Takeaways: A growing program in Kansas and Missouri aims to set up more kids for environmental jobs — and it’s focusing on foster kids. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is spending more than $450,000 to help foster children in the two states land environmental jobs. Those kids spend days in the classroom studying for key […]
Environment
Posted inEconomics, Environment, State Government
Kansas regulators give Evergy a smaller electrical rate hike than it asked for
Takeaways: Kansas regulators dialed back electric rate hikes that Evergy wanted to impose on its customers. Electric rates will now go up slightly for former Westar customers in the central part of Kansas and tick down for customers who used to get their kilowatts from Kansas City Power & Light. Evergy says, on average, its […]
Posted inEnvironment, Local Government, State Government
Suburbs braced to use the legislature to block a south Kansas City landfill
Takeaways: Subdivisions, restaurants and retail shops pop up around Lee’s Summit and Raymore amid rising property values as single-family homes spread across what was farmland just a few years ago. But residents say a proposed 430-acre landfill could threaten that growth. And they’ve rallied together to block it — raising money and deploying lobbyists to […]
Posted inEnvironment, Local Government
As more Kansas Citians embrace native lawns, local codes try to keep up
Homeowners eager for a lower-maintenance, planet-friendlier lawns are navigating a fine line between going more natural without drawing the wrath of code inspectors or neighbors who see prairie plants as weeds that threaten their home values.
Posted inEnvironment
Midwest heat wave is causing utility bills to soar. Here’s how to find help
The recent Midwest heat wave was “not typical,” but hot summer temperatures in Kansas City and beyond have people worried about their energy costs and utility bills.
Posted inEnvironment, Health
Air quality warnings have spiked in Kansas City. Here’s what it means for our health
At KC CARE Health Centers, more people of all ages have been coming in lately with symptoms associated with seasonal allergies — uncharacteristic for this time of year — and worsening symptoms of asthma. Sarah Dashwood, a physician with the center, said this concerning uptick has occurred within the last couple of weeks. The increase […]
Posted inEnvironment, Local Government
Power surge: KC won’t penalize energy use violators
For years, Kansas City has focused on reducing energy consumption among the largest contributors. But it is struggling to get building owners to cooperate.
Posted inEnvironment, Local Government
Where does KC’s new recycling program leave apartment residents?
This month, Kansas City began rolling out its new recycling program by delivering carts with lids and wheels to houses across the city.
But in the fine print, the city’s recycling website says that apartment buildings with seven or more units will not be receiving a recycling cart.
Posted inEnvironment, State Government
Missouri Republicans go after ‘woke’ investing to prevent state funds from being used in the fight against climate change
Some Missouri officeholders want to make sure that state funds aren’t used to promote “woke political agendas.” An effort is underway to ban state involvement with banks that prioritize climate action or other socially driven investments. Conservative legislators have joined peers in other Republican-run states in a movement against environmental, social and governance investing. Known […]
Posted inEnvironment, Labor
The growing green jobs industry could mean more jobs for Kansas Citians
Before securing a position as a manager at KC Can Compost, a nonprofit dedicated to reshaping Kansas City’s approach to environmental and social causes, Chris Shelar was unhoused off and on for eight years. Now 60, Shelar lived in outdoor spaces and panhandled for change to get by. Eventually, he found steady work as a […]