Energy Policy / Public News Service

Environmental Protection Agency data show the transportation sector accounts for 29% of greenhouse-gas emissions, the largest and fastest growing source in the United States. (VanderWolf/AdobeStock)

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Study: EVs in PA can rev up taxpayer savings, pollution reduction

Pennsylvania governments could save taxpayers millions and reduce pollution by transitioning their fleets to electric vehicles, according to findings …

Power outages have increased to more than 100 times a year in the last five years, double the approximately 50 times a year in the early 2000s, according to an analysis by The Associated Press. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Maine Researchers Help Develop Climate Change-Resilient Power Grids

Researchers at the University of Maine are working to develop a more resilient electric power grid to withstand the growing number of climate change-r…

This summer's stretches of smoky air, brought on by Canadian wildfires, have prompted more concern in the Midwest about the arrival of climate-change threats and how cities can respond. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

WI Mayor Offers Glimpse into Cities Phasing in Clean-Energy Projects

New polling suggests most Americans support nationwide efforts to boost renewable energy capacity under the threat of climate change, and a local …

While Minnesota continues to see job growth in clean energy, trade groups warn if efforts are not accelerated to add more grid capacity, projects slated for development could be stalled or canceled, potentially cutting into job gains. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

MN Part of Nationwide Burst of Clean-Energy Jobs

Federal data show much of the U.S. is seeing job growth for the clean energy sector, and Minnesota is no exception, as new regional numbers confirm …

New Mexico's planned electric vehicle infrastructure would allow motorists to charge a vehicle in 30 to 45 minutes for about $20. (AdobeStock/serperm73)

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

NM Seeks Public Input on Zero-Emission Vehicle Standards

New Mexico wants more residents to drive electric vehicles, and is hosting a series of meetings to explain its advanced clean cars and trucks rules…

Tonight: Great Lakes Documentary Premieres in Traverse City

They're calling it an "adventure conservation documentary," and the film has its first showing tonight in Traverse City. "Troubled Water" chronicles …

Data show people in rural communities are more likely to live in poverty, have higher mortality rates, and have higher rates of incarceration. (Adobe Stock)

Rural America Organizes to Create More Opportunities

Overall, Colorado has been on the rebound since COVID-19 affected supply chains and shook economies across the globe. But many of the state's rural …

Oil and gas wells, roads, pipelines and other infrastructure near the Chaco Culture National Historical Park have destroyed some cultural sites and transformed others into industrial parks. (MarkKaletka/Flicker/Creative Commons)

Protection of NM's Greater Chaco Region Faces New Threats

A previous agreement to protect New Mexico's Greater Chaco Canyon region from oil and gas development is back on the table, forcing supporters to…

A recent report found more than 400 jobs have been created in the Keystone State since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, and more than $190 million in investments have been made in clean-energy projects. (Anatoliy_gleb/AdobeStock)

Inflation Reduction Act Funds Multiple PA Clean-Energy Priorities

It has been one year since the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act became law, and Pennsylvania is seeing and using some of the funding…

Regulation 28 is a result of a Colorado law aiming to reduce climate pollution from buildings by seven percent by 2026, and to reduce energy use by 20% by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

CO Targets Apartment, Commercial, Industrial Building Climate Pollution

Colorado wants to reduce climate pollution from apartments and commercial buildings 50,000 square feet and larger, but there is growing concern …

Earlier this year, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators submitted a letter to President Joe Biden supporting the need for an international climate peace clause. (Adobe Stock)

NY Environmental Groups Seek Climate Peace Clause

New York environmental organizations are looking for a truce in the international trade wars. They're backing what they call a "climate peace …

Buildings are the fastest growing source of climate pollution in Washington. (Casa.da.Photo/Adobe Stock)

Delay of Seattle's Cleaner Buildings Plan Disappoints Climate Groups

The wait to curb emissions from Seattle buildings has gone on long enough, climate groups say. The Seattle City Council is considering Building …

Fermi 2 is a 1,198 MWe General Electric boiling water reactor that began operations in 1985.(spiritofamerica/Adobe Stock)

DTE Energy Nuclear Plant Closed for Almost 3 Weeks

The Fermi 2 Nuclear Plant has been closed for repairs for almost three weeks. Local residents and advocacy groups in Monroe County are voicing …

Nine states in the Upper Midwest make up 32% of total installed wind capacity nationwide, according to the Clean Grid Alliance. (Adobe Stock)

Big Push for Wind as Rural Iowa Economic Development

Green energy advocates are pushing wind power as an economic development tool in rural America. Iowa is among the nation's leaders in wind energy …

More than $29 billion in public and private investment has led to around 100 solar, wind and hydroelectric projects being built across New York State. (New Yorkers for Clean Power)

Conservation Groups Collaborate for NYS State Fair Booth

Amid the chocolate-covered cheesecake on a stick, the 4-H pavilion and the carnival rides, you'll find the Clean Energy Corner at this year's New …

An artist's rendering of the proposed Pier Wind manufacturing platform in Long Beach shows how the floating facility would appear from the water. (Port of Long Beach)

Climate Change Groups Press for Passage of Offshore Wind Bills

In the waning days of the legislative session in Sacramento, climate change groups are promoting two bills which would smooth the way for offshore …

The National Audubon Society report states that if meaningful action is taken now to stabilize the <br />climate, 76% of climate-vulnerable bird species will experience less range loss. (Kevin/AdobeStock)

Report: Audubon Call to Action for Renewable Energy, Bird Protection

A new report highlights the need for more electric transmission, while showing how it can be implemented without hurting our feathered friends…

A 2023 Resources for the Future report noted the state of Virginia established a climate resilience fund in early 2022, using $25 million from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. (Chesapeake Climate Action Network)

Environmental Groups File Lawsuit to Keep VA in RGGI

Several environmental groups have filed a lawsuit to keep Virginia in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. In June, Virginia's Air Pollution …

The share of electric cars in total sales has more than tripled in three years, from around 4% in 2020 to 14% in 2022, according to IEA. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Ohio Drivers Remain Interested in Electric Vehicles

Despite reports electric vehicle sales are slowing down, experts say consumer interest in Ohio remains high. Four in 10 Americans said they are …

New vehicles that are assembled outside of North America are not eligible for a tax credit. (Stefan Bayer / Adobe Stock)

EV Sales Increase, Consumers Want More EV Infrastructure

One expert says interest and sales of electric cars aren't stalling. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Nevada has one of the highest …

President Biden has set a goal of having 50% of all new vehicle sales be electric by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

Georgia Sees Rapid Growth in EV Registration Amid Growing Demand

Georgia is defying skepticism surrounding electric vehicle sales and is seeing a surge in EV registration and infrastructure investments. In 2022…

More than 100,000 clean-energy job openings have sprung up across the U.S. since President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, according to Climate Power, a coalition of environmental groups. (Lisa F. Young/Adobe Stock)

Study: Demand for Green Jobs in TX Twice the National Rate

By Ramona Schindelheim for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Roz Brown for Texas News Service reporting for the WorkingNation-Public News Service Col…

Atrium Health is one of the businesses committing to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Care Sector Pledge, aiming to reduce emissions by 50% percent by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NC Faces Urgent Need for Clean Air, Climate Action

North Carolina is grappling with the consequences of climate change, with sweltering summers, a surge in wildfires, and frequent extreme weather …

Environmental researchers reported buildings account for 40% of global carbon emissions, and not all of it is from their heating and cooling systems. They said conventional construction materials used to build them, such as steel and concrete, account for some of the pollution, too. (Adobe Stock)

New MN Law Gives Skeletons of Buildings a Green Makeover

Just like electric vehicles and solar farms, the bare bones of a large building can be environmentally friendly if constructed with certain supplies…

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2022, 49% of Nebraska's total in-state electricity generation was from coal, 31% from wind, 14% from nuclear power, 3% from hydropower and 3% from natural gas. (Lise Bennett/Adobe Stock)

NE Electric Utilities Offer Incentives to Conserve Energy, Lower Bills

Nebraskans may not have needed as much air conditioning this summer as have people in the Southwest, but so far 2023 is tied for the most 100-degree …

A new report showed 35,515 megawatts of combined cycle gas capacity have been built in the 13-state PJM Interconnection system since 2011. (creativenature.nl/AdobeStock)<br />

Report Examines Private Equity Power Plants in PJM, Growing Financial Risks

A new report found Pennsylvania communities could be negatively affected by the increasing financial risk in the nation's largest electricity market…

So far, 283 projects in Colorado have been identified as priorities under the Inflation Reduction Act. (Adobe Stock)

IRA Funding Set to Boost Colorado's Clean Energy Economy

This month marks one year since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, the nation's first significant investment in addressing climate change…

According to the United Way of Southern Nevada, Project REACH helped more than 1,800 households in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Program Helps Southern NV Seniors Pay Past-Due Utility Bills

One Nevada program is aiming to help seniors on fixed incomes pay their utility bills. United Way of Southern Nevada has announced the dates of the …

Outdoor recreation hit an all-time high last year nationally, according to an Outdoor Industry Association report. (Adobe Stock)

Narrowing the Impact of Outdoor Recreation on Wildlife

Wyoming has seen a rapid increase in outdoor recreation in recent years, and biologists are uncovering new details about how people are impacting …

The Biden administration has jump-started offshore wind development, infusing coastal states such as Maine with funding through the Inflation Reduction Act, with a goal of 30 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

More Climate Investments Sought After Inflation Reduction Act

Backers of the Inflation Reduction Act say its historic funding is helping build a clean-energy future, but a National Climate Emergency Plan is …

The Inflation Reduction Act offers purchase incentives of $7,500 for new electric vehicles and $4,000 for used EVs. (Adobe Stock)

GA's Elected Officials Mark Anniversary of Inflation Reduction Act

It has been one year since the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law by President Joe Biden. The sweeping climate legislation has had vast …

Energy prices across the United States increased 5% between 2021 and 2022, according to the Energy Information Administration. Coupled with 8% inflation, ratepayers saw a total 13% increase, the largest growth in electric bills since 1984. (Adobe Stock)

Energy-Efficiency Programs Aid Virginians with High Utility Costs

Growing energy prices have Virginians seeking relief to high utility bills. Earlier this year, Appalachian Power announced its customers will see a $2…

U.S. oil producers are projected to hit an all-time high output, rising by 850,000 barrels per day, reaching 12.8 million barrels a day in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

BLM Rule Challenged by Oil Allies in Congress

Two bills making their way through Congress could throw out more than 216,000 public comments on the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's new Public …

The Climate Careers program with the Rising Sun Center for Opportunity in Oakland employs young adults to help families improve their home's energy efficiency. (Rising Sun Center for Opportunity)

Green Jobs in CA Projected to Rise 7%

By Laura Aka for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the WorkingNation-Public News Service Col…

Nevada leaders and organizations gathered Wednesday to discuss the Inflation Reduction Act's impact on local business and communities in Las Vegas. (Courtesy Battle Born Progress)

NV Leaders Discuss Inflation Reduction Act's Effects, Urge Improvements

Rep. Susie Lee, D-Las Vegas, met with local leaders and organizations Wednesday to discuss the effects of the Inflation Reduction Act on its one-year …

Private investment in clean technology like hydrogen, carbon capture and energy storage has increased between 50 and 200 percent from initial estimates, according to the Brookings Institution and the Rhodium group. (Rufous/Adobestock)

Assessing Climate Investments On 1st Anniversary of Inflation Reduction Act

The Biden Administration's Inflation Reduction Act turns one year old today, directing $370 billion to clean energy efforts through tax incentives…

Greenhouse gas emissions from homes and buildings are responsible for an estimated 20 percent of the nation's total energy-related climate pollution, and are the third-largest contributor of emissions in Colorado. (Adobe Stock)

Xcel Plan to Reduce Emissions Includes Untested Technologies

In 2021, Colorado lawmakers required utilities supplying natural gas for heating homes and businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 4% by 2025…

A new poll by four environmental groups found a majority of Texas voters, 58% to 33%, want the Environmental Protection Agency to strengthen its proposal to eliminate emissions from routine flaring at oil wells. (Alexisaj/Adobestock)

Poll: Two-Thirds of Texas Voters Support Tougher EPA Methane Rules

As conservationists await finalization of revised rules governing methane on public lands, a new survey shows a majority of Texans support stronger …

Natural-gas emissions from stationary sources led to more deaths than coal in at least 19 states, according to research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (Adobe Stock)

Utility Proposes Building Two New $1.4B Natural-Gas Plants in Kentucky

Kentucky's major utilities, Louisville Gas & Electric and Kentucky Utilities, are asking the state's Public Service Commission to approve a plan to …

Colorado has been a leader nationally on protecting wildlife migration corridors, including vast tracts of grasslands key for wildlife connectivity. (Adobe Stock)

Impact of Lost Grasslands on Rural Economies and Carbon Sinks

More than 300 ranchers, tribal members, conservationists, researchers, federal and state agency officials gathered in Cheyenne last week to find ways …

The American Lung Association reported emissions from natural gas and biomass power plants could result in cancer and other health issues, releasing pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide into the air. (Adobe Stock)

VA Environmental Groups Wary of Proposed Gas Power Plant

A proposed Dominion Energy power plant has Virginia environmental groups in an uproar. The Chesterfield Energy Reliability Center would be a gas-…

In 2022, the wind energy sector employed nearly 7,000 workers in Indiana. (Adobe Stock)

DOE Job Report Shows Gains in Indiana

A new look at clean energy jobs in the U.S. shows growth in Indiana and the prospect of greater gains in the future. The Department of Energy …

Studies show the United States will need to train and employ more than a quarter-million electricians by 2030 in order to support and maintain the country's growing electrical infrastructure, including millions of electric vehicle charging stations and carbon-free building systems. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

More STEM Workers Needed in ME to Fill Growing Green Energy Sector

Business leaders in Maine are working to raise awareness of the growing number of climate change-related job opportunities. The state's recent …

Above is the proposed map from Navigator CO2 to construct a multistate pipeline in the Midwest. The company wants to move carbon dioxide from agricultural sites and store it underground in Illinois. (Courtesy of Navigator)

Like Neighboring States, Carbon Pipeline Scrutiny Ramps Up in SD

This month and next, South Dakota regulators are holding hearings about proposed underground pipelines which would carry carbon dioxide for …

Developing carbon capture technology has been viewed by some, including the Biden administration, as a way to help achieve climate goals. But in the Midwest, private projects involving multistate pipelines and underground storage have resulted in pushback. (Adobe Stock)

New Twist in Regional Carbon Pipeline Plan Felt in MN

The fallout continues from last week's decision by North Dakota regulators to deny a permit for a controversial regional pipeline project. Opponents …

The Humboldt O'Neil Basin and the Montana Mountains are the two restoration landscapes in Nevada the Bureau of Land Management will focus on for ecosystem restoration. (Adobe Stock)

Nevada BLM Determined to Spend Federal Funds Wisely

As the one-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act approaches, some Nevada experts are examining what it has meant for the state so far…

Fossil fuel pollution needs to be cut by 45 percent by 2030, and reach net zero by 2050, to avoid catastrophic impacts of a warming planet. (Adobe Stock)

Methane Rule Sets Colorado on Course to Cash in on New Detection Tech

The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission has adopted a new rule requiring direct measurement of methane emissions at oil and gas sites, a move …

The world's leading scientists have warned that fossil fuel emissions must be cut by 45% by 2030, and phased out entirely by 2050, to avert catastrophic impacts of a changing climate. (Adobe Stock)

BLM Proposal Continues New Oil and Gas Leasing on Public Lands

July was the hottest month in recorded history, but critics of the Bureau of Land Management's new oil and gas rules warned the proposal ignores the …

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Energy Policy

Study: EVs in PA can rev up taxpayer savings, pollution reduction

Maine Researchers Help Develop Climate Change-Resilient Power Grids

WI Mayor Offers Glimpse into Cities Phasing in Clean-Energy Projects

MN Part of Nationwide Burst of Clean-Energy Jobs

NM Seeks Public Input on Zero-Emission Vehicle Standards

Tonight: Great Lakes Documentary Premieres in Traverse City

Rural America Organizes to Create More Opportunities

Protection of NM's Greater Chaco Region Faces New Threats

Inflation Reduction Act Funds Multiple PA Clean-Energy Priorities

CO Targets Apartment, Commercial, Industrial Building Climate Pollution

NY Environmental Groups Seek Climate Peace Clause

Delay of Seattle's Cleaner Buildings Plan Disappoints Climate Groups

DTE Energy Nuclear Plant Closed for Almost 3 Weeks

Big Push for Wind as Rural Iowa Economic Development

Conservation Groups Collaborate for NYS State Fair Booth

Climate Change Groups Press for Passage of Offshore Wind Bills

Report: Audubon Call to Action for Renewable Energy, Bird Protection

Environmental Groups File Lawsuit to Keep VA in RGGI

Ohio Drivers Remain Interested in Electric Vehicles

EV Sales Increase, Consumers Want More EV Infrastructure

Georgia Sees Rapid Growth in EV Registration Amid Growing Demand

Study: Demand for Green Jobs in TX Twice the National Rate

Report: NC Faces Urgent Need for Clean Air, Climate Action

New MN Law Gives Skeletons of Buildings a Green Makeover

NE Electric Utilities Offer Incentives to Conserve Energy, Lower Bills

Report Examines Private Equity Power Plants in PJM, Growing Financial Risks

IRA Funding Set to Boost Colorado's Clean Energy Economy

Program Helps Southern NV Seniors Pay Past-Due Utility Bills

Narrowing the Impact of Outdoor Recreation on Wildlife

More Climate Investments Sought After Inflation Reduction Act

GA's Elected Officials Mark Anniversary of Inflation Reduction Act

Energy-Efficiency Programs Aid Virginians with High Utility Costs

BLM Rule Challenged by Oil Allies in Congress

Green Jobs in CA Projected to Rise 7%

NV Leaders Discuss Inflation Reduction Act's Effects, Urge Improvements

Assessing Climate Investments On 1st Anniversary of Inflation Reduction Act

Xcel Plan to Reduce Emissions Includes Untested Technologies

Poll: Two-Thirds of Texas Voters Support Tougher EPA Methane Rules

Utility Proposes Building Two New $1.4B Natural-Gas Plants in Kentucky

Impact of Lost Grasslands on Rural Economies and Carbon Sinks

VA Environmental Groups Wary of Proposed Gas Power Plant

DOE Job Report Shows Gains in Indiana

More STEM Workers Needed in ME to Fill Growing Green Energy Sector

Like Neighboring States, Carbon Pipeline Scrutiny Ramps Up in SD

New Twist in Regional Carbon Pipeline Plan Felt in MN

Nevada BLM Determined to Spend Federal Funds Wisely

Methane Rule Sets Colorado on Course to Cash in on New Detection Tech

BLM Proposal Continues New Oil and Gas Leasing on Public Lands