In 2024, Houston has experienced 116 unauthorized air pollution events, with nearly half related to flaring from industrial facilities. These events, occurring every 2.5 days
ERCOT issues conservation request amid high outages of natural gas, coal plants
Amid an intense heatwave, natural gas and coal power plants in Texas are struggling to meet the high demand for electricity. Multiple plant shutdowns, coupled with reduced wind power generation, have led the Electricity Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to issue its eighth conservation request in two weeks. ERCOT called on consumers to conserve electricity use during the evening hours when demand was expected to exceed supply. The reliance on natural gas and coal plants has become crucial, especially during the evening period when solar power generation decreases. However, these plants have experienced unexpected outages, possibly due to the strain on older infrastructure from months of high-demand operation. Wind power generation, which is typically lower in August, has also contributed to the challenge. ERCOT is closely monitoring the situation and initiating conservation measures to prevent emergency operations if possible.
Hurricane Milton struck Florida just two weeks after Hurricane Helene, exacerbating the state's recovery efforts. Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm, causing widespread
A new study from Princeton University advocates for coal plant retirement strategies that prioritize climate and environmental equity, rather than just minimizing costs.
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