Axios

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan has reinstated one of two key advisory boards, both of which he dismantled in March as a commitment to "scientific integrity," AP reports.

Why it matters: These panels help provide scientific guidance to the agency that can inform its rule-making on air quality standards and other environmental policies.

A record-breaking heatwave in the western part of the United States has caused fires in Montana, Arizona and California.

Why it matters: The West is already experiencing an intense drought, which studies show is being exacerbated by climate change. In the coming days, more than 40 million people in the West and Southwest could see temperatures exceed 100°F.

A new detailed map reveals more than half of the world’s network of rivers and streams runs dry for at least one day each year.

Why it matters: Knowing how often and for how long rivers stop flowing is important for managing water resources and conserving species adapted to these unique ecosystems, but so-called nonperennial rivers are understudied and often overlooked.

The record-breaking heat wave roasting the West is expanding its grip on Thursday, with the focus of the triple-digit heat shifting into California — particularly the Central Valley and desert regions.

Why it matters: Across the West, the combination of record heat, preexisting drought conditions, and dry lightning strikes from afternoon thunderstorms threatens to ignite numerous wildfires Thursday.

Three astronauts entered China's new space station for the first time after riding into space on the Shenzhou-12 spacecraft launched from the edge of the Gobi Desert on Thursday, according to AP.

Why it matters: Astronauts Nie Haisheng, Liu Boming and Tang Hongbo are set to occupy the station for a three-month mission, marking the country's longest crewed space mission ever and the first in almost five years.

BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, said Thursday it's acquiring a London-based consulting firm's climate modeling system.

What's next: BlackRock plans to integrate the model into its proprietary tools to help clients reduce their portfolios' climate risk exposure.

Electric cars are still more expensive to purchase than gasoline models, but they're considerably cheaper to maintain.

A punishing and long-enduring heat wave is intensifying in parts of the West and Southwest, with heat warnings and advisories in effect across seven states Wednesday. The heat will not relent until late in the weekend.

Threat level: In the coming days, 40 million are likely to see temperatures reach or exceed 100 degrees.

Lordstown Motors is the quintessential business fiasco. Equal parts hubris, political pandering and regulatory failure.

Why it matters: There's no indication that anyone will learn their lesson, except perhaps for some random retail investors who didn't diversify.

It's the end of the beginning for Democrats' bid to steer climate legislation through the Senate with the narrowest possible majority.

Catch up fast: Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday will trigger the next "reconciliation" process — that is, crafting spending and revenue measures immune from Senate filibuster.

General Motors plans to boost its cumulative investment in electric and autonomous vehicles to $35 billion from 2020-2025, a significant jump from a $27 billion target.

Driving the news: GM said this morning that the initiative will include building two new battery cell manufacturing plants in addition to the two already under construction in Tennessee and Ohio.