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Executive order establishes infrastructure advisory council
President Trump is setting up a new advisory council on infrastructure in the Commerce Department that will tackle environmental policy, among other issues. The 15-member council will report on “funding, support, and delivery of infrastructure projects in several sectors, including surface transportation, aviation, ports and waterways, water resources, renewable energy generation, electricity transmission, broadband, pipelines, and other such sectors as determined by the Council,” according to an executive order issued last night. [ read more … ]
Bills focus on grid modernization, oil origins
A bipartisan pair of congressmen yesterday introduced legislation requiring the secretary of Energy to develop a blueprint for modernizing the electric grid. H.R. 3290, sponsored by Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.) and co-sponsored by Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio), would direct the secretary to come up with “voluntary model pathways” to updating the grid, using input from both regulators and the electric industry. [ read more … ]
Perry says gas exports address climate change better than Paris
The United States is stepping forward with natural gas after stepping back from the Paris climate accord. The nation is shrinking its carbon footprint by producing cheap natural gas and can do the same for other countries through exports, according to Energy Secretary Rick Perry. [ read more … ]
Is ‘Game of Thrones’ a parable about climate change?
The beloved and bloody HBO series “Game of Thrones” is back for a new season, and some are saying the message about climate change is undeniable. Here’s the idea: The noble houses of Westeros have been so focused on playing politics — and killing each other to gain power — that they’ve failed to recognize a growing threat, the White Walkers, who are named for the snow and ice that accompany them. [ read more … ]
Op-Ed: Energy independence or dominance? What’s missing from Trump’s vision
What is blatantly missing from Trump’s theme of dominance is the important role of renewables. During Energy Week Trump stated, “The golden era of American energy is now underway … the golden era of America is now in progress, believe me.” This is true, but he fails to credit the critical role of renewables, and this missing link is part of a larger problem Trump has in understanding what it means for the U.S. to be an energy leader. Trump’s decision to pull out of the Paris climate agreement, his intention to strip funding from energy R&D and the complete absence of any reference to renewables in his comments suggest he’s ignoring the significant role renewables play in today’s energy landscape. [ read more … ]
House Dems jump aboard call to phase out fossil power
House Democrats yesterday joined a Senate effort to move the nation’s energy sector to 100 percent renewables by 2050, bucking the Trump administration and fueling environmentalists’ calls to ban fossil fuels. Reps. Jared Polis of Colorado, Raúl Grijalva of Arizona, Jared Huffman of California and Pramila Jayapal of Washington state introduced the “100 by ’50 Act,” legislation aimed at transitioning the United States off fossil fuels by 2050. [ read more … ]
Group criticizes hurdle congressman added for offshore wind
A Maryland environmental coalition is criticizing an amendment added to legislation by U.S. Rep. Andy Harris that they say could stop two offshore wind proposals near Ocean City. The Maryland Climate Coalition said Wednesday the amendment approved by the House Appropriations Committee this week would prohibit the Interior Department from approving project construction plans, despite six years of debate and approval by state lawmakers and regulators. [ read more … ]
Support grows for NY wind
Long Island businesses, unions, environmental communities and elected officials joined with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to support New York state’s offshore wind plans. The broad coalition came together at a news conference at the Long Island Association offices in Melville in advance of a public meeting hosted NYSERDA.
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Microsoft leaves its utility to buy renewables. Is that good?
A decision by Microsoft Corp. to leave a local utility and buy its own renewable power raises a question for other big companies: If your goal is to green the grid, is it better to act on your own or to work within the system? [ read more … ]
Note: News clips provided do not necessarily reflect the views of coalition or its member governors.