Energy Policy / Public News Service

In the Keystone State, it's estimated that somewhere between 100,000 and 560,000 oil and gas wells remain unaccounted for in state records. (DrewMauck/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

PA Receives Federal Funds to Plug Abandoned Wells

New funds will help plug abandoned oil and gas wells in the Keystone State, and should boost the region's economy in the process. It is a big job…

Nearly half of all Hispanic-Americans live in counties that frequently violate ground-level ozone standards. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Public Health Benefits of Limiting Oil, Gas Methane Pollution

The public has until February 13th to weigh in on new rules proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency to reduce methane pollution at oil and gas…

Storage batteries hidden behind this Bronzeville mural will be part of a microgrid system that will render the entire Chicago neighborhood energy-independent. (ComEd)

Monday, January 30, 2023

Chicago's Bronzeville Neighborhood Gets Its Own Power Microgrid

By Francesca Mathewes for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journal…

Wind power is the most productive renewable energy source in the U.S., generating nearly half of America's renewable energy, according to the World Economic Forum. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 30, 2023

IA Regulators Require Release of MidAmerican Wind Energy Studies

Environmental groups are pleased with an Iowa Utilities Board ruling that requires MidAmerican Energy to make planning studies public for its Iowa Win…

Exposure to methane from oil and gas wells is known to cause health problems, including asthma, along with higher rates of leukemia, lymphoma and cancer. (Cavan/Adobe Stock)

Stronger Federal Methane Rules Would Benefit NM Residents, But When?

New Mexico residents have two weeks to submit written comments to the Environmental Protection Agency about its proposal to implement stronger standar…

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs is working to identify cost-effective ways to ensure the state reduces greenhouse gas emissions by at least 85% by 2050 and achieves net-zero emissions. (Adobe Stock)

MA Leads Nation in 'Green' Building Development

Massachusetts ranks number one in the nation for "green" building development. The ranking is based on what's known as LEED certification, which is …

Last year saw the certification of LEED projects pass 100,000 globally. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Maryland Improves on Green Building Ranking

Maryland ranks fifth in the nation on a new report on green building in the U.S. The U.S. Green Building Council released its annual rankings of …

The U.S. oil and gas industry emits 16 million metric tons of methane annually, which has the same near-term climate impact as 350 coal-fired power plants, according to the Environmental Defense Fund. (Adobe Stock)

New EPA Rules Would Target Flaring at WV’s Oil, Gas Wells

Under proposed rules from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, oil and gas well operations across the nation would be required to strengthen …

About 6% of all cars sold in the United States in 2022 were battery-electric powered, but officials say the number of EVs is expected to grow to 25% by 2030. (ake1150/Adobe Stock)

Report: EVs Could Impact Future Highway-Maintenance Funding

Most experts agree that putting more electric vehicles on the road is a positive step toward fighting climate change, but a new report warns that …

About 6% of all cars sold in the United States in 2021 were battery-electric powered, but officials say the number of EVs is expected to grow to 25% by 2030. (ARHIT/Adobe Stock)<br />

Report Examines EV Impacts on MI Highway Maintenance, Funding

Most experts agree putting more electric vehicles on the road is a major step toward fighting climate change, but a new report says states will also …

In addition to more than 100,000 active oil and gas well sites in the state, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has documented about 25,000 abandoned wells. (Bureau of Land Management)

EPA Seeks PA Comments on Stricter Methane Rules

Pennsylvania is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse-gas pollution in the U-S, and the Environmental Protection Agency wants input on a plan …

Minnesota's electric utilities have already reached a goal of 25% renewable-energy generation by 2025. But supporters of a new standard say the climate crisis has created a sense of urgency to revise the goal. (Adobe Stock)

MN Puts Proposed "100% Carbon-Free" Goal on Fast Track

Minnesota has surpassed the goals it set more than a decade ago for renewable-energy standards. But as the climate crisis grows larger, there's a …

The Permian Basin, the most prolific oil-producing region of the United States, has an estimated<br />oil recoverable-resource potential of 20 billion to 75 billion barrels, according to the U.S. Energy Department. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Advocates Urge Stronger Oil and Gas Methane Rules at Well Sites

Conservation groups in Texas want the Environmental Protection Agency to continue its push for tighter restrictions on methane emissions at oil and ga…

Green buildings are designed to reduce carbon footprints, and operational and maintenance costs, which boosts bottom lines for building owners and occupants. (Adobe Stock)

Building Construction in Colorado 7th Greenest in U.S.

Colorado ranks seventh nationally when it comes to addressing climate change in its building practices, according to the latest U.S. Green Building …

The new State Natural Resources Building in Sacramento earned the Platinum LEED Certification in 2022. (CA Natural Resources Agency)

California 4th in Nation for Green Buildings

California ranked fourth in the nation for green buildings for 2022 and has made the top 10 states for the tenth year in a row. The U.S. Green …

According to the World Economic Forum, green buildings can reduce a city's temperatures up to 2 degrees Celsius. (Adobe Stock)

NY Ranks 3rd on National Green Building List

New York ranked third on a list of the top 10 states for green buildings in the U.S. The report from the U.S. Green Building Council found 142 …

The top 10 states certified 1,225 projects and more than 353 million gross square feet of commercial space. (Kristina Blokhin/AdobeStock)

GA Ranks in Top 10 for Green Buildings

The Peach State made it onto the top 10 list of states focused on sustainable building practices, according to a new report. Georgia comes in at …

According to the Environmental Defense Fund, methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is more than 80 times more powerful than carbon dioxide, with methane from human sources driving roughly a third of current global warming. (Adobe Stock)

Utah Group Calls EPA Methane Rule Crucial for State's Overall Wellbeing

A Utah group was one of many who voiced its support during last week's Environmental Protection Agency public hearing on a proposed rule to reduce oil…

Under Colorado's clean air law, major polluters including coal mines are required to obtain and comply with air pollution operating permits. (WildEarth Guardians)

Deadline for State to Act on Coal Mine Air Pollution Permit Back in Court

Environmental groups are headed back to court this Friday in hopes of setting a clear deadline for Gov. Jared Polis' administration to start reining …

The 50-story Trammel Crow Center in the downtown Dallas Arts District has received multiple green building certifications since it was completed in the 1980s. (dallaswartsdistrict.org)

TX Among Top 10 States for Green Building in 2022

The 2022 ranking of "green" buildings shows Texas in 9th place, demonstrating a commitment to LEED certification, according to the U.S. Green …

U.S. solar power capacity stands at an estimated 97.2 gigawatts. This is enough to power the equivalent of 18 million average American homes, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.<br />(Adobe Stock)

Asking IA Lawmakers to Prioritize Water Quality, Renewable Energy

The Center for Rural Affairs wants the Iowa Legislature to prioritize water quality and renewable energy in the new session. One priority is more …

In Oregon, 36 building projects were LEED-certified in 2022. (Tada Images/Adobe Stock)

Oregon Ranks in Top 10 for Green Buildings

Oregon is high on the list of states focused on sustainable building practices, according to a new report. The state comes in at number 10 in U.S…

Soaring utility bills have been linked to an increase in natural-gas prices, costs which are passed along directly to consumers. (Adobe Stock)

Rising Utility Bills Unsustainable for Many Colorado Households

Experts are warning Colorado households utility bills currently making their way to mailboxes are likely to be even higher than the supersized bills p…

In October 2021, Nevada became the 16th state to adopt clean-car standards to provide consumers with more options for cost-saving and pollution-free light-duty cars, trucks and SUVs. (Adobe Stock)

New Laws Help NV Reach Clean-Energy Goals, Limit Air Pollution

Some Nevada laws going into effect this year aim to move the state's clean-energy goals forward and help reduce air pollution. Senate bill 448 aims …

The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that in 2021, diesel fuel consumption spewed about 472 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. (Adobe Stock)<br />

North Carolina Seeks Input from Residents on Advanced Clean Trucks Rule

North Carolina's Department of Environmental Quality hosts a virtual public information session today on changes the state is considering to boost the…

Exposure to polluted sites such as coal-ash ponds can cause cancer, respiratory issues and other health problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Civil Cases Against Industrial Polluters at Record Low

The Environmental Protection Agency's enforcement of federal pollution rules has plummeted. In 2022, the agency referred 88 cases to the Justice …

Summit Carbon Solutions has plans for a $4.5 billion project to collect carbon dioxide emissions from ethanol plants in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota, and store the CO2 underground in North Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

MN Sets Application Rules for Carbon Pipeline Review

Minnesota regulators are putting together plans to review a proposed carbon pipeline for the western part of the state. A meeting held Thursday set …

In 2022, Southwest Gas applied for an <a href=

11.5% rate increase for its Arizona customers. (Adobe Stock)">

Southwest Gas Seeks Rate Hike for AZ Customers

Southwest Gas customers could pay higher utility bills if the Arizona Corporation Commission gives the green light to the utility's proposed rate hike…

According to the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, there were 255,037 workers in the solar industry across the U.S. in 2021, which represents a 9.2% increase from 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Nonprofit Offers Training for Solar Jobs

By Elizabeth McGowan for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for Virginia News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism …

The massive spill in Kansas marks the 23rd time that the Keystone Pipeline has leaked since it launched in 2010. (anankkll/Adobe Stock)

Group: KS Keystone Spill a Cautionary Tale for MI Pipeline

An environmental watchdog group said the recent Keystone Pipeline oil spill should serve as a warning to Michiganders if a proposed expansion of the E…

The 2023 U.S. Congress will include lots of new faces, but many of the same old problems of divided government. (chaiyapruek/Adobe Stock)

Opinion: A Survivable Future through Contraction, Not Expansion

It's 2023, and with it lawmakers will focus on some new, and plenty of old, problems. A retired Texas journalism professor believes while short-term …

According to Solar Power World, Idaho and Texas do not have <a href=

mandatory state-wide net metering, but some utilities within the state offer compensation. (Adobe Stock)">

Idaho's PUC Approves Controversial Solar Study

A recent move by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission could mean solar panel owners in the state could receive less money from Idaho Power. The …

According to a report, New York has the potential to generate 295.2 terawatt hours of electricity from offshore wind. A terawatt is a unit of power equivalent to one trillion watts. (Adobe Stock)">

NY Offshore-Wind Experts Look Ahead to 2023

New York has seen growth in offshore wind investments, which advocates hope will continue into the new year. In 2022, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a $…

Coloradans living in lower-income households are not only at higher risk of harm from climate change, but also suffer from environmental racism and injustice in their day-to-day costs of living, including the expense of purchasing bottled water. (Adobe Stock)

New Report Spotlights Climate Justice Blind Spots

Colorado's low-income workers and communities of color along the Front Range said they face daily environmental threats, including poor air and water …

Inflation Reduction Act includes tax credits, loan guarantees and other incentives to encourage the implementation of carbon-capture technology. (Adobe Stock)">

Critics: WV Carbon Capture Hub a Boondoggle, Empty Promises

President Joe Biden's infrastructure law contains $10 billion to sow the seeds for the creation of pipelines to capture, transport and store carbon …

The Loud Dam, which impounds the Au Sable River in Iosco County, is one of 13 historic hydropower dams that could be decommissioned or sold. (Flickr)

Power Utility Ponders Fate of 13 Historic Michigan Dams

A number of small dams along Michigan lakes and rivers, some operating for more than a century, are still generating hydropower energy - just not …

Idaho Power serves more than 600,000 customers and has committed to including more renewables in its grid over the next two decades. (energy.gov)

ID Clean Energy Advocates to Gather at State Capitol

Clean energy advocates are heading to Boise at the start of next year's legislative session. The organization Idaho Energy Freedom formed in …

There are seven species of Pacific salmon. Five of them occur in North American waters: Chinook, Coho, Chum, Sockeye and Pink, according to the U.S. Geographical Survey. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Issues Water Protection Permits for Columbia River Dams

The Environmental Protection Agency has ordered the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to stop oil and other toxic chemical discharges into the Columbia …

Across the country, home heating bills are expected to increase by 17.2%, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association. (Novikat/Adobe Stock)

Final Vote This Week on GA Power Rate Hike

The Georgia Public Service Commission will hold a final vote this week on Georgia Power's next three-year plan. After months of public hearings…

The 2021 New Hampshire Climate Assessment showed since 1901, temperatures statewide have increased by an average of 3 degrees Fahrenheit with fall and winter warming the fastest, leading to a significant decrease in New Hampshire's deep snow coverings. (Adobe Stock)

NH Sierra Club Works to Build “Climate Democracy”

The New Hampshire Sierra Club is working to increase community activism and environmental stewardship through monthly "climate democracy" gatherings…

In the first three quarters of 2022, 24 oil and gas companies made more than $343 billion, a 126% increase from the same time period in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Big Oil Kept Gas Prices High as Crude Oil Prices Dropped

After the price of crude oil plummeted to $75 a barrel, which marked the lowest price since December of last year, big oil companies kept consumer …

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, an estimated 330,000 productive oil and gas wells have been drilled in the Keystone State. (donyanedomam/Adobe Stock)

New EPA Methane Rules Could Translate to PA Jobs

New rules proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency would require regular inspections of all methane-emitting oil and gas production sites throu…

Workers in July helped with installation at a 15-megawatt solar construction site owned by Minnesota Power in Sylvan, near Brainerd. (Photo courtesy of CEEM)

Will 2023 Be MN's Big Year for Clean-Energy Policy?

Despite gains in certain areas, Minnesota is still behind its current goals to reduce carbon emissions. But those in the clean-energy sector see big …

riders attached to federal budgets have provided incentives for woody biomass. But, as the nation moves to a more climate-friendly future, woody biomass is being re-evaluated for its climate friendliness. (Adobe Stock)">

Woody Biomass Under Fire in VA

While Virginia is leading southern states in climate-smart programs, it still has a problem with woody biomass. Woody biomass has come under …

Rural electric co-ops returned more than $1.5 billion in capital credits to their consumer-members in 2020, according to the <a href=

National Rural Electric Coop Association. (Adobe Stock)">

Call for KY’s Rural Electric Co-ops: Increase Energy Efficiency

Kentucky's two dozen rural electric co-ops could do more to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy, according to a recent ranking of …

The pilot project in Turlock will test a variety of canal widths and solar panel types. (Solar Aquagrid)

Solar Panels Planned on Aqueduct to Save Power and Energy

By Caleigh Wells for KCRW.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News S…

More than 220,000 productive oil-and-gas wells have been drilled in Ohio, around 60,000 of which are in current operation, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. (Adobe Stock)

New EPA Rules on Methane Could Be a Win for Ohio's Economy

The Environmental Protection Agency has released rules which would for the first time require regular inspections of all methane-emitting oil and gas …

Texas has produced more oil and natural gas than any other state, and remains the largest daily producer. (RobertCoy/Adobe Stock)

Texas Could Reduce Methane Emissions from Oil and Gas Wells in 2023

As part of the U.S. energy transition, the Biden administration has made slashing methane emissions a priority, and supplemental federal rules aim to …

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