April 12, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
As preparations for COP29 ramp up, the debate over the financial commitments of wealthy nations to support developing countries in decarbonization and disaster recovery intensifie
Clean energy is taking over the Texas grid. State officials are trying to stop it.
Summary
Wind, solar, and nuclear energy contributed over 40% of the Texas' power in 2022. Texas wind turbines and solar panels have strong "complementarity," meaning deficiencies in one source are generally compensated by gains in another, smoothing electricity supply and lowering the demand for additional generators facilitating grid integration of intermittent energy sources. Since 2006, Texas coal has lost almost half its share. Cheap natural gas from hydraulic fracturing was outcompeting coal, and coal power stations had to modify their equipment to meet tighter mercury restrictions, rising electricity production costs. Wind and solar, with low construction prices, fast build periods, and no fuel costs, dominate Texas's freewheeling energy sector. However, some politicians are now seeking to shift the balance back toward fossil fuels. Texas lawmakers banned fossil fuel boycotters from doing business with the state's retirement and investment funds last year. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants additional funding for natural gas-fired electricity. Wind and solar power are expanding, but they are intermittent, so regulators want adequate dispatchable electricity like natural gas to ramp up on overcast days. A new credit structure would encourage more dispatchable plants to come online and save some failing generators, but power generation costs would rise.
April 12, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
The United States Department of Justice issued an amicus brief supporting claims from a Wisconsin tribe that Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline is trespassing on tribal lands.
April 12, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
The Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a key organization setting standards for corporate emissions reduction, is in turmoil following its decision to allow carbon offsets t
April 11, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
Grist’s examines President Biden’s ambitious environmental justice initiative, Justice40, aimed at directing 40 percent of certain federal climate and environmental
April 11, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
The Biden administration's allocation of $830 million in grants to fund 80 projects aimed at strengthening the nation's infrastructure against the impacts of climate change.
April 11, 2024
Energy Justice
Energy Justice
The importance of more than just financial support for Indigenous communities in transitioning to green energy.
April 8, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
a recent study suggesting that installing solar panels on nonresidential buildings like schools and stores could substantially reduce the energy equity gap in marginalized neighbo
April 7, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
Geothermal energy, long considered a niche player in the U.S. energy landscape, is now poised for significant growth thanks to a confluence of factors including technological adva
April 6, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
Walter Moorer and other residents of Chin Street in Africatown, Alabama, have long protested against the environmental hazards posed by the Hosea Weaver asphalt plant, which emits
April 5, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
The Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice released a comprehensive report unveiling the profound social inequities exacerbating environmental issues in New York City
April 5, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
A biomass and carbon capture project slated for California’s Central Valley came to an abrupt halt after San Joaquin Renewables withdrew federal and local permits under scrutiny f
April 5, 2024
Energy Justice
Energy Justice
The Biden-Harris Administration, as part of its ambitious climate agenda, announced a $20 billion investment in clean energy and climate solutions, aimed at reducing energy costs
April 4, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
The imminent groundbreaking of the largest urban solar farm in the United States, located in Houston's Sunnyside neighborhood.
April 3, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives investigated the link between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker
City of Houston is obligated to return at least $45 million in federal funding to the state after failing to fulfill its commitment to construct affordable housing.