On 3 June, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a 940-page spending bill that provides trillions of dollars in tax cuts, boosts the fossil fuel industry, and dismantles incentives for clean energy.
Grace van Deelen
Grace van Deelen, joined Eos in 2023 as a staff writer. She covers all things Earth science and is particularly interested in stories that highlight the intersection of society, the environment, and equity in science. Grace holds a master’s degree from MIT’s Graduate Program in Science Writing and bachelor’s degrees in biology and anthropology from Tufts University.
Posted inResearch & Developments
Proposed NOAA Budget Calls for $0 for Climate Research
In the latest move in a months-long attack on climate science funding, the Trump administration released a budget document on 30 June that calls for zero funding for climate research and the elimination of a slew of NOAA services, including the agency’s climate laboratories, regional climate data efforts, tornado and severe storm research, and partnerships with other institutions.
Posted inResearch & Developments
National Science Foundation Staff Booted From Headquarters
Staff at the National Science Foundation (NSF) were notified on 25 June that the agency’s office space, located in Alexandria, Va., will be taken over by Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) staff, raising the question of where more than 1,800 NSF employees will work.
Posted inResearch & Developments
EPA Proposes Removal of Carbon Dioxide Limits on Power Plants
On 11 June, the Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposal to repeal federal limits on power plant carbon emissions, including a Biden-era rule requiring power plants to control 90% of their carbon pollution and a 2015 standard limiting carbon dioxide emissions from new fossil fuel-fired power plants.
Posted inNews
Climate Change Made Extreme Heat Days More Likely
A new attribution study shows every single extreme heat event since last May was made more probable by climate change.
Posted inResearch & Developments
Supreme Court Rejects Tribal Appeal to Halt Planned Copper Mine
On 27 May, the United States Supreme Court declined to hear arguments from a group of Apache leaders challenging a copper mine that would damage land that tribe members consider sacred, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Posted inNews
As Climate Changes, So Do Gardens Across the United States
Warmer winter temperatures have altered frost patterns and growing seasons across the United States, forcing botanical gardens and arboretums to adapt.
Posted inNews
Busy Hurricane Season Expected in 2025
A new NOAA report predicts an active Atlantic hurricane season, though global weather patterns could still shift predictions.
Posted inResearch & Developments
EPA to Rescind Rules on Four Forever Chemicals
The EPA plans to reconsider drinking water limits for four different PFAS chemicals and extend deadlines for public water systems to comply, according to The Washington Post.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals that are widely used for their water- and stain-resistant properties. Exposure to PFAS is linked to higher risks of certain cancers, reproductive health issues, developmental delays and immune system problems. The so-called “forever chemicals” are ubiquitous in the environment and widely contaminate drinking water.
Posted inResearch & Developments
NSF Plans to Abolish Divisions
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) plans to abolish dozens of divisions across all eight of its directorates and reduce the number of programs within those divisions, according to Science.
A spokesperson for NSF told Science that the reason behind the decision was to “reduce the number of SES [senior executive service] positions in the agency and create new non-executive positions to better align with the needs of the agency.”