservoirs. Environmental groups are urging California to monitor and track these emissions.