Environmental Health

"The deadly Texas floods are drawing renewed scrutiny to Trump administration cuts at the nation’s weather and climate research agencies."

"The herbicide ingredient used to replace glyphosate in Roundup and other weedkiller products can kill gut bacteria and damage organs in multiple ways, new research shows." "Diquat is banned in the UK, EU, China and other countries. The US has resisted calls to regulate it"  

"EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin claims to prioritize combatting long-lasting chemicals called PFAS. Despite this, the agency has delayed enforcement of standards and terminated over $15 million in funding for “forever chemicals” research."

"As record‑breaking heat scorches much of Europe — with triple‑digit temperatures, wildfires and deaths reported — the Vatican released a new liturgy Thursday for Mass reflecting concern for the environment, offering prayers, readings and hymns that highlight the church’s responsibility to protect the Earth."

"In hearings on a draft rule to prevent heat-related illness in millions of vulnerable U.S. workers, top health and safety experts explain why relying on employers to “do the right thing” costs lives." 

"Analysis shows EPA rollbacks of the HON rule would put overburdened communities at risk and benefit chemical plants that frequently violate their permits."

"The Trump administration’s agenda megabill passed this week by the Senate and [passed] in the House contains a slew of provisions that are expected to bolster fossil fuels or harm the build-out of renewable energy — ultimately exacerbating climate change.

The extent of the phaseout of subsidies for green energy sources has been a significant point of contention among Republicans; but, ultimately, the cuts they make are expected to result in deep reductions in subsidies for the sector, even if moderates manage to stave off some of the most dramatic changes.

"The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday placed 144 employees on administrative leave and opened an investigation into their decision to sign a letter accusing the Trump administration of politicizing the agency."

"Colossal bursts of rain like the ones that caused the deadly flooding in Texas are becoming more frequent and intense around the globe as the burning of fossil fuels heats the planet, scientists say."