The Trump administration finalized a rule narrowing the legal definition of "harm" under the Endangered Species Act, reversing a 50-year-old interpretation that included habitat destruction alongside direct killing or injury of protected species. Previously, degrading habitat that impaired feeding, sheltering, or breeding counted as illegal harm—a standard the Supreme Court upheld in 1995. Now, destroying a nest or habitat won't be illegal unless it directly injures an animal.

The Interior and Commerce Departments’ rationalization for the change is that it restores the law's "original intent" and ends abuse that blocked development, prompting praise from industry groups like the National Mining Association. Critics, including environmental lawyers, scientists, and even some Republican-state wildlife agencies, warn it removes protections for species like piping plovers, red-cockaded woodpeckers, and California tiger salamanders, which can be destroyed without direct physical harm to individual animals. 

The rule drew about 220,000 public comments, roughly 99% opposed. Sixteen state attorneys general called the change "arbitrary" and unlawful. Earthjustice plans a legal challenge, though experts warn the Supreme Court's conservative majority could uphold it permanently. The move follows other recent rollbacks, including exempting Gulf of Mexico drilling from whale protections.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an executive order making New York the first state to impose a moratorium on new hyperscale data centers, pausing environmental permits for up to one year while regulators develop a framework to protect ratepayers, the grid, and water supply. Four hyperscale centers already operate in the state, with 39 more applications pending.

The order falls short of a broader moratorium the legislature passed in June, which critics say offered stronger protections in contrast to Hochul's version, which figures as a compromise that balances industry interests. Environmental groups like Environmental Defense Fund welcomed it as a first step toward statewide standards, while labor groups like the United Association criticized it as a “jobs killer”.

Experts note New York's move could set a national precedent, as public opposition to data centers spans party lines. A recent Gallup poll found nearly 75% of Americans oppose local data center construction. Maine's legislature passed a similar moratorium in April, but it was vetoed by governor Janet Mills, creating an opening for a Democratic primary challenge that has attracted considerable national attention. New York's data center market is comparatively small next to leaders like Virginia, limiting the order's immediate industry impact, though advocates hope it pressures other states and prompts New York to extend the pause well beyond one year.

The elegantly-named CMA CGM Iron departed Santos, Brazil on Tuesday as the first container ship to run on Brazilian-made ethanol fuel, testing a potential low-carbon alternative for maritime transport. The vessel, which can run on methanol, ethanol, or fossil bunker fuel, is headed to China via Sri Lanka and Singapore for its maiden voyage to demonstrate the viability of an alternative fuel that has attracted equal parts derision and support among environmental advocates.

The trial highlights Brazil's ambitions to become a major supplier of maritime biofuel, leveraging its position as the world's second-largest ethanol producer. Shipping accounts for up to 3% of global emissions, and industry leaders see ethanol, which is derived from sugarcane and corn, as key to the decarbonization for shipping and aviation. Brazilian shipmaker CMA CGM plans to convert about 200 of its 700 ships to renewable fuels by 2031, and dual-fuel vessel orders have grown sharply worldwide.

The voyage comes ahead of the International Maritime Organization's global net-zero shipping framework, expected to take effect in December after delays tied to U.S. pressure. Analysts say the IMO's decisions, plus potential U.S. backing, could dramatically accelerate ethanol demand—replacing just 10% of global shipping fuel could nearly match Brazil's entire ethanol output. Brazilian miner Vale has also ordered ethanol-powered vessels for delivery by 2029.

The outlook for the biofuels industry is still unclear. Recent EU regulations exclude crop-based biofuels like corn and sugarcane ethanol from their Renewable Energy Directive, and experts maintain that scaling a viable market will be harder than proving the fuel works technically.

Rising temperatures in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region are threatening Parmigiano Reggiano production, as extreme heat stresses dairy cows and drives up costs across the supply chain. With temperatures topping 40°C, cows eat less and produce up to 10% less milk. Since production requires cows fed exclusively on local grass and hay, drought conditions further limit milk supply.

Farmers have installed fans and misting systems to cool cattle, while warehouses storing aging cheese wheels have seen energy consumption spike roughly 30% during heatwaves. Operators have upgraded cooling systems, insulation, and renewable energy to manage costs.

The cheese, aged at least 12 months and inspected via X-ray and traditional tap-testing by experts, remains central to a centuries-old industry generating an estimated €4.5 billion annually and supporting thousands of jobs. Exports made up over half of 2025 sales, with the U.S. as the top foreign market.

Industry leaders, including Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium president Nicola Bertinelli and GranTerre's Paolo Ganzerli, warn that prolonged extreme weather could further raise costs and affect milk quality and quantity, threatening an 800-year-old tradition. "We don't want to be the last generation to eat it," Ganzerli said.