Government

Follow the Money … for Lobbying State Legislatures

With many states dominated by a few powerful industries — whether oil, mining or agriculture — the influence of campaign dollars can have an outsize effect on legislation, even to the point of corruption, notes the latest Reporter’s Toolbox. So while the U.S. Congress may be languishing, environmental journalists can dig up stories on lobbying at the state level using a powerful data source.

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Some L.A. Homes Are Being Built To Resist Wildfires — And Some Aren't

"Homeowners in Los Angeles have started the long process of rebuilding after the destructive wildfires in January. Some are constructing homes that are much less likely to burn when the next wildfire hits." "Still, thousands of other homeowners in the urban center of Altadena are about to rebuild without wildfire-resistant materials, because they live outside a state-designated wildfire zone."

Source: NPR, 03/31/2025

Trump Fires Green TVA Board Member Without Publicly Providing a Reason

"Michelle Moore was widely seen as the most progressive member of the body, which oversees the nation’s largest public power company."

Source: Inside Climate News, 03/31/2025

"How Trump’s Tariffs Could Brake EVs But Accelerate Tesla"

"The planned 25 percent tariff on imported automobiles is a gut punch for most electric vehicle makers, whose supply chains are rooted in China." "At the same time as tariffs wound the overall EV market, they could provide a window of opportunity for automakers that already produce EVs and batteries domestically and could beat competitors on price. The most likely winner is Tesla, analysts said, though other automakers could also benefit."

Source: E&E News, 03/31/2025

"Why Will It Take DOGE Three Years To Respond To A Simple FOIA?"

"District Judge Christopher Cooper recently found that the Department of Government Efficiency is “likely covered” by the Freedom of Information Act, and, because it has “substantial authority independent of the President,” cannot hide its records in the Presidential Records Act’s giant loopholes. This is good news, but it’s not a guarantee DOGE’s records will soon see the light of day."

Source: Freedom of Press Foundation, 03/27/2025

In Testimony, RCFP Attorney Highlights Government Threats To Free Speech

"An attorney from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press highlighted several government threats to free speech, including the recent White House ban on The Associated Press, while testifying on Tuesday before a U.S. Senate subcommittee about “The Censorship-Industrial Complex.”

Source: RCFP, 03/27/2025

"Supreme Court Weighs Which Courts Can Hear Clean Air Act Disputes"

"The Supreme Court appears poised to keep at least some Clean Air Act disputes in federal courts outside of D.C. — preventing what at least one justice described as “home court advantage” for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)."

Source: The Hill, 03/26/2025

"Trump Wants States To Handle Disasters. States Aren't Prepared"

"President Trump has signed an executive order directing state and local governments to "play a more active and significant role" in preparing for disasters. For months, Trump has said he's considering getting rid of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the country's disaster response arm."

Source: NPR, 03/26/2025

"Trump Will Nominate Acting CDC Director Susan Monarez For The Position"

"President Donald Trump will nominate Susan Monarez, the acting director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a longtime federal staffer, to the permanent position, a White House official confirmed Monday."

Source: AP, 03/25/2025

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