Environment

FEMA Set To Overhaul Archaic Disaster Aid System

Jake Bittle / Grist Jan 22, 2024 The agency will offer upfront cash payments to disaster survivors and slash some of its infamous red tape. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Environment

A Breakthrough for Renewables in Louisiana?

Emily Pontecorvo & Lylla Younes / Grist Dec 13, 2022 Davante Lewis, who won a seat on Louisiana's Public Service Commission, wants to transition the state to solar and wind power. Dig deeper ( 6 Min. Read )

Proof Oil Companies Own America’s Political System

Joan Meiners / ProPublica Dec 27, 2019 A new probe finds Louisiana has failed to pursue millions in remediation for spills—money environmental groups say they desperately need. Dig deeper ( 13 Min. Read )

Tropical Storm Barry Expected to Soak Louisiana

KEVIN McGILL and JANET McCONNAUGHEY / The Associated Press Jul 13, 2019 Heavy rains that could last for days are likely to pose a test of the flood-prevention systems built after Hurricane Katrina 14 years ago. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Trump’s Disdain for Puerto Rico Should Be His Undoing

Sonali Kolhatkar / Truthdig Apr 4, 2019 His “otherizing” of the U.S. colony should not obscure the fact he has failed Americans suffering through the aftermath of hurricanes. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Flooding Could Severely Damage Internet Infrastructure by 2033

Tim Radford / Climate News Network Jul 22, 2018 What will happen to the flow of information when sea levels rise and leave the internet's vital cables and traffic hubs underwater? Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Trump’s Brutality Is Part of Obama’s Legacy Now

Jacob Bacharach / Truthdig Jun 26, 2018 If we're not simply to survive this present crisis, we must confront the consolidation of executive power that brought us here. Dig deeper ( 7 Min. Read )

Media Ignoring Puerto Rico’s ‘Shock Doctrine’ Makeover

Reed Richardson / FAIR Feb 10, 2018 In the wake of Hurricane Maria, Gov. Ricardo Rosselló has wasted no time using his territory’s recovery as an opportunity to push policy proposals that are right out of the “disaster capitalism” playbook. Dig deeper ( 9 Min. Read )

FEMA Disposing of Trailers Despite Disaster Victim Demand

Emily Schmall and Michael Sisak / The Associated Press Dec 27, 2017 Lightly used units are being sold cheap instead of going to waiting hurricane victims. “I don’t care what shape it’s in, it beats sleeping on a dirt floor," one said. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Did an Obsolete, Poorly Maintained Power Grid Spark California Fires?

Harvey Wasserman / Truthdig Oct 17, 2017 Disasters fueled by global warming are the "new normal." Figuring out how to avoid the next one must be a top priority for all of us. Dig deeper ( 6 Min. Read )

Trump Contrasts Puerto Rico Crisis With ‘a Real Catastrophe Like Katrina’

By Jill Colvin / AP Oct 3, 2017 The president opens his tour of the island by focusing on the best of the reviews he and his administration are getting for the federal response. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

Trump Is Rebuked for Lashing Out at San Juan’s Mayor

By Jessica Corbett / Common Dreams Sep 30, 2017 The president argues on Twitter that Carmen Yulin "and others in Puerto Rico" have demonstrated "poor leadership ability" after the devastating hurricane. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )