But why are prices rising? The short answer is supply and demand.

Economics 101: A Quick Refresher

Like concert tickets, prices are high when there is increased demand and limited supply. 

Energy prices are increasing because there is rising demand for electricity, in large part, from AI data centers. Plus, our outdated and aging energy grid was not built to handle this surging demand, creating bottlenecks that drive up electricity costs and delay new, low-cost clean energy sources from coming online. Recent analysis estimates grid load growth will increase by 25 percent by 2030 and more than 75 percent by 2050. 

Responsible clean energy can help fill this gap and bring prices down. Over the past decade, the cost of wind and solar have dropped, making them more affordable than other sources of energy.

However, recent actions from the Trump administration are preventing Americans from accessing affordable, reliable energy. Some of those actions include halting clean energy projects, rolling back incentives that make household and small business clean energy and efficiency upgrades more affordable, and delaying funding for families that need help paying for heating and cooling.

At a time when prices are rising, we need to add more electricity to the grid, not less. And we already have the solutions to do so in a way that’s both friendly to our wallets and our environment.

The Energy Bills Relief Act

A proposal responding to rising electricity costs and renewable energy shortages is the Energy Bills Relief Act (EBRA). EBRA was introduced by Representatives Sean Casten (D-IL-06) and Mike Levin (D-CA-49) earlier this year and aims to deploy responsible clean energy, lower energy bills for households, and reduce barriers for connecting cheaper energy to the grid.

The legislation spurs clean energy deployment by restoring tax incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) adopted in the previous Congress and Administration—which were weakened or prematurely ended by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

These tax credits make it cheaper to generate electricity and manufacture the technologies in America, while prioritizing job growth and investment in certain communities affected the most by the transition away from fossil fuels. EBRA also reinstates grants given to low-income and disadvantaged communities for affordable, clean energy solutions.

EBRA would also lower energy bills for households by supporting and expanding programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which increases access to heating and cooling assistance, and the Rural Energy Savings Program that helps consumers make their home or business more energy efficient.

Finally, EBRA tackles some of the challenges clean energy technologies face in connecting to the electric grid, including making it easier to use rooftop and community solar, increasing staffing at state public utility commissions (i.e., entities that regulate utility rates and services), and more fairly distributing costs from grid updates.

While EBRA offers needed policy solutions to help American households and a bold vision for furthering the clean energy transition, there are a few areas of improvement from a conservation perspective. Namely, to alleviate development pressure in important natural areas called “greenfields,” the bill could encourage deployment of responsible clean energy in existing energy corridors and on degraded lands, including brownfields, former mine lands, and contaminated agricultural areas.

It is also important that any energy policy proposal has strong safeguards for wildlife, public lands, and the communities that rely on them, such as using the mitigation hierarchy in siting and permitting, incorporating protections for sensitive wildlife habitats, and aligning with State Wildlife Action Plans.

EBRA is a step in the right direction and will improve our energy system by making it easier for affordable, healthier clean energy to be connected to the grid quickly.The National Wildlife Federation urges Congress to pass this legislation and to further strengthen it with robust protection and conservation measures for our wildlife and habitats.

Support for Clean Energy

We already have the solutions to lower energy bills while cleaning up pollution associated with fossil-fuel use. Clean energy is the cheapest form of energy and provides reliable, affordable energy to everyone. What we need is political will that prioritizes the health and wellbeing of people and wildlife.

• Vineyard Wind 1, an 800-megawatt (MW) project south of Martha’s Vineyard, MA,  completed construction on all 62 turbines. The last turbines still need to undergo commissioning (the process of inspections, safety system checks, grid connection verification, and blade rotation tests) before the wind farm is fully operational. Once finished, the project will power the equivalent of 400,000 homes in Massachusetts.
• Revolution Wind, which will deliver 704 MW of power for Rhode Island and Connecticut, started sending energy to the grid on March 13th. The project is the nation’s first multi-state offshore wind farm, and it is projected to provide power to about 350,000 homes across both states, or about 2.5% of the area’s power supply.
• Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) also began delivering power to ratepayers in Virginia in March. Once complete, CVOW will be the largest offshore wind farm in the U.S., generating 2,587 MW of offshore wind energy for the state. This will provide power to approximately 25% of Dominion Energy’s residential consumers.

All three of these projects suffered delays after the Trump Administration issued a stop-work order on the five offshore wind projects under construction last December. All five projects’ developers challenged the order in court, and all five were allowed to resume construction earlier this year. 

Power from these projects will help meet rising energy demand and improve grid reliability at the times when power is needed most. Vineyard Wind helped supply power during the recent Winter Storm Fern and performed better than some coal-fired power plants.

A study from Union of Concerned Scientists showed that Revolution Wind and Vineyard Wind would have reduced New England’s blackout risk by 55% if they had been operational during the winter of 2024-2025. 

Across each of these projects, NWF and many of our partners engaged at every step of the offshore wind development process to champion safeguards for wildlife and habitats for incorporation by developers and regulators. NWF is committed to advancing renewable energy goals that reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions alongside science-backed protections for biodiversity.  

The wind farms will not just deliver energy. Each of these projects has committed resources to support the communities that host their construction and operations sites, providing benefits like funding for local clean wastewater initiatives or exhibits to educate the public about offshore wind. 

Below are some of the wildlife protections and community benefits that have been implemented at each of the projects, some voluntarily and others based on requirements from the government.

Vineyard Wind 1 

Developer Vineyard Wind took particular care to ensure protections for the endangered North Atlantic right whale during its construction and site assessment processes. With only 380 individuals remaining and an estimated 70 reproducing females, it is vital to ensure that these whales are protected. 

Vineyard Wind committed, following feedback and recommendations from NWF and others as well as conditions of the government, to a suite of measures to address  potential impacts. These included restricting vessel speeds to 10 knots to reduce the danger of vessel strikes, a primary threat to right whales.

The developer used bubble curtains to limit underwater noise during the construction process. Turbine construction could not start in the winter and spring, when risk to the whales is highest, and construction had to stop if a whale was detected within 10,000 m (about 6 miles) of the site.

The agreement also included a $3 million commitment to develop and deploy technologies to protect right whales as the offshore wind industry continues to expand off the East Coast. 

For more information on whales and offshore wind, check out our factsheet here!

Vineyard Wind also made history with the first offshore wind Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) in the nation between the developer and the local nonprofit Vineyard Power. As part of the agreement, Vineyard Power can allocate funding to solar or battery storage projects on Martha’s Vineyard.

So far, the program has supported new solar projects for the local library, senior center, and for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head, in addition to committing $200,000 annually to subsidize electricity costs for low-income residents. 

Vineyard Wind sought buy-in from other nearby communities as well. On the neighboring island of Nantucket, the company set up a $4 million fund to support projects related to climate adaptation, renewable energy, coastal resiliency, and historic preservation.

In Barnstable, MA, where the project’s subsea cables connect to the mainland grid, the town and Vineyard Wind committed to a Host Community Agreement that included payment to offset potential impacts from construction and funding for clean wastewater initiatives. 

With construction on the project now complete, Vineyard Wind 1 is helping to lower polluting emissions in Massachusetts. It is estimated that the project will eliminate 1.68 million metric tons of CO2 emissions, equivalent to removing 325,000 vehicles from the roads.

Revolution Wind 

Revolution Wind was also developed using robust protection measures, including adhering to vessel speed restrictions, restricting pile-driving when marine mammals are most likely to be present, and establishing exclusion zones for marine mammals, among other provisions. 

Of particular concern for this project was protection of Atlantic cod. The Revolution Wind lease area partially overlaps with the Coxes Ledge, a well-known spot for cod fishing. To address concerns about potential impacts on cod habitat and fishing, Revolution Wind was required to develop a plan to monitor for spawning Atlantic cod between November and March, including restricting construction during this season. 

As part of the development of Revolution Wind, developer Orsted invested over $100 million into upgrading Rhode Island’s ProvPort into an offshore wind construction hub. Forty local, union jobs were created to upgrade the port. Offshore wind operations now supply 40% of ProvPort’s revenue. Orsted also invested $35 million into constructing a Regional Offshore Wind Logistics and Operations Hub in Quonset, RI, adding additional capacity to support the offshore wind industry. 

In Connecticut, Orsted committed $100 million to revitalize State Pier in New London, CT, supporting Connecticut’s strategic plan for developing offshore wind energy infrastructure. The New London port project has contributed millions to the local economy. Orsted is also supporting research at the Mystic Aquarium tracking which species are present near offshore wind projects and identifying potential impacts of offshore wind on marine ecosystems. 

Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind 

The CVOW project, developed by Dominion Energy, is expanding on a pilot offshore wind project completed off the coast of Virginia in 2020. That project, which consisted of two turbines generating a total of 12MW of energy, has been helping to avoid up to 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually and providing enough energy to power around 3000 homes. Now, when CVOW comes online later this year, it will become the largest offshore wind project in the country, powering around 600,000 homes. 

The CVOW project incorporated a range of mitigation strategies and developed plans specific to the species and habitats in its lease area. For example, Dominion avoided placing turbines in a part of the site that overlapped with a fish haven created by sunken World War II ships to protect important habitat. 

Dominion also committed to funding The Nature Conservancy and the Center for Conservation Biology to conduct a study on the whimbrel, a shorebird that uses the Virginia coastline as an important stopover during its fall and spring migration periods. The study is aimed at gathering more specific data on the whimbrel’s flightpath to inform the responsible development of offshore wind.

For more information on birds and offshore wind, check out our fact sheet here!

An economic analysis of the benefits of the CVOW project for Virginians included $210 million in annual economic output, $5 million in additional Virginia state tax revenue, and the creation of 900 jobs during construction and 1,100 permanent jobs during operations. 

The CVOW project has also helped to support the offshore wind supply chain elsewhere in the country. The project is being serviced by the ship Charybdis, the first offshore wind installation vessel that is U.S.-built, U.S.-crewed, and U.S.-flagged. The vessel was built in Texas, and the project employed over 1,200 workers at peak construction and used 14,000 tons of domestic steel. 

Importance of responsible development of offshore wind 

Climate change is one of the greatest threats to wildlife today, and addressing it is vital for protecting ecosystems and biodiversity. Projects like Vineyard Wind, Revolution Wind, and CVOW will limit harmful greenhouse gas emissions by delivering clean, renewable energy to the grid.

Offshore wind energy offers a critical opportunity to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and support species already under stress from a changing climate. Achieving these benefits requires thoughtful development that incorporates planning for wildlife and habitats.

NWF advocates for robust environmental protections—including careful siting, avoidance, and mitigation measures at every stage of the offshore wind process—to make sure that offshore wind is built in a way that protects and sustains wildlife.

What began as a collaboration pairing LG’s immersive 3D Times Square displays with NWF’s Certified Wildlife Habitat programs quickly grew into something more impactful—an effort that blended education, storytelling, community action, and active employee involvement, including LG employees planting a certified pollinator garden with NWF, building 150 birdhouses, and planting native species on LG’s campus in New Jersey.

This Endangered Species Day, we want to celebrate the students and educators who make learning about local wildlife and endangered species a priority. NWF asked K-12 teachers and students to make a pledge to learn about vulnerable and endangered species where they live. As an incentive, LG provided prizes 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector and a 32-inch Smart Monitor Swing.

Congratulations to the winners!

• Everleigh M., 3rd grader, Illinois
• Laura Z., educator from Green Hope Elementary School, North Carolina

“One endangered animal that lives in Illinois is a yellow mud turtle. It is important to me because a yellow mud turtle has a varied diet, which helps them find food in different places. That’s why I think a yellow mud turtle is very unique.”

– Everleigh M., 3^rd grader

“Teaching about wildlife, habitat, and environmental stewardship is essential because it helps students understand that people, animals, and plants are connected and that our choices affect the places we all share. When young people learn how habitat loss, pollution, and climate change harm species and ecosystems, they gain the knowledge and skills to make better decisions—like conserving resources, supporting habitat restoration, and advocating for fair policies—that protect biodiversity and ensure clean air, water, and healthy communities for future generations. Exploring these concepts also helps to build the critical thinking, empathy, and real-world problem-solving abilities that will be used in careers and civic life.”

– Laura Z., educator from Green Hope Elementary School, North Carolina

We are so inspired by so many thoughtful and varied entries highlighting vulnerable and endangered species across the country, take a look at more of our student entries on why wildlife matters.

“Golden cheeked warblers are important to me because they are the only bird species that exclusively nest in Texas. They use Ashe juniper tree bark to make nests and mostly sew it together with spider webs.”

– Aapthi A., 3^rd grader

“The little brown bat is important to me because of the amazing role it holds in the ecosystem. Without it, everything would fall apart. It eats insects (at least half their body weight!) every night, which controls the bug population near their roosts.”

– Samantha C., 5^th grader

“Sea turtles are important because they are helping the ocean be clean because they act like marine gardeners.”

– José C., 6^th grader

“The Florida panther is important to me because it represents the wild beauty and uniqueness of Florida’s natural habitats. What makes the Florida panther unique is its ability to survive in swamps and forests, its powerful build, and its role as a top predator that helps keep ecosystems balanced. Saving the panther means protecting the land it needs to live, which also helps many other species.”

– Carlos S., 7^th grader

“I think that they [rusty patch bumblebees] are very unique and it is really cool how they move and look.”

– Hallie B., 8^th grader

Learn more about Endangered Species Day and download NWF’s endangered species coloring book!

Test your knowledge of vulnerable and endangered species highlighted in the LG series:

• Did you know the red wolf is the most endangered wolf in the world? Watch the red wolf on LG’s 3D Times Square billboard in NYC.
• Can you identify a monarch butterfly? Watch the monarch butterfly on LG’s 3DTimes Square billboard in NYC.
• What little owl lives in a cactus? Watch the Cactus Ferruginous pygmy-owl on LG’s 3D Times Square billboard in NYC.
• What animal is called the mermaids of the sea? Watch the West Indian manatee on LG’s 3D Times Square billboard in NYC.

Kids’ Corner:

• Celebrate Endangered Species (May 15)
• Plant a Tree for Wildlife
• Watch a Bat Ballet
• 5 ways You Can Help Endangered Species

Interested in more resources on wildlife?

Check out NWF’s Wildlife and Nature Education webpage to learn more about native wildlife and access tools and activities to engage kids and families.

For more information about LG’s STEM education and Endangered Species series, visit their website.

Over the years, however, these lands have been degraded by drought, development, wildfire, and invasive species. The Public Lands Rule was designed to conserve and restore these lands so they could support multiple uses and thrive for future generations.

This week, the BLM announced it would fully repeal the 2024 Public Lands Rule, and return to the regulations that guided BLM land management prior to 2024. Below is a side-by-side comparison of what the 2024 Public Lands Rule outlined and what the 2026 rescission does.

What this means for wildlife, public lands, and the people that rely on both will be decided in the coming months and years. The National Wildlife Federation will continue to work diligently to ensure this, and future administrations understand the importance of conservation on public lands to our wildlife, water, air, and the people that depend on all three. 

Core Management Philosophy

• 2024 Rule: Aimed to prioritize the health and resilience of ecosystems across all BLM-managed lands. It established a policy to protect intact landscapes, restore degraded habitats, and make management decisions based on science and data to support the BLM’s multiple-use mission.
• 2026 Rescission: Rejects the 2024 approach, arguing that it inappropriately elevated conservation as a discrete “use” of public lands, which the BLM now states is contrary to FLPMA’s intent. The 2026 Rule is a deregulatory action intended to “restore balance” by prioritizing uses like grazing, mining, and energy development.

Areas of Critical Environmental Concern 

• 2024 Rule: Revised ACEC regulations to prioritize the designation and protection of these areas. It introduced a “presumption in favor of designation” and allowed for “temporary management” to protect nominated areas before a final planning decision was made.
• 2026 Rescission: Eliminates the 2024 updates and restores the 1983 framework. The BLM argues the 2024 provisions were “regulatory overreach” that could lead to overly broad designations. BLM claims the restored 1983 regulations ensure designations are site-specific and integrated into land use planning without interim management of nominated areas.

Restoration and Mitigation Leasing

• 2024 Rule: Codified a new tool allowing third parties to obtain leases for the express purpose of restoration or mitigation. These leases were intended to provide a framework for proactive conservation and climate resilience.
• 2026 Rescission: Wholly eliminates restoration and mitigation leasing. The BLM determined these leases were unnecessary, lacked clarity, and exceeded the agency’s statutory authority. The rescission rule claims such leases threatened to crowd out productive land uses and that existing tools are sufficient for conservation.

Land Health Standards 

• 2024 Rule: Expanded the application of Land Health Standards to all BLM-managed public lands and uses, not just grazing. It also introduced rigid timelines and procedural requirements for land health evaluations.
• 2026 Rescission: Rescinds the broad application of Land Health Standards, returning them to the grazing-specific framework that existed prior to 2024. The BLM argues the 2024 requirements were “counterproductive burdens” that hamstrung the bureau with fixed deadlines. BLM notes that it is considering whether to refine Land Health Standard development and application in separate rulemaking and will consider comments raised in this rulemaking as part of that effort.

Monitoring and Data

• 2024 Rule: Provided an overarching framework for standardized data collection, annual reporting, and public access to land health data to promote transparency.
• 2026 Rescission: Removes these regulatory requirements, asserting that the BLM can maintain its monitoring functions through the Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring program without the “administrative burdens” of the 2024 Rule.

Economic and Policy Priorities

• 2024 Rule: Focused on long-term sustainability and ecosystem services, arguing that healthy landscapes support outdoor recreation and local economies.
• 2026 Rescission: Prioritizes national energy policy and the removal of “regulatory burdens” that impede planning and permitting. It aligns with executive orders focused on “Unleashing American Energy” and “Achieving Prosperity through Deregulation”.

Tribal Engagement in Public land Management

• 2024 Rule: Included explicit provisions related to engagement with Tribes and provided a regulatory definition for the term “Indigenous Knowledge” to be used in decision-making.
• 2026 Rescission: Removes the 2024 provisions regarding tribal engagement and the definition of Indigenous Knowledge. The BLM states this removal is necessary because the processes these provisions were attached to are also being rescinded. BLM also asserts that rescinding the 2024 Rule does not imply a change in commitment to consult with Tribes. Instead, it says the agency will rely on other existing laws and policies that require consultation for site-specific planning and implementation decisions. BLM also says that Tribes maintain the ability to request consultation on future planning decisions regardless of this recission. NWF remains committed to ensuring that BLM engages in meaningful consultation with Tribes, and considers Indigenous Knowledge in its decision-making.  

Sea turtles dig the dark

These ancient ocean wanderers, who have existed for over 100-150 millions years, are currently enduring a population loss. While their numbers once reached the  millions, they have dwindled to just a fraction of what they used to be.

Sea turtles face a multitude of threats from humans, with artificial lighting being one of the most serious, affecting both hatchlings and nesting turtles. There has been a 10% increase of light pollution in the world’s night sky each year since 2011, and there are an estimated 100,000 hatchlings disoriented in Florida alone each year due to artificial lighting.

Before Florida was developed, nesting sea turtles had no trouble finding a quiet, dark beach on which to nest, but modernization brings new threats: tourists, businesses and coastal residents living and sunbathing on their sandy beaches.

Beaches are now lined with condominiums, houses, hotels and restaurants, creating a  heavily light-polluted wall of coastal development. Historically, the ocean horizon was naturally brighter than the dark dunes, meaning sea turtle hatchlings could easily find the sea.

Today, however, intense artificial lighting from coastal developments often prevents females from nesting and lures their hatchlings toward urban glare, into parking lots, pools and roads. Disoriented hatchlings that don’t reach the water quickly have lower chances of survival and may experience dehydration, starvation and predation.

Conservation Efforts

Reducing the amount of artificial light visible from nesting beaches is the first step towards protecting sea turtles. Coastal communities around the world have passed ordinances that require residents turn off beachfront lights, as well as cover or change bulbs for beachfront lights during turtle nesting season. 

The amended Barrier Island Lighting Ordinance for Escambia County was passed in July 2023 and mandates that all exterior lighting on Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach use wildlife-friendly fixtures to protect nesting sea turtles and hatchlings. Compliance is required by January 1, 2028. Lights must be low-wattage, shielded, and long-wavelength (<580nm).

Annual lighting surveys are conducted on the barrier islands to document lighting conditions and protect wildlife, particularly sea turtles. These surveys help identify non-compliant lighting and provide property owners with information on their lighting practices.

The data collected is used to create a searchable map that allows users to view recent survey results and property information, ensuring compliance with the Barrier Island Lighting Ordinance.

You can find local wildlife lighting regulations by searching municipality ordinances in Municode. Try searching for key terms like “sea turtle lighting,” “wildlife-friendly lighting” or “coastal lighting.” You can also narrow your results by looking for technical standards such as “shielding,” “long wavelength” or “amber/red LED”.

How can you help?

The expansion of Florida’s coastal communities requires a collective effort to preserve our unique biodiversity and natural environments. Here are some quick tips:

• Illuminate responsibly, following the requirements in your local lighting ordinance for sea turtle protection. 
• When visiting the beach at night, leave portable lights (flashlights, cell phones) at home. 
• Remove purely decorative lights from your property and turn off exterior lights when they are not in use. 
• Try to reposition or replace fixtures or bulbs so that the light is no longer visible or is directed downward onto your property and away from the beach. 
• Prevent interior light from escaping by closing window coverings, using window film and moving light fixtures away from the windows.
• When visiting the beach, use designated walkways and walkovers. Do not walk on or through the dunes, which can damage them and kill plants. Blooming dunes stabilize nesting beaches, cool the sand to balance hatchling gender ratios, and help to block artificial light that disorients hatchlings. 
• If you have a beachfront property, consider planting native species to help restore these natural barriers. This action helps to provide essential nesting habitat and a critical light shield for sea turtles.

In Florida, recommended native dune plants include Sea Oats, Panic Grass, Railroad Vine, Beach Sunflower, Beach Carpet, Saw Palmetto, Sea Grapes, Sea Purslane, and Blanket Flower. These hardy plants thrive in harsh coastal conditions, easily withstanding salt spray, strong winds, and poor soil quality.

Common signs that hatchlings are in trouble include disorientation and fatigue. Nesting sea turtles typically face different issues, such as abandoned nesting attempts (false crawls), injuries, or becoming stranded.

Because all sea turtles are federally protected, never handle them yourself; always call authorized professionals to assist with sick, injured, or stranded turtles (1-888-404-FWCC).

By changing how we use lights and following local rules, we can keep the coast safe for these ancient travelers. Whether you’re dimming your own beachfront lights or advocating for darker skies in your community, your actions directly protect the next generation of hatchlings. Every bulb shielded and every light turned off helps restore the natural environment, because sea turtles dig the dark.

Between 1970 and 2020, air pollution dropped by over 78 percent, even as the U.S. economy grew nearly fourfold. This progress demonstrates a critical point: environmental protection and economic growth are not mutually exclusive.

Yet today, that legacy is at risk.

The Trump Administration’s deregulatory agenda represents a shift away from sound, science-based policy, and instead prioritizes short-term industrial interests. This deregulatory pivot is impacting many facets of environmental policy—from rules we rely on to keep water clean, to ones that help protect at-risk wildlife—but it’s perhaps nowhere more apparent than in the dismantling of clean air regulations. 

How we got here: Removing Protections from Pollution

Shortly after taking office, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans to weaken federal pollution standards; this has included rollbacks of Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), limiting HFC regulations, narrowing methane emissions controls, and reclassifying sources of hazardous air pollutants.

Most notably, the EPA has repealed the Endangerment Finding, the scientific foundation of federal efforts to reduce harmful greenhouse gas pollution across multiple sectors. Some of these rule rollbacks have been finalized, others are still in review, many will be litigated in court, and yet more are on the horizon.

About 70 coal-fired power plants across the U.S. have also received exemptions from certain Clean Air Act requirements, part of a broader Administration effort to revive the coal industry (it’s worth noting, however, this effort does not extend to protecting most of the workers in that industry).  

In January 2026, the EPA announced a major change in regulatory methodology: it would no longer fully account for lives saved from reduced air pollution in cost-benefit analyses, instead placing greater emphasis on industry compliance costs. Congressional action is reinforcing this trajectory, with House-passed bills that would further weaken Clean Air Act enforcement by easing permitting requirements and allowing states to discount certain pollution sources.

Meanwhile, power sector emissions rose by nearly 4 percent in 2025, driven in part by increased coal generation and growing electricity demand from energy-intensive industries like artificial intelligence and data centers. Emissions from coal-burning power plants pose a particular threat to public health. An analysis of EPA data by E&E News showed a historic spike in air pollutants—including sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides—in 2025.  

Public Health and Wildlife at Risk

Dismantling pollution limits and clean air regulations leads to increased toxic exposure for nearby communities and wildlife and disproportionately harms vulnerable populations.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is one of the most dangerous pollutants regulated under the Clean Air Act. Produced by burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and diesel, these microscopic particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, contributing to heart attacks, strokes, respiratory disease, and reduced life expectancy.

Mercury pollution poses another serious risk. A potent neurotoxin, it can cause neurological damage, cardiovascular harm, and developmental impacts. Mercury released into the air can be converted by bacteria into toxic methylmercury, which builds up in food webs and is primarily exposed to humans through eating fish. Wildlife such as marine mammals, loons, otters, mink, and the endangered Florida panther are also highly vulnerable. Humans who engage in subsistence fishing have the highest exposure risk.

In February 2026, the EPA repealed a Biden-era rule limiting mercury emissions from certain coal plants, allowing higher emissions from facilities burning lignite coal. The nation’s dirtiest power plant—Colstrip Stream Electric Station located in Montana—emits higher-than-average levels of mercury and the highest levels of soot in the country.

Nearby recreational and subsistence fishers on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation are at particular risk due to contaminated fish. Unlike other power plants, the plant has not installed basic pollution control technologies—and with regulation rollbacks, now has no incentive to.

Nationally, mercury emissions from power plants fell by about 82 percent between 2011 and 2017 following implementation of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards—demonstrating the effectiveness of regulation in reducing exposure.

As former Biden-era EPA air chief Joe Goffman noted, “When they say, ‘a small rollback,’ there’s a population of actual communities and actual people who are being erased by that rhetoric.”

The Economic Myth of Deregulation 

A central argument behind the Administration’s deregulatory agenda is that environmental protections hinder economic growth. The data tell a different story.

Air pollution regulations do not hurt economic growth: U.S. Gross Domestic Product has nearly quadrupled and air pollution has simultaneously declined since the passing of the Clean Air Act. 

Weakening these protections can be far more costly. An analysis by Rocky Mountain Institute shows that coal plants impose US $13–$26 billion annually in health-related costs on communities. The EPA has estimated that every $1 spent reducing particulate matter pollution yields up to $77 in health benefits.

Coal generation costs have risen significantly in recent years (28 percent between 2021-2024), while cleaner alternatives like wind and solar have become more affordable. When accounting for hidden costs like health care, environmental damage, and cleanup, coal becomes even less viable.

A Path Forward

The rollback of clean air protections is not just a policy shift but rather it is a reversal of decades of scientific progress and public health gains. And it’s happening while climate impacts—and their effects on human and wildlife health and well-being—are intensifying. More and more people are exposed to dangerous heat, flooding, and drought.

Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and more intense; mental health and productivity are compromised. And these impacts aren’t the same for all people or places. Disadvantaged and low-income communities are already more likely live in places with more air pollution and climate impacts are compounding these disproportionate health hazards.  

The establishment of environmental safeguards are effective, economically safe, and essential for protecting both people and ecosystems. Weakening them increases long-term costs, exacerbates health disparities, and threatens wildlife biodiversity.

Fortunately, alternatives already exist. Clean energy technologies can meet growing electricity demand while reducing emissions, lowering health burdens, and supporting sustainable economic growth. 

As a young person, I learned so much from the outdoors: observation, patience, and a deep appreciation for plants and wildlife. Nature taught me to slow down, pay attention, and understand that every season, every species, and every ecosystem has a role to play.

Recently, while visiting family back home, I decided to spend some time at the Erie National Wildlife Refuge. I wanted to go for a hike and see which wildflowers were starting to peek out in early spring.

As an adult, I look for opportunities to travel and experience the incredible diversity of our ecosystems. I love seeing what the local flora and fauna reveal about a place. I pay attention to how landscapes shape a city’s identity, its traditions, and even the food people eat.

Everything comes back to the land from how we interpret our surroundings, what resources are available, and how communities build their shared sense of place.

That truth felt especially clear at Erie National Wildlife Refuge.

Established in 1959 to support migratory birds, the refuge was originally purchased using funds from Duck Stamps. Today, it spans more than 8,800 acres of wetlands, forests, and shrublands across two divisions, Sugar Lake and Seneca.

More than 40 percent of the refuge is made up of wetlands. Beaver ponds, marshes, wet meadows, forested wetlands, and creeks provide critical habitat for hundreds of species. These wetlands are especially important for the more than 225 species of birds recorded there. Over 100 species of birds’ nest on the refuge, including bald eagles.

The refuge also plays a critical role in freshwater conservation. Endangered freshwater mussels, including the northern riffleshell and clubshell mussels, depend on refuge streams for survival. Countless freshwater fish, aquatic invertebrates, and native aquatic plants are endemic to the area and rely on it for survival.

The refuge also helps protect the larger French Creek watershed, one of the most biologically diverse watersheds in the eastern United States. It serves as a forested buffer for Muddy Creek and its tributaries that feed into the watershed. This conservation area helps protect freshwater resources that millions of people rely on.

I originally went to the refuge hoping to find ephemeral spring wildflowers, and I was lucky enough to spot trout lilies, red trilliums, and mayapples. On my hike, I listened to the birds migrating through in early March and was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of caws, whistles, and songs I heard around me.

What stood out even more, though, was how many people there were finding their own connection to the outdoors. I saw families walking their dogs, people birding, artists painting, and hikers enjoying the trails.

I’ve also been told it’s a favorite spot for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. And if you know anything about winter in northwest Pennsylvania, you know you must find ways to celebrate the long season, especially when it comes with plenty of snow.

All these activities reminded me that wildlife refuges are not only sanctuaries for wildlife, but they are also places of refuge for people. They offer space away from the day-to-day grind. They give us room to reflect, reconnect, and remember that conservation is not separate from our own lives. It is deeply personal. Protecting wetlands, forests, and freshwater systems means protecting our communities, our health, and our future.

There is at least one national wildlife refuge in every state, all part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Together, the network includes more than 550 refuges and 95 million acres dedicated to wildlife conservation.

These places provide lifelines for migratory birds, safe spaces for endangered species, and opportunities for people to hike, fish, hunt, photograph, and learn from the natural world.

As someone who cares deeply about the natural world, I’m excited to continue exploring other refuges. Every visit is a chance to better understand the plants, animals, and landscapes that shape a community and a reminder that we are part of the landscape, too.

With world-class nature destinations dotting the I-70 corridor and beyond, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. From the famed Rocky Mountain National Park, to the vibrant mountain towns of Aspen, Steamboat Springs, and Breckenridge, there are infinite possibilities to get out to Colorado’s most popular nature attractions. If you are looking for free alternatives to beat the crowds, skip timed entry, and stay close to Denver while still getting your nature fix, National Wildlife Refuges may be the answer.

Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Wildlife Refuge System is a diverse network of public lands and waters created to protect America’s rich fish and wildlife heritage. The system is made up of over 570 national wildlife refuges across all 50 states and 5 U.S. territories, and consists of 96 million land acres and 760 million marine acres of protected area. 

There are three national wildlife refuges within 30 minutes of the Denver metro area: Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge, and Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge. 

These nearby nature havens are a place where people and wildlife can thrive, and represent a wider commitment to restore and preserve land for the sake of our shared future. Once designated as sites to manufacture weapons, agricultural chemicals, and beyond—Rocky Flats and Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuges’ transitions from Superfund sites to wildlife refuges are two success stories whose impacts ripple through the Front Range today.

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

Directly west of Denver International Airport, in the world’s list of top ten busiest international airports, and northeast of downtown Denver lies one of the largest urban refuges in the country—Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. 

With expansive views of the Denver skyline and Rocky Mountain Front Range, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal is a unique nature oasis chock full of opportunities to see wildlife including a growing bison herd and the endangered black-footed ferret.

The Refuge also offers free and low-cost recreational opportunities (see below) for any recreationist looking for an easy to access, affordable option to get out in nature. You can even enjoy the views from the comfort of your vehicle thanks to their 11-mile scenic wildlife drive—a Front Range safari!

Recreational Opportunities: 11-mile wildlife drive, fishing, hiking, biking, birding, archery, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, photography, and education and ranger-led programs.

Wildlife: Bison, black-footed ferrets, bald eagles, deer, coyotes, and prairie dogs. 

Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge

The next time you’re passing through Boulder, take a break from Pearl Street Mall and get a new view of the quintessential Flatirons (minus the crowds), and choose Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge as your easy-to-access nature getaway. 

Established in 2007, the Refuge was created to preserve and protect more than 630 species of plants, as well as one of the most imperiled ecosystems on the planet, the xeric tallgrass prairie. It is home to 239 migratory and resident wildlife species, and provides an important protected corridor for migrating wildlife. 

You can explore Rocky Flat’s 15 miles of trails through rolling hills of mixed and tallgrass prairie year-round by foot, bicycle, e-bike, horse, or even snowshoe and cross-country ski when weather allows. 

Recreational Opportunities: Wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, birding, horseback riding, archery, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and photography.

Wildlife: Prairie falcons, deer, elk, coyotes, songbirds, and the federally threatened Preble’s meadow jumping mouse.

Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge

Located just 12 miles northwest of downtown Denver in the heart of Arvada, Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge is perfect for a quick escape from the daily hustle of city life. 

Standing at 72-acres, the Refuge is home to more than 250 species of wildlife, and boasts a small but mighty network of walking trails and other recreational opportunities. Here, you can enjoy views of the Rocky Mountain Front Range while meandering through prairie grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands.

Two Ponds is a great example of how nature’s benefits aren’t solely linked to the ‘wildest’ of places. Instead, sometimes the most impactful moments in nature come from the green spaces that are closest to home (or hotel), for both our neighbors and local wildlife.

The Refuge provides important habitat for migratory and resident wildlife, and is managed to protect and restore native prairie ecosystems while providing wildlife-centered recreational opportunities for all ages. 

Recreational Opportunities: Wildlife viewing, hiking, birding, photography, and education and ranger-led programs. 

Wildlife: Coyotes, red fox, beaver, turtles, deer, and over 120 species of birds. 

Whether you’re just passing through to soak up the majesty of the outdoor legacy in Colorado, or you call the state and all its natural wonders home, make sure to check out these go-to nature destinations the next time you’re in Denver.

Looking for a place to find refuge in nature near you? Find a National Wildlife Refuge in your state.

Data centers are driving huge increases in electricity demand in the U.S.—and placing parallel pressures on water. Data centers are quietly becoming major water users, often in water-stressed regions. As artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates demand for computing power, data centers are expanding rapidly, placing new and largely unregulated pressure on local water systems.

Proper water management policies and water-efficient technologies will be imperative to safeguard local ecosystems, communities, wildlife, and our broader shared natural resources as data centers rapidly develop. 

Why data centers need water

High-density computing infrastructure generates more heat than conventional data centers, often making water-based cooling difficult to avoid. A traditional data center may consume electricity comparable to that of 10,000 to 25,000 households, while some hyperscale AI facilities can exceed the energy demand of 100,000 households. 

A facility’s total water footprint extends beyond on-site consumption. It also includes indirect water used for activities such as electricity generation, semiconductor manufacturing, construction material production, and wastewater produced during operations.

Although evaporative cooling systems recirculate water through multiple cycles of reuse, they still require ongoing water inputs because a portion is lost through evaporation and periodic discharge to maintain water quality.

Lake Powell—part of the Colorado River Basin, which supplies water to tens of millions of people—has fallen to about 40 percent of its storage capacity amid prolonged drought and rising demand.

The Water Transparency Issue

Transparency around data center water use is uneven. Facilities can measure how much water they use, but what gets shared—and how—varies widely depending on location, utility oversight, and whether water comes from public systems or sources like on-site wells.

Companies also report different metrics. Some share total water use, while others focus on cooling or provide only partial data. Not all distinguish between potable and recycled water, and information about cooling chemicals is often limited. Because disclosures are largely voluntary and not standardized, it’s difficult for communities and policymakers to compare facilities or understand cumulative impacts.

At the same time, data center water demand is growing in regions already under stress. Much of the Western U.S. continues to face drought and groundwater depletion, while they also attract new development due to land, energy access, and economic incentives.

While it is standard for industrial and residential users to pay different water rates, the terms of large-scale water agreements are not always transparent. This can raise concerns about fairness and resource prioritization, especially in water-scarce regions.

In 2024, a single Google data center in Council Bluffs, Iowa used over 1 billion gallons of water from the Missouri River that also serves Council Bluffs residents—about the equivalent of 13,300 people’s annual use.

Communities deserve clear, accessible information about how much water data centers use, where it comes from, and what the impacts are before new projects move forward.

Ecosystems and Public Health 

Ecologically, the consequences of data center water use are significant. Water use from data centers has both quantity and quality impacts. Reduced streamflows can harm fish and aquatic species while decreasing biodiversity. Groundwater extraction risks aquifer depletion, and large-scale land conversion fragments habitats and disrupts migratory pathways.

Water quality impacts also matter. As water is recirculated in cooling systems, or when facilities reuse treated wastewater, dissolved salts can become concentrated, producing brine during discharge. While often overlooked because it is not “toxic” in the traditional sense, brine is difficult to dispose of responsibly and can create local environmental stress, particularly in water-scarce regions.

There are also concerns about chemical use in cooling systems, including refrigerants and PFAS (“forever chemicals”), which persist in the environment and are linked to health risks such as cancer and reproductive harm. Despite these risks, disclosure and monitoring requirements for many of these substances remain limited.

What needs to change

Data centers may be inevitable, but unmanaged data center growth is not and certain solutions already exist. Some operators are adopting more water-efficient cooling systems and using recycled or non-potable water, while others pursue “water positive” goals, though verification varies.

Stronger standards are needed to improve transparency and accountability, especially through consistent water metering and reporting. Water use should also be evaluated at the watershed level, not just site by site, to reflect real regional limits.

As data centers continue to expand, balancing technological growth with responsible policies and data is critical for sustainable resource management.

What can fly under the radar are the expert conservationists who help make this on the ground conservation happen. Just as you would consult a mechanic for car repairs or a financial advisor for retirement planning, farmers, ranchers, and foresters can turn to Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) staff for land management expertise at the USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).

CTA staff are the “boots on the ground” who provide direct support through one-on-one conversations to help farmers navigate programs and make management decisions.

These experts identify on-farm resource concerns, design individual conservation plans, implement low-cost, high impact practices, and use other USDA programs, if necessary. Improvements made through CTA are beneficial to all Americans, as it helps improve the conservation of soil, water, and wildlife across the United States.

A Closer Look at Conservation Technical Assistance

In Adams County, North Dakota Stan Murphy purchased an 839-acre ranch in 1995. Since purchasing the land, Murphy has worked tirelessly to transform the property in partnership with NRCS. Stan has completed many conservation projects, including a 25-tree row that extends 700 feet. He credits NRCS CTA as a key to his success: “I had the expertise, which was the main thing, from NRCS.”

This is just one example of how hundreds of thousands of producers have used CTA to solve natural resource concerns while enhancing the efficiency and resiliency of their operations.

CTA is not done casually. It utilizes a nine-step planning process led by NRCS agents and trusted partners, including local conservation districts, university extension, and state agencies to develop practical, no-cost conservation plans tailored to the specific objectives and circumstances of individual landowners. Throughout the process, experts work with the landowner to identify potential solutions, and to help put practices in place.

By providing the expertise necessary to implement effective practices on the ground, CTA acts as the access point for delivering billions of dollars in Congressional conservation investments. However, despite its role in protecting soil, water, and wildlife, CTA funding has experienced significant cuts in recent years. In fact, in 2026 it declined to its lowest point since 2008 and USDA requested zero discretionary funding to CTA in 2027.

Voices from the Field – Focus Groups

NWF, in partnership with Rural Coalition, and Partnerscapes launched a project to identify opportunities to make CTA more efficient and accessible. Between late 2025 and early 2026, the team conducted focus groups with 36 participants including farmers, ranchers, conservation professionals, and former NRCS staff who helped identify solutions to expand CTA’s impact.

Across the conversations, one resounding theme we heard was how valuable CTA is. Despite challenges, people across the spectrum were supportive of CTA and its value for providing on farm assistance.

“NRCS has been a tremendous partner for us – a valuable partner that needs help. They are a trusted, non-regulatory partner” – Producer with 50 years of NRCS experience.

Opportunities

Participants identified several areas for improvement including more flexible processes and standards, improved service quality across all offices, and increasing the number of staff and support for those experts. Additionally, the national USDA should support equitable and transparent funding processes, to enhance partnerships and conservation planning and adoption.

Recommendations

Discussions of innovative solutions and improvements to the CTA delivery system led to six themes:

1. Locally led, Nationally supported
   • Improve control at the state level. Specifically, allow State conservationists to take the lead, as they are the experts in their area.
2. Support NRCS and Partner Staff
   • Invest more time in recruiting qualified staff and increase staff compensation to improve retention rates.
   • Increase mentorship opportunities for new staff, including with experienced farmers.
3. Eliminate Unnecessary Requirements
   • Streamline application and planning processes and listen to staff and farmers about redundancies that can be eliminated.
4. Improve Customer Service
   • Improve staff training opportunities.
   • Implement best practices across states, using successful work from other states as case studies.
5. Effective Funding Priorities
   • Increase transparency across funding decisions
   • Increase funding equity across production, producer, and farm types.
6. Effective partnerships and Technical Service Providers
   • Streamline the Technical Service Provider (TSP) certification process and improve accessibility for partners and farmers, alike.

CTA Underpins the Value Farmers Place on USDA Conservation

In response to farmer and rancher demand, Congress recently invested an additional $11 billion into USDA conservation programs through 2031. Without staff and partnerships provided by Conservation Technical Assistance, this funding won’t get out the door and improve the soil, water, and wildlife habitat as intended.

Now, perhaps more than ever, Congress and USDA need to listen to farmers and provide the CTA funding and staff that they need.

You can learn more about Conservation Technical Assistance and appropriations funding for the program in this fact sheet.