Colorado to phases out coal-fire energy production by 2031
The plan offers support to impacted workers and communities, lays the groundwork for a clean energy future, and results in a nearly 90 percent reduction in Xcel’s Colorado carbon emissions.
North & Central America
This archive covers progress stories from North and Central America, spanning the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the nations of Central America. Readers will find reporting on health, environment, community resilience, and policy advances across the region.
Washington State to block anti-abortion states from accessing ID data
Inslee, the longest-serving active US governor, said he will work to “plug any gaps” in privacy laws so women can obtain abortions without fear of their information being shared.
Zero-emissions hydrogen cargo airship prototype planned for 2025
H2 Clipper claims it’ll cost a quarter of what today’s air freight services cost per ton-mile, making it an economically disruptive way to move bulk cargo as well as an opportunity to decarbonize trans-continental logistics operations.
New biodegradable, plant-based, spray-on coating offers alternative to plastic food wrap and containers
The coating can be rinsed off with water and degrades in soil within three days, according to the study from Rutgers University.
Canada bans manufacture and import of single-use plastics
The ban includes checkout bags, cutlery, straws and food-service ware made from or containing plastics that are hard to recycle, and will come into effect by the end of 2022.
Many U.S. states now allow mental health absences for students
At least nine states now allow students to take mental health days. Other states using less expensive solutions like in-class mediation, mindfulness exercises, and social-emotional training.
U.S. FDA approves first alopecia drug that restores hair growth in many patients
Alopecia areata has affected roughly 7 million Americans without a single FDA-approved systemic treatment — until now. Baricitinib works by blocking the inflammatory signals that cause the immune system to attack hair follicles, giving them a chance to recover. In clinical trials, one in three patients with severe cases regrew enough hair to cover at least 80% of their scalp. Approval also unlocks insurance coverage, turning a once-inaccessible therapy into a realistic option. This breakthrough shows how a single curious clinician, one patient, and a decade of persistence can rewrite what medicine believes is possible.
Seattle offers utility pole EV chargers to city residents
Residents who live within city limits can request to have a public electric vehicle charging station installed in front of their home or residential property. Installations are expected to begin early next year.
Joe Biden issues executive order to fight conversion therapy & LGBTQ fostering discrimination
The executive order tells the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue rules that ban the use of federal funds for programs that offer conversion therapy.
Virginia joins 20 other U.S. states banning ticket quotas for traffic cops
The National Motorists Association says that “a speed trap exists wherever traffic enforcement is focused on extracting revenue from drivers instead of improving safety.”