While We Were Sheltering
The U.S. shut down this spring to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. But while environmental regulators had to adapt to the pandemic, pollution continued largely unabated. In this series, Grist looks at what the nation’s environmental watchdogs did — and did not — do while Americans were under lockdown.
In This Series
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Texas relaxed environmental enforcement during the pandemic, state data show
A Grist analysis found that Texas pursued 20 percent fewer violations of environmental laws after its stay-at-home order, compared to 2019.
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Pennsylvania regulators promised to keep an eye on polluters during the pandemic. They’re struggling.
Inspections of oil, gas, and mining in Pennsylvania have dropped off by 70 percent since the COVID-19 shutdown.
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EPA settlements are supposed to hold polluters accountable. Will coronavirus get them off the hook?
Hundreds of cities and polluting industries agreed to clean up their act after being sued by the government. Now, many are asking for leniency.
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Coronavirus has states hitting pause — except when it comes to oil and gas drilling
Coronavirus has states hitting pause — except when it comes to oil and gas drilling.
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Will state-level environmental enforcement survive the pandemic?
State agencies are on the front lines of environmental protection. Will their work survive the pandemic?
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Democracy on hold: States are canceling public meetings amid coronavirus crisis
What's lost when the public can’t show up in person to fight for their communities?