Water rights, public land and the rules governing ski-area permits
An archived dispute between the U.S. Forest Service and ski-area operators illustrates how permit conditions, water rights and court review can intersect.
Issue archiveEnvironment
Environment
& Energy
Reporting and historical context on climate policy, clean water, public lands, wildlife, drilling safety and the agencies responsible for environmental protection.
Environment Archive
Reporting with updated context
How to evaluate disputed claims about climate science
This archive item documents criticism of climate misinformation. Current readers should compare claims with peer-reviewed research and assessments from scientific institutions.
Congress, industry groups and EPA water-quality rules
A look back at efforts to restrict funding for Florida-specific standards—and the recurring questions about evidence, federal authority and clean-water enforcement.
Congressional funding and the response to white-nose syndrome
The historical allocation supported research into a disease affecting North American bats. The archive explains how lawmakers approached an emerging wildlife threat.
The congressional dispute over light-bulb efficiency standards
Appropriations language once delayed enforcement of federal lighting rules, offering a case study in how spending bills can shape energy policy.
What a federal study found about offshore drilling safeguards
A government-sponsored engineering review examined regulation and safety management after the Gulf oil spill. Its historical findings should be read alongside current requirements.
Farm dust and the reach of the Clean Air Act
An archived congressional proposal prompted disagreement over whether a federal restriction was needed and how it could affect established clean-air authority.
Reviewing EPA findings on Wyoming well-water contamination
Draft findings from an investigation near natural-gas operations linked detected chemicals with production activity. Later evidence and agency records are essential context.
The United States and a contested United Nations climate conference
Delegates clashed over responsibility and the pace of action during climate talks in Durban. The archived account captures the political divisions of that moment.
How EPA consent agreements enforce the Clean Water Act
An enforcement announcement involving entities across the Southeast shows how administrative orders and negotiated agreements address alleged water-law violations.
Coverage Areas
What’s includedScientific assessments, public claims and the policy debates built around evidence.
Clean-water rules, resource rights, federal permits and public-land management.
Efficiency standards, extraction, drilling safety and regulatory oversight.
Federal funding, habitat questions and responses to emerging ecological threats.
How We Read Environmental Records
Our editorial methodIdentify the decision
We establish which agency, court or legislative body had authority.
Check the evidence
We distinguish draft findings, final rules, studies and advocacy claims.
Restore the timeline
We explain what was known at publication and what requires a current check.
Show the stakes
We connect technical decisions to communities, ecosystems and public resources.
Environment Archive FAQ
Reader guideAre these reports current news?
The underlying articles are historical records. Dates shown on this index indicate when each item was reviewed and organized for the present archive, not its original publication date.
How should I interpret an old agency finding?
Determine whether it was preliminary or final, then look for later agency actions, court rulings, technical reviews and current regulations.
What topics are included here?
The archive includes climate science, energy efficiency, offshore drilling, air and water quality, public lands, wildlife and environmental enforcement.
Why do environmental stories connect to Congress?
Congress writes statutes, sets agency funding and can use appropriations provisions to affect how environmental laws are administered.
Where can I browse all issue areas?
Use the Issues page to move between environmental reporting and related coverage.
How can I report an archive error?
Send the article URL, a concise explanation and supporting evidence to the contact email listed below.