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
Leveling the (Green) Playing Field
Summary
The White House now has $370 billion at its disposal as a result of the Inflation Reduction Act. How and to whom the government distributes that money will show its commitment to environmental justice. The administration will allocate 40% of federal climate budget "benefits" to underprivileged communities, but two issues arise. First, government funding applications are lengthy, which can disadvantage a municipal mayor who desperately needs the money or a community organization that can not afford a professional to fill out the documentation. Second, determining beneficiaries is difficult. Could a largely white suburb request for assistance and claim 40% of the benefits will go to a neighboring, predominantly Black city? The E.P.A. expects the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund would bring renewable energy and transportation development to underserved communities, but will the agency establish a "green bank"? Or could it use local green banks that fund renewable energy projects? Or community development financial organizations, which often finance homes in low-income areas of color? By mid-February, the agency should settle on a strategy.
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.