Government

Topics on the Beat:

Journalism & Media

EPA Science Integrity Overhaul a Chance To Get Media Access Right

Government suppression of science harms not just journalists, but also the public in its ability to get crucial information and trust in science, not to mention government integrity. So now is the time, asserts the new WatchDog opinion column, for news media to engage intensely over government scientific integrity policies in the making, to be sure that agencies like the EPA get it right.

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Biden Rollbacks of Trump Energy-Efficiency Cuts Generate Local Stories

From cardigans to orange tans, the history of presidential politics around energy efficiency has been an odd one. But the story of so-called nega-watts is actually a compelling one. And with new efficiency rules being eyed by the Biden administration, it’s also time for reporters to explore the local angle to energy savings. Our latest TipSheet explains how.

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"Former Michigan Gov. Granholm Confirmed As Energy Secretary"

"Former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm won Senate confirmation Thursday to be energy secretary, joining President Joe Biden’s Cabinet as a leader of Biden’s effort to build a green economy as the United States moves to slow climate change."

Climate Change

Energy & Fuel

National (U.S.)

Source: AP, 02/26/2021

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"Postal Service Stirs Ire by Buying Gasoline Trucks and a Few EVs"

"The U.S. Postal Service currently plans for only 10% of its new truck fleet to be electric, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said Wednesday, angering environmentalists who say the move flies in the face of a White House executive order to electrify the government’s vehicles."

Source: Bloomberg, 02/25/2021

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"Haaland Stresses Bipartisan Outreach During GOP Grilling"

"Deb Haaland brandished her unique background today while facing tough questioning from Republican lawmakers skeptical about her progressive views during a history-making Interior secretary confirmation hearing."

Source: E&E News, 02/24/2021

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Abbott Appointees Cut Power Reliability Team Before Deadly Storm

"Late last year, as winter approached and power companies prepared for cold weather, Gov. Greg Abbott’s hand-picked utility regulators decided they no longer wanted to work with a nonprofit organization they had hired to monitor and help Texas enforce the state’s electric reliability standards."

Climate Change

Energy & Fuel

Environmental Health

Laws & Regulations

Northeast (CT MA ME NH NJ NY RI VT)

Southwest (AZ NM OK TX)

Source: Houston Chronicle, 02/22/2021

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Grid Data Can Guide Reporting on Power Disasters

The power and water fiasco that followed a deep freeze in Texas was a predictable debacle and, thus, a warning signal to journalists covering disasters and climate-driven weather extremes. To help, the latest Reporter’s Toolbox provides a rundown of data sources about power grids, from local, regional and national entities, and recommends you start tracking the numbers and be prepared.

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SEJ Urges Interior To Let the Sun Shine In Again

The Society of Environmental Journalists sent a letter on February 19, 2021 to Interior Secretary-Designate Debra Haaland with a list of more than a dozen recommendations for letting the sun shine more fully in the Department of the Interior, including respecting the vital role that journalists play in our democracy. Read text of the letter.

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"Deb Haaland’s Senate Hearing Set"

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources will consider the nomination of Rep. Deb Haaland as U.S. Department of the Interior secretary during a hearing scheduled for Feb. 23."

Environmental Justice