Back

Director's Picks

Utilities Seize Control of the Coming Boom in Transmission Lines

Summary

Disagreement exists in the US energy sector over whether local utilities should be the first priority for building new transmission lines. Utilities companies have persuaded legislatures in 12 states to grant them "right of first refusal" (ROFR) to build transmission lines. But other industry stakeholders believe this will lead to higher costs and slow the move towards renewable energy. The spread of state laws granting ROFR is no coincidence, as large utilities operate in many states and want to reap the income from an expected boom in transmission projects.

discover more

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

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

April 3, 2024
Civil Rights & Human Rights
Civil Rights & Human Rights

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.