The EPA Is Giving Some Forever Chemicals a Pass
Last year, the Biden administration set limits on PFAS in drinking water systems. Donald Trump's EPA is planning to dramatically soften that rule.
The EPA Will Likely Gut Team That Studies Health Risks From Chemicals
Reorganizations at the EPA may get rid of the agency’s fundamental program for research around the risks of toxic chemicals.
Dismantling NOAA Threatens the World’s Ability to Monitor Carbon Dioxide Levels
The agency maintains the global backbone of measurements of CO2 and other gases, but these are at risk of being curtailed if the foreshadowed cuts to NOAA are realized.
FEMA Is Ending Door-to-Door Canvassing in Disaster Areas
As it shifts responsibility for recovery efforts to local authorities, FEMA workers will stop knocking on doors to provide aid to survivors in disaster areas, per a memo obtained by WIRED.
How Mexico’s Fishing Refuges Are Fighting Back Against Poaching
Following inaction from the government, fishing communities and conservationists are taking it upon themselves to set up and monitor no-catch zones to combat species depletion caused by overfishing.
Scientists Have Just Discovered a New Type of Electricity-Conducting Bacteria
A new species of cable bacteria, which function like electrical wiring, was recently discovered in the US. Its unique morphology and genetic structure may be useful for the development of bioelectronics.
Why Balcony Solar Panels Haven’t Taken Off in the US
In countries like Germany, balcony-mounted solar panels are all the rage. But from breaker-masking to voltage mismatches, America’s grid isn’t ready for it—yet.
The Climate Crisis Threatens Supply Chains. Manufacturers Hope AI Can Help
The Covid-19 pandemic showed just how vulnerable global supply chains are. Climate shocks could pose an even greater risk.
Trump’s Policies Are Creating Uncertainty for Fossil Fuel Companies
The Trump administration aims to make fossil fuels cheap—so cheap they wouldn’t be worth extracting. “‘Drill, baby, drill’ is nothing short of a myth,” one oil executive has said.
States and Startups Are Suing the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Critics of the NRC say its red tape and lengthy authorization timelines stifle innovation, but handing some of its responsibilities to states could undermine public trust and the industry’s safety record.