States

Encouraged by the federal government, lots of people are trying to get outside. But it’s a risky decision for rural communities.

Three strategies can help transform transportation in America — and regional cooperation by states would take things further, faster.

The state used an innovative new law to fight back against the Trump administration’s expansion of oil and gas drilling — and that could provide a model for the rest of the country.

Residents will vote on a ballot measure to reintroduce endangered gray wolves. There’s a strong ecological argument for why they’re needed, says biologist Joanna Lambert.

A new book explains why policymakers nearly 100 years ago chose to ignore the best science on the Colorado River’s flow — and the dangers if we repeat their mistake.

New kinds of flood plans put nature back in charge, help populations adapt to a changing climate, reduce risk — and more.

A range of new tactics aim to curb cigarette butt pollution, including groundbreaking legislation that could hold tobacco companies accountable for their products’ waste.

A sweeping “circular economy” bill in the California legislature aims to drastically reduce plastic waste and boost domestic recycling.

States that share the river’s water finalized a big agreement last month, but an even larger challenge determining the river’s future is just around the bend, expert John Fleck explains.

There’s much to learn from local efforts — and good reasons why they’ll need to be part of the process, experts say. But can states do it on their own?