Energy & Fuel

"Vermont Hits Back at Trump’s Effort to Block ‘Climate Superfund’ Law"

"The Justice Department and the state of Vermont faced off in a federal courtroom on Monday over the state’s landmark 2024 “climate superfund” law, which will require fossil fuel companies to pay for the mounting costs of climate change." "The law would make fuel companies help pay for damages caused by climate change. The administration argues it’s unconstitutional."

Source: NYTimes, 04/01/2026

Iran War Could Leave Environmental Damage, Health Risks For Decades: Experts

"The Iran war has unleashed a toxic mix of chemicals, heavy metals and other pollutants that threaten everything from agriculture to drinking water to people’s health — and will leave behind environmental damage and health risks that could persist for decades, experts said."

Source: AP, 03/31/2026

"Health Groups Sue EPA Over Power Plant Mercury Emissions Rule"

"A coalition of public health and environmental groups filed a petition for review Monday, arguing the EPA’s recent move to weaken power plant emission rules endangers people’s health and lives."

Source: Bloomberg Environment, 03/31/2026

War Is Pushing Up Energy Prices Now. Trump's Policies Could Hurt For Years.

"If you've opened your natural gas or electric bill lately and bit back a scream, or watched the numbers tick up and up at the gas pump, you're not alone. For many Americans, energy prices feel uncomfortably high right now."

Source: NPR, 03/31/2026

EPA Rollbacks Would Raise Communities' Risk For Chemical Disasters: Workers

"Workers, lawmakers and environmental advocates gathered  this week to speak out against a proposed federal rule that would roll back protections for people who live near hazardous facilities across the country."

Source: The New Lede, 03/31/2026

"Federal Court Reverses Trump Administration’s Past Cuts To ESA"

"A federal judge on Monday partially ruled that the first Trump administration erred when it weakened aspects of the Endangered Species Act.

The ruling (attached below) was heralded by environmental groups, saying it underscored that “federal agencies must use the best available science when assessing harm to species, they cannot ignore incremental harm to critical habitat, and the agencies must firmly commit to any measures relied upon to reduce harm to imperiled plants and animals.” (Emphasis added—ed.)

Source: National Parks Traveler, 03/31/2026

"Court Allows Endangered Species ‘God Squad’ to Meet Tuesday"

"Interior Secretary Doug Burgum can convene the Endangered Species Committee, or “God Squad,” on March 31 to approve the Pentagon’s request to exempt all Gulf of Mexico oil and gas operations from the Endangered Species Act because of national security needs, a judge ruled Friday."

Source: Bloomberg Environment, 03/31/2026

Gas Prices Are Environment — and Human — Story

As the Iran war effectively turns the Strait of Hormuz into a bottleneck for much of the world’s oil and natural gas, the price of gasoline in the United States has spiked, creating inflationary worries. So it’s a good time for journalists to remind their audiences of the overall environmental impacts of fossil fuels. TipSheet has more, including 10-plus story ideas and reporting resources.

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