Energy Policy / Public News Service

A group of U.S. researchers says particulate matter from coal plants was often put on the same par with other sources of air pollution. However, their review of premature deaths shows coal emissions pose a deadlier health risk. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Study: Air pollution linked to coal plants more deadly than previously thought

Researchers are out with new findings they say show that death rates linked to air pollution from coal plants are underestimated. A Wisconsin …

Based on current environmental impacts, residents of Petersburg have a life expectancy 10 years lower than the national average, according to U.S. News & World Report. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

VA environmentalists frustrated by FERC-approved pipeline extension

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved a plan extending a natural-gas pipeline in Virginia. The Virginia Reliability Plan and Transcot's …

Clean-air advocacy groups and the electric truck sector are calling on state governments to consider tax credits that would make EV trucks more affordable. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 27, 2023

EV companies call for building heavy-duty vehicle infrastructure

Clean-energy advocates in Ohio and around the country say now is the time for the government to ensure the nation has the medium- and heavy-duty truck…

Colorado rate payers are still on the hook for $500 million after grid failures in Texas created a spike in natural gas prices in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 27, 2023

Coloradans brace for winter heating bills

After Coloradans cranked up the heat to welcome family members for Thanksgiving dinner, many are worried about the price they will pay when their …

According to Clean Jobs Midwest, 1.7 million homes are powered by the clean energy generated in Michigan, and the industry employs 123,983 people in the state. (pinkrabbit/Adobe Stock)

Sweeping clean energy bills passed in Michigan

New clean energy legislation in Michigan has passed and is heading to the governor's desk to be signed into law. Backers of the bills said they will …

In the second quarter of 2022, nationwide residential solar set its fifth consecutive quarterly growth record, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. (Adobe Stock)<br />

WV utilities propose slashing energy credit in half for customers with solar panels

Major utilities in West Virginia, Mon Power and Potomac Edison, want to reduce the credit their solar customers get for producing power the utilities …

Between August 2022 and July 2023, more than $270 billion in capital investment was announced for utility-scale clean=energy projects and manufacturing facilities in the United States, according to American Clean Power. (Adobe Stock)

IRA investments crucial for clean energy, national security

Military veterans and lawmakers say investing in the clean-energy economy with Inflation Reduction Act funds is the way forward to combat climate chan…

Global natural gas markets remain tight as uncertainty persists around demand and further supply cuts by Russia, according to the International Energy Agency. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY utility regulators' 'mixed' decision on LG&E proposal

Critics say the latest decision from state regulators on Louisville Gas and Electric's proposal to build two new gas plants and cycle out two aging co…

Recent investments in renewable energy projects will generate around 6.5 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power more than 2 million New York homes. (Adobe Stock)

NY elected official veterans praise IRA clean energy investments

New York elected officials who are veterans are rallying around the Inflation Reduction Act's clean energy investments. The massive federal spending …

Since the Inflation Reduction Act became law, there have been nearly 60 solar manufacturing announcements. Companies have also announced enough new battery manufacturing projects to support production of more than 10 million electric vehicles per year. (Adobe Stock)

Elected officials: Inflation Reduction Act investments will aid national security

In order to fight climate change, officials are pushing for investments through the Inflation Reduction Act. The group Elected Officials to Protect …

Alaska's Brooks Range is home to critical caribou habitat that covers about 157,000 square miles, which is equal in size to the state of Montana. (Adobe Stock)

Opposition grows to major road project in AK's iconic Brooks Range

Opposition is growing among hunters and anglers to a proposed road in Alaska's iconic Brooks Range. The state has invested millions in the project…

Researchers are looking into whether reflective white paint on asphalt could reduce surface temperatures and thus reduce suffering in areas that host people experiencing homelessness. (Renee C. Byer/Sacramento Bee)

Can white paint be a part of the solution to combat climate change?

A new super-white paint in development may be a tool in the fight against climate change. Researchers at Purdue University are hoping to bring to …

According to Clean Grid Alliance, Indiana ranks 19th in the nation for solar power and 12th for wind-energy production. (Adobe stock)

Renewable energy fuels major economic payoffs in rural Indiana

Wind and solar projects are powering a big surge for Indiana's economy. You've probably seen tall wind turbines and row after row of flat panels on …

The Sublette Pronghorn herd boast some of the longest distance migrating pronghorns on record, and travel the 'Path of the Pronghorn,' the first federally-designated migration corridor. (Adobe Stock)

Removing barriers along iconic Sublette Pronghorn migration corridor

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is moving forward with the Sublette Pronghorn migration corridor designation process. Josh Metten, Wyoming …

Revenue from Washington state's cap-and-trade program has exceeded expectations, bringing in $1.5 billion this year. (martin33/Adobe Stock)

WA cap-and-trade spending falls short for frontline communities

Washington state's Climate Commitment Act promised funds for communities on the front lines of climate change. One group is tracking those dollars to …

Elected leaders and Connexus Energy officials gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony in October to announce the planned installation of a battery storage system inside the company's Vadnais Heights substation. (Photo courtesy of CEEM)

MN project takes on energy reliability, affordability balancing act

In what's described as the first such project in the upper Midwest, a Minnesota utility is retooling one of its power distribution systems to make …

Methane waste occurs when gas is leaked, vented or flared from oil and gas infrastructure. (Adobe Stock)

Report: In Ohio, much industry-produced methane goes to waste

Ohio oil and gas companies wasted $93 million worth of natural gas in 2019, enough to meet the yearly energy demands of the state's most populous …

New York's Legislature passed bills to ensure people in both the Energy Affordability and HEAP programs can have their information used to see if who needs a low-income benefit. Another bill required service companies to get customers content before any material prices increase. (Adobe Stock)

National Grid proposes rate increase for downstate NY

National Grid is proposing rate hikes for three New York City boroughs and Long Island. In Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, the utility company …

Maine voters soundly rejected a proposal to transfer the ownership of Maine's two largest privately-owned utilities to the public by a 2-1 margin as many voters expressed concern with the price to purchase the utilities' assets. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Post-election confusion remains regarding ME utility rates

The proposal to create a public owned electric power utility in Maine was defeated but the confusion surrounding electricity rates remains. A series …

Harmful chemicals including lead, particulate matter, pesticides, and phthalates added to plastics, impair brain development in children. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio children are being harmed by toxic chemicals

Children of color and from low-income families in Ohio and across the nation are not only exposed to more dangerous toxic chemicals including lead…

A 2021 report found Virginia has the potential to create more than 220,000 terawatts of offshore wind energy by 2050. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Dominion Energy plan falls short on renewables

A new report found Dominion Energy's Integrated Resource Plan does not align with Virginia's climate goals. Dominion wants to keep using gas and …

A 2023 U.S. Department of Energy report finds that in 2022, the energy workforce added around 300,000 jobs to the energy-efficiency workforce, an almost 4% increase from 2021. (Adobe Stock)

State of NY makes massive investment in renewable-energy projects

New York has made a massive investment in renewable energy. The state is committing $300 million to create the nation's first offshore wind blade and …

Ocean Wind was going to produce 1,100 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 500,000 homes in New Jersey. (Adobe Stock)

Highly anticipated NJ offshore wind project canceled

Just as New York is making a huge investment in offshore wind, New Jersey's largest offshore wind farm project has been canceled. Project owner …

According to a poll by the Climate and Community Project, 55% of Mainers believe utilities should be nonprofits, and 60% said they've experienced a power outage in the past few months. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Maine voters consider costs, climate in public utility amendment

An amendment on Tuesday's ballot in Maine to transfer ownership of the state's two private utilities to the public is considered a dead heat…

Former President Barack Obama's administration had rejected the Dakota Access oil pipeline over concerns about the impact on tribal lands, but it was revived under the Trump administration. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal advocates want more public accommodations for DAPL process

Public comment on an aspect of the controversial Dakota Access oil pipeline runs through mid-December. In the meantime, Native American voices are …

The Inflation Reduction Act tax credits that encourage investment in solar power are expected to help reduce energy costs by 22% over the next 30 years in Arizona. (Photo courtesy of Will Humble)

AZ homeowner touts benefits of Solar Investment Tax Credit

Arizona homeowners contemplating making the switch to solar energy could save substantially. Those who install a solar system now through 2032 can …

Students in Porterville, Calif., work on a project as part of the green curriculum offered via a partnership with the nonprofit Climate Action Pathways for Schools. (CAPS)

CA high schools offer credit for climate action

By Anya Kamenetz for Grist.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Grist-Public News Service Collaboration …

The methane mitigation industry provides family-sustaining jobs, typically paying 10% more than the federal average and cannot be moved offshore, according to the Environmental Defense Fund. (Adobe Stock)

Analysis: Utah losing big in natural gas waste and pollution

A new analysis found Utah oil and gas companies waste an estimated $48 million worth of natural gas per year, enough to meet the annual needs of more …

Solar canopies are expected to produce nearly 10 million kilowatt-hours of electricity a year, and eliminate 70,000 metric tons of climate pollution over the next decade. (Adobe Stock)

Solar canopies throw shade on Colorado school parking lots

Colorado schools are joining the struggle to hold off the worst impacts of climate change and lower their energy bills by installing solar canopies on…

In the last two decades, Virginia has managed to reduce its methane emissions by 58.7%. (Adobe Stock)

VA developing plan for Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

Virginia is determining how to best use its Climate Pollution Reduction Grants. This grant was awarded to numerous states through funds allocated in …

As the second sunniest state in the United States, New Mexico is poised to capitalize on federal climate law incentives. (FainaGurevich/Adobe Stock)

NM rural electric co-op making headway on renewable energy

Latino and Hispanic workers make up about 18-percent of the U.S, clean-energy workforce, and a New Mexico company wants to make sure their work …

A landscaper learns about the capabilities and benefits of electric blowers. (American Green Zone Alliance)

Experts: Upcoming CA gas-blower ban requires money, education, tolerance

Starting January 1st, California's ban on the sale of new gas-powered mowers and blowers will go into effect; and experts say the transition will …

The Biden administration is funding seven regional hydrogen hubs. Two will have facilities or pipelines in Pennsylvania. (AddMeshCube/Adobestock)

Clean energy groups blast PA hydrogen hubs plan

Pennsylvania is set to host two regional hydrogen power-generation hubs and experts on clean energy are speaking out against one of them, arguing it …

Residential solar power installations rose by 34% from 2.9 gigawatts in 2020 to 3.9 gigawatts in 2021, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Residents sue Ohio city over rooftop solar fees

Residents in Bowling Green continue to push back against the Ohio city's tax on residential solar panels. One couple has filed a takings-claim …

Since the passage of President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, only 30 utilities featured in the Dirty Truth report nationwide have filed updated planning documents and received scores of 27 out of 100, just one point higher than the total for all utilities. (bmf-foto.de/Adobe Stock)

MO's 3 biggest energy utilities earn Ds, Fs in Dirty Truth report on clean energy

The three major energy utilities in Missouri have received poor marks in the Sierra Club's recent Dirty Truth report, indicating a lack of progress …

The Inflation Reduction Act, along with other federal legislation, is putting hundreds of billions of dollars toward programs to spur clean-energy usage, but many energy companies aren't using the money. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Mixed grades for WI utilities in shifting away from fossil fuels

Some Wisconsin utilities are slow to reduce fossil-fuel dependence, according to new data from the Sierra Club, while others are improving their …

Florida Power & Light, a subsidiary of NextEra, continues to receive a high grade when it comes to its plans to transition to clean energy, according to the Sierra Club's 2023 Dirty Truth Report. (Ulleo/Pixabay)

Report: Florida Power & Light scores high in transition to clean energy

In its latest report rating the progress of utility companies transitioning from fossil fuels such as coal into clean energy like wind and solar…

A mining exploration project has been proposed near Grimes Creek, a tributary of the Boise River. (Autumn/Adobe Stock)

Mine exploration project near Boise River headwaters raises alarm

Conservation groups are concerned about a mining exploration project proposed near the headwaters of the Boise River. The Idaho Copper Corporation …

The Inflation Reduction Act and other federal legislation are putting hundreds of billions of dollars toward programs to spur clean energy usage, but many energy companies aren't using the money. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: NC utility slow to shift away from fossil fuel dependence

New data from the Sierra Club shows Duke energy is slow to reduce fossil fuel dependence and lower costs for customers. The utility and its …

Report: Major TN utility lags in clean energy transition

A report by the Sierra Club rates utility companies for what they say they are doing to transition to cleaner energy sources, compared to what they …

Virginia and West Virginia residents say they're worried about the safety of a natural-gas pipeline that, once built, will run for more than 300 miles through their communities. (Facebook/Appalachians Against Pipelines)

Communities concerned about MVP pipeline water pollution, explosion risk

After a federal appeals court this week denied a request from a group of Virginia landowners to stop construction of the Mountain Valley Pipeline on t…

Hydrogen is a clean fuel that, when consumed in a fuel cell, produces only water. Hydrogen can be produced from a variety of domestic resources, such as natural gas, nuclear power, biomass and renewable power such as solar and wind, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. (Adobe Stock)

MT part of $1 billion hydrogen hub

The Biden administration has announced investments in a hydrogen hub to produce energy in the Northwest, including in Montana. Clean-energy …

A 2021 study found people are willing to pay almost $20 to $30 to support their community's climate resilience plan. Additionally, when developers own resources, they consider the willingness to pay when setting prices to charge customers. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Climate resilience hubs could bolster CT plans

A new report from Yale University looked at the effectiveness of green resilience hubs in Connecticut communities. The hubs are made up of renewable …

Pipeline Number 5 lies beneath the Straits of Mackinaw. Opponents claim the aging oil line threatens the largest freshwater system in the world. (ehrlif/Adobe Stock)

Fast-track Line 5 permitting push met with protest

Michigan's Senate GOP pushed for fast track of Enbridge's Line 5 tunnel construction at a press conference this week. Sen. John Damoose, R-Harbor …

Seven regional hydrogen hubs are expected to produce more than three million tons of hydrogen each year. (energy.gov)

Clean energy advocates hold cautious optimism for NW hydrogen hub

The Biden administration has announced investments in a hub for hydrogen energy in the Northwest. Clean energy advocates say it could be a momentous …

One recent model ranks Central Pennsylvania eighth among 10 states with the

Poll: PA voters want stronger limits on methane emissions

A new poll shows Pennsylvania voters are concerned about the environment and support the Environmental Protection Agency's efforts to limit methane em…

Current federal rebates for home heat pump HVAC installation total $8,000. (Adobe Stock)

Report: MD must adopt air quality equipment standards to meet climate goals

A new report documenting the impact of fossil fuel-powered appliances on air quality makes the case that Maryland will need to take additional steps t…

The 2022 Citizens Utility Performance Report showed Michigan utilities have below-average performance on most metrics that measure the primary purposes of a utility. The report compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia. (kavindu/Adobe Stock)

Legislation weighs in on energy options to drive down costs for Michiganders

The Michigan Legislature is weighing bills to increase the state's energy efficiency standards as part of a broad clean energy and climate package…

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