Author Archive
Alex Brown
Finance
Facing natural disasters, more lawmakers look to make oil companies pay for the damage
The oil industry rejects the idea that as contributors to climate change, they are legally liable for disaster damages.
Management
In long-sought change, states must consider tribal rights when crafting water rules
A revision to the federal Clean Water Act could help protect resources tribal communities depend on like wild rice, sturgeon, salmon and shellfish.
Finance
Gas taxes can’t pay for roads much longer, but Amazon deliveries might
More states could follow Colorado and Minnesota in putting a fee on retail deliveries.
Infrastructure
One state is pioneering paying for roof upgrades as storms boost insurance costs
The approach aims to make Alabama a more attractive place to do business. At least five other states are trying to duplicate its roof program.
Management
As millions wait on food stamp approvals, feds tell states to speed it up
To adequately staff safety net programs, some states are boosting workforce funding, and others are investing in new computer systems to speed up claims processing. But food security advocates say recent backlogs are a symptom of long-term disinvestment.
Infrastructure
Federal money could supercharge state efforts to preserve nuclear power
A plant in Michigan might become the first in the nation to reopen after closing.
Management
No more prizes for killing ‘nuisance’ animals under these hunting contest bans
Such contests kill tens of thousands of coyotes, foxes, squirrels and other animals each year.
Management
Federal rule forces oil states to cut planet-warming methane emissions
Some states say the new regulation is too heavy a lift.
Infrastructure
Despite setbacks, states are still counting on offshore wind
Canceled projects threaten more than half the offshore wind capacity under contract with states.
Infrastructure
Sewer rates soar as private companies buy up local water systems
New state laws have unleashed dozens of buyout attempts.
Management
Western states look to these lands for new affordable housing
State-owned trust lands were created to support schools and other community benefits.
Featured eBooks
Infrastructure
Tech breakthrough could boost states’ use of geothermal power
Backers think geothermal could power as much as 20% of the U.S. grid.
Infrastructure
Offshore Wind in the Midwest? Some Great Lakes Leaders Think So.
The lakes have massive energy potential, but harnessing it will be a big challenge.
Management
With Fire Departments Struggling for Volunteers, States Respond to the Alarm
More than 80% of U.S. fire departments are composed mostly of volunteers.
Emerging Tech
States debate whether to restrict—or invite—crypto mining
Cryptocurrency mining is coming under fire as some officials raise concerns over its effect on climate goals. But others argue cryptocurrency's potential for economic development should not be overlooked.
Finance
'Green Banks,' Poised for Billions in Climate Funds, Draw States' Attention
These banks provide financing for projects from efficient appliances to solar panels.
Digital Government
These hyperlocal weather networks can help states face climate threats
Thirty-eight states are building weather monitoring networks to collect localized data that helps identify weather extremes, preparing local leaders' responses to such events.
Emerging Tech
E-bikes gain momentum as a climate, traffic solution
Electric bike adoption is rising as a cheaper, easier-to-implement alternative to electric vehicles in states like Colorado and Hawaii.
Management
States Take on PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ With Bans, Lawsuits
Rising awareness has prompted action in more than two dozen states.
Management
Public Health Agencies Lack Money to Combat Climate Threats
A study says climate change has worsened 58% of known infectious diseases.
