The spike in prices at the pump in recent months, thanks largely to the U.S.’s war with Iran, offers energy and environment reporters numerous local reporting angles, writes the latest TipSheet. A quick perspective and backstory, then more than a dozen story ideas to pursue, smart questions to ask and useful reporting resources to tap.
"As the data center buildout escalates, rural Pennsylvanians urge lawmakers not to repeat past mistakes."
"A handful of countries in the OPEC+ oil-producing alliance plan to increase their outputs modestly next month, which would bring more oil online after fuel prices have fallen to levels not seen since before the U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran."
"This summer, Yosemite national park has been rife with traffic jams and throngs of visitors. Can these popular national treasures withstand a future of strained resources?"
"Labor unions and nonprofits moved to halt the Agriculture Department’s reorganization plans Wednesday, arguing USDA officials acknowledged their proposals will lead to mass resignations."
"The Trump administration has approved three new pesticides that may be considered “forever chemicals” under an international definition, though the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is disputing the characterization."
"The deaths of three U.S. government firefighters in a Colorado wildfire are casting a spotlight on the Trump administration’s creation of a new federal fire service and its revival of a previously discredited policy to stomp out all wildfires quickly."
"Hazardous chemical releases from industrial accidents that injured or killed people increased by nearly 50 percent in recent years."
"The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said on Tuesday that it will host a roundtable to hear from scientists, farmworkers, community advocates, and others to discuss the “documented safety challenges associated with the chemical,” and explore “potential solutions and alternatives.”"
"The House Energy and Commerce Committee will vote on bipartisan legislation this week to shield utility customers from the costs associated with data centers, while also advancing legislation aimed at bolstering the nation’s transmission system to meet surging demand."
