Environmental racism remains a pressing issue in the United States, highlighted by a series of modern-day examples that underscore systemic inequalities.
Minnesota Reboots Community Solar Program with New Focus on Lower-Income Residents
Minnesota's community solar program, one of the oldest and largest in the U.S., is undergoing significant changes with a new state law aiming to enhance equity and residential participation. Launched in 2013, the program has seen over 800 megawatts of solar capacity development. The recent legislation shifts program management to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, addressing concerns about bias in administration by utility Xcel Energy. Developers can now build larger projects with fewer geographic restrictions, up to 5 megawatts, and subscriber requirements mandate 30% low- or moderate-income participants. While some anticipate a slow start under the new rules, developers generally support the shift, emphasizing improved alignment with the original community solar concept, allowing broader access to clean energy and financial benefits. The changes also include annual caps, introducing uncertainty for developers amid potential regulatory hurdles.
A lawsuit filed by a coalition of advocates and inmates against the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) over extreme temperatures in state prisons
President Joe Biden has announced the opening of applications for the American Climate Corps, aiming to enlist 20,000 individuals in its inaugural year.
Reuters reports that the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will announce its plan on May 13 to expedite the development of long-distance transmission lines to accom
Over $300 million is being directed towards addressing the migrant crisis while longstanding issues of poverty in their communities have been overlooked for decades.
Newsweek reports that the National Weather Service (NWS) Climate Prediction Center forecasts a months-long drought in western Texas, exacerbating concerns about water scarcity.
The activism of Black-led environmental organizations, such as Outdoor Afro and Justice Outside, in combating environmental racism and advocating for marginalized communities
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has granted Houston an extension to utilize or reimburse $5.7 billion earmarked for Hurricane Harvey housing recovery
Efforts by the Texas Land Office and Houston City Council to locate 900 households owed relocation assistance due to the buyout of four low-income housing complexes following Hurr
A new study published in Nature revealing that climate change-induced extreme weather events could lead to a substantial reduction of approximately 19% in global income by 2050.
Daji Aswad reports on the launch of a pollution tracker by Lone Star Legal Aid, enabling Houston residents to report environmental issues directly.
FEMA's enforcement of the 50 percent rule, which mandates the rebuilding of flood-damaged homes above flood level, has sparked controversy in Lee County, Florida.
Yahoo Finance, delves into the natural gas surplus gripping the US, particularly in Texas.
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
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.