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By Erin Murphy and Joe von Fischer New peer-reviewed research reveals neighborhoods with more people of color and lower household income tended to have more gas leaks. Because natural gas is composed primarily of methane, leaks are a source of climate pollution as well as a health and safety hazard and nuisance to nearby communities.

A new study published today in the journal Environmental Science and Technology reveals that in U.S. cities, natural gas pipeline leaks are more prevalent in neighborhoods whose populations are predominately low-income or people of color.

Toxic pollution from Suncor oil refinery in Colorado exceeded permitted limits more than 500 times in two years

In a major milestone for environmental justice advocates, the EPA has questioned Colorado state over permits issued to the Suncor oil refinery which has been exceeding toxic pollution limits for years.

Jennifer Ortega, Research Analyst, Environmental Health Environmental racism is everywhere. At the neighborhood level, communities of color often experience worse air quality, fewer green spaces, or face more extreme temperatures. At the household level, families of color and low-income families experience a higher risk of lead in their drinking water and higher utility debt and …

Tom Neltner, Senior Director, Safer Chemicals Initiative; and Jennifer Ortega, Research Analyst Providence Water, Rhode Island’s largest water utility, has applied for state funds to rehabilitate drinking water mains in its service area. Lead service lines (LSLs) are often attached to the mains and carry drinking water to customer’s homes. The utility has requested a …

This post is the fourth in a series dedicated to the future of the electricity sector and new scholarship supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Each post is based on a discussion between select researchers and experts working on relevant policy. To learn more and join one of our upcoming conversations, visit the series website.

The Bond Act would fund $1.1 billion in restoration and flood risk reduction projects, such as restoring wetlands, benefitting both communities and nature. The post Environmental bond gives New York a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fund a more climate resilient future. first appeared on Growing Returns.

Black Americans 65 and older are three times more likely to die from exposure to fine particle air pollution than white Americans over 65, according to a report prepared by Industrial Economics, Inc. for EDF.

Fixing broken incentives is key to reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. Here's a look at how we can do this, including cutting deforestation and more.

Across Arizona, the consequences of unlimited groundwater pumping are becoming untenable for many communities. In response, Arizona state Rep. Regina Cobb, R-Kingman, has introduced legislation, for the third year in a row, to enable rural communities to manage their groundwater through a new opt-in program called Rural Management Areas (RMAs). Although the bill again did …

EDF Joins Broad Coalition to Support EPA’s Proposal about the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards

A sense of urgency, opportunity and optimism must prevail at the upcoming Our Ocean Conference in Palau during a critically important year.

Jackson’s Confirmation to the Supreme Court a Personal Triumph, Historic Moment for Our Country

Puerto Rico Needs Swift Action and Concrete Solutions to its Energy Crisis

EDF President Fred Krupp spoke at the Techonomy Climate conference in April 2022 about the future of climate tech. Here’s a look at what experts discussed.

EDF and partners have combined a newly created online mapping tool — run on real-time, trusted scientific models — with air pollution and weather forecasting data to help users learn more about the air they’re breathing and allow them to see where it's coming from.

Here are key practices for BRIC applicants. The post FEMA’s community resilience program is in high demand. This guide can help strengthen applications. first appeared on Growing Returns.

Statement by Heather McTeer Toney, EDF Vice President of Community Engagement and Phyllis Dickerson, CEO - African American Mayors Association

How small-scale farms are adapting to a rapidly changing climate. The post Small North Carolina farms find profitability in climate resilience first appeared on Growing Returns.

Community Groups, EDF Ask a State Appeals Court to Stop a Pipeline Slated to Go Through a Historic Black Farming Community in Illinois

Maria Doa, Senior Director, Chemicals Policy This week Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) filed comments on EPA’s plan to assess the risks to frontline communities from nearby releases of chemicals to the air and water. The EPA’s proposal is an improvement from the previous administration, which failed to follow the requirements of the Toxic Substances Control …

Farms across North Carolina are experiencing more variable and extreme weather associated with climate change, including hotter nights and more frequent and severe rainfall. Small farms are adapting to these changes by adopting climate-resilient practices that help buffer weather extremes and improve soil health. Measuring and communicating the financial costs and benefits of these practices …

Reduced tillage, cover crops and high tunnels helped small-scale North Carolina farms adapt to climate change and boost profitability, according to analysis of the real-world financial and resilience benefits of these farming practices. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University Cooperative Extension and Environmental Defense Fund evaluated the impacts of climate-resilient practices on three farms in …

Coalition building and advocacy can support Black farmers in continuing to farm. The post How credit and climate change collide for Black farmers in Georgia first appeared on Growing Returns.