climate-and-environment13.42 min read
Kerr County Rebuilds Hit Again as Texas Flood Rules Lag
3 hours ago•Source: ProPublica
Climate And Environment News
The latest climate and environment stories, summarized by AI
Featured Climate And Environment Stories
View original source
9.48 min•20 hours ago
Nevada challenges federal Colorado River cuts, warns Vegas water is at stake
Nevada filed the first lawsuit opposing the Trump administration’s plan to force about a 20% cut in Colorado River water deliveries to Nevada, Arizona, and California for two years, with potential larger reductions later to protect the river’s depleted reservoirs. The state argues the plan violates the National Environmental Policy Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the Law of the River, and would devastate Southern Nevada’s economy and water supply. While California and Arizona share concerns, four upstream states are not required to cut this round; Nevada says it remains open to negotiation but seeks a court halt to the plan.
More Top Stories
2
Judge Allows Santa Barbara Offshore Oil Restart With Federal Oversight Shift
Los Angeles Times•5 days ago
3
California Braces for Potential Historic El Niño Winter
Los Angeles Times•11 days ago
More Climate And Environment Stories
Global tributes pour in as Jackie the Big Bear bald eagle dies
Jackie, the internet-famous bald eagle from Big Bear Lake who, with her mate Shadow, captivated millions via a long-running nest livestream, died after weeks of illness. Fans worldwide shared memories celebrating her motherhood, resilience, and devotion, turning her into a symbol of hope and unity. The enduring storyline inspired classrooms and individuals facing hardship, and supporters now consider Shadow’s future while pushing habitat protection to honor her legacy.
Farewell to Jackie: Big Bear’s Famous Bald Eagle Succumbs to Unknown Ailment
Jackie, the Big Bear Valley bald eagle whose nest livestream drew millions, died after weeks of care for a mysterious illness that caused severe anemia; despite extensive tests—CT scans and a bone marrow biopsy—veterinarians could not determine a cause, and her remains were transferred to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The 14-year-old bird and her mate Shadow had raised several chicks over the years, and fans mourn her loss while Shadow’s future remains uncertain; the story also touched on fundraising to protect the eagles’ nesting area.
California Offshore Wind Faces Setback as RWE Walks Away in $1.22B Deal
German energy company RWE agreed to abandon offshore wind leases off New York, Louisiana and California’s Humboldt coast in a $1.22 billion deal with the Trump administration, the largest of five such buyouts totaling about $2.7 billion aimed at steering projects away from offshore wind toward fossil fuels; the deal jeopardizes California’s 2045 offshore wind goals, leaving only two West Coast leases, as RWE reallocates funds to an LNG terminal stake and natural gas turbine development, a move critics say undermines clean energy and jobs while California pursues its climate targets.
Western heat wave shatters records, fueling evacuations and wildfires
A brutal Western U.S. heat wave pushed temperatures to record highs (Phoenix reached 116°F on Aug. 1, tying the city’s Aug. 1 record and coming close to the region’s all-time high) and spurred wildfire activity with evacuations in Spokane as the Old Trails Fire grew to about 2,300 acres. Southern California faced days of extreme heat with health warnings, while Montana’s Great Falls and Helena also set daily records. Officials warned about heat illness and urged limited outdoor activity, staying in air conditioning, and never leaving people or pets in cars. The extreme conditions are driven by a persistent high-pressure system and tropical moisture, with heat expected to ease later in the week.
ESA rollback could imperil California wildlife as development expands
The administration redefined 'harm' under the Endangered Species Act, removing habitat destruction from illegal actions and clearing the way for drilling, mining and development in protected areas; California—home to hundreds of endangered species and key recoveries like the California condor—could bear the heaviest impact, risking habitat loss as environmental groups vow lawsuits against the rollback.
Strong El Niño poised to reshape California winter
Federal forecasters say a strong El Niño is virtually certain to develop this year, with a 97% chance of a strong or very strong event by December and an 81% likelihood it’ll be very strong. For California, that means a higher chance of above‑average winter rainfall in Southern California and increased risks of flash floods and landslides, along with a greater potential for heat waves and a persistent marine heat wave as oceans continue to warm.
Trump reboots bold-fire suppression plan with new Wildland Fire Service as wildfires surge
The Trump administration launches a US Wildland Fire Service and revives a historically controversial policy to stomp out all fires quickly, a move critics say repeats a discredited approach that can lead to larger fires and ecological harm even as wildfires intensify.
Algae Rebounds in DC's Reflecting Pool After Renovations
Algae blooms have returned to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., just after renovations that altered its color; the calm, nutrient-rich waters fed by the Potomac River and warm temperatures create ideal conditions for algae. Officials are temporarily fighting the bloom with hydrogen peroxide and ozone nanobubble technology, but long-term control will require addressing nutrient inputs and the pool’s design.
Trump pays $765 million to end California offshore wind and fund gas/geothermal
The Trump administration will reimburse Invenergy $765 million to terminate four offshore wind leases, including the Morro Bay lease off California, and redirect investments to natural-gas-fired power and geothermal projects. The move marks a continued effort to wind down the U.S. offshore wind program and faces criticism from California officials and environmental groups who argue it undermines clean-energy goals and could invite legal challenges over taxpayer funds; only three California offshore wind leases remain, underscoring a shift driven by policy and market dynamics toward gas and geothermal.
El Niño Arrives: SoCal Prepares for a Potentially Wet and Ocean-Changing Winter
El Niño has arrived with a 63% chance of a very strong event later this year, increasing the odds of a wetter-than-normal California winter. Past very strong El Niños brought heavy rain and damage, though rainfall isn’t guaranteed and coastal hazards like large waves and rip currents can accompany wetter years. Beyond weather, warmer Pacific waters and marine heat waves linked to El Niño may affect ocean life—with more jellyfish and sharks, kelp loss, and stress to other species—likely keeping ocean conditions unsettled into next winter.