Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Congressional representatives from St. Louis and Kansas City and environmental groups argue the state’s plan doesn’t make meaningful attempts to reduce the pollution that causes haze.

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft tweeted that a job posting for a “diversity, inclusion and belonging leader” was an example of “left-wing indoctrination in the workplace” and the wrong use of taxpayer dollars. State agency leaders say inclusion and belonging programs help retain employees during a severe staffing shortage.

Environmentalists have asked the state Administrative Hearing Commission to overturn a water permit for a silica mine in Ste. Genevieve. Residents and environmentalists say the permit would allow the mine to release contaminants in the local water supply.

The Missouri Mining Commission has revoked a mining permit for a silica sand mine in Ste. Genevieve County. The commission ruled that NexGen Silica’s application did not include a full list of property owners with vested interests in the mine.

People living near a company that did work for the Navy had no idea that a toxic solvent, disposed of improperly, had made its way into their drinking water – until a public apology from the state in 2019.

Ground-level ozone arises when emissions from vehicles, power plants and other sources react to sunlight.

While the area continues to recover from historic flash floods that damaged hundreds of homes, what can be done to reduce future damage will take years and a possible variety of solutions and funding.

Environmental groups worry the new regulations won’t be stringent enough, pointing to a recent permit change at one facility.

Missouri environmental groups are decrying proposed state rules that would allow power plants to discharge contaminants like coal ash into groundwater through a general permit for multiple facilities. Power plants currently have individual, site-specific permits.

Missouri and Illinois are among dozens of states that have yet to submit plans for improving air quality in protected areas. Environmental nonprofits are suing the EPA to compel the agency to take action.