Energy Policy / Public News Service

Joellen Russell says diesel buses emit fumes like formaldehyde and benzene, the same chemicals found in cigarettes. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Expert: AZ's Dirty Energy Negatively Impacts Kids, Federal Dollars Could Help

April is Earth Month, and for many climate scientists and advocates across the world, it's a time to raise environmental awareness. In Arizona…

The Castner Range contains cultural sites that document the history of Native tribes, while also providing habitat for wildlife such as the golden eagle, mountain lions and the western burrowing owl. (Dale/AdobeStock)

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Texas' Poppy-Covered Castner Range Now State's Third National Monument

A celebration will be held in El Paso Friday after five decades of activism paid off, when President Joe Biden designated Texas' Castner Range a …

The Enbridge Line 5 pipeline carries oil and gas products from Canada to Michigan, where it is distributed across the Midwest. (Dragon Claws/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Feds Postpone Permit to Build Line 5 Tunnel Under Great Lakes

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced an 18-month delay in permitting a controversial oil-tunnel construction project under the Great Lakes…

Concerns over carbon capture and storage include pipelines' safety risks, the cost to taxpayers, corporations' use of eminent domain and carbon capture's dubious climate credentials, according to the nonprofit Food & Water Watch. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

IA Eminent Domain Opponents Herald House-Passed Bill

The Iowa House has passed a bill to restrict the use of eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipeline operators in the state. The measure would require …

The Los Angeles City Council recently voted to allow the Department of Water and Power to convert Scattergood Power Plant near Playa del Rey to burn a blend of hydrogen gas and natural gas, something environmental groups say would create air pollution. (Facewizard/Wikimedia Commons)

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

California Readies Application to Become a Hydrogen Hub

Environmental groups are seeking greater input as California puts the finishing touches on its application to become a hub for hydrogen fuel productio…

Texas, with about 367 miles of coastline, is expected to benefit from the output of offshore wind projects proposed by the Biden administration. (zentilia/Adobe Stock)

Texas Unions Want Offshore Wind to Provide Well-Paid, Safe Jobs

Offshore wind development is coming to Texas under the Biden administration's plan to grow America's clean-energy economy, and union members want the …

A new EPA rule will limit inhalable particles with diameters of 10 micrometers and smaller. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Finalizing New Air Quality Rule

The Environmental Protection Agency is in the process of finalizing a new rule to improve air quality in America. The proposal will lower the amount …

More than 500 elected officials have signed a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom in favor of a bill to establish accountability for price-gouging at California gas pumps. (Misunseo)

CA Bill to Fight Gas Price-Gouging Expected to Pass Today

A bill designed to fight price-gouging at the gas pump is expected to pass the California State Assembly today and be signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom …

In a 2022 national survey of teachers, 74% said climate change will have an enormous impact on students' futures, and it would be irresponsible not to address the matter in schools. (Adobe Stock)

Closing the Generational Gap on Climate-Change Education

A new report warns that the window is quickly closing to prevent the most harmful effects of climate change. As global leaders face pressure to act…

Wildfire experts plan to use unmanned drones to help improve early detection, battle fires more effectively, and to reseed and restore scarred forests. (Windsong/Adobe Stock)

Report Charts a Course for Mitigating Wildfire Risk

As wildfire seasons in Colorado and across the American West become longer, less predictable and increasingly destructive, a new report aims to …

Sky-high gas prices hit California drivers in the spring, summer and fall of 2022, before retreating to more normal levels in winter, after the midterm elections. (QuietWord/Adobe Stock)

Hearing Today on CA Gas Price-Gouging Bill

California lawmakers hold a hearing in Sacramento today on a bill to hold oil companies and gasoline refiners accountable for alleged price gouging…

The Keystone State is a leading East Coast supplier of natural gas, coal, refined petroleum products and electricity to the nation. (vencav/Adobe Stock)

Report: Fossil Fuels "Unreliable" During Deep Freeze

A new report found forced power outages in this winter's extreme weather only added to "unreliability" in the fossil-fuel sector. The PJM …

The European Union is the world's largest consumer of wood pellets for energy. (Rokas/Adobe Stock)

Energy Market for Wood Pellets Globally Threatens U.S. Forests

Overseas markets could be harming forests in the U.S. Demand for wood pellets for biomass energy has increased dramatically around the world…

Just 18% of premature deaths from air pollution from coal-fired power plants occur in the states where facilities are located. (Tomas/Adobe Stock)

Report Counts Deadly Impacts of Coal-Fired Power Plants

Thousands of lives are cut short every year because of air pollution from coal-fired power plants in Wyoming and across the United States, according …

The Gila National Forest and Wilderness boasts more than 100 bird species including seasonal, year-round and migratory birds. (JuanCarlosGonz�lez/AdobeStock)

NM Supporters of Gila River Protections Make 3rd Pitch in Nation's Capital

A decadelong effort to secure protections for New Mexico's last remaining free-flowing rivers and tributary systems has been introduced in Congress fo…

According to real estate consulting firm CBRE, Northern Virginia's total data center load in 2021 was 1,688 megawatts, which is equivalent needed to power 1.6 million homes. (Adobe Stock)<br />

VA Carbon Emissions Drop Despite Data Center Growth

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

According to Extinction Rebellion, at least eight activists have been arrested at the construction site of the East Boston substation since Eversource began work on January 11. (Extinction Rebellion)

Protests, Construction Continue at East Boston Substation

Environmental activists are calling on Gov. Maura Healy to end construction of the Eversource electrical substation in East Boston, and move it to …

It is estimated that as many as 300,000 to 760,000 oil and gas wells have been drilled in the Keystone State, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. (Perytskyy/Adobe Stock)

PA Groups Urge State To Address Abandoned Well Problem

Groups in the Keystone State are urging the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to move forward quickly and implement some of the sugg…

The Trojan Nuclear Plant in Oregon was connected to the grid in 1975 and shut down in 1992. (David Falconer/Wikimedia Commons)

'Atomic Bamboozle' Documents 'False Promises' of New Nuclear Tech

A film premiering this week tackles the potential harms of the nuclear industry. Portland State University professor emeritus Jan Haaken directed …

Over the past 50 years, the population of pygmy rabbits in Wyoming has declined by 69% (Serikbaib AdobeStock)

Groups Call on U.S. Fish and Wildlife to Prevent Pigmy Rabbit Extinction

On Monday, conservation groups submitted a petition calling on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the pygmy rabbit under the Endangered …

The Bonneville Power Administration is a key partner for building and modernizing Washington state's transmission lines. (Nadia/Adobe Stock)

In DC, Focus on Fish, NW Energy Grid

Northwest energy experts and conservation leaders are in Washington, D.C. to urge policymakers to invest in modernizing the region's grid. Updating …

The Bonneville Dam is located about 40 miles east of Portland, Ore. (Dominic/Adobe Stock)

NW Energy Experts in DC Talking Grid Update, Saving Fish

Northwest energy experts and conservation leaders are in Washington, D.C. to urge policymakers to invest in modernizing the region's power grid…

Just 47% of Wyoming residents prefer leaders place more emphasis on protecting water, air, wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities over maximizing the amount of land available for drilling and mining. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Conservation Efforts, Environmental Priorities Remain High in Wyoming

Voters in Wyoming and across the West strongly support protecting water supplies, public lands and migration corridors for wildlife, according to the …

It is estimated the U.S. has more than 80,000 metric tons of highly radioactive spent fuel currently sitting in storage at 72 commercial nuclear plants across the country. (Destina/Adobe Stock)

Opponents of Proposed NM Nuclear Waste Project Await Legislative Vote

A bill to block a nuclear waste storage facility in southeast New Mexico is being watched closely by opponents of the project. Don Hancock, director …

As of March 2022, Iowa had at least 349 megawatts of total installed solar capacity, up from approximately 2 megawatts of solar installed in 2012, according to the Iowa Environmental Council. <br />(Adobe Stock)

ISU Researchers to Study Growing Crops in Solar Farms’ Shadow

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded Iowa State University a $1.8 million grant to raise high-dollar crops in the shadow of huge solar …

Leaders in Tucson predict more Arizona businesses, nonprofits and homeowners will choose solar and other clean-energy resources, based on the financial incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. (Photo courtesy Climate Action Campaign)

Leaders Highlight Opportunities to Grow AZ Solar Industry

Tucson community leaders gathered at an event to highlight opportunities to grow Arizona's clean-energy economy say it's been made more accessible thr…

According to LithiumAmericas, site preparation, geotechnical drilling, water pipeline development and associated infrastructure construction has begun for a new mine in Humboldt County, Nevada. (John Nakata/ Adobe Stock)

Despite Court Challenge, Thacker Pass Mine Moves Forward in NV

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has refused to stop developers of the Thacker Pass Lithium Mine in Northern Nevada while an appeal by conservation …

Supporters of Minnesota's new 100% carbon-free plan say it balances reliability factors in providing electricity by providing

Sorting Out the Cost Factors Behind MN's Carbon-Free Plan

Minnesota recently captured headlines for its approval of a new goal to reach 100% carbon-free electricity, and those tracking the effort say while …

In addition to helping capture carbon in the soil, no-till farming practices with seasonal cover crops help preserve soil nutrients and prevent erosion. (Margaret Burlingham / Adobe Stock)

U.S. Carbon Farming Takes Root, but Do Economics Add Up?

By Carey L. Biron for Context.Broadcast version by Brett Peveto for Maryland News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public …

On its route through Oregon, the GTN pipeline system skirts by Pendleton and south near Ashland. (Photocreo Bednarek/Adobe Stock)

Gas Pipeline Expansion Would Hurt NW Climate Goals, Say Opponents

Environmental groups want West Coast governors to speak out against the expansion of a gas pipeline in the region. The Canadian company T-C Energy is …

Michigan's Little River Band of Ottawa Indians is studying the feasibility of operating its own power utility. (Adobe Stock)

Michigan Native American Tribe to Study Building Own Power Utility

A Michigan Indian tribe has been awarded a $100,000 federal grant to study the possibility of creating its own power utility. The Little River Band …

Last year's federal Inflation Reduction Act expanded the tax credit for direct air-carbon capture by 360%. A new study questions whether state and federal governments should be subsidizing the approach to carbon removal. (Adobe Stock)

Ahead of Public Debate in ND, New Study Examines Carbon Capture

A series of public hearings will begin in March on a proposed pipeline project to bring underground storage of carbon dioxide to North Dakota…

Critics of the GTN XPress pipeline say it would create an additional 3.47 million metric tons of annual carbon emissions. (Diane/Adobe Stock)

Critics Ask Govs to Speak Out Against NW Pipeline Expansion

Environmental groups want West Coast governors to speak out against the expansion of a gas pipeline in the region. The Canadian company TC Energy is …

While New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu has previously questioned the scientific consensus on climate change, he has said a transition to renewable energy is a

NH Climate Activists Applaud 'Community Power' Movement

More Granite Staters are expected to get their electricity from renewable energy sources this spring, as so-called "community power" programs …

The long-term annual standard for particulate matter is 12 micrograms. Tennessee's 2023 State of Health report shows in 2018, the state's annual average was 8 micrograms per cubic meter of air, and therefore met the standard. (Yevgeniy/Adobe Stock)

Groups Demand EPA Get Tough on ‘Dangerous’ Soot Pollution

In Tennessee and across the country, advocacy groups for clean air are asking the Environmental Protection Agency to do more to protect public health …

Highways are hot spots for soot, producing fine particulate matter which has major effects on the health of those who live near interstates. (Adobe Stock)

Clean Air Groups: EPA Needs to Get Tougher on Soot

The federal government is gathering public feedback on proposed revisions to air-quality standards for soot pollution. Environmental voices in the …

Coal dust is one of several sources of soot, the fine particulate matter which has major effects on people's health. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Hears from Public, Clean Air Groups on 'Soot Standards'

The federal government is gathering public input on improving air-quality standards for soot. Environmental voices in the Midwest and elsewhere say …

The EPA says if its annual standard for fine particulate pollution is lowered to nine micrograms per cubic meter from its current standard of 12 micrograms, it would prevent up to 4,200 premature deaths per year. (Adobe Stock)

EPA 'Soot Rule' Faces Pressure from AZ Clean-Air Advocates

Arizona advocacy groups said a new federal standard proposed for soot pollution is a step in the right direction, but are urging the Environmental …

A record 16,836 megawatts of U.S. wind capacity was installed in 2020, bringing the cumulative total to 121,955 megawatts, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. (Adobe Stock)

IA Regulators Make WindPRIME Studies Public

Iowa utilities regulators have published previously undisclosed information on Des Moines-based energy giant MidAmerican Energy's proposal to construc…

Highways are hot spots for soot, fine particulate matter that has major effects on people's health. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Faces Mixed Response Over Tighter Standards for Soot

The federal government is gathering public feedback on proposed revisions to air-quality standards for soot, and environmental voices in Wisconsin …

Facilities manager Wes Davis at Turtle Mountain Community College is at work at his desk. A miniature wind turbine sits on its surface. (Photo by Jessica Plance/Homegrown Stories)

A Vision for Tribal Sovereignty Through Sustainable Energy

By Jessica Plance for Homegrown Stories via The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Prairie News Service for the Public News Service/Daily…

Blue hydrogen is produced mainly from natural gas, using a process called steam reforming, which brings together natural gas and heated water in the form of steam, and releases carbon dioxide as a byproduct, according to the National Grid Group.(Adobe Stock)

WV Ratepayers Could Foot the Bill for Proposed 'Blue' Hydrogen Hub

The federal government is on the verge of announcing which states will receive $2 billion to create "blue" hydrogen hubs, and West Virginia, along …

Elected Officials to Protect America estimates that it will cost 200 billion dollars over the next ten years to rebuild Ukraine's energy infrastructure once the war ends. (Misu/Adobestock)

Ukraine Clean-Energy Plan Emerges as War Starts Year 2

As the one-year anniversary of the Ukraine war approaches, climate activists are making plans to rebuild Ukraine with clean energy once the war is …

The 163 billion cubic feet of lost methane on public lands represents enough wasted natural gas to meet the needs of 2.2 million households; nearly as many households as New Mexico, North Dakota, Utah and Wyoming combined, studies show. (Adobe Stock)

Report: $500 Million Gas Lost at Oil and Gas Fields on Public Lands

Oil and gas operators waste a half billion dollars worth of natural gas on public lands every year, according to a new report. Chad Franke, …

Train cars containing hazardous chemicals burned after a Feb. 3 derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. (Jamie Cozza)<br /><br />

How Dangerous Was Ohio Chemical Train Derailment?

By Andrew J. Whelton for The Conversation.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Ohio News Connection for the Public News Service-Conversation …

Half Billion Dollars Worth of Natural Gas Lost Each Year on Public Lands

Oil and gas operators waste more than $500 million worth of natural gas on public lands every year, according to a new report. Chad Franke, …

Most voters in Arizona strongly support creating new protected national areas. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: AZ Voters Worried About Water, Support Cleaner Energy

The 13th annual 'Conservation in the West' poll shows Arizonans are seriously concerned about the state's water situation, and that they support …

The American Lung Association says Arizona could avoid more than 1,300 premature deaths and 38,500 asthma attacks through widespread implementation of zero-emission transportation. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Leaders Call for New Federal Clean-Car Standards

A coalition of Arizona leaders is asking the Environmental Protection Agency and President Joe Biden to pass the strongest possible clean-air vehicle …

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