Data from new satellite-based technology show that the amount of methane pollution impacting communities living near oil and gas facilities is far greater than previously estimated. As Laurie Anderson, Colorado field organizer with the group Moms Clean Air Force explained - when methane is released into the air through venting, flaring, or leaks - toxic co-pollutants that have been linked to serious respiratory and other health impacts are also released. "And these co-pollutants include particulate matter, they can include Volatile Organic Compounds which are carcinogenic," said Anderson. " .
As Nebraska s 2024 legislative session draws to a close, family caregivers and their supporters are closely watching the progress of Legislative Bill 937, the Caregiver Tax Credit Act. The bill provides eligible family caregivers up to $2,000 in tax credits for out-of-pocket expenses or up to $3,000 if the family member receiving care has dementia or is a veteran. Jina Ragland, state director of advocacy and outreach for AARP Nebraska, said family caregivers are filling health care gaps in the state, especially with 15 Nebraska counties currently lacking a nursing home or assisted-living facility. .
A new report shows Montana has the nation s most rapidly rising homeless population. Advocates for more affordable housing call the situation critical. One Kalispell-based shelter is asking for state funding to expand, and do what it can to help. .
Ohio s Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments - and will answer questions in virtual sessions today and tomorrow, on a draft environmental assessment about the impacts of opening up 40,000 acres of Wayne National Forest to oil and gas leasing. The lands are located primarily in Monroe, Noble and Washington counties. Environmental advocates - like Roxanne Groff, a member of the Athens County s Future Action Network - said they don t believe the assessment fully captures the widespread loss of habitat or recreational opportunities fracking on public lands would unleash. .
Amid overcrowding and unsafe conditions in West Virginia jails, state lawmakers introduced bills that would allow judges to take a second look at an individual s original sentence. If a court determines they no longer pose a threat to the community, the person could be released, placed on supervision, or receive a shortened sentence. Sara Whitaker - criminal legal policy analyst with the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy - said West Virginia is one of the few states that has seen its prison population balloon over the past decade, despite declining crime. .