I started writing when I was 12. I still to this day write mostly every day, if not every week for personal reasons. I have several creative works in production and am slowly polishing them to release. 

Novelist, Poet, Short Stories

Is Agriculture the Next Endangered Species?

01 Oct 2023  |  ocj.com  |  English  |  Endangered Species

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed two new regulations aimed at protecting endangered species from agricultural chemicals, which have raised significant concerns among soybean farmers. The Vulnerable Species Pilot Program and the EPA's herbicide strategy could impose stringent and costly restrictions on pesticide and herbicide use. Ohio farmers, represented by the Ohio Soybean Association, argue that these proposals are unrealistic and threaten their ability to farm effectively. The association is working to educate policymakers on the practical implications and advocate for more feasible solutions.

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Ohio Soybean Association Ohio Soybean Council

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Wilkine Brutus is a Haitian-American writer, web series producer and freelance multimedia journalist with millions of views across social media, covering international travel, culture, and current affairs. 

His forward-thinking approach to human relations, particularly during his time in South ...

Glades communities to get 1,000 new trees in $1m environmental justice project

14 Nov 2023  |  www.wlrn.org  |  English  |  Community Development

A $1 million environmental project funded by the Environmental Protection Agency will bring up to 1,000 native trees to low-income communities in Palm Beach County, particularly in the Glades region. The initiative, called the 'Resilient Glades Tree Campaign,' aims to improve climate resilience and equity by increasing tree canopy coverage in areas historically affected by segregation and under-investment. The project involves collaboration between Palm Beach County's Office of Resilience, Parks & Recreation Department, and the nonprofit Community Greening. It will also engage local high school volunteers and residents in planting and maintaining the trees, fostering a sense of community and environmental stewardship.

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US Fish and Wildlife Service Environmental Protection Agency Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department Community Greening

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Andrew Byrne is a Europe correspondent based in Brussels, Belgium.

Corps to begin construction for fish reefs on Monongahela River

30 Oct 2023  |  DVIDS  |  English  |  Infrastructure

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District will commence construction of stone fish reefs on the Monongahela River near Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, starting October 30. This $2.4 million project aims to mitigate habitat loss due to the removal of Elizabeth Locks and Dam. The construction, part of the Lower Monongahela River project, will not affect private property or commercial navigation. The project involves coordination with multiple federal and state agencies and aims to enhance ecosystem connectivity between river pools.

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PA Department of Environmental Protection U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Army Corps of Engineers PA Fish & Boat Commission

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Vicente Calderón is a bilingual journalist based in Tijuana, Mexico.


With more than 30 years practicing journalism on both sides of the border, Vicente Calderón understands like few others the dynamics of the news in the region where Mexico and the United States meet.

Calderón is an "All ...

Imperial Beach Coast Is Finally Open, But More Sewage Is on the Way

03 Oct 2024  |  Voice of San Diego  |  English  |  Cross-Border Relations

Imperial Beach's coastline has reopened after a year-long closure due to sewage contamination from Tijuana. However, upcoming repairs to Tijuana's main sewer line will temporarily increase sewage flow into the U.S., potentially leading to further beach closures. The International Boundary and Water Commission and its Mexican counterpart, CILA, are coordinating efforts to manage the situation. A new sewer main and treatment plant upgrades are planned to prevent future spills. Recent infrastructure repairs and favorable weather conditions have temporarily reduced sewage flow, allowing the beaches to reopen.

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency International Boundary and Water Commission CILA

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Jewel Fraser is a freelance journalist who writes for Inter Press Service on climate change issues; she formerly wrote for the International New York Times on architecture and real estate; and for the Miami Herald on current affairs. She is also a freelance copyeditor and copywriter.

She holds ...

Muddled communications on mercury causing consumer confusion

10 Oct 2023  |  www.seafoodsource.com  |  English  |  Health Advisories

Representatives from industry, academia, and government agree on the health benefits of seafood consumption but differ on how to communicate these benefits due to conflicting scientific studies on mercury contamination. Jay Shimshack highlights the complexity and confusion in current fish consumption advisories. The National Fisheries Institute criticizes the U.S. FDA's guidelines as contradictory and misused by activists. Margaret Karagas calls for further research due to inconsistencies in existing studies. Reports from the FAO/WHO and the EU's EFSA emphasize the benefits of seafood while recommending strategies to minimize mercury risks.

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Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Food and Drug Administration National Fisheries Institute Food and Agriculture Organization World Health Organization European Union’s Food Safety Authority

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Alan Greenblatt is a journalist based in St. Louis, United States of America.

State and Local Officials Urge Congress to Fund Lead Pipe Removal

22 Nov 2024  |  www.governing.com  |  English  |  Environmental Policy

A new federal rule mandates the removal of lead drinking water pipes across the U.S., posing significant financial and logistical challenges for states, cities, and water utilities. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's rule requires the replacement of over 9 million lead service lines within a decade, with an estimated cost of $45 to $90 billion. State and local officials are urging Congress for ongoing funding to meet the deadline and avoid burdening ratepayers. The rule aims to prevent health issues associated with lead exposure, but concerns about affordability, workforce capacity, and private property complications persist. Some states, like Michigan and New Jersey, have already begun addressing the issue, but further federal support is deemed necessary.

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Environmental Council of the States U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies Natural Resources Defense Council National League of Cities

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Erin Hale is a journalist based in Taipei.

Elon Musk eyes radical overhaul of US gov’t as ‘Secretary of Cost-Cutting’

01 Nov 2024  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Government Efficiency

Elon Musk is poised to join Donald Trump's cabinet as 'Secretary of Cost-Cutting' if Trump wins the presidential election. Musk, known for advocating drastic government spending cuts, has been a vocal supporter of Trump, contributing significantly to his campaign. His potential cabinet role raises concerns about conflicts of interest due to his companies' extensive government contracts. Musk's political shift to the right is evident in his support for conservative causes and figures, as well as his controversial business decisions, including the acquisition of X and environmental issues with SpaceX. Despite criticisms, Musk's influence in politics and business remains substantial.

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Environmental Protection Agency US Government Republican Party

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Brett Hall is a journalist based in Leicester, United Kingdom.

Environmental groups petition EPA to regulate coal pollution from railcars

04 Oct 2023  |  www.wavy.com  |  English  |  Public Health

Environmental and public health organizations, led by the Sierra Club, have petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to regulate coal pollution from open-top railcars. The petition argues that coal dust from these trains, which pass through populated areas, pollutes communities and water with heavy metals and toxic chemicals. The coal industry has seen a decline, but the petition cites evidence of ongoing environmental damage. Residents near coal terminals report coal dust and health issues, while the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is conducting an air monitoring project. Norfolk Southern and CSX Transportation have not directly addressed the petition, and the Association of American Railroads did not respond to a request for comment.

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Virginia Department of Environmental Quality U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Sierra Club National Institutes of Health

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Valerie Hopkins is currently the South-East Europe Correspondent for the Financial Times, where she covers the region out of Budapest. She has more than ten years of experience working in South-Eastern Europe. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian The Atlantic, The Washington ...

A Day at the Radioactive Spa

22 Dec 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Post-Soviet Culture

Khoja Obi Garm, a sanatorium in Tajikistan, offers radon-infused water treatments amidst a Soviet-era setting, attracting visitors seeking affordable health therapies. Despite health warnings about radon exposure, the spa remains popular, especially among those with limited vacation options. The sanatorium, once damaged during Tajikistan's civil war, was renovated under President Emomali Rahmon's directive. It now serves as a cultural and therapeutic retreat, drawing a diverse clientele, including veterans and those affected by geopolitical shifts like Russia's war in Ukraine.

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Soviet Union Germany’s radiation regulator

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Freelance journalist and content writer covering culture and climate. 

I currently work across digital and print for Reader's Digest, including editing and uploading articles to the website's CMS, implementing SEO best practices, writing original articles, and proofreading pieces for the print ...

Bride-to-be stunned to uncover price on 'wedding dress of my dreams' at Goodwill: 'That's such a steal I think it qualifies as a felony'

16 Jan 2024  |  www.thecooldown.com  |  English  |  Sustainability

As wedding costs rise, many couples are turning to thrift stores to save money, with one bride-to-be finding her dream wedding dress for just $40 at Goodwill. The average wedding dress costs between $1,800 and $2,400, making this a significant saving. The trend towards secondhand bridalwear is driven by both cost and environmental concerns, with searches for pre-owned wedding dresses and sustainability-related keywords increasing significantly. The bridalwear market was worth $11.1 billion in 2022, contributing to substantial textile waste. Embracing secondhand options can help reduce environmental impact and costs.

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Council of Fashion Designers of America

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Andrew is a Doha based journalist covering Business and Finance, Middle Eastern affairs, and the Aviation industry. He regularly contributes to The Daily Caller and Airways Magazine, and has bylines in Lone Conservative, International Policy Digest, The Georgetown Gazette, and several other outlets.

Major Chain Slashes Gas Prices to Trump Administration Levels for Big Thanksgiving Week Sale

20 Nov 2023  |  www.westernjournal.com  |  English  |  Thanksgiving Sale

Sheetz has reduced the price of its Unleaded 88 gas to $1.99 per gallon for Thanksgiving, a significant drop that will last until November 27. This promotional pricing, part of Sheetz's 'Happy 'Tanks-giving'' campaign, offers more than $1 in savings per gallon and is available across multiple states. The price cut comes as the nation experiences its lowest average gas prices since January, making this Thanksgiving season the cheapest for gas since 2020. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved Unleaded 88 for use in vehicles from 2001 and newer.

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U.S. Energy Information Administration U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Iowa Renewable Fuels Association

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Jason Law is a UK born English teacher and journalist currently based in Hanoi, Vietnam. 

Writing for The Vietnam Times, a news site catered towards expats, he enjoys writing about a variety of topics including but not limited to travel, culture, art, food, and social issues. Each article ...

Harmful ‘toxic’ chemical found in paper receipts from many Mass. businesses

01 Oct 2023  |  www.boston25news.com  |  English  |  Consumer Safety

A 25 Investigates and Cox Media Group investigation found that 80% of paper receipts from various businesses in Massachusetts and other states contain Bisphenol S (BPS), a chemical linked to reproductive and developmental health issues. Despite claims from some companies that their receipts are phenol-free, BPS was still detected. Experts, including Dr. Laura Vandenberg from UMass Amherst, warn of the potential health risks associated with BPS exposure. Regulatory bodies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have not yet taken action on BPS, although European agencies have called for regulation. The investigation highlights the need for consumers to be cautious with paper receipts and for businesses to consider safer alternatives.

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European Chemicals Agency U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Paper Receipts Converting Association Ecology Center Cox Media Group

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Kit MacAvoy is a freelance photojournalist based in upstate New York.

EPA Seeks Input About Refinery Cleanup, Community Engagement

19 Nov 2024  |  St. Thomas Source  |  English  |  Refinery Operations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is engaging with the St. Croix community to address concerns about the potential restart of the St. Croix refinery and ongoing cleanup efforts under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The EPA is reviewing a permit renewal for the Hovensa Environmental Response Trust, which continues to manage the cleanup of legacy contamination at the former Hovensa site. The community workshop aimed to educate the public on distinguishing between legacy contamination issues and current refinery operations, emphasizing the importance of informed participation in the permit renewal process.

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Environmental Response Trust U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Hovensa Port Hamilton Refining and Transportation

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I am a veteran freelancer journalist. I started journalism in 1990. I initially wrote on leisure and sports then I diversified to also include business reporting and science. I nearly specialized in maritime but other topics I am capable of handling including climate change among other ...

Advancements in Biological Strategies for Controlling Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)

09 Jan 2024  |  MDPI  |  English  |  Harmful Algal Blooms

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) pose significant environmental, health, and economic challenges. This review explores various control methods, emphasizing biological strategies as sustainable solutions. Traditional chemical and physical interventions, while effective, carry ecological risks and are resource-intensive. Biological control methods, including biomanipulation and the use of algicidal microorganisms, offer eco-friendly alternatives with long-term benefits. Despite their advantages, these methods face challenges such as complex ecological interactions and scalability issues. The review highlights the need for further research and development to effectively mitigate HABs and reduce toxin levels in aquatic environments.

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency University of Central Florida King Saud University United Arab Emirates University

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Faustine Ngila is Kenya's renowned technology journalist based in Nairobi.
He has reported widely on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, covering emerging technologies and innovations in Kenya and Africa.
He writes for the Daily Nation, Business Daily, Taifa Leo and The East African. He is one of a ...

Ten blue states are planning to sue the EPA for failing to crack down on wood-burning stoves

01 Oct 2023  |  qz.com  |  English  |  Legal Action

Ten states, led by their attorneys general, plan to sue the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for ineffective carbon emissions and air quality guidelines for wood-burning stoves. They argue that current EPA standards allow the sale of polluting stoves, undermining public health and climate change efforts. The states have issued a 60-day ultimatum for the EPA to review its standards. An EPA report highlighted flaws in the certification process, leading states to develop their own standards. The article underscores the need for more stringent and accurate EPA regulations.

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US Environmental Protection Agency

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Martha Pskowski is a journalist based in Mexico City, Mexico.
She reports for U.S., Mexican and U.K. news outlets on environmental justice, immigration, urbanism and gender. Her work reporting in Mexico and Central America has appeared in Al Jazeera English, The Guardian, and CityLab, among other ...

Leaking, exploding abandoned wells wreak havoc in West Texas

29 Feb 2024  |  www.ksat.com  |  English  |  Government Policy

In West Texas, abandoned oil and water wells are causing environmental disasters, such as the massive saltwater spill on Bill Wight's ranch following a well explosion. The Texas Railroad Commission, responsible for regulating the oil and gas sector, has been criticized for its inconsistent response to such incidents. Despite a lack of records for many wells, the commission has allocated millions for plugging orphan wells, with additional federal funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Groundwater districts and landowners have struggled with the commission over well-plugging responsibilities, especially for undocumented wells. The urgency to address these wells has grown as they threaten groundwater supplies and the environment. Scientists and regulators are investigating the causes of leaks and blowouts, with some research suggesting links to saltwater injection wells from fracking. The commission's prioritization system for plugging wells has been questioned, and there is a push for more comprehensive monitoring and research to prevent future disasters.

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Ground Water Protection Council Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Congress Texas Railroad Commission Middle Pecos Groundwater Conservation District San Antonio Testing Laboratory Department of Energy Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission Los Alamos National Laboratory Chevron

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I am a Journalist and now working with Dhaka Tribune a Bangladesh based national English newspaper.

Channelview is being bombarded by cancer-causing benzene. State officials have known for nearly two decades.

13 Dec 2023  |  Houston Landing  |  English  |  Public Health

For nearly two decades, residents of Channelview, Texas, have been exposed to dangerous levels of benzene, a chemical linked to cancer, without being informed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Despite knowledge of the issue since 2005, TCEQ has allowed K-Solv, a chemical distribution company, to expand operations, resulting in legal emission increases of volatile organic compounds. Public Health Watch's analysis of TCEQ data shows worsening benzene levels in Channelview, with recent annual readings exceeding state guidelines. The TCEQ has weakened its benzene guidelines over the years, contrasting with states like California that have strengthened theirs. Investigations have revealed K-Solv's repeated violations and fines by the EPA, yet TCEQ's response has been minimal. Community members, affected by health issues and cancer, feel neglected and are organizing to protect their environment. K-Solv continues to grow, with new facilities opening close to residential areas.

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Harris County Attorney's Office

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Judi Shimel is a journalist based in Cruz Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands, experienced in print, online and radio reporting and news production.
Her career began in New York with a community weekly, the Queens Tribune, and WBAI-FM. She pursued the reporting trail through Washington, D.C. with Pacifica ...

Federal Judge Ponders a Role in Coral Bay Marina Case

23 Jan 2025  |  St. Thomas Source  |  English  |  Marina Development

A federal judge is considering whether to involve the District Court in a long-standing legal dispute over a proposed marina in Coral Bay, St. John. The Summers End Group and the Moravian Church — Virgin Islands Conference are at odds over the marina's development, with the church seeking an injunction to prevent the project, claiming it would hinder their own marina plans. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has also scrutinized the project. The judge is assessing jurisdiction due to parallel proceedings in local court. The case involves allegations of procedural discrepancies and compliance with federal laws, with the V.I. government and developers defending the project's legitimacy. The judge has yet to make a ruling, and the case may return to the V.I. Supreme Court.

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Summers End Group Moravian Church — Virgin Islands Conference V.I. government

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Adina Solomon is a journalist based in Atlanta, United States of America. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, U.S. News & World Report, The Atlantic's CityLab, Fast Company, Smithsonian Magazine, Vice's Broadly, and local Atlanta outlets. Before freelancing, she worked as an editor at ...

City on-road emissions targets proposed by Biden administration

05 Oct 2023  |  www.smartcitiesdive.com  |  English  |  Government Policy

The Biden administration, through the U.S. Department of Transportation, has proposed a rule requiring states and metropolitan planning organizations to set and report on targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from National Highway System roads. This initiative aligns with the administration's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The bipartisan infrastructure law supports this effort with $6.4 billion in funding. The proposal follows a Supreme Court decision limiting the EPA's regulatory power, and has received mixed reactions, including criticism from U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito.

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Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Department of Transportation National Campaign for Transit Justice Federal Highway Administration

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I'm a full time freelance writer and independent producer based in Washington, DC. My areas of expertise include architecture, design, energy, automotive, technology and the utility industry.  
I work with a variety of clients including television networks, newspapers, magazines, marketing ...

Infrastructure spending being guided to housing

06 Oct 2023  |  www.bondbuyer.com  |  English  |  Federal Funding

Federal infrastructure funding is increasingly being directed towards affordable housing projects, including office space conversions near mass transit. Research suggests that around 10% of existing office stock could be converted into approximately 370,000 housing units, partially financed through bonds. The proposal aligns with the administration's Housing Supply Action Plan and leverages funds from the Environmental Protection Agency's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. Cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles are identified as prime candidates for these conversions. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin highlighted the transformative impact of federal dollars on local housing initiatives.

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Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Treasury The Hamilton Project HUD

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Julia Thomas is a journalist based in New York, United States of America.

Study Examines Cost Competitiveness of Zero-Emission Trucks

04 Apr 2024  |  cleantechnica.com  |  English  |  Transportation

Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, though only 5% of vehicles on U.S. roads, contribute 21% of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) indicates that zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) like battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles could achieve cost parity with diesel vehicles by 2035, driven by technological advancements and supportive policies. The Inflation Reduction Act's tax credits further accelerate this transition, potentially reducing emissions by up to 70% by 2050. The study highlights the role of NREL's TEMPO model in assessing the total cost of driving across various market segments, emphasizing the importance of incentives and infrastructure investments in promoting ZEV adoption.

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Department of Energy National Renewable Energy Laboratory

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Sakshi Udavant is a freelance journalist with an academic background in psychology. 

She covers mental health, technology, finance, business, and related topics for industry-leading brands like PayPal, Mozilla, NBCU, Insider, Digital Trends, InsideHook, Chicago Tribune, and others found here: ***...

Massive oil spill on the Monongahela River frustrates local groups

13 Dec 2023  |  prismreports.org  |  English  |  Accountability

Oil spills on the Monongahela River have caused significant environmental damage, affecting water sources for millions. Local groups and nonprofits are stepping in to clean up due to a lack of accountability from polluting companies and government agencies. Despite existing environmental laws, enforcement is weak, leading to repeated pollution incidents. The article highlights the need for stronger legislation and accountability to prevent future spills and protect the environment.

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U.S. Steel’s Irvin Works Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Three Rivers Waterkeeper Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful Delaware Riverkeeper Network

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Emma Woollacott is a journalist based in Oxford, United Kingdom, writing in fields from science and tech to business and politics, freelance since 1992. I've written for most British broadsheet national newspapers, including the Times, Daily Telegraph, Financial Times and Guardian, as well as many ...

Water Systems Vulnerable To Cyber Attacks, NSA And EPA Warn Governors

20 Mar 2024  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Water Systems

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and National Security Agency have issued a warning to state governments about the vulnerability of water and wastewater systems to cyberattacks. They urge comprehensive cybersecurity assessments and the implementation of basic precautions to mitigate risks. The Biden administration emphasizes the integration of cybersecurity into national security. Recent cyberattacks by groups linked to Iran and China highlight the urgency of these measures. The EPA plans to form a Water Sector Cybersecurity Task Force to address these threats.

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Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency National Security Agency U.S. Environmental Protection Agency American Water Works Association National Rural Water Association Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center Biden administration Iranian Government Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Volt Typhoon Synopsys Software Integrity Group

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Zofia Zwieglinska is a fashion and sustainability journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

California’s PFAS regulation brings a reckoning for the fashion industry

08 Jan 2024  |  www.glossy.co  |  English  |  Chemical Safety

California's upcoming PFAS regulation, effective January 1, 2025, will prohibit the manufacturing, selling, and distributing of textiles containing PFAS levels exceeding 100 parts per million. This legislation is expected to significantly impact the fashion industry, particularly outdoor wear and athleisure brands that use waterproofing chemicals. Brands like Thinx, Salomon, Keen, and REI are already taking steps to eliminate PFAS from their products. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has also been active in researching and addressing PFAS risks. Experts believe this regulation will lead to greater transparency and potentially uncover harmful chemicals in clothing.

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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