Ben Jealous was placed on leave by the Sierra Club amid widespread internal dissent over his leadership, with staff citing failed vision, contentious layoffs...
As Texas’ Energy Demand Soars, a Pilot Program Looks to Bolster Grid with “Virtual Power Plants” Fueled by People’s Homes

As Texas faces surging electricity demand, a new pilot program is exploring the use of “virtual power plants” (VPPs) to help stabilize the grid. These VPPs aggregate energy from residential solar panels, battery storage systems, and smart thermostats, allowing homeowners to send power back to the grid and receive credits on their bills. The Bandera Electric Cooperative, in partnership with Tesla, is among the early participants in this initiative. Currently, 34 homes in Bandera contribute 0.5 megawatts to the grid, with larger-scale implementations across the state already providing 25.5 megawatts. With demand expected to nearly double by 2030 due to population growth and extreme weather, state regulators are examining ways to expand VPPs as a reliable energy source. Proponents argue this decentralized energy model can reduce the need for costly new power plants, while critics warn that incentives for residential participation remain limited.
The UN's International Court of Justice declared climate change a human rights issue, advising that nations must act or risk reparations, influencing global litigation...
The Trump administration has targeted over 4,000 federal grants worth up to $8.2 billion for termination across 600+ U.S. colleges, disproportionately affecting public...
The USDA under the Trump administration has eliminated the term “socially disadvantaged” from its policies, ending race- and gender-based support programs for minority farmers...
President Trump's elimination of federal DEI programs has halted essential USDA funding to East Texas Black farmers, further endangering their livelihoods amid decades...
Residents in the Shiloh Community have fought for years to remedy excessive storm water runoff caused by an elevated highway. Now they’re suing.
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The Supreme Court let stand a $14.25 million penalty against ExxonMobil for over 16,000 Clean Air Act violations at its Baytown plant...
Recent Supreme Court rulings have weakened federal agency powers and funding, enabling the Trump administration to bypass environmental oversight...
Disputes over climate finance and fossil fuel phaseout stalled progress at the Bonn climate summit, threatening preparations for COP30 in Brazil.
Texas A&M researchers determined that climate change raised wholesale electricity prices in Texas by 20% during the summers of 2023 and 2024...
Scientists warn that extreme heat exacerbates air pollution, increasing health risks, especially in marginalized communities, as climate change intensifies...
A federal judge deemed EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's halt of $600M in environmental justice grants illegal, stating it defied Congress’ appropriations...
Health officials in Texas warn that rising temperatures and recent storms have created ideal conditions for mosquito proliferation, increasing the risk of diseases...
The Supreme Court's ruling in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County limits environmental litigation by emphasizing agency discretion under NEPA...