Environment
University of Idaho researchers find correlation between pesticides and cancer
A correlation between agricultural pesticides and cancer in Western states has been found by University of Idaho and Northern Arizona University researchers. Two studies were conducted, one that examined correlating data in 11 Western states and one that took a closer look at data in Idaho specifically. The studies found a possible relationship between agricultural […]
Idaho to receive $4.6 million in federal funding for water restoration projects
Groups in Idaho are set to receive more than $4.6 million in federal funding for a series of three water restoration projects in Idaho, officials from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation announced in a press release Tuesday. Idaho’s funding for water projects is part of a larger $36 million initiative, with […]
Over 60 Idaho communities receive funding to improve water systems
A total of 63 communities across Idaho will receive funding for clean water projects ranging from the evaluation and repair of current water distribution to removing lead water pipes.
U.S. Supreme Court curbs federal power to regulate greenhouse gases, in blow to Biden
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Thursday the Environmental Protection Agency lacks authority to broadly regulate greenhouse gases as pollutants, siding with a group of Republican attorneys general and coal companies in a major blow to the executive branch’s power to curb climate change. The opinion was a victory for the Republican-led states that undertook the […]
State of Idaho looking to sell exclusive resort island at public auction
An ‘exclusive’ island, owned by the state and situated on a mountain lake in the resort town of McCall, appears to be finally hitting the auction block later this summer — even as county officials object. The Idaho State Board of Land Commissioners voted unanimously on June 21 to sell off Cougar Island, which is […]
Environmental groups sue Biden administration for failing to consider climate change in oil leasing
On the day that more than 119,000 acres of public land in Wyoming went out to bid for oil and gas leasing, 10 groups sued the Department of the Interior for not properly taking climate change into account in determining the lease sites throughout eight Western states. Furthermore, in the federal government’s haste to resume […]
Idaho’s Highway 95 expansion near Moscow faces opposition from environmental group
The Idaho Transportation Department is moving forward with construction south of Moscow that will expand Highway 95 and create a safer route for drivers, the department said. Drivers can expect to begin using the highway in October 2024, according to ITD. The project has been long in the making, with original plans beginning in 1999 […]
Biden administration approves $9M for sagebrush projects in Idaho, across the West
The federal government has committed to spending nearly $1 million on six projects designed to protect and restore sagebrush habitat in Idaho. Earlier this month, Department of Interior and Biden administration officials announced they are spending more than $9 million per year over the next five years on sagebrush habitat projects affecting Idaho and seven […]
Trail maintenance, campground update projects announced for Payette National Forest
The U.S. Forest Service is investing more than $2 million in deferred maintenance projects in the Payette National Forest this year using money authorized by the Great American Outdoors Act. The money will be divided among four deferred maintenance projects for fiscal year 2022, according to a press release issued by Payette National Forest officials. […]
Nez Perce Tribe, Forest Service officials announce traditional place name ceremony
Officials from the Nez Perce Tribe and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests are inviting the public to a traditional place name and Camas in Bloom ceremony on Saturday at the Lolo Pass Visitor Center. Tribal leaders and U.S. Forest Service officials are partnering through the Place Name Initiative to establish signs and interpretation of traditional Nimiipuu […]
As phosphorus levels rise in Coeur d’Alene Lake, new plan invests $20M for water quality efforts
As phosphorus and lead levels in Coeur d’Alene Lake increase at a quicker pace, Idaho Gov. Brad Little is directing millions of dollars to research and efforts that will inform decisions about the health of the lake and surrounding communities.
Idaho fire officials say cool, wet spring could produce a more normal fire season
Thanks to a cool, wet spring, the wildfire outlook for July across most of Idaho looks more normal than last year, officials told the Idaho State Board of Land Commissioners on Tuesday. Although the news is good in the short term, the risk will increase later in the summer, officials cautioned. “Looking at July, at […]