Before diving into coverage of water issues like infrastructure funding, drought and ecosystem restoration, Ariel wrote about transportation and defense for E&E News. She worked previously for The Standard-Times in New Bedford, Mass., where her coverage focused on the offshore wind industry and toxic waste. In 2013 and 2014 the New England Newspaper and Press Association awarded her first place in environmental reporting and second place in investigative reporting, respectively, for her coverage of the New Bedford Harbor Superfund site. She graduated from Brandeis University in 2011 with a degree in American studies.
An emergency program set up three years ago to stem the dramatic loss of Louisiana's coastal wetlands has yet to restore a single acre. Environmental groups initially saw the program as a crucial strategy, but now many fear the state agency is backing away from many of its key components.
President Trump's complaints about toilets at a White House meeting last December baffled EPA staffers working to set standards for commodes and other plumbing fixtures. Emails obtained by E&E News show how staffers reacted to the flushing fallout from Trump's remarks.
Three years ago, staff in EPA's Midwest office sent a warning to headquarters about regulations that prevent lead in drinking water: Even when followed perfectly, the standards weren't protecting public health.
A federal transportation agency is considering a proposed Clean Water Act exemption for trains hauling coal and other polluting materials.
Green groups are gearing up to sue the Trump administration over its Clean Water Act rollback — as soon as the Navigable Waters Protection Rule is formally finalized.