Energy Policy / Public News Service

The iconic New Mexico chili pepper is under threat from climate change as extreme heat and drought result in dwindling water supplies. (Wikipedia)

Monday, September 20, 2021

Climate Week Follows Unprecedented "Code Red" Predictions

SANTA FE, N.M. - A nonpartisan group of mothers and climate scientists is on a nationwide education campaign to engage more people about the effects …

According to a letter from academics and scientists urging global climate action, air pollution caused by climate change was responsible for one in five deaths worldwide in 2018. (Craig/Adobe Stock)<br /> — According to a letter from academics and scientists urging global climate action, air pollution caused by climate change was responsible for one in five deaths worldwide in 2018. (Craig/Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 17, 2021

NH Professors Join Call for UN Fossil-Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

MANCHESTER, N.H. - Three New Hampshire professors are among those who've signed a letter urging the United Nations General Assembly to adopt what's …

Rep. Mike Simpson, R-ID, has proposed a $33.5 billion plan to save Chinook salmon and other endangered fish in the Columbia River Basin. (BLM/Flickr)

ID Salmon Industry Feels the Pain from Dismal Runs

BOISE, Idaho -- Closed fisheries from imperiled fish runs in the Columbia River Basin are prompting calls for action before it's too late. Steelhead …

Solar jobs could be an avenue for Montana workers in coal-dependent sectors. (anatoliy_gleb/Adobe Stock)

Upcoming Summit Explores Clean Future for MT Energy

HELENA, Mont. - An event coming up soon looks at the prospects for clean energy in Montana. The Energy Future Summit will be held virtually Oct. 1…

The transportation sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse-gas emissions in New York state, according to the state's Department of Environmental Conservation. (Adobe Stock)

As Extreme Weather Continues, NY Pushes to Reduce Vehicle Emissions

ALBANY, N.Y. - Clean-energy groups are touting new zero-emissions vehicle initiatives in New York, part of the state's ongoing effort to reduce the …

Coal mining and coal-fueled electricity generation provides direct employment to about 2,500 Utahns, and millions of dollars in royalties to state and local governments. (agnormark/Adobe Stock)

Biden Could Face Uphill Battle in Utah Over Clean-Energy Plan

SALT LAKE CITY - President Joe Biden's $150 billion clean-energy plan aims to rid almost half the power grid of carbon-based fuels by 2035, but …

The oil and gas industry has more than 800 approved permits to drill in Montana, according to Wild Montana. (kat7213/Adobe Stock)

Calls for Reform as Oil, Gas Leasing on Public Lands Resumes

HELENA, Mont. -- Conservation groups in Montana are calling on the federal government to overhaul oil and gas leasing on public lands. President Joe …

A new report says a 29 percent reduction in transportation emissions from 2014 is needed to meet a 2030 clean air target. (Adobe Stock)

Report: CT Not On Track To Meet Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals

HARTFORD, Conn. - A new report reveals Connecticut is not on track to meet either of its 2030 or 2050 greenhouse gas emissions goals, and advocates …

Six hundred people in Massachusetts died of illnesses related to air pollution in their communities last year alone. (Andrei Murkulov/Adobe Stock)

MA Groups Push Bill to Stop Clean-Energy Subsidies for Woody Biomass Plants

SPRINGFIELD, Ma. -- Groups working to reduce air pollution are testifying at a hearing today to urge state lawmakers to prevent wood-burning biomass …

President Joe Biden plans to accelerate the deployment of solar and wind generation in order to decarbonize 40% of the power grid by 2035. (soonthorne/Adobe Stock)

Biden Clean-Energy Plan Could be Hard Sell in AZ, Western States

CHANDLER, Ariz. - President Joe Biden's $150 billion clean-energy plan aims to rid almost half of the power grid of carbon-based fuels by 2035…

People in states where air quality plummets due to smoke from wildfires are advised to close windows, doors and vents. (folio flare-designer/Pixabay)

Wildfires Make Outside, Inside Air Quality Unhealthy

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Smoke from the massive wildfires, along with the summer heat, is driving millions of Americans indoors. Experts advised people …

The majority of Pennsylvania's greenhouse-gas emissions are from energy consumption. (Adobe Stock)

PA Becomes 2nd State to Offer Climate-Change Leadership Training

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvania is now the second state in the country to launch a program focused on training state and local leaders on tackling …

About 14% of Idaho's electricity was generated from wind in 2019, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. (knowlesgallery/Adobe Stock)

ID Wind Project Stirs Concerns for Impact on National Parks, Wildlife

TWIN FALLS, Idaho -- The public has an opportunity to weigh in on a large wind-energy project proposed in Idaho. The Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project …

Industrial consumers, environmental advocates and residential ratepayers in North Carolina have voiced concerns over a new energy bill critics say was created with outsized input from Duke Energy. (Adobe Stock)

NC Energy Bill Gets Criticism for Cost, Climate-Change Effectiveness

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Critics of an energy bill moving through the North Carolina General Assembly say it would cost several hundred-million dollars over …

A former regulator took more than $4 million from FirstEnergy to further the company's interests. (AdobeStock)

Critics Continue Calls for Big-Picture Review of FirstEnergy's Dealings

By Kathiann M. Kowalski for Eye on Ohio, The Ohio Center for Investigative Journalism Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann for Ohio News Connection…

Fifty-eight news segments mentioned Hurricane Ida's rapid intensification, going from a Category 1 to a Category 4 in less than 24 hours, a clear signal of a warming climate, but news outlets failed to report the connection. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Failure to Connect Extreme Weather to Climate “Media Malpractice”

LINCOLN, Neb. - New research suggests the nation's most trusted news sources are dropping the ball when it comes to helping voters in Nebraska and …

Smoke from the Dixie and Caldor fires have prompted air-quality alerts across northern California this week. (Ellend1022/iStockphotos)

Experts: Indoor Air Quality is Key as Wildfire Smoke Drives Many Indoors

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. -- Smoke from the massive wildfires, along with the summer heat, is driving millions of Californians indoors, so experts are …

This summer's unprecedented heat waves, droughts, fires and severe storms are occurring now, where global temperatures have only risen 1.2 degrees Celsius. Scientists project that average temperatures will rise by 2 degrees Celsius in the next two decades. (Adobe Stock)

Latest Climate Report a 'Code Red for Humanity'

DENVER - Less than a decade remains to avoid potentially catastrophic impacts of a warming planet, according to the latest report from the world's …

New Mexico has been a major producer of oil and natural gas since hydrocarbons were first discovered in the state during the early 1920s. (San Juan Citizens Alliance)

NM Engages With Biden's Energy Secretary on Methane Rules

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- As New Mexico leans into renewable-energy goals, clean-air advocates highlighted both progress and challenges during a recent …

The United States has 93 nuclear reactors, down from 104 in 2012. (ThomasLENNE/Adobe Stock)

Hundreds of Groups Sign Letter Opposing Nuclear Subsidies

BOISE, Idaho -- Hundreds of groups have signed a letter opposing nuclear subsidies in Congress's infrastructure and budget reconciliation bills…

Report: Less Than a Decade Remains for Action on Climate Change

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Less than a decade remains to avoid potentially catastrophic impacts of a warming planet, according to the latest report from top …

Wyoming Business Leaders Urge Feds to Take Action on Climate

LANDER, Wyo. - Less than a decade remains to avoid potentially catastrophic impacts of a warming planet, according to the latest scientific reports…

Tara Houska, founder of Giniw Collective, has worked with other tribal activists such as Winona LaDuke in trying to stop the Line 3 oil pipeline project. (Photo courtesy of honortheearth.org)

With Line 3 Nearing Finish Line, Tribal Opponents Continue Speaking Out

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. -- The Line 3 oil pipeline for northern Minnesota could begin operating by as early next month. The latest update comes as …

Last week's U.N. report on climate change finds that each of the last four decades has been warmer than any decade before it since 1850. (inkdrop/Adobe Stock)

MI Groups Urge Bold Action to Tackle Climate Change

LANSING, Mich. - As Congress works on an infrastructure package, advocates for climate action say bold steps to curb greenhouse-gas emissions and …

New York's Climate Act has a target goal of 70% renewable energy by 2030, and 9,000 MW of offshore wind energy by 2035. (Adobe Stock)

NY Clean-Energy Industry Buoyed by Infrastructure Act Passage

ALBANY, N.Y. -- The Senate-approved Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has $15 billion allocated for the electric vehicle industry, and is …

During the industrial era, the U.N. says, methane emissions have accounted for nearly 30% of global warming. (Adobe Stock)

U.N. Report Reinforces Methane Concerns in ND

MANDAREE, N.D. -- The climate-change threat has been described as a "code red for humanity" as part of a new United Nations report on global warming…

Researchers at the Idaho National Laboratory near Idaho Falls study nuclear energy. (Sam Beebe/Flickr)

Critics Decry $12 Billion for Nuclear in Infrastructure Bill

BOISE, Idaho -- The U.S. Senate has passed a massive infrastructure bill, and buried within the package is $12 billion for the nuclear industry…

A new report says one in three clean-energy jobs in Minnesota is located outside the Twin Cities. (Adobe Stock)

MN Clean-Energy Jobs Rebound from COVID Punch

MINNEAPOLIS - The COVID-19 pandemic ended job gains in plenty of industries, including clean energy. But a new report says the setback for …

No-till farming, which involves growing crops without disrupting the soil, is considered a hallmark of conservation in agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

Conservation For Sale: Connecting Heartland Farmers with Sustainable Ag

HARLAN, Iowa -- The effects of climate change are laid out in a new United Nations report, which pointed to greenhouse gas emissions. While global …

Advocates are calling for more green transportation options in light of a new U.N. climate change study that predicts longer, more frequent heat waves. (Earthjustice)

Advocates: Nevada In Crosshairs After U.N. Climate Report

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- The American West is already feeling the brunt of climate change and things are on track to get worse, according to a new report …

A new report predicts massive blazes such as the Dixie fire will become more common if the world fails to control carbon pollution. (NASA Earth Observatory)

Advocates: CA is Ground Zero in Wake of U.N. Climate Report

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Advocates contended a new United Nations report Climate change report United Nations 08/09/2021 waving red flags on climate …

Climate scientists predict a significant jump in extreme weather events over the next 20 or 30 years, according to a new report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (Hermann/Pixabay)

Climate Scientists: Window Closing to Stabilize Global Temperatures

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- According to a new United Nations report, it has never been more important to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, but it probably …

A clean closure of the Michigan City Generation Station could create roughly 70 jobs in the surrounding area. (Larry Lawhead/Adobe Stock)

Report: Remove Coal Ash to Clean Up Toxic Pollution of IN Groundwater

INDIANAPOLIS -- A new study reinforces the view of many Indiana environmentalists the best way to clean up toxic coal ash is by removing it, rather …

Michigan is home to nearly 115,000 jobs in clean vehicles, renewable energy, energy efficiency and more. (Aleksejs/Adobe Stock)

Energy Secretary Granholm's Visit Highlights Importance of Clean Energy to MI

DETROIT -- As U.S. Secretary of Energy and former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm visits the Great Lakes State today, community advocates are …

According to a recent poll, 86% of Pennsylvanians are concerned about air pollution. (Adobe Stock)

Poll Finds Support for Holding Natural-Gas Industry Accountable in PA

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvanians are growing worried about the environmental consequences of natural-gas drilling in the state, according to a new …

If approved, WEC Energy Group says its proposed gas storage facilities for southeastern Wisconsin could be operational by late 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Opponents Say 'No Tanks' to WI Gas Storage Facilities

IXONIA, Wis. -- The public comment period has ended, but opponents of proposed natural gas storage facilities in southeastern Wisconsin still hope to …

This June was the fourth-hottest June ever recorded in Chicago, according to the National Weather Service. (Alliance/Adobe Stock)

Utility Watchdog: Tips to Keep Electric Bills Down

CHICAGO -- As Illinois residents get ready for more high temperatures this August, utility watchdogs are urging people to practice energy efficiency …

In addition to roof repairs and other home improvements to lower utility bills, a Michigan League for Public Policy report recommends expanding utility-shutoff protections to include households with young children. (Adobe Stock)

Report: High Energy Burdens Affect MI Health, Quality of Life

LANSING, Mich. - High utility costs are a major burden for Michigan's low-income residents, and a new study says they have an impact on their health…

The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) decided not to act to change the state's net-metering rule at its Sept. 17, 2020, workshop on Customer-Owned Renewable Generation. (mrganso/Pixabay)

Report: Power Companies Block Rooftop Solar Growth in FL, US

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A new report shows an effort by investor-owned utilities in the Sunshine State to block the growth of rooftop solar. The …

The 2017 4th National Climate Assessment project concluded that, for the 83% of Americans who live in cities, the experience of extreme heat can vary across neighborhoods by as much as 20 degrees. (avMachine713/Pixabay)

Houston Site of Study on Extreme Heat Risk in Coastal Communities

HOUSTON - Cities in the southern United States, especially large urban communities along the coasts, are facing extreme heat attributable to climate …

Before Mackinaw City, the Red Road to DC Project stopped in Idaho, Utah, New Mexico, South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota. (House of Tears Carvers)

'Red Road to DC' Project: Protect Sacred Lands from Resource Extraction

MACKINAW CITY, Mich. -- A group of artisans from Lummi Nation is carrying a 25-foot carved totem pole from Washington state to Washington, D.C.…

A new report finds programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Weatherization Assistance Program could eventually transform energy-bill assistance into self-reliance through investments in local solar energy. (Adobe Stock)

Solar-Powered Cul de Sacs: Residential Investments Could Pay Off

MINNEAPOLIS -- The smoky air covering much of Minnesota this summer has placed renewed focus on the impacts of climate change. A new report showed …

Supporters of the 30 Million Solar Homes Initiative say over the next five years, it would create $69 billion in electric-bill savings. (Adobe Stock)

Report: More Solar Homes Would Benefit Rural Economies

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A report outlines how federal efforts to bring solar energy to one in four American households could bring clean energy to …

A proposal for a federal plan to convert 30 million homes to rooftop solar over the next five years would bring thousands of new jobs and lower energy bills to Arizona. (Zstock/Adobe Stock)

Plan to Convert 1 in 4 AZ Homes to Solar Would Bring Jobs, Lower Bills

TEMPE, Ariz. -- A new report shows federal investment to help convert 30 million homes to distributed solar power could mean big energy savings and …

With federal support, Colorado could increase its solar housing stock by more than 440,000, according to the 30 Million Solar Homes report. (Adobe Stock)

Report: More Solar Investment Could Transform CO Economy

CRAIG, Colo. -- What would it look like if one in four households in the country was solar-powered? A new report from the "30 Million Solar Homes" …

While most electricity in Utah is generated by gas or coal-powered plants, one regional utility is considering the nuclear option. (brianguest/Adobe Stock)

Utah Watchdogs Voice Concerns Over 'High-Tech' Nukes

SALT LAKE CITY -- In the push toward carbon-free energy production, some cities in Utah and nearby states are considering a new type of nuclear …

Report: 30M Solar Homes Could Boost Jobs, Benefit Environment

HARRISBURG, Pa. - With federal investment, a proposal to connect 30 million homes in the United States to solar energy could have a big impact in …

Nearly 6% of workers telecommuted in 2018, up from 2% in 1980, according to a New York Times report. Researchers project that 20% of work will be done from home post-COVID. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for Colorado Companies to Reduce Air Pollution Post-COVID

DENVER -- As offices and businesses begin to open their doors after COVID-19 shutdowns, a new guidebook offers ways for CEOs and other commuters to …

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