Government

With 'Silent Spring Revolution,' Historian Brings Pivotal Environmental Era to Life

For BookShelf Editor Tom Henry, historian Douglas Brinkley's latest volume is a remarkable opportunity for anyone seeking an in-depth understanding of the “Great Environmental Awakening” and the myriad personalities that helped drive it. And not just the names you’d expect, but unlikely ones such as convicted Watergate figure John Ehrlichman, MLK Jr. widow Coretta Scott King and UAW President Walter Reuther. Discover what other lessons abound in this “utterly brilliant” new book.

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Is EV-Driven Demand for Lithium on Collision Course With Environment Concerns?

The push to replace gas-guzzling vehicles with electric-powered alternatives is hitting significant speed bumps. The existing supply of lithium for batteries can’t keep up with demand, and new mining proposals often face opposition from area residents worried about local impacts. Radio reporter David Boraks has been covering one such conflict in North Carolina. He shares his insights and reporting tips.

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April 21, 2023

#SEJ2023: Interior Secretary Deb Haaland Keynote and Q&A

Join the livestream of this #SEJ2023 discussion hosted by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland on how the Department is honoring Indigenous communities through co-stewardship and an emphasis on Indigenous Knowledge, employing nature-based solutions and investing in ecosystem restoration, and tackling the fundamental challenges of climate change. 3:45-4:45 a.m. MT.

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"Septic Tank Permitting In Maryland Faces Backlogs, Staff Shortages"

"Lengthy delays. Staffing shortages. Byzantine regulations. These are trying times for Maryland’s well and septic permitting program. State officials can’t even quantify the overall extent of the permitting delays because the system lacks a centralized database."

Source: Bay Journal, 04/05/2023

Latest TRI Data Can Charge Up Local Stories, Including on PFAS

When it comes to a core data set that just keeps giving for environmental journalists, Reporter’s Toolbox points you to the Toxics Release Inventory. A new year of data has just been released, with much insight to be extracted. And the TRI now also includes PFAS chemicals for the first time. Here’s how to use it for your local stories.

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"EPA Oversight Hampered by Funding Gap, Watchdog Tells Lawmakers"

"The EPA’s inspector general raised concerns to House lawmakers Wednesday that his office can’t adequately track the tens of billions of dollars flowing into the agency from the infrastructure and climate laws under its current funding."

Source: Bloomberg Environment, 03/30/2023

2023 Gathering Goes Big in Boise

The Society of Environmental Journalists’ annual conference is back to Boise, two-and-a-half years after the first attempt to meet in the mountainous Northwestern state was sidetracked by the COVID pandemic. Co-chairs Tom Michael and Christy George outline the rich schedule of plenaries, panels, tours and other events that are drawing record interest to the April 19-23 program.

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Bring Home Cyber Risks to Water Supply, in Wake of EPA Tightening

With the federal government now requiring that states pay closer attention to cybersecurity risks in their regular audits of public drinking water systems, environmental journalists should be doing the same, suggests the latest TipSheet. Here’s how to gauge the cyber risk and to understand the current safe drinking water regulatory regime, plus story ideas and resources to bolster your local reporting.

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