ICYMI: The Right to Blow Leaves, the Sun Comes Back, US Limits PFAS & Cyclists Rule Paris

Environmental news of the week for busy people

By Paul Rauber

Illustrations by Peter Arkle

April 13, 2024

Illustration by Peter Arkle

Arizona Republicans want to amend the state’s constitution to guarantee their right to use gas-powered leaf blowers.

The sun goes away, briefly, but then returns. 

A hailstorm in Texas damages thousands of solar panels.

March sets a new global heat record for the month—the 10th consecutive month a new record has been set.

In a major legal victory, the European Court of Human Rights rules that the Swiss government violated the human rights of its citizens by failing to do enough to fight climate change.

US coal exports in 2024 are expected to fall by 6 percent because of the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and the closure of the Port of Baltimore.

The Biden administration awards $830 million to toughen US transportation infrastructure like bridges and roads against the effects of climate change. 

Drones attack the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, drawing the condemnation of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Iran releases four conservationists who had been working to save the endangered Asiatic cheetah before being convicted of espionage and spending five years in prison. 

Sicily’s Mt. Etna volcano blows smoke rings.

Cyclists in Paris now outnumber motorists.

All Coloradoans are eligible for a $450 rebate when purchasing an e-bike.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council closes California’s commercial salmon season for the second year in a row.

Amazon’s use of plastic packaging increased by 10 percent in 2022.

The Biden administration sets legal limits on six PFAS “forever chemicals” and dedicates $1 billion to removing them from the nation’s drinking water. 

France bans PFAS chemicals—except in cooking utensils