Government

Environmental Journalists in a Perilous Era — A Survival Guide

Political upheaval. Economic uncertainty. Security fears. Today’s environmental journalism landscape is strewn with hazards. But whether you’re a freelancer or a staffer, you don’t have to face them alone. In fact, the best strategies for coping with on-the-job risks and riding out these tumultuous times involve community and collaboration. Contributors Madeline Ostrander and Michael Bradbury share insights and advice.

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Fire Sleuths Can Spark Story Ideas With Wildland Urban Interface Data Maps

Communities surrounded by forest can be a beautiful place to live … or a wildfire trap. Environmental journalists can readily map and identify these so-called wildland urban interfaces through a federal government resource, writes the latest Reporter’s Toolbox. More on this data mapping tool and how to use it to track your area’s risk, explore historical trends and layer other data.

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Press Freedom Erosion Continues Apace Under Trump 2.0

President Donald Trump’s numerous libel suits against news media may be more of a nuisance than a real weapon — albeit one that comes with significant legal bills and other, less tangible costs. But the new WatchDog Opinion column raises a rising press freedom vulnerability that Trump seems happy to exploit: leveraging the increasing media ownership by billionaires and large corporations.

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EPA Staffing Hits 40-Year Low As Trump Targets Its Public Health Experts

"The EPA lost more than 4,000 employees in the first year of Trump’s second term, bringing its staffing down to a total of 12,849—a level not seen since the Reagan administration. That represents a reduction of 24 percent, more than double the rate of losses across the entire federal workforce."

Source: Inside Climate News, 03/09/2026

‘Fundamental Conflict’: Ethics Holds On Trump EPA Chemicals Officials Lift

"A host of agency appointees will be free to reconnect with past industry clients on upcoming consequential regulatory matters."

Source: E&E News, 03/09/2026

"Tiny Texas School District Rejects Tax Deal with $6 Billion LNG Project"

"The Point Isabel Independent School District on Monday rejected a multi-million dollar tax break for a proposed $5.7 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project on the Texas Gulf Coast, finding the facility would not “align” with the community’s values or finances."

Source: Inside Climate News, 03/04/2026

Secret Database Reveals Which Items NPS Thinks May ‘Disparage’ America

"An internal government database reviewed by The Washington Post demonstrates the vast scope of the Trump administration’s ongoing effort to revise or remove information on African American history, climate change and other topics at hundreds of national park sites."

 

Source: Washington Post, 03/03/2026

"Dow Asks Texas to Legalize Plastic Pollution From Its Seadrift Complex"

"Facing multiple lawsuits, Dow requests an “unprecedented” permit amendment to authorize its discharge of polyethylene pellets into coastal waters."

Source: Inside Climate News, 03/03/2026

"Crews In Florida Battle A 25,000-Acre Wildfire Near ‘Alligator Alcatraz’"

"Crews in South Florida were trying to contain a wildfire in Big Cypress National Preserve that had burned more than 25,000 acres (100 square kilometers) near the immigration detention facility known as 'Alligator Alcatraz' as of Wednesday."

Source: AP, 02/27/2026

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