Environment
Earth thundering toward planet unfit for humans, report finds
The Earth is barreling toward “uncharted climate territory” and on track to become uninhabitable for three and six billion people by the end of the century, a new report found. The research, led by Oregon State University scientists, casts dire warnings, saying big changes are needed now. The State of the Climate report, by climate scientists from […]
KU research: Human-driven climate change to amplify risk of toxin concentration in U.S. lakes
A University of Kansas researcher warns human-driven climate change will elevate risk to humans and animals of toxic exposure to blue-green algae blooms.
Kansas Speaks survey: Nearly 70% ready for legalization of marijuana, Medicaid expansion
Statewide survey by Fort Hays State University affirms 70% of Kansans ready for legalization of recreational marijuana and Medicaid eligibility expansion.
Kansas organizations lobby to restrain use of eminent domain on solar, wind projects
Agriculture and environmental groups offer insight into how Kansas could modify state eminent domain law to protect property owners and meet energy demands.
Searching for wholeness in a nation fractured by capitalism and exploitation
Wendell Berry — beloved for his novels (“Jayber Crow”), short stories of America’s rural past, essays on ecological responsibility (What Are People For?) and his memorable nature poetry (The Peace of Wild Things) — brandishes a bias that challenges conventional thinking. That attitude reveals itself in the middle section of his insightful new book, “The […]
State ruling draws near for Hays request to pump water from nearby ranch for drinking
A long-awaited ruling on whether Hays can pump water from a farm in the next county for its residents to drink is drawing nearer. But the project — almost 30 years in the making — still faces substantial opposition. Hays, like much of western Kansas, relies heavily on groundwater for drinking. Despite its residents’ efforts to […]
Kansas conservation department flexes mussels
TOPEKA — Thousands of mussels were poured into Kansas rivers as part of the state’s effort to keep aquatic species alive and flourishing amid ever-changing environmental conditions. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks announced the successful release of two freshwater mussels species into Kansas rivers this fall. The department stocked the Marmaton River in […]
‘So many ways hydrogen can go wrong’: Hub announcements viewed with caution
The Friday announcement that seven projects had been selected to receive $7 billion in seed money to kickstart the production of clean hydrogen across the country was billed by President Joe Biden’s administration as a major step toward slashing carbon emissions, creating thousands of domestic jobs and positioning the U.S. as a clean energy leader. […]
Grain Belt Express transmission line wins final approval in Missouri
State regulators gave final approval Thursday to the owners of the Grain Belt Express transmission line to drop off thousands of megawatts of clean power in Missouri. The decision by the Missouri Public Service Commission was the final regulatory approval Chicago-based Invenergy needed to begin the first phase of the line, to be built in […]
Federal officials step back from water request at Quivira wildlife refuge
Federal officials have agreed to pause their demand for water for the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in favor of working with state and local agencies to find a solution. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service operates the Quivira refuge in Stafford County. Its rare inland marshes provide a vital stopping point for migratory birds. But […]
Evergy, regulators near deal on Kansas electric rates
Evergy is close to a deal with state regulators that would reduce electric rates in the Kansas City area and raise costs for the company’s other Kansas customers. If the deal is approved by the Kansas Corporation Commission, Evergy’s Kansas Central territory — including Topeka, Manhattan and Wichita — would see rates increase by 4.05%, about $4.64 […]
Pipeline spills oil into Kansas creek near Quivira National Wildlife Refuge
Time will tell whether an oil spill upstream on Rattlesnake Creek will harm the birds that flock to Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, a migratory bird stop in Stafford County. Its manager, Mike Oldham, said the refuge, owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, had deployed absorbent barriers to catch any oil in case it […]