Back

Director's Picks

8 States Move to Ban Utilities from Using Customer Money for Lobbying

Summary

Lawmakers in eight U.S. states, including California and Maryland, have introduced bills to prohibit utilities from using customer funds for lobbying, advertising, and political activities, according to the utility watchdog group Energy and Policy Institute. This move comes in response to concerns that households' monthly payments could be indirectly supporting lobbying efforts against climate policies. While federal law already prohibits utilities from recovering lobbying expenses from customers, state bills aim to strengthen these regulations. Several high-profile instances, such as Ohio utility company FirstEnergy misusing ratepayer funds for lobbying, have prompted consumer advocates to push for more robust enforcement. The bills emphasize transparency, requiring utilities to submit detailed annual reports on lobbying costs and imposing fines for non-compliance.

discover more

November 26, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change

COP29 approved controversial rules for international carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, enabling countries to trade emissions reductions. Critics argue the gui

December 25, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change

COP29 concluded in Baku with a contentious climate finance agreement that left many nations dissatisfied. The deal commits wealthy countries to lead efforts to triple climate aid

November 22, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled its "National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution," the third installment in its series to build a circular economy b

November 21, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

Extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change are causing extended power outages, leaving medically vulnerable individuals at severe risk. In Houston, Hurricane Beryl cause

November 21, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change

At COP29 in Baku, countries are advancing efforts to fund "loss and damage" payments, compensating low-income nations disproportionately affected by climate change. Cyclone Freddy

November 20, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

This article explores grassroots efforts to revitalize polluted lands across the U.S. by using innovative and community-driven remediation strategies. The Green Era Campus in Chic

November 20, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change

The U.S. Department of Energy finalized an agreement to allocate $1.2 billion for the development of a clean hydrogen hub in Houston, part of the Biden administration's initiative

November 20, 2024

The Center for Heat Resilient Communities (CHRC), as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, has opened applications for up to 10 communities to receive $10,000 and

November 20, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change

A new analysis by Climate Central reveals that human-caused climate change intensified all 11 Atlantic hurricanes of 2024, increasing wind speeds by 9 to 28 mph. This boost elevat

November 19, 2024
Human Health
Human Health

Nobel Laureate James Heckman highlights the high return on early childhood investments, estimating up to $17 for every $1 spent. Yet, 350 million children globally lack access to

November 19, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) completed a $1 billion initiative to retrofit affordable housing, making properties more energy-efficient and climate-re

November 15, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change

Activists from 40 countries gathered in Oaxaca, Mexico, for the Global Meeting for Climate and Life, or "anti-COP," as an alternative to COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Frustrated with

November 14, 2024

At COP29, the Biden administration announced plans to triple U.S. nuclear power capacity by 2050, aiming to add 200 gigawatts through large reactors and smaller modular facilities

November 13, 2024

Rice University's EcoStudio and R-STEM program received a $500,000 grant from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to expand its environmental justice edu

November 13, 2024
Human Health
Human Health

Betsy McCaughey outlines a five-point health policy agenda for President-elect Donald Trump. Key items include promoting healthy eating to combat chronic diseases, addressing inef