Large retailers don’t have smokestacks, but they generate a lot of pollution − and states are starting to regulate it

For decades, big-box retailers have evaded federal regulation of the pollution their operations generate. But a new air emission rule in Southern California could become a model for state controls.

Johnathan Williams, Assistant Professor of History, University of Northern Iowa • conversation
April 25, 2024 ~11 min

Colorado is latest state to try turning off the electrical grid to prevent wildfires − a complex, technical operation pioneered in California

Turning off power is a last-ditch strategy for utilities to reduce the risk that their systems could spark wildfires. In most states, deciding whether to take that step is up to utilities.

Kyri Baker, Assistant Professor of Building Systems Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
April 12, 2024 ~8 min


EPA’s new auto emissions standard will speed the transition to cleaner cars, while also addressing consumer and industry concerns

The new rule isn’t a mandate for electric vehicles, but it will sharply increase their market share over the coming decade.

Alan Jenn, Associate Professional Researcher in Transportation, University of California, Davis • conversation
March 22, 2024 ~8 min

California is wrestling with electricity prices – here’s how to design a system that covers the cost of fixing the grid while keeping prices fair

California is considering a controversial proposal for utilities to charge customers for electricity based partly on household income. Two scholars explain how this approach could benefit everyone.

Andrew L. Liu, Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering, Purdue University • conversation
March 21, 2024 ~10 min

Nanotechnology promises to help farmers cut pesticide use – but could also make chemicals more toxic

Nano-enabled pesticides could pose huge risks and they aren’t being regulated effectively enough yet.

Martina G. Vijver, Professor of Ecotoxicology, Leiden University • conversation
Feb. 23, 2024 ~7 min

EPA has tightened its target for deadly particle pollution − states need more tools to reach it

Reducing particle pollution can save thousands of lives, but states need more data to inform better controls. An atmospheric scientist explains what data and actions are needed.

Daniel Cohan, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University • conversation
Feb. 22, 2024 ~9 min

Don’t let ‘FDA-approved’ or ‘patented’ in ads give you a false sense of security

Most people don’t know what these labels really mean − and advertisers take advantage of that fact.

Michael Mattioli, Professor of Law and Louis F. Niezer Faculty Fellow, Indiana University • conversation
Feb. 14, 2024 ~4 min

Forever chemicals in ski wax are being spread on snowy slopes

Synthetic chemicals found in ski wax have been found in the snow and soil on ski slopes and could pose a toxic threat to the environment.

Daniel Drage, Lecturer in Environmental Health, University of Birmingham • conversation
Feb. 12, 2024 ~7 min


Heart attacks, cancer, dementia, premature deaths: 4 essential reads on the health effects driving EPA’s new fine particle air pollution standard

On Feb. 7, 2024, the EPA strengthened the federal limit for annual levels of fine particulate air pollution, or PM2.5. Many serious health effects have been linked to PM2.5 exposure.

Jennifer Weeks, Senior Environment + Cities Editor, The Conversation • conversation
Feb. 8, 2024 ~8 min

Dietary supplements and protein powders fall under a ‘wild west’ of products that necessitate caveats and caution

Although most Americans believe dietary supplements are safe, these products often make health claims that are unproven or downright false.

Katie Suleta, PhD Candidate in Medicine and Health, George Washington University • conversation
Feb. 6, 2024 ~10 min

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