Ashley Ahearn

Scientists with the US Geological Survey gather samples near coal train tracks in the Columbia Gorge near Washougal, Washington. Little research has been done on how coal interacts with the environment.

Scientists dig into booming coal exports and their effects on wetlands

While the US is using less coal than we have in the past, we plan to export more coal to Asia. That means transporting it by trains, as we’ve done for decades. But there’s very little research on the effects coal has on the environment when it escapes from coal hoppers bumping along the rails.

Scientists dig into booming coal exports and their effects on wetlands
Pete Knutson and his son Dylan sell local Pacific salmon at outdoor markets around the Seattle area. The sign on their stall at a recent market in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood reads, “In response to multiple customer inquiries regarding the Fukushima i

Worried about radioactive 'Fukushima' fish in the US? Don't be, scientists say

Worried about radioactive 'Fukushima' fish in the US? Don't be, scientists say
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Environmentalists and coal interests fight it out in a small Washington State election

Environmentalists and coal interests fight it out in a small Washington State election

Oil Train Concerns in the Pacific Northwest

Oil Train Concerns in the Pacific Northwest

Another Coal Port Bites The Dust

Another Coal Port Bites The Dust
The World

Voices of Coal

In order to market coal to Asia, the western US coal industry wants to build export facilities in Oregon and Washington. The planned ports have divided local communities. EarthFix, a public radio collaborative based out of Washington State, has been following the debate with their project, Voices of Coal.

Voices of Coal

Road Salt Report

Every year the nation uses more than 20 million tons of salt to clear snow and ice from winter roads. While it may make the roads safer, scientists say salt may have the opposite effect on drinking water and wildlife. Living on Earth’s Ashley Ahearn reports.

Road Salt Report

A Look Back at the Birth of the Clean Water Act

When rivers were on fire and fish were washing up dead by the thousands Americans came together to demand "swimmable" "fishable" waterways for all. 1972 marks the creation of the Act that changed the way water pollution is managed in America.

A Look Back at the Birth of the Clean Water Act

Plan to ship Wyoming coal to Asia runs into opposition from Northwest greens

With coal use falling fast in the US but still growing in Asia, western coal producers are pitching a plan to build five big new coal export terminals in Washington and Oregon, but opponents warn of big new environmental risks.

Plan to ship Wyoming coal to Asia runs into opposition from Northwest greens
The World

Skin Color and Vitamin D

Dark-skinned African Americans are twice as likely to be vitamin-D deficient as white Americans, and that may have major health repercussions.

Skin Color and Vitamin D
The World

Wave Glider

A new robotic vehicle hits the waves to gather data that could unlock some important secrets of the ocean.

Wave Glider

Controversy Over Northwest Coal

Controversy Over Northwest Coal
The World

Schooling Salmon

Seattle elementary school kids are raising salmon to learn about the salmon's lifecycle, as well as water quality and habitat issues.

Schooling Salmon
The World

Wave Glider

A new robotic vehicle hits the waves to gather data that could unlock some important secrets of the ocean.

Wave Glider
The World

Protecting Pacific Salmon

Scientists are scrambling to find out if a deadly virus has spread to salmon in Pacific Northwest fisheries.

Protecting Pacific Salmon