By Barbara Drew, Earth & Climate Ministry
Below is a brief synopsis of news provided by Earth & Climate Ministry, which we are calling Good, Green News. We are pleased to focus on these news items from various local, state, and national sources, cited below.
Cornell Ornithological Lab February 2025 – Annual Bird Count
More than 700,000 people (100,000 more than last year!) from 214 countries or regions spent four days over the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) identifying and counting birds. Collectively, bird enthusiasts identified 8,004 of the world’s bird species (7,842 were spotted in 2024).
[Note: Several UUCWC members participated; for more info, contact earthministry@uucwc.org]
Natural Resources Defense Council, Winter 2025
New York became the first state to clamp down on the most widespread uses of bee-killing neonic pesticides, and Vermont quickly followed suit.
League of Conservation Voters, May 12, 2025
Clean energy continues to grow across the U.S. In March 2025, renewable energy provided more electricity to the U.S. grid than fossil fuels for the first time ever. During that month, clean energy provided 51% of U.S. electricity, compared to fossil fuels’ 49%. This is a major milestone for clean energy in the U.S., which continues to prove its strength despite the constant barrage of attacks from the current administration. The durability of the clean energy transition is great news for the future of our planet and the health of our communities.
In a long-awaited decision, Judge Tanya Chutkan of the District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that the EPA illegally froze $20 billion in congressionally appropriated climate grants obligated to eight nonprofit organizations. EPA alleged fraud within the program but could produce no evidence to support its claim. Due to this lack of evidence, Chutkan ordered the immediate release of the frozen funds to the organizations. While the EPA has appealed the ruling, it sets an important precedent for holding agencies accountable for carrying out congressionally mandated duties.