Natural resources
U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet have introduced the Crystal River Conveyance Act, which seeks to transfer ownership of the Crystal Reservoir and associated dam and water infrastructure from the U.S. Forest Service to the city of Ouray. This move aims to boost outdoor recreation and provide
Legislative bills
U.S. Senator Rick Scott has introduced new legislation to extend tax relief for victims of federally declared disasters, including hurricanes and wildfires, through the end of 2026. This move builds upon previous efforts, such as the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023, which provided tax relief for hurricane
Natural resources
As the nation's deadliest and costliest wildfires continue to ravage the West, California has stepped up to become the nation's de facto wildfire response leader, deploying state resources to protect communities that the federal government has increasingly been unwilling to defend. With at least 15 major
Legislative bills
Rep. John Garamendi (CA-08) and Rep. George Whitesides (CA-27) have introduced a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the FireGuard program, a Department of Defense-run initiative that utilizes satellites to detect wildfires and provide critical information to firefighting efforts. The bill aims to enhance wildfire detection and response capabilities, leveraging satellite and
Natural resources
Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have announced the largest round of funding for the Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program's Workforce Development Grants. This round aims to support conservation corps, wildfire mitigation projects, and workforce development in natural resource management and wildfire risk
Disaster victims
Persistent droughts, unprecedented wildfires, and heatwaves have become structural in Europe, compromising the fundamental rights of millions of citizens. Landscapes, agriculture, infrastructure, and public health are being durably affected. The Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development expresses support and solidarity with the Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, and Turkish populations
Disaster victims
Representatives Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and Judy Chu have reintroduced the Federal Disaster Housing Stability Act of 2025, aimed at protecting homeowners and renters from eviction or foreclosure following natural disasters. This legislation seeks to ensure that individuals and families affected by federally declared disasters are not further victimized by housing insecurity
Disaster victims
The Ho'okumu Hou First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity Program, launched on August 11, has seen a surge in popularity, with over 1,300 applications received as of Tuesday, requiring Maui County to close applications on September 30. The program provides up to $600,000 per eligible applicant to support first-time
Disaster victims
Reps. John Garamendi and George Whitesides introduced a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the FireGuard program, which utilizes Department of Defense satellites to detect wildfires and distribute information to firefighting efforts on the ground. The program aims to provide firefighters with every tool necessary to combat blazes and protect communities. Rep.
Disaster victims
Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc. has partnered with Hi Marley to allow policyholders to start an insurance claim via text message, a move that comes at a critical time with NOAA predicting another above-average hurricane season and devastating wildfires continuing to displace families. The partnership aims to remove barriers and speed
Natural resources
After weeks of extreme dryness and wildfires, some counties in Nova Scotia are being cleared for outdoor activities in the woods, with restrictions lifted in seven counties as of today, August 29. However, the burn ban remains in place throughout the province until October 15. The decision to lift restrictions
Natural resources
In the Caribou Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Minnesota, a unique collaboration between state agencies, local ranchers, and conservation groups is under way to protect and restore native habitats. The area, managed by Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR), is a 14,000-acre mosaic of grasslands, sedge meadows,
