Government

"Trump Signs Order Easing Regulatory Enforcement on Businesses"

"President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday directing federal agencies to ease up on businesses that make good-faith attempts to follow agency guidance and regulations during the coronavirus pandemic."

Source: Bloomberg Environment, 05/20/2020

EPA Settlements: Will Coronavirus Get Polluters Off The Hook?"

"Over the years, Phillips 66 and Cenovus Energy, the companies that own the Wood River Refinery in Roxana, Illinois, have been sued by both the state and federal government for polluting the air and discharging toxic wastewater into the Mississippi River."

Source: Grist, 05/19/2020

EPA Emails: Trump Officials, Chemical Group Talked Before 2017 Settlement

"When the chemical company Brenntag received a fine in 2017, the National Association of Chemical Distributors asked for help from two new Trump administration appointees who previously worked in chemical lobbying, according to emails obtained by The Hill through a Freedom of Information Act request."

Source: The Hill, 05/19/2020

No Drought of Data, As Climate Dries U.S.

With drought can come fire, and with megadrought, routine reporting becomes disaster headlines. Reporter’s Toolbox gets you to the bottom of the drought data sources that help determine what’s ahead for your region, sorting through the complicated set of federal drought monitoring agencies and resources.

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"Whistleblower: US Still Lacks Virus Plan, Americans At Risk"

"Despite White House claims, the U.S. still lacks a comprehensive battle plan against the coronavirus in critical areas including masks, testing, treatments and vaccines, whistleblower Rick Bright warned Thursday in testimony before a House committee. “Our window of opportunity is closing,” he declared."

Source: AP, 05/15/2020

Yellowstone, Grand Canyon Join National Parks Set For Limited Reopening

"Two of the most popular national parks in the American West - Yellowstone and Grand Canyon - will welcome back visitors on a limited basis over the next several days after lengthy closures due to the coronavirus, the government announced on Wednesday."

Source: Reuters, 05/14/2020

NEPA Rollback, EPA Science Rules Threaten Transparency; Plus, Pandemic Press Restrictions?

A long-standing law designed to protect public information about environmental impacts is facing an unfavorable overhaul, while a proposal dictating how EPA uses scientific findings in its rulings is nearing finalization. WatchDog has those items, plus how states are using the COVID-19 pandemic to restrict press and more.

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Could Combined Sewer Overflows Be a COVID-19 Threat?

For reporters investigating the coronavirus-environment connection, you might look to the untreated sewage that can sometimes overflow municipal systems during wet weather, possibly bringing the novel pathogen to beaches and other places where people can get sick from it. The latest TipSheet takes a look at the reality, plus provides story ideas and reporter resources.

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