In this joint York Environmental Sustainability Institute (YESI) and Department of Environment and Geography seminar, we explore how scientific research can effectively inform policy decisions and…

Planning Commissioner Chadwick Wyler, introduced at the meeting, summarized a recent planning commission study session on a possible ban of gas‑powered landscaping equipment; commissioners discussed implementation challenges including battery life, charging logistics and enforcement, and heard that council will lead subsequent policy steps.

Chairwoman Hughes Smith opened the Monroe County Environment and Public Works Committee by connecting local policy to global ecosystem risks, warning of an 'Amazon tipping point' and citing that '15% of the original forest is already gone.'

Dylan Mason of Lynn Haven River Now briefed the SPSA board on a proposed 2027 General Assembly bill that would give localities authority to prohibit single-use plastic carryout bags while preserving the existing local 5¢ bag fee; board members discussed outreach and potential local support.

Monaco calls for faster biodiversity action, reaffirming the goal to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030. At a European congress, its representatives also addressed overtourism, environmental protection, and local democracy. #Biodiversity #Conservation #EnvironmentalPolicy #LocalDemocracy

UN CBD COP17 (Yerevan, Armenia): Strategic Imperatives vs. Ground Realities for Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 As world leaders, scientists, and environmental policy makers gather in Yerevan, Armenia for CBD COP17, th...

This event will examine what has happened since the publication of the Stern Review, what we have learnt and where we can go from here.

SPSA staff proposed moving the regional solid-waste planning function from the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission back to SPSA for SPSA's eight-member service area to eliminate duplicate work; HRPDC is expected to vote in November and DEQ must make the final designation.

Utility manager explained two Colorado River contractors forbearance agreements (2027 and a '24–'26 amendment) intended to keep conserved water in reservoirs; staff said executing the agreements imposes minimal to no direct requirements on Needles and does not force new local conservation measures; council approved the agreements.

Auditors highlighted a striking timing difference: LADPH issued relocation directives in 22 days after Aliso Canyon but took roughly 657 days in the Chiquita event. Lawmakers said AB 28 and other statute-level tools can help, though auditors found no statutory gaps requiring new law for all recommendations.

Board members and staff said packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws could reshape supply and pricing for recyclable materials; staff noted legislative timing, administrative capacity, and the need for an adequate EPR floor for plastics.

California regulators have adopted a controversial plan that significantly alters how the state governs water pumping in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, the heart of the state's water system. The new approach, endorsed by Governor Gavin Newsom and supported by water agencies serving farms and cities, replaces the traditional requirement for all water agencies to limit pumping to maintain minimum river flows with voluntary agreements. These agreements commit agencies to ensuring specific river flows for environmental protection and funding habitat restoration projects for fish. The State Water Resources Control Board voted 4-1 to approve the plan, with Board Chair E. Joaquin Esquivel calling it a 'modernized regulatory approach' and a 'generational shift' in water management. Environmental groups, fishing advocates, and Native leaders strongly criticized the plan, arguing it will allow excessive water extraction that could devastate endangered fish species including Chinook salmon, steelhead, and Delta smelt. They labeled it an 'extinction plan' and a 'scam' that will worsen the Bay-Delta ecosystem. The plan has faced opposition from the Trump administration and Westlands Water District, which claims it restricts water pumping for farmers and may withhold federal funding. Despite criticism, the plan includes commitments to restore 20,000 acres of floodplain habitat and 5,000 acres of tidal wetlands, with $2.9 billion pledged for habitat restoration. The board will annually review the plan's effectiveness through scientific analysis, with the option to revert to traditional regulations if commitments are not met. The adoption of this plan completes one of Governor Newsom's key water policy priorities, following years of development and previous updates dating back to 1995. The plan also comes amid criticism of a recent $180 million deal to secure water from a Northern California farm, which environmental advocates called a 'really bad investment' for taxpayers. Native tribes were also excluded from decision-making processes, with tribal leaders criticizing the lack of meaningful consultation.

An amendment to require closed‑loop cooling only (prohibiting adiabatic/evaporative supplemental cooling) failed; residents argued developers influenced ordinance text and asked for closed‑loop limits while others warned alternate cooling technologies and reclaimed water options exist.

A county director cited Senate Bill 64 and said St. Johns County is going beyond the state mandate to eliminate nonbiological wastewater discharges, describing the facility as leading the state on reuse.

The rulemaking workgroup agreed to retain two concise objectives in rule—improving management and supporting prescribed burning while protecting public health—and to move procedural and operational details into the Smoke Management Plan (SMP). Members said the change reduces redundancy with statute and policy.

Stakeholders argued that air-quality maintenance and visibility objectives may be redundant in rule and recommended moving them into the Smoke Management Plan; DEQ will check whether the Enhanced Smoke Management Program is incorporated into the State Implementation Plan.

MEIC said the Energy, Technology and Interim Committee advanced geothermal regulatory and funding measures, a grid‑utilization planning requirement and a slimmer SolarShares program; the group said it will track pro‑nuclear proposals at the session.

Council considered amendments to special‑use permits for Clean Earth landfill projects on Ferguson Lane and Missouri Bottom Road; after motions to table and remove from the table, both bills (6572 and 6573) were adopted unanimously as ordinances 26‑50 and 26‑51.

After reviewing an East Brunswick model ordinance, the Franklin Township Environmental Commission voted to recommend the township council revise the nuisance code to prohibit intentional releases of latex, mylar and helium balloons, citing wildlife and safety concerns; staff will draft a cover memo listing states and towns that have adopted similar measures.

Land & Water Resources Committee recommended text amendments to Chapter 16 to conform county recycling rules to DNR rule changes (NR 544) that took effect July 1, 2025; amendments clarify definitions, separation duties, multi‑family standards, hauler reporting and penalties.

Poilievre asks Carney to repeal B.C.’s oil tanker ban: Poilievre was one of several Opposition MPs who signed a letter to Carney as a federal Tory bill to scrap the tanker ban goes for second reading this week. #Poilievre #OilTankerBan #BritishColumbia #CanadaPolitics #EnvironmentalPolicy

Senator Perry described SB 1435, which would require compensation to localities and the Commonwealth when conservation or open-space easements are taken, equal to tax credits lost over the easement duration; the committee laid the bill on the table by a 15–5 vote.

Council closed the public hearing and adopted Ordinance 26-17 on second reading to accept stormwater-management restrictions for the property at 1040 Johnson Drive; the move was approved by roll call.