July 25, 2025
Climate
Climate
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
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 24, 2025
Climate Justice
Climate Justice
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...
July 23, 2025
Education
Education
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...
July 23, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
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...
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Legal & Legislation
Legal & Legislation
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Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
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Climate
Climate
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Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
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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.
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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...
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Climate Change
Climate Change
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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
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Legal & Legislation
Legal & Legislation
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