February 19—The road to a greener America is not, apparently, a straight line. Under pressure from both auto manufacturers and the UAW, who argue that EVs are still too expensive for average Americans and that more time is needed to complete a nationwide EV charging network, the Biden administration has agreed to extend the timetable for transition from gas-powered to electric vehicles.

A new study by Standford biologists concludes that the sixth mass extinction of life on planet earh—and the first caused entirely by the activities of homo sapiens—is now upon us. Unless drastic measures are soon taken, the scientists warn, the next century will witness the loss of thousands of species.

Consistent background noise is a proven enemy of good health. This Washington Post article looks at the toll in urban areas.

In reports to the SEC, 13 of the nation’s 15 largest energy firms reveal that compliance with federal regulations does not “materially affect” their business operations, Reuters News Service reports.

Republicans are mobilizing to curtail presidential power to set aside federal lands.

Consistent with his environment-be-damned philosophy, Trump’s budget eliminates federal funding for mass transit but continues funding for automobile traffic.

California leads the way in moving to sustainable energy production. Writing in Mother Jones magazine, Gabriel Kahn explains how the Golden State is doing it.

A look at the Mercer family, generous Trump donors, and their support for climate change denial groups.

According to EPA website, clean water standards will no longer be based on “science,” but on what is “technologically and economically feasible.”

Coal is on the way out, beset by competition from cleaner and cheaper natural gas as well as wind and solar. Meanwhile the mining jobs Trump promised gullible voters are rapidly being replaced by robotics. (March, 2017)

As the backward Trump administration doubles down on dirty and non-renewable fossil fuels, other nations carry on with the good work of creating the energy systems of the future. (April, 2017)

While Trump and his allies double down on their infatuation with fossil fuels, politically backward China leads humanity into a sustainable energy future. (April, 2017)

According to an American Bird Conservancy officer, the current push to harness the wind power of the Great Lakes will result in an annual holocaust for migrating birds and bats.

The Los Angeles Times takes a look at some of the practical challenges facing California’s groundbreaking public transport, which will take passengers from Los Angeles to San Francisco at speeds reaching 220 mph.

New York Times columnist Timothy Egan reveals how the Trump administration is “putting chemical industry toadies between our food and public safety.”