September 28, 2023
Human Health
Human Health
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reports that around 490 million people in Africa live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $1.90 per day.
Monitor Claims New ERCOT Rules Raised Costs by $8 Billion
Summary
An analysis by the independent market monitor revealed that the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT)'s recent effort to ensure grid reliability may have artificially created a scarcity of power supply, resulting in an estimated $8 billion increase in wholesale power costs over just three months. ERCOT introduced the ERCOT Contingency Reserve Service (ECRS) in June to tap into power reserves that could quickly come online to stabilize the grid during peak demand and solar power fluctuations. However, this move appears to have led to excess costs, as ECRS power supply sat idle while real-time prices soared. The report highlights how the decision to double the amount of online reserves required by ERCOT has contributed to shortage pricing and challenges in managing grid congestion. While these costs may not immediately affect customers, they could eventually lead to higher electricity prices as fixed contracts expire.
September 28, 2023
Energy Justice
Energy Justice
The U.S. is witnessing significant shifts in policies impacting distributed solar projects, ranging from small residential installations to large-scale projects.
September 28, 2023
Energy Justice
Energy Justice
The Colorado Energy Office and the state Department of Local Affairs have received a $17.2 million federal grant to enhance the resilience and reliability.
September 27, 2023
Human Health
Human Health
The city of Houston has sanctioned $5 million to facilitate the voluntary relocation of residents residing near the Union Pacific Railroad site, a cancer-contaminated area.
September 27, 2023
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
Inside Climate News reports on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) initiative to address environmental justice by awarding $12 million in grants .
The New York Times, through J. David Goodman's reporting from Houston, discusses the significant impact of artificial shortages in the Texas electricity grid .
The Haystacks Community Solar Garden, located at the Grong Grong Solar Farm, offers a unique model allowing city residents to purchase "plots" in a regional solar farm.
September 25, 2023
Climate Change
Climate Change
Published on Grist, Paul Krantz delves into the environmental impact of tire pollution, a concern exacerbated by the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
September 24, 2023
Climate Change
Climate Change
Forbes contributor Silvio Marcacci discusses President Biden's launch of the American Climate Corps, drawing parallels with President Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation.
September 20, 2023
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
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Two new reports highlight the global impact of wildfire smoke on air quality. One study reveals that over two billion people worldwide were exposed to fire-related air pollution.
September 20, 2023
Human Health
Human Health
The article discusses the profound impact of location on health equity and environmental justice. It emphasizes that where people live significantly affects their health.
Research from UC Berkeley School of Public Health reveals that despite redlining, a discriminatory lending practice being outlawed since 1968, its legacy continues.
September 21, 2023
Environmental Racism
Environmental Racism
Brazil's supreme court has voted against a proposal to restrict Indigenous land rights, a decision hailed as a historic victory for the country's Indigenous communities.
September 21, 2023
Energy Justice
Energy Justice
The article discusses the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on community solar programs in the United States one year after its passage.
September 21, 2023
Civil Rights & Human Rights
Civil Rights & Human Rights
The Biden Administration is allocating $1 billion in grants to address "environmental injustice" by planting trees in urban areas predominantly inhabited by minorities .