Government

"‘The Absolute Edge Of Precedent’: FERC Prepares To Take On Data Centers"

"The commission is pushing to get data centers onto the grid, and fast. The high-stakes move could tip the balance of regulatory power against the states."

Source: E&E News, 04/21/2026

Trump Interior Dept. Unveils Emergency Plans For Colorado River

"The Trump administration will pull its emergency levers to head off a major water and power crisis." "Interior said it will cut releases out of one of the river’s two main reservoirs, Lake Powell, to the minimum amount legally allowed — 6 million acre-feet — between now and October."

Source: E&E News, 04/21/2026

Illinois Weighs Warning System For Pesticide Spraying Near Parks, Schools

"A bill in the Illinois General Assembly would require certified pesticide users—anyone licensed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture to use Restricted Use pesticides, such as paraquat or fumigant insecticides—to give written or emailed notice at least 24 hours before application at any school, child care facility or park located within 1,500 feet of application that opted to receive them."

Source: Inside Climate News, 04/20/2026

"Capital Control: States Strip Power From Cities, Counties"

"Climate change and the energy transition are driving a wave of state laws overriding local governments, with both parties driving their preferred policies."

Source: E&E News, 04/17/2026

Trump FDA Considers Physician, A Fox News Regular, For Top Vaccine Post

"The Trump administration is considering Houman Hemmati, an ophthalmologist, entrepreneur and frequent Fox News guest, to serve as the nation’s next top regulator of vaccines and treatments for complex diseases, according to three people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe internal conversations."

Source: Washington Post, 04/16/2026

"Oil Company Founded By DOE Chief Wright Paid No US Taxes Last Year"

"The company founded and formerly run by Energy Secretary Chris Wright paid no federal corporate income taxes last year, according to its regulatory filings, and actually got more than $10 million back from the IRS."

Source: E&E News, 04/16/2026

Judges In Louisiana's Big Oil Cases Have Financial Stakes In Defendants

"Federal judges held stock, bonds and leased mineral rights to Exxon, Chevron and others while hearing cases against the companies alleging damage to the La. coast."

Source: Floodlight, 04/15/2026

Communities Wait On Billions In Disaster Funds From Trump Administration

"Placerville, Calif., bears all the markers of a community at risk of a wildfire. The city's rolling hillsides are dense with brush, which dries out during the hot summers. Older homes made of wood, which are more prone to igniting, are dotted throughout."

Source: NPR, 04/13/2026

Why the Silencing of Protest Matters

As the Trump administration and its allies seek to stifle free speech and paint protest as domestic terrorism, Voices columnist Yessenia Funes argues that environmental journalists must heed the impact on the environmental movement we cover. Start with what happened in Standing Rock, which swept back into the news this spring. Funes explains the connection, and where we may be headed.

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National Trails System — You Can Get There From Here

A walk in the woods can get you more than a good time — it can get you a good story. TipSheet explores the National Trails System and other trail systems around the United States, which provide scenic and historic high points for your reporting, along with traveler interviews and insights. A dozen story ideas and reporting resources for exploring your area’s natural wonders.

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