July 2, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
The Supreme Court let stand a $14.25 million penalty against ExxonMobil for over 16,000 Clean Air Act violations at its Baytown plant...
As Texas’ Energy Demand Soars, a Pilot Program Looks to Bolster Grid with “Virtual Power Plants” Fueled by People’s Homes
Summary
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.
July 1, 2025
Climate
Climate
Recent Supreme Court rulings have weakened federal agency powers and funding, enabling the Trump administration to bypass environmental oversight...
June 27, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change
Disputes over climate finance and fossil fuel phaseout stalled progress at the Bonn climate summit, threatening preparations for COP30 in Brazil.
June 25, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change
Texas A&M researchers determined that climate change raised wholesale electricity prices in Texas by 20% during the summers of 2023 and 2024...
June 24, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change
Scientists warn that extreme heat exacerbates air pollution, increasing health risks, especially in marginalized communities, as climate change intensifies...
June 18, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
A federal judge deemed EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's halt of $600M in environmental justice grants illegal, stating it defied Congress’ appropriations...
June 4, 2025
Environmental
Environmental
Health officials in Texas warn that rising temperatures and recent storms have created ideal conditions for mosquito proliferation, increasing the risk of diseases...
June 2, 2025
Legal & Legislation
Legal & Legislation
The Supreme Court's ruling in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County limits environmental litigation by emphasizing agency discretion under NEPA...
May 30, 2025
Legal & Legislation
Legal & Legislation
The Supreme Court unanimously restricted federal environmental reviews under NEPA to direct project impacts, easing infrastructure approvals...
May 29, 2025
Energy
Energy
Over $14 billion in U.S. clean energy projects have been canceled in 2025 due to President Trump’s rollback of climate policies, stalling industry momentum...
May 23, 2025
Climate
Climate
Zillow's analysis reveals minority homeowners, especially Black and Hispanic, face significantly higher climate risks—such as extreme heat...
May 19, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore $176 million in environmental grants cut from nonprofits and municipalities, ruling the executive branch...
May 19, 2025
Environmental
Environmental
Texas lawmakers are advancing a bill to shield oil companies from liability when treated fracking water is reused, aiming to boost water supplies amid drought
May 19, 2025
Climate
Climate
Africa has launched a continent-wide space agency to coordinate national efforts, improve climate data collection, and enhance resilience to extreme weather...
May 15, 2025
Environmental
Environmental
An internal FEMA review reveals critical readiness gaps just weeks before hurricane season, while a Rice University study shows only 8% of Houstonians feel prepared...