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Power-sector emissions drop despite Trump policies
The downward trend is tied to a shift away from coal-fired generation alongside the spread of natural gas, cheaper wind and solar, and declining demand for electricity in the industrial and residential sectors, according to EIA, the government’s independent energy analyst. [ read more … ]
High stakes, high spending in Washington State
One week voters in Washington state will decide on a ballot measure that could make their state the first in the nation to require polluters to pay a fee on carbon pollution. But before voters head to the polls, a showdown is unfolding between grass-root environmental activists — who have the backing of billionaires like Bill Gates and Michael Bloomberg — and the oil and gas industry that has raised about twice as much to defeat the ballot initiative. [ read more … ]
Policy & Politics
Delaware’s involvement in offshore wind energy remains uncertain
Two separate projects off the coast of Delmarva are currently underway, with expected completion dates in 2022. While Maryland’s state government has been directly involved in these projects, Delaware is taking more of a backseat approach. Delaware Gov. John Carney is supportive of renewable energy, including offshore wind, but he says more research and analysis is necessary before moving ahead. [ read more … ]
Texas emissions linked to hundreds of early deaths — study
Texas’ rejection of an Obama-era plan to require new sulfur dioxide controls on coal-fired power plants represented a “missed opportunity” to improve air quality and public health, Rice University researchers conclude in a new analysis. [ read more … ]
U.S. industry confronts a new challenge: Hurricanes
How does a utility know if offshore wind turbines are hurricane-proof? Build them and see. [ read more … ]
California Has a Posse in Tug-of-War With Trump Over Electric Cars
A few weeks ago, California’s clean-air regulator flew from Los Angeles to St. Paul, Minnesota, to give a speech. A crowd of 600 environmental activists had gathered to talk about the importance of speeding up the transition to electric cars. “I think our two states, California and Minnesota, will be able to do a lot together,” said Mary Nichols, chair of the California Air Resources Board. [ read more … ]
Experts see preview of climate migrations in caravan
The future is walking north. The caravan of Central Americans traveling to the southern U.S. border is a preview of what the United States and other rich countries can expect as global warming compounds pressures on fragile and poor states, according to security and immigration experts. [ read more … ]
Note: News clips provided do not necessarily reflect the views of coalition or its member governors.