Posts by shaina

The battle against “forever chemicals” – per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – has taken a promising turn with a groundbreaking discovery by researchers at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). These insidious pollutants, notorious for their persistence in the environment and harmful effects on human health, may finally have met their match in the form…

After a five-decade long struggle, the Yavapai-Apache Nation in Arizona has achieved a monumental victory with the approval of its water rights settlement. This landmark agreement, reached through extensive negotiations with local communities, the Salt River Project, state and federal officials, and aided by a recent policy shift by Governor Katie Hobbs, ensures a secure…

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented a new Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS). This standard is designed to improve the flood resilience of communities facing growing flood risks due to climate change and other environmental factors. Here are the key takeaways for those involved in infrastructure and construction projects: Future-Proofing Projects: FFRMS…

In a move that underscores the growing urgency to address climate change and empower tribal communities, Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, alongside Representative Derek Kilmer, have announced a substantial investment of $9.3 million for six community colleges in Washington State. This funding, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act’s NOAA Climate-Ready Workforce initiative, is…

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $1.5 million investment in three organizations through the Promoting Readiness and Enhancing Proficiency to Advance Reporting and Data (PREPARED) program. This initiative aims to enhance the ability of grant recipients, particularly small, underserved, and Tribal communities, to generate and utilize data for evaluating program outcomes and making…

The way New Mexico manages its water resources is undergoing a major transformation. With the passage of the Water Security Planning Act of 2023, the state is essentially starting from scratch with its water planning regulations. This presents a unique opportunity for residents to have a say in how this vital resource is managed in…

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding $9.75 million in grants to coastal and Great Lakes communities to enhance their beach water quality monitoring and public notification programs. This funding, distributed under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, will enable states, Tribes, and territories to conduct comprehensive testing for harmful bacteria…

The Department of the Interior announced a $700 million investment to fund long-term water conservation projects across the Lower Colorado River Basin. This significant investment, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, aims to save over 700,000 acre-feet of water in Lake Mead and enhance the region’s drought and climate resilience. The funding is…

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled its 2024-2027 Climate Adaptation Plan. This plan outlines the agency’s strategy for addressing climate change impacts and building a more resilient nation.   Below are some of the key components of this plan.  Climate-Ready Workforce: EPA is investing in employee education and training to ensure staff understand climate…

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, have become a major concern for public health and water quality. These man-made chemicals have been linked to various health problems and are increasingly being detected in drinking water supplies.   A recent development in the ongoing…