Featured Stories
'It's About Time': ALG Praises House Passage Of Sunshine Protection Act, Urges Senate Passage
FAIRFAX, Virginia, July 19 [Category: Government/Public Administration] -- Americans for Limited Government posted the following news release:
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'It's About Time': ALG Praises House Passage Of Sunshine Protection Act, Urges Senate Passage
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July 15, 2026, Fairfax, Va.-Americans for Limited Government Executive Director Robert Romano today issued the following statement praising the House for passing the Sunshine Protection Act and urged the Senate to do the same:
"The House has finally passed legislation that will end standard time once and for all. No more sunsets in the middle of the
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FAIRFAX, Virginia, July 19 [Category: Government/Public Administration] -- Americans for Limited Government posted the following news release:
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'It's About Time': ALG Praises House Passage Of Sunshine Protection Act, Urges Senate Passage
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July 15, 2026, Fairfax, Va.-Americans for Limited Government Executive Director Robert Romano today issued the following statement praising the House for passing the Sunshine Protection Act and urged the Senate to do the same:
"The House has finally passed legislation that will end standard time once and for all. No more sunsets in the middle of theafternoon. It's about time. Nobody likes the constant clock changes. The fact is that under current law, there was never a way to opt out of standard time whereas states were permitted to opt out of daylight savings time if they really wanted to, as Arizona and Hawaii do. School districts can always have starting bells later to compensate if there is concern about later sunrises during the winter months, although it's worth noting almost all districts are already on Christmas vacation during the shortest days. Clearly, based on the House vote, and unanimous passage of practically identical legislation by the Senate in 2022, and the President's support, daylight savings time is far more popular. But really, it's just let's pick a time and stick with it. Compromise if needs be: shave a half hour off standard time. Anything's better than the clock changes, and the early sunsets in the winter are frankly depressing. But the bill's fine the way it is. It is time for the Senate to immediately take up this common sense, bipartisan legislation, stop switching the clocks and let the sun shine into the evening for good."
For media availability contact Americans for Limited Government at media@limitgov.org.
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Original text here: https://getliberty.org/2026/07/its-about-time-alg-praises-house-passage-of-sunshine-protection-act-urges-senate-passage/
Webinar: What Role Can Businesses Play in Reducing Plastic Pollution?
CHICAGO, Illinois, July 18 -- The Alliance for the Great Lakes issued the following news release:
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Webinar: What role can businesses play in reducing plastic pollution?
More than 22 million pounds of plastic pollution enter the Great Lakes every year, and meaningful solutions will require action from businesses, manufacturers, and governments alike. Join us for a conversation about how businesses can reduce their plastic use, the incentives driving change, and policies that hold producers accountable for the waste they create. We'll discuss a variety of policy solutions, from phasing out
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CHICAGO, Illinois, July 18 -- The Alliance for the Great Lakes issued the following news release:
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Webinar: What role can businesses play in reducing plastic pollution?
More than 22 million pounds of plastic pollution enter the Great Lakes every year, and meaningful solutions will require action from businesses, manufacturers, and governments alike. Join us for a conversation about how businesses can reduce their plastic use, the incentives driving change, and policies that hold producers accountable for the waste they create. We'll discuss a variety of policy solutions, from phasing outthe use of known cancer-causing materials like single-use plastic foam to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws and the role business can play in advancing sustainable solutions. We'll also explore where progress is being made in the Great Lakes region.
Panelists:
* Sarah Damron, Senior Regional Manager, Surfrider Foundation
* Tim Frick, President and Founder, Mightybytes
* Dr. Wren Montgomery, Quinn Professor of Sustainability, Smith School of Business, Queen's University
* Andrea Densham, Director of Regional Government Affairs, Alliance for the Great Lakes
* Tom Fazzini, Communications Director, Alliance for the Great Lakes (moderator)
Related Links:
* Plastic Free Great Lakes Toolkit, an advocacy toolkit to make a difference in your community
* More about Dr. Montgomery's new book, From Greenwash to Green Trust: How Honest Firms Win in a World of Spin
* Greenwash Action Lab
* Case study: How Mightybytes Turns Digital Work Into Climate Action
* Surfrider Foundation Great Lakes Friendly Restaurants program page, which includes links to case studies of restaurant waste reduction and cost-saving approaches
* Surfrider Foundation Great Lakes Friendly Restaurants volunteer signup - help identify or outreach to restaurants
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Original text here: https://greatlakes.org/2026/07/webinar-what-role-can-businesses-play-in-reducing-plastic-pollution/
[Category: Environment]
USA Rice Continues Partnership With NASA Acres
ARLINGTON, Virginia, July 18 -- USA Rice Federation issued the following news:
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USA Rice Continues Partnership with NASA Acres
Throughout the week, NASA Acres hosted a series of science meetings at the University of Maryland in College Park, which were joined by the NASA Acres Farm Innovation Ambassador Team (FIAT). The meeting series showcased how satellite technology and Earth observation science can help address challenges facing U.S. agriculture and launched the Seeding Satellite Solutions Partnership Program (SSSPP).
Since NASA Acres began, USA Rice has collaborated with the program,
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, July 18 -- USA Rice Federation issued the following news:
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USA Rice Continues Partnership with NASA Acres
Throughout the week, NASA Acres hosted a series of science meetings at the University of Maryland in College Park, which were joined by the NASA Acres Farm Innovation Ambassador Team (FIAT). The meeting series showcased how satellite technology and Earth observation science can help address challenges facing U.S. agriculture and launched the Seeding Satellite Solutions Partnership Program (SSSPP).
Since NASA Acres began, USA Rice has collaborated with the program,which also participated in the 2023 USA Rice Outlook.
On Tuesday, USA Rice attended a NASA Acres reception on Capitol Hill, where Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) addressed attendees on the role of NASA Acres for U.S. agriculture. The event highlighted how NASA's Earth observation science and satellite technology can help farmers improve profitability, efficiency, and resilience. Rice farmers and FIAT representatives Mark Isbell and Brad Doyle were in attendance.
On Wednesday and Thursday, the University of Maryland hosted science meetings, panels, and breakout sessions on its College Park campus. During the Tuesday session, NASA Acres announced its SSSPP, which aims to bring together farmers, commodity organizations, researchers, and NASA experts to develop practical applications of satellite technology that address challenges such as pest and disease detection, crop monitoring, and resource management.
"USA Rice is proud to have partnered with NASA over the years and to participate in one of the initial NASA Acres program launches," said USA Rice Vice President of Government Affairs Jake Westlin. "The Seeding Satellite Solutions Partnership Program is an exciting new chapter in that collaboration that will help U.S. rice farmers innovate, address pest and disease challenges, and remain sustainable in an ever-changing world."
The announcement comes as rice growers face emerging production challenges. Last year, the invasive rice delphacid caused significant damage in Texas and parts of Louisiana, demonstrating the need for new tools to help producers swiftly identify and respond to threats.
SSSPP was launched with partners from USA Rice, the Sorghum Checkoff, and Corteva Agriscience.
USA Rice looks forward to continuing its collaboration with NASA Acres, the Farm Innovation Ambassador Team, and the new Seeding Satellite Solutions Partnership Program.
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Original text here: https://www.usarice.com/news-and-events/publications/usa-rice-daily/article/usa-rice-daily/2026/07/17/usa-rice-continues-partnership-with-nasa-acres
[Category: Agriculture]
Natural Resources Defense Council: Allowing Deep Sea Mining Off Coast of American Samoa is Dangerous and "Reckless"
NEW YORK, July 18 -- The Natural Resources Defense Council issued the following news release:
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Allowing Deep Sea Mining off Coast of American Samoa is Dangerous and "Reckless"
The Interior Department's decision today to advance deep-sea mining off American Samoa could cause widespread harm to the marine environment and biodiversity. This would be the first ever commercial deep-sea mining leasing in the world.
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The Department of Interior issued a notice that it will advance deep-sea mining in waters off the coast of American Samoa and hold a lease sale. If it proceeds, this would be the
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NEW YORK, July 18 -- The Natural Resources Defense Council issued the following news release:
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Allowing Deep Sea Mining off Coast of American Samoa is Dangerous and "Reckless"
The Interior Department's decision today to advance deep-sea mining off American Samoa could cause widespread harm to the marine environment and biodiversity. This would be the first ever commercial deep-sea mining leasing in the world.
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The Department of Interior issued a notice that it will advance deep-sea mining in waters off the coast of American Samoa and hold a lease sale. If it proceeds, this would be thefirst deep-sea mining leasing in the world.
The American Samoan government is united in strong opposition to deep sea mining in its waters and passed a moratorium on deep sea mining. American Samoan lives and livelihoods depend on healthy and abundant ocean resources.
Commercial-scale deep-sea mining would launch a new global industry before key questions about its technology, economics, and environmental consequences have been answered. The growing body of science makes clear that these untested activities could cause severe and lasting harm to the deep ocean.
The following is a statement from Taryn Kiekow Heimer, director for ocean energy at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):
"The Trump administration is diving in blind on deep-sea mining while the rest of the world is trying to understand the damage it could cause. This is a reckless decision from the Interior Department--one that ignores its duty to protect our nation's natural resources and the people who rely upon them. Deep-sea mining in this area would likely destroy the rich sea life living thousands of feet below the ocean surface and spread suffocating sediment far and wide.
"The Trump administration is fast-tracking deep-sea mining without considering the full impacts on the marine environment, wildlife, and fisheries. And it's doing so despite the overwhelming opposition of the people of American Samoa."
For more on the risks of deep-sea mining, please see this NRDC explainer.
Background
American Samoa's ocean waters, reefs, beaches, and deep-sea environments are exceptionally rich in biodiversity and cultural, ecological, and economic importance. American Samoa's shallow-water coral reefs include an estimated 342 coral species, cover approximately 115 square miles, and support hundreds of fish species and thousands of marine species overall. These reefs provide essential habitat, support subsistence fishing, and help protect communities from sea-level rise and wave impacts. The surrounding waters also contain roughly 90 seamounts and 146 smaller knolls that serve as vital habitat and migratory way stations for commercially important fish, marine mammals, and other wildlife. Endangered and vulnerable species--including humpback whales, sperm whales, green sea turtles, hawksbill sea turtles, olive ridley sea turtles, and leatherback sea turtles--depend on these waters and beaches. Allowing deep-sea mining in this region would put irreplaceable ocean resources at risk.
Known and potential impacts from deep-sea mining include reduced deep-sea oxygen production, toxic discharges that can enter food chains, harmful noise and light pollution, air and water pollution, the spread of invasive species or pathogens, and climate-related impacts from methane release and disturbance of stored carbon. Taken together, these effects could significantly alter marine wildlife and broader ocean systems.
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NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd).
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Original text here: https://www.nrdc.org/press-releases/allowing-deep-sea-mining-coast-american-samoa-dangerous-and-reckless
[Category: Environment]
Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities Issues Commentary: Speak Up for Responsibly Sited Solar at the Wexford Planning Commission Meeting July 27
TRAVERSE CITY, Michigan, July 18 -- Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities issued the following commentary on July 17, 2026, by clean energy specialist Lyla Hollis:
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Speak Up for responsibly sited solar at the Wexford planning commission meeting July 27
With the proposed Wexford solar project Shipyard Solar gaining attention in northern Michigan, I want to share Groundwork's stance on this proposed project--and how you can get involved in the process.
First, A brief background on the project.
As you've probably read via Facebook or local news, this project is complex. The land in
... Show Full Article
TRAVERSE CITY, Michigan, July 18 -- Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities issued the following commentary on July 17, 2026, by clean energy specialist Lyla Hollis:
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Speak Up for responsibly sited solar at the Wexford planning commission meeting July 27
With the proposed Wexford solar project Shipyard Solar gaining attention in northern Michigan, I want to share Groundwork's stance on this proposed project--and how you can get involved in the process.
First, A brief background on the project.
As you've probably read via Facebook or local news, this project is complex. The land inquestion has been actively farmed for years and is owned by the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System, a pension fund that purchased the 1,500 acres in two counties and leased it to local farmers. Recently, Ranger Power, an energy development company, approached the Arkansas-based company to lease the land for solar panels. While the Arkansas company was open to leasing the land to Ranger Power, for the project to move forward, Wexford County would need to create a zoning ordinance to permit solar farms in agricultural and forest production areas. The Wexford Joint Planning Commission has begun revising the zoning ordinance, however, there is currently no formal application for the Shipyard Solar project.
Since the Wexford County land remains in active farming, Groundwork is committed to ensuring farmers' voices are heard. At Groundwork Center, we champion both the community and the farmers who sustain local food systems, and we understand the need to balance clean energy expansion and expansion of the local food economy. We strongly believe that a wise and effective balance of farmland and clean energy development is possible. There are many cases across our nation in which farmers lease land to developers to diversify income while keeping land agriculturally productive for future generations. While we recognize the need for updated zoning ordinances to include renewable energy projects, not every project should bypass community consideration.
Now is your chance to speak up!
On Monday, July 27th, at 6:30 pm, at Tabernacle Church, the Wexford Joint Planning Commission will be hosting a public meeting to discuss the zoning amendment that would make solar development possible in the county. I urge you not only to attend the meeting but also to voice your support for this zoning amendment. It's important to remind local officials that amending the ordinance is not a green light for Ranger Power's Shipyard Solar project, but about zoning rules for all renewable energy projects, a demonstration of the county's openness to fostering future clean energy initiatives.
I've crafted talking points to make it easier for anyone preparing to share their perspective. Whether you're a farmer, a resident, or simply someone who cares about the future of our rural areas, your input is valuable. Now is the time to ensure rural voices are represented in this critical conversation. Energy demand is rising, but so is the need for responsibly sited renewable energy that accounts for rural farmers and the character of our communities.
I hope to see you there!
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Lyla Hollis, Groundwork Clean Energy Specialist
lyla.hollis@groundworkcenter.org
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Original text here: https://groundworkcenter.org/speak-up-for-responsibly-sited-solar-at-the-wexford-planning-commission-meeting-july-27/
[Category: Sociological]
Environmental Defense Fund Statement: New Mexico Proposes to Strengthen Methane Rules and Enhance Super Emitter Program
NEW YORK, July 18 -- The Environmental Defense Fund issued the following statement on July 17, 2026:
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Statement: New Mexico proposes to strengthen methane rules and enhance super emitter program
SANTA FE, N.M. -- Yesterday, the New Mexico Environment Department proposed a new methane abatement rule that would strengthen the state's response to oil and gas methane pollution through two key measures: establishing a super-emitter response program that allows certified third parties to report major methane events detected with approved technologies and requiring zero methane emissions from
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NEW YORK, July 18 -- The Environmental Defense Fund issued the following statement on July 17, 2026:
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Statement: New Mexico proposes to strengthen methane rules and enhance super emitter program
SANTA FE, N.M. -- Yesterday, the New Mexico Environment Department proposed a new methane abatement rule that would strengthen the state's response to oil and gas methane pollution through two key measures: establishing a super-emitter response program that allows certified third parties to report major methane events detected with approved technologies and requiring zero methane emissions fromnatural gas-driven pneumatic controllers beginning in 2031.
"New Mexico is standing against the Trump administration's reckless attack on our health and standing up for state climate action," said Nini Gu, Senior Regulatory & Legislative Manager at Environmental Defense Fund. "By advancing this new methane rule, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham builds on New Mexico's methane leadership and reinforces her legacy as a national leader in cutting oil and gas methane waste and pollution."
The process controller standard would help close an important gap by moving covered facilities beyond the partial non-emitting requirements under current state rules toward a full zero-methane-emission standard.
The proposed super emitter response program would be significantly stronger than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's federal program. NMED has proposed setting the threshold for a super emitter event at 50 kg/hr - 50% more stringent than EPA's threshold - and would allow certified third parties to detect and report methane emissions with satellites, aircraft, and other approved remote sensing technologies.
The proposal shows how better methane data can lead to stronger action. New Mexico is creating a pathway for major methane events to trigger investigation and repair, turning advanced detection into accountability for pollution and waste.
Better methane data also helps track results: since the state began implementing methane rules in 2021, MethaneSAT observations have shown that New Mexico's methane emission rate in a portion of the Permian Basis was less than half of neighboring Texas. That progress suggests stronger standards are helping reduce pollution, prevent wasted natural gas and protect taxpayer revenue. Over the same period, New Mexico captured about $125 million worth of natural gas in the region, generating approximately $27 million in additional tax and royalty revenue.
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With more than 3 million members, Environmental Defense Fund creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships to turn solutions into action. edf.org
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Original text here: https://www.edf.org/media/statement-new-mexico-proposes-strengthen-methane-rules-and-enhance-super-emitter-program
[Category: Environment]
CAIR Calls for Congress to Act After Reported U.S. Bombing of Civilian Infrastructure in Iran
WASHINGTON, July 18 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on July 17, 2026:
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CAIR Calls for Congress to Act After Reported U.S. Bombing of Civilian Infrastructure in Iran
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned reported attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Iran conducted as part of the Trump administration's renewed war on Iran.
U.S. forces have reportedly bombed bridges in Iran with travelers on them, among other civilian sites, according
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 18 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on July 17, 2026:
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CAIR Calls for Congress to Act After Reported U.S. Bombing of Civilian Infrastructure in Iran
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned reported attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Iran conducted as part of the Trump administration's renewed war on Iran.
U.S. forces have reportedly bombed bridges in Iran with travelers on them, among other civilian sites, accordingto media reports. One of these attacks, on the Bandar-e-Khamir bridge, allegedly killed at least seven and wounded nine others.
SEE: (1) Update Iran war live: US intensifies southern Iran attacks, killing at least eight (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2026/7/16/iran-war-live-us-carries-out-strikes-on-civilian-infrastructure-in-south)
In a statement, CAIR said:
"The full resumption of this unnecessary and disastrous war on Iran without congressional approval is unacceptable. So is bombing essential civilian infrastructure. The American people have made clear that we do not want our tax dollars spent on forever wars, including wars instigated by a foreign government. Congress must, at long last, exercise its authority over matters of war and peace before more innocent people lose their lives in a war that never should have started in the first place."
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-calls-for-congress-to-act-after-reported-u-s-bombing-of-civilian-infrastructure-in-iran/
[Category: Sociological]
