Items by Judith Lewis Mernit

The health hazards of California’s neighborhood drilling
The health hazards of California’s neighborhood drilling
Much of the state’s oil extraction takes place in residential areas, often in Spanish-speaking communities, but there’s a lack of research detailing its impact.
Green energy’s dirty secret
Green energy’s dirty secret
Industrial solar and wind endanger wildlife but are getting more support than ever.
BLM advances solar project that will harm bighorn sheep
BLM advances solar project that will harm bighorn sheep
The Bechtel Corporation’s Soda Mountain solar farm will undo decades of conservation in California.
The Los Angeles wetland wars
The Los Angeles wetland wars
Environmentalists saved a wetland from developers a decade ago. Now they’re trying to save it from each other.
Famous Los Angeles puma holes up in residents' crawlspace
Famous Los Angeles puma holes up in residents' crawlspace
The mountain lion brings attention to the role of urban wilds.
The West in 72 hours
The West in 72 hours
Asian tourists look for space, spectacles and a decent bowl of noodles.
An international street artist goes tagging in Joshua Tree
An international street artist goes tagging in Joshua Tree
The latest in a string of graffiti incidents in national parks.
Latest: New pesticide regulations for Oregon timber companies
Latest: New pesticide regulations for Oregon timber companies
Companies must now give officials at least a week’s notice before spraying.
California's water future at a crossroads
California's water future at a crossroads
A state commission begins deliberations on how to spend $2.7B for water storage.
Why are environmentalists mad at Jerry Brown?
Why are environmentalists mad at Jerry Brown?
The California governor has made bold moves on climate — but greens are disgruntled.
Regulators dampen hopes for tribal solar project
Regulators dampen hopes for tribal solar project
The Moapa Solar Energy Center would have provided 175 megawatts to Nevada's largest utility.
Will California's Proposition 1 give rise to more dams?
Will California's Proposition 1 give rise to more dams?
While some environmental groups support the water bond on Tuesday's ballot, some call it "mystery meat."
Regulators release report on viability of nuclear waste storage at Yucca
Regulators release report on viability of nuclear waste storage at Yucca
But it doesn't mean the Nevada site is safe — or even back on the docket.
Obama declares new national monument in the mountains above Los Angeles
Obama declares new national monument in the mountains above Los Angeles
Trails, campgrounds and wildlands will qualify for federal funding for improvements.
Has the Obama administration hobbled the Endangered Species Act?
Has the Obama administration hobbled the Endangered Species Act?
A new policy may set the law back half a century.
Solar in the desert finally gets some scrutiny
A plan for California desert conservation comes online
A plan for California desert conservation comes online
Will it stop more solar and wind projects from being built in the wrong places?
Michelle Huneven writes about place, addiction and love
Michelle Huneven writes about place, addiction and love
This California author examines lost years and life in the mountains.
Did Obama's Interior hobble the Endangered Species Act?
Did Obama's Interior hobble the Endangered Species Act?
A new policy sets the law back a half-century, conservationists say.
The Latest: EPA cuts pollution at the Navajo Generating Station
The Latest: EPA cuts pollution at the Navajo Generating Station
75 percent less haze predicted for nearby parks.
Was the fatal thunderstorm in California a climate phenomenon?
California gears up to fine water wasters: Should we turn our neighbors in?
The transformative power of... efficiency
The leak heard ‘round the nuclear industry
The leak heard ‘round the nuclear industry
A radioactive leak in New Mexico will make solutions to our waste problem even more elusive.
How to cut carbon: Change the way utilities make money
Why we risk life and property
Why we risk life and property
Dangerous places in the West are often the most desirable.
The energy haves and have-nots
The energy haves and have-nots
Will rooftop solar owners get off the grid — and leave other power users in the dark?
Go West, clean megawatts
Go West, clean megawatts
Nevada stakes its renewable energy future on California.
California's energy policies have ripple effects across the West
California's energy policies have ripple effects across the West
As the Golden State shifts from coal to clean, economies in other states feel it too.
High Country News Classifieds
  • COMING TO TUCSON?
    Popular vacation house, everything furnished. Two bedroom, one bath, large enclosed yards. Dog-friendly. Contact Lee at [email protected] or 520-791-9246.
  • ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSTRUCTION GEOPHYSICS
    We characterize contaminated sites, identify buried drums, tanks, debris and also locate groundwater.
  • NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION MANAGER
    Central Colorado Conservancy is an accredited land trust and community-based conservation organization based in Salida, CO. Our mission is to protect the land, waters and...
  • ESCAPE THE CROWDS AND EMBRACE NATURE: AFFORDABLE RETREAT, JUST AN HOUR FROM GLACIER NATIONAL PARK AND BOB MARSHALL WILDERNESS!
    Welcome to your new tranquil oasis in Montana. This beautiful 2-bedroom home FSBO is just an hour's drive to the east entrance of Glacier National...
  • DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
    Areas of Responsibility: The Development Director collaborates with the Executive Director, other HEAL Utah staff, board, and supporters to continue building one of Utah's most...
  • DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST
    Position Summary Western Resource Advocates (WRA) is hiring an organized and creative Digital Engagement Specialist to join our Marketing and Communications Team. The Digital Engagement...
  • 92 ACRE EASTERN WASHINGTON GEM
    Welcome to Lost Creek Sanctuary... a true hidden gem in the heart of the Palouse. 1900 square feet, the main house is warm and charming,...
  • WEEKLY NEWSPAPER FOR SALE
    Vibrant, financially successful 1,100 print run, community-focused subscription newspaper in beautiful Pacific Northwest Washington seeks owner/s. It is time to retire. Now, your Norman Rockwell-like...
  • STAFF ATTORNEY - WILDLANDS AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM
    Job Opening Announcement: Wildlands and Wildlife Program Staff Attorney Reports to: Wildlands and Wildlife Program Director Location: Pacific Northwest, ideally in Eugene, Oregon, Portland, Oregon,...
  • HEAD OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT
    The Head of Project Management will oversee our project execution to ensure that we are providing our partners around the world with the field data...
  • LEGAL DIRECTOR
    Trustees for Alaska is the only nonprofit environmental law firm founded and based in Alaska. We are seeking a Legal Director, full-time based in Anchorage....
  • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
    The Fund for People in Parks seeks leader to identify, develop, fund, and facilitate high-impact projects in western National Parks. Remote position with some travel....
  • GRASSROOTS REGIONAL COORDINATOR
    Great Old Broads for Wilderness is a women-led national grassroots organization that engages and inspires activism to preserve and protect wilderness and wild lands. The...
  • GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY MANAGER
    Great Old Broads for Wilderness is a women-led national grassroots organization that engages and inspires activism to preserve and protect wilderness and wild lands. Position...
  • GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP DIRECTOR
    The Grassroots Leadership (Director) oversees the training, guidance, and support of volunteer Broadband Leaders. (Broadbands are women-led grassroots chapters, with 40+ across the country.) They...
  • FOCUS GROUP PARTICIPANT NEEDED
    We would like to invite you to participate in a 60-minute focus group to help us enhance the New Mexico Courts website (https://www.inside.nmcourts.gov/). Our aim...
  • GILA GRASSROOTS ORGANIZER
    New Mexico Wild is seeking a Gila Grassroots Organizer who is passionate about public lands and community engagement. The Gila Grassroots Organizer will take a...
  • 20/40 ACRES IN ARIZONA WINE COUNTRY
    Chiricahua riparian ecosystem: 5100 ft elevation:18+ inches of rain/year: 1/4 mile creek through property: The Chiricahuas' have been called: "The most biologically diverse place in...
  • LUNATEC HYDRATION SPRAY BOTTLE
    A must for campers and outdoor enthusiasts. Cools, cleans and hydrates with mist, stream and shower patterns. Hundreds of uses.
  • LUNATEC ODOR-FREE DISHCLOTHS
    are a must try. They stay odor-free, dry fast, are durable and don't require machine washing. Try today.