Water privatization brings a flood of problems in U.S. cities. Is this a preview of a global issue?
As of 2003, some 1,100 U.S. municipalities had privatized their drinking-water systems, hoping that mismanaged public systems could be made higher-quality at relatively low cost. According to a recent series in the Los Angeles Times, private firms in cities across the country have been investigated for illegally discharging sewage into rivers, shirking on maintenance, and failing to disclose high levels of toxics in drinking water.
Shady business abounds: as a convicted Cleveland, Ohio, water broker said in a wiretapped conversation, "Ninety percent of getting public contracts required greasing the palms of public officials." Low cost isn't guaranteed either: after the water of Chualar, Calif., was privatized, some residents' water bills leapt from $21 a month to over $500. Residents of some cities have launched takeover campaigns in response to proposed private-company rate increases, declaring that water should not be a commodity. Says one citizen lawyer: "We are on the front line of a global issue."
Thanks to Grist Magazine
FULL STORY: Misconduct Taints the Water in Some Privatized Systems

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Greening Oakland’s School Grounds
With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.

California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas
Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.

Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship
In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.
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