This week’s good climate news

With so much still to do to slow warming and avoid the worst impacts of climate change, it’s important to fortify ourselves by celebrating wins along the way.

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A winding canyon of red rock with a flowing, full river at the bottom

Big rains could spell drought relief in Western US

There's a glimmer of hope in the drought-stricken Western U.S., as unprecedented levels of precipitation are reducing dry conditions in many areas of the West, and experts believe large reservoirs are shifting in the right direction.

While there is still a way to go, scientists pointed to the Great Basin, which has received more snow this season than the past two seasons combined. 

Smoke stacks billowing white smoke into the air

New plan to cut smog from EPA

This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized the Good Neighbor Plan, which will protect millions of people from harmful air pollution. This strong action cuts nitrogen oxide pollution, a key ingredient of smog, from fossil fuel-fired power plants and industrial sources

The plan also requires the EPA to ensure upwind states aren't contributing to dangerous pollution levels in downwind neighboring states.

A sunflower sea star, which has 24 arms, which, quite frankly, is too many arms, in its underwater habitat

Sunflower sea stars to gain protection

Sunflower sea stars, with all 24 of their arms, are integral to marine ecosystems. A wasting syndrome linked to the impacts of climate change devastated sunflower sea stars from 2013 to 2017, killing off more than 90% of individuals.

To restore plentiful populations and aid recovery, sunflower sea stars are set to be federally protected by the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

A person smiling as they're about to take a drink from a glass of crystal clear water

Biden administration to restrict dangerous forever chemicals

Exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, toxic chemicals known as PFAS, has been linked to numerous harmful health hazards, like cancer and asthma. For the first time, the U.S. government will mandate utilities remove these toxic chemicals from drinking water.

This major action will set enforceable limits on PFAS, ensuring people and communities across the country have clean water to drink.

A bison standing in a plain looking down the camera concerningly

Great Plains tribes reclaiming stewardship over bison

After U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland issued a bison conservation order, several tribes in the Great Plains received bison transfers, restoring a deep connection ancestral Native Americans formed with the animals.

Today, 82 tribes in the U.S. have over 20,000 bison, thanks to transfers from other tribes, private ranches and federal, state and local governments. 

Let’s take action on climate together