Alaska and Hawaii

"The U.S. Department of the Interior is directing $8 million to helping Native American communities address the effects of climate change."

"Just north of Iliamna Lake in southwestern Alaska is an empty expanse of marsh and shrub that conceals one of the world’s great buried fortunes: A mile-thick layer of virgin ore said to contain at least 6.7 million pounds — or $120 billion worth — of gold."

"A revised environmental review of a contested Arctic oil lease makes drilling in the area far more likely, a development that has infuriated environmentalists."

"Hawaii island is seeing more frequent heavy storms, and climate change may be the reason, according to two University of Hawaii researchers."

"President Obama will ask Congress to increase environmental protections for millions of acres of pristine animal habitat in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, in a move that has already led to fierce opposition from the state’s Republican lawmakers."

"What's the best way to drill for oil in a mostly untouched Alaskan tundra, home to migrating caribou, abundant waterfowl, and Native Alaskan hunting and fishing grounds? It depends on which federal agency you ask."

"The biggest state in America, home to more ocean coastline than all others combined, has just set another record. This one, however, is nothing to cheer."

"FAIRBANKS -- The city of North Pole [AK] filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the two most recent owners of the oil refinery within its borders over sulfolane contamination that has spread into residents' groundwater."

"HONOLULU — A Hawaii County law restricting genetically engineered crops is invalid, a federal judge said in an order issued Wednesday."

"A federal judge blocked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from taking action against a massive proposed mine in Alaska."