Individuals exposed to elevated levels of certain hormone-disrupting compounds while pregnant may experience a greater risk of postpartum depression, a new study has found. Scientists linked these increased odds to a specific class of environmental contaminants, known as phthalates — ubiquitous chemicals found in numerous personal care and plastic consumer products. They published their findings, supported…
Author: Sharon Udasin
UN chief issues dire climate warning
Welcome to The Hill’s Sustainability newsletter {beacon} Sustainability Sustainability The Big Story UN chief: Humans have ‘opened the gates to hell’ United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued an ominous warning about the dire effects of climate change — calling for governments and business to take urgent action. © AP Photo/Themba Hadebe “Humanity has opened…
Scientists link women’s prior cancer diagnoses to ‘forever chemical’ exposures
Women with prior diagnoses of melanoma, ovarian cancer or uterine cancer had higher levels of “forever chemicals” and other toxic compounds in their blood, scientists determined in a new nationwide analysis. Their study, published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, assessed potential links between hormone-related cancers and three classes of probable endocrine disruptors:…
Newsom declares intention to sign landmark climate disclosure bill
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) this weekend announced his intention to sign landmark legislation that would require all major corporations that do business in the Golden State to disclose both direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions. The Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act, or SB 253, would require the state Air Resources Board to develop and adopt emissions…
California looks toward renewable future amid contentious power plant decisions
California officials have garnered criticism in recent months over their decisions to prolong the lifespans of natural gas and nuclear facilities despite the state’s pledges to shift to cleaner energy. Lawmakers have argued the moves are part of a critical balancing act between California’s ambitious renewable energy goals and the need to keep homes heated and powered. But many scientists and environmental…
Feds push for urgent repairs of cross-border sewage treatment plant in Hilary aftermath
Federal border officials are calling for urgent repairs of a Southern California facility that treats sewage from Tijuana, Mexico, after the already deteriorating facility incurred additional damage from Tropical Storm Hilary. The U.S. branch of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) announced on Thursday that it has formulated an $8 million recovery plan for…
Hurricane Lee menaces Northeast
Welcome to The Hill’s Sustainability newsletter {beacon} Sustainability Sustainability The Big Story Hurricane Lee barrels toward New England Forecasters are now warning that Hurricane Lee poses an increasing threat to both New England and Nova Scotia as it spirals northwest over the next few days. © NOAA via Getty The National Hurricane Center…
California Assembly passes landmark emissions disclosure bill
The California Assembly approved first-of-its-kind legislation Monday night that would require all major corporations that operate in the Golden State to disclose both direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions. The Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act, or SB 253, would require the state Air Resources Board to develop and adopt emissions disclosure rules for companies that do…
Extreme weather risks in Republican-led states could fuel climate investments, experts say
Republican voters’ disproportionate vulnerability to extreme weather events could stimulate spending on climate action, researchers argue in a new policy paper. Republicans may generally express doubt with regards to the impacts of climate change, but they are also more likely to experience the most serious effects — including flooding and wildfires, per the paper, published in the journal Political Science & Politics….
Colorado lawmakers urge BLM to conduct full review of plans to expand Utah oil facility
Two Colorado legislators are demanding a full environmental review of a proposal to expand a Utah oil transport facility — plans they believe could endanger their state’s residents across the border. Because the potential expansion of the Wildcat Loadout is located on federal land, Sen. Michael Bennet (D) and Rep. Joe Neguse (D) appealed to…