Energy Policy / Public News Service

An increase in average global temperatures above 1.5 degrees Celsius risks sea-level rise, extreme weather and the loss of species and habitats, as well as food scarcity and increasing poverty for millions of people worldwide, according to ClientEarth. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Montana Rolls Back Environmental Protections

Montana's environmental advocates are criticizing Gov. Greg Gianforte for signing a bill they said will allow the state to ignore the impacts of …

Last year Xcel Energy posted over $8.3 billion dollars in gross profits, with Colorado contributing more to Xcel's earnings than its other subsidiaries. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Wednesday Hearing on Xcel Energy Rate Increase Request Open to Public

On Wednesday, Xcel Energy customers will have a chance to tell the Colorado Public Utilities Commission what they think about the company's request - …

In New York, the Inflation Reduction Act has helped grow manufacturing and jobs for numerous forms of clean energy. But the White House predicts a default would raise interest rates and lead to higher prices for these projects. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

U.S. Debt Default Would Impact NY Clean-Energy Investments

The looming U.S. debt default could affect a host of programs across the country - and in New York, the list includes clean-energy investments…

$By 2025, estimated health damages caused by methane leakage during fracking would cost $13-29 billion each year, according to the consulting firm Seed Scientific. (Adobe Stock)<br />$

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Dangers of Fracking Wastewater Put Spotlight on 'Halliburton Loophole'

A law known as the "Halliburton Loophole" is under growing scrutiny. It exempts oil and gas companies from revealing the chemicals they use in the …

One of the tax credits offered under the Inflation Reduction Act is a home energy audit, where property owners can find out if their home is wasting energy. (Adobe Stock)

With Emerging Incentives, Clean Energy No Longer a VIP Club

Clean-energy products, such as electric vehicles or home heat pump systems, might seem out of reach for a lot of people. But with federal incentives …

Oil and gas leasing are currently allowed on 90% of publicly-owned lands managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. (Adobe Stock)

BLM Seeks Coloradans' Input on New Public-Lands Rule Aiming for Balance

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management is holding a public hearing today in Denver on its new rule, which aims to put conservation, protection of …

Advocates say the EPA's proposed carbon pollution standards would avert approximately 1,300 premature deaths. (Ralf Broskvar/Adobe Stock)

AZ Leaders Urge Strong Standards to Cut Climate Pollution from Power Plants

Arizona leaders gathered Tuesday in support of the Biden administration's proposed plans to cut climate pollution from fossil-fuel power plants to tac…

Community solar projects can make solar energy accessible to residents who may not be able to install solar panels on their own home, according to the National Association of Home Builders. (Adobe Stock)<br />

In WV, Community Solar Gains Popularity Amid Rising Utility Bills

Amid rising energy costs and inflation, energy advocates said they have seen a jump in interest in community solar. Luanne McGovern, legislative …

In addition to shielding waterways from harmful sources, a new Minnesota environmental spending bill includes funding for planting trees and other efforts to accelerate carbon sequestration. (Adobe Stock)

MN Goes Big on Committing Funds to Protect Natural Resources

From protecting and studying waterways to addressing chronic wasting disease, conservation voices say there are a lot of important items in …

According to the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, there are currently more than 1,500 approved drilling permits that have not started production. (Adobe Stock)

Coalition Turns to CO Voters to Phase Out Fracking Permits

A coalition of grassroots groups is turning to Colorado voters in an effort to phase out all new oil and gas leases by 2030. Kate Christensen - an …

In a Pew Research Center survey, 57% of Americans cited reducing the budget deficit as a top priority for the president and Congress to address this year. That's up from 45% a year ago. (Adobe Stock)

MA Activists Urge Congress to Raise Debt Ceiling, Resist Spending Cuts

Local activists will rally in Boston Common tomorrow to urge Congress to lift the debt ceiling without cuts to social programs in return. President …

The EPA admits its new standards for air pollution at power plants could bring small increases in utility bills, but projects the plan would bring a total of $85 billion in climate and health savings. (Adobe Stock)

New EPA Standards Seen as Attack on Coal-Fired Power Plants

The Environmental Protection Agency's proposal to cut pollution from power plants not already set to retire by 90% by 2030 is the most ambitious in ov…

The lower Snake River dams are aging, reducing their usefulness especially in energy production. (Samir Arora/Adobe Stock)

Historic Step Forward for Snake River Dam Replacement in WA Budget

Funding in Washington state's budget is pushing efforts forward to remove four lower Snake River dams in order to save salmon. Lawmakers committed …

A new report predicts up to 639 premature deaths from respiratory illnesses would be prevented in Pennsylvania due to emission reductions resulting directly from participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. (Erik Bergen Photos/Adobe Stock)

New Report: Impact for PA to Join Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

A new report analyzed the potential impact of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative on Pennsylvania emissions, power generation, revenue, and jobs…

According to the EPA, the proposals would reduce oil imports by approximately 20 billion barrels. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed EPA Rule Could Mean More Electric Cars on NV Roads

The Environmental Protection Agency announced last month new and more stringent vehicle-emission standards which some say could significantly help red…

A new EPA report states climate change can increase children's pollen exposures as seasons lengthen and temperatures warm. (WavebreakMediaMicro/AdobeStock)

Report Links EPA Climate Change, Children’s Health and Well-Being in TN

In Tennessee and across the country, children's growing and developing bodies are uniquely vulnerable to climate change, according to a new report …

Pollution flows from mines in Canada's Elk River Valley to the Kootenai River, which runs through Montana and Idaho. (JOAN/Adobe Stock)

Canadian Coal Mine Pollution Threatens North ID River

Pollution from Canadian mines is endangering one of Idaho's largest rivers. Selenium and other pollutants from coal mines across the northern …

The Cumberland Fossil Plant is the largest generating asset in the TVA coal fleet and is located in Stewart County, Tennessee. It powers approximately 1.1 million homes. (David/AdobeStock)

TN Groups Call To Action for TVA Pivot To Clean Energy

Environmental groups in Tennessee have an urgent call to action for the Tennessee Valley Authority to cut fossil-fuel emissions and replace their coal…

Canada-based Enbridge Inc. operates Line 5, an oil pipeline that stretches 645 miles from Superior, Wisconsin, to Sarnia, Ontario. (Adobe Stock)

New Court Fight Emerges Over WI Oil Pipeline

A court hearing is scheduled for this week as environmental and tribal advocates continue to voice concerns about an oil and gas pipeline that runs ac…

According to Consumer Reports, 71% of Americans express some level of interest in buying or leasing an all-electric car. (Adobe Stock)

New EPA Rule Could Mean 2 out of 3 Cars is Electric by 2032

The Environmental Protection Agency announced last month new and more stringent vehicle emission standards, which some say could significantly help …

The American Geosciences Institute says the enormous size of the oil and gas industry results in huge volumes of oil and produced water, which lead to thousands of spills every year. (Photo courtesy of WildEarth Guardians)

NM Environmentalists: New Rules, Same Spills at State's Oilfields

Environmentalists and citizens in New Mexico believe the state agency charged with overseeing oil and gas activity is not doing enough to enforce rule…

Signs someone could be having a stroke and needs immediate emergency care include loss of speech, vision or the inability to move their arms or legs or maintain balance. (Adobe Stock)

National Stroke Awareness Month Spotlights Environmental Factors

Cardiovascular diseases are the world's leading cause of disability and death, and are responsible for nearly a million deaths each year in the U.S.…

The Scattergood Generating Station's iconic red-and-white emissions stacks will be obsolete when it adds a hydrogen-burning unit in 2029. (Caleigh Wells)

LA’s Controversial Plan to Switch Gas Plant to Hydrogen

By Caleigh Wells for KCRW.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News S…

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office is researching the opportunities and tradeoffs of agrivoltaics. (Adobe Stock)

Battle Heats Up Over Iowa Solar-Project Sites

Supervisors in Tama County this week are considering an ordinance to limit the size of solar installations on farmland, to generate no more than 25 …

School districts have until Aug. 22 to turn in their applications for this year's Clean School Bus Program. (Moms Clean Air Force)

AZ School District Sees Benefits of Electric Buses, More Funds On Way

This week, one Arizona school district is sharing the local benefits ushered in by the Inflation Reduction Act. Isaac School District in West …

A solar-plus-storage system costs $25,000 to $35,000, depending on the battery size and other factors, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, but just adding a battery to a solar system will cost anywhere from $12,000 to $22,000. (Adobe Stock)

NH Battery-Storage Program Lowers Energy Costs, Emissions

By Sarah Shemkus for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for New Hampshire News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism …

A federal appeals court in April tossed out a ban by the City of Berkeley, California, on gas hookups in new buildings. It followed a lawsuit paid for by one of the nation's largest gas utilities. (Adobe Stock)

NY Bans Use of Natural Gas, Fossil Fuels in New Buildings

The state of New York has passed a first-in-the-nation law banning the use of natural gas and other fossil fuel-powered systems in new buildings…

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Indiana ranks third in the nation for total coal consumption. (James Phelps, Jr./Adobe Stock)

Indiana Governor Ignores Environmental Group's Plea

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb ignored pleas from environmental advocates who were asking him to veto a bill that gives lawmakers more power over state …

According to a Brigham Young University report, 85% of the pollutants causing health and economic harm in Utah are fossil-fuel combustion products. (Adobe Stock)

Young Utahns Suing State, Calling for Climate Action

By Ray Levy Uyeda for Prism.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Utah News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News Ser…

Wind energy makes up about 14% of the electricity generated in the state. (Danita Delimont/Adobe Stock)

Report Provides Guidelines for Siting Renewables Responsibly in OR

Oregon needs more renewable energy but also should be aware of where it sites new projects. A new report provided guidelines for choosing the best …

The fossil fuel industry successfully lobbied Congress to add billions of dollars for carbon capture technologies in the recently passed Infrastructure and Jobs Act, and Inflation Reduction Act. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Unproven Tech Could Stall Action on Climate Change

Some 45 environmental groups across Colorado are sounding the alarm about a host of emerging technologies that have been attached to legislation aimin…

Researchers in North Dakota say they've been able to examine the structures of two decommissioned wind blades in different conditions. Inside, they found materials such as thick layers of Fiberglas and balsa wood or foam, sandwiched between thin layers of Fiberglas. (Photo courtesy of EERC)

Recycling Renewables: Giving New Life to Wind, Solar Energy Parts

As Earth Month wraps up, more attention is being given to how to make use of wind and solar components at the end of their useful lives - and it …

According to an industry group, renewables account for 81% of all new power generating capacity built in Minnesota in the last decade. (Adobe Stock)

Report: MN's Clean-Energy Transition Gains Stronger Foothold

For a third year in a row, zero-carbon sources accounted for the majority of electricity generated in Minnesota, according to the latest edition of …

Nationally, more than one in three Americans live in counties that had unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution. (Adobe Stock)

State of the Air Report Shows Mixed Results for Air Quality in Maryland

A new report found a mix of good and bad findings for air quality in Maryland. The American Lung Association recently released its annual State of …

Three-fourths of the coal consumed in Pennsylvania is burned for electricity generation, and the rest is used for steelmaking and other industrial applications. (Gary/AdobeStock)

Report: 'Green Steel' Would Reduce Carbon Emissions, Add Jobs

A new report reveals that the Keystone State steel industry has the potential to reduce or eliminate carbon emissions by making a switch to "green ste…

In 2022, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a $500 million investment in offshore wind to provide cleaner energy, part of a goal to have 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind developed by 2035. (Adobe Stock)

NY/NJ Elected Officials Celebrate Offshore Wind During Earth Month

Throughout Earth Month, elected officials across the U.S. are celebrating renewable energy projects. In New York, several wind, solar and …

Between July 2022 and February 2023 Xcel Energy spent $296,000 lobbying Colorado lawmakers, the state's top spender. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Lawmakers Take on High Utility Bills

Colorado lawmakers have advanced legislation aimed at addressing a growing chorus of concerns about spikes in utility bills by reducing the state's de…

This year, Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 507 into law, which approves licenses for companies seeking to extract natural resources from state lands. (Adobe Stock)

OH Groups Want More Public Feedback on Leasing State Lands for Oil, Gas

Residents and environmental groups say they're concerned about public notice and comment processes for leasing state lands for oil and gas extraction…

Electric-car sales reached a record high in 2021, despite supply chain bottlenecks and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Compared with 2020, sales nearly doubled to 6.6 million, according to the International Energy Agency. (Adobe Stock)

Experts School IA Emergency Responders on EV Car Crashes

With more electric vehicles on the road, automakers are training emergency workers in best practices to respond to crashes involving the battery-…

Utilities behind the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center in Wisconsin hope to be in operation by 2027. (Rendering courtesy of Minnesota Power)

Following Energy Trends, WI Regulators Urged to Reconsider Gas Plant

Wisconsin regulators are being asked to take another look at previously approved plans for a proposed natural gas plant. An environmental group …

According to the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining, the state has plugged more than 100 wells. (Susan Vineyard/Adobe Stock)

Group Urges Action to Plug Orphaned UT Oil Wells

Congress allocated billions of dollars through the infrastructure law to plug orphaned well sites across the country, with Utah being one of the …

A federal grant will help Western Wyoming Community College meet the demand for a projected 1,500 local health-care workers in the region over the next ten years. (Adobe Stock)

College in WY Wins $3 Million Grant to Expand Health-Care Worker Pipeline

Western Wyoming Community College has won a competitive $3 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration's task force charged with …

Planting trees, updating streetlights to LED bulbs and installing

Initiative Helps Hoosiers Get Environmental Resilience Funding

A funding hub has launched in Indiana, designed to help small communities pursue federal funding for climate, energy and resilience projects…

In the past two years, the federal government has adopted two major laws to provide states billions of dollars to beef up infrastructure, including clean energy. But there are strings attached, as states must provide matching funds to maximize available grants. (Adobe Stock)

MN Joins 'Matching-Funds Game' for Clean-Energy Projects

Minnesota has taken a big step in unlocking more funds from Congress to secure clean energy projects. The state was under pressure to come up with …

The group Elected Officials to Protect America estimated funding included in the Inflation Reduction Act will help cut climate pollution by about 40% by 2030. (David Katz/Adobe Stock)

Earth Day in NV: 'Don't Give In to Climate Despair'

Tomorrow is Earth Day, a day to show support for protecting the planet, and one Nevada lawmaker wants Nevadans to give some thought to actions they …

Along with a goal to achieve 70% renewable energy by 2030, New York State is also aiming to have 100% zero emission electricity by 2040, a 40% reduction in statewide greenhouse-gas emissions from 1990 by 2030 which will be upped to 85% in 2040, and net-zero emissions by 2050. (Adobe Stock)

NY Renewable-Energy Projects Coming to Fruition

During Earth Week, several projects in New York to boost energy efficiency have been completed. These projects, which consist of wind, solar and …

Last year Xcel Energy posted more than $8.3 billion in gross profits. (Adobe Stock)

Public Comments Sought for Xcel Energy’s Most Recent Rate Hikes

Coloradans can now submit comments on Xcel Energy's proposal to increase base rates for electricity. Bill Levis, an AARP Colorado volunteer and …

One of Pittsburgh's building efficiency goals is to reduce energy and water consumption by 50% by 2030, according to the city's Climate Action Plan. (Checubus/Adobe Stock)

Pittsburgh Plans for Climate Goal with Priority-Based Budgeting

By Claire Elise Thompson for Grist.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Keystone State News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Netwo…

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Energy Policy

Montana Rolls Back Environmental Protections

Wednesday Hearing on Xcel Energy Rate Increase Request Open to Public

U.S. Debt Default Would Impact NY Clean-Energy Investments

Dangers of Fracking Wastewater Put Spotlight on 'Halliburton Loophole'

With Emerging Incentives, Clean Energy No Longer a VIP Club

BLM Seeks Coloradans' Input on New Public-Lands Rule Aiming for Balance

AZ Leaders Urge Strong Standards to Cut Climate Pollution from Power Plants

In WV, Community Solar Gains Popularity Amid Rising Utility Bills

MN Goes Big on Committing Funds to Protect Natural Resources

Coalition Turns to CO Voters to Phase Out Fracking Permits

MA Activists Urge Congress to Raise Debt Ceiling, Resist Spending Cuts

New EPA Standards Seen as Attack on Coal-Fired Power Plants

Historic Step Forward for Snake River Dam Replacement in WA Budget

New Report: Impact for PA to Join Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

Proposed EPA Rule Could Mean More Electric Cars on NV Roads

Report Links EPA Climate Change, Children’s Health and Well-Being in TN

Canadian Coal Mine Pollution Threatens North ID River

TN Groups Call To Action for TVA Pivot To Clean Energy

New Court Fight Emerges Over WI Oil Pipeline

New EPA Rule Could Mean 2 out of 3 Cars is Electric by 2032

NM Environmentalists: New Rules, Same Spills at State's Oilfields

National Stroke Awareness Month Spotlights Environmental Factors

LA’s Controversial Plan to Switch Gas Plant to Hydrogen

Battle Heats Up Over Iowa Solar-Project Sites

AZ School District Sees Benefits of Electric Buses, More Funds On Way

NH Battery-Storage Program Lowers Energy Costs, Emissions

NY Bans Use of Natural Gas, Fossil Fuels in New Buildings

Indiana Governor Ignores Environmental Group's Plea

Young Utahns Suing State, Calling for Climate Action

Report Provides Guidelines for Siting Renewables Responsibly in OR

Report: Unproven Tech Could Stall Action on Climate Change

Recycling Renewables: Giving New Life to Wind, Solar Energy Parts

Report: MN's Clean-Energy Transition Gains Stronger Foothold

State of the Air Report Shows Mixed Results for Air Quality in Maryland

Report: 'Green Steel' Would Reduce Carbon Emissions, Add Jobs

NY/NJ Elected Officials Celebrate Offshore Wind During Earth Month

Colorado Lawmakers Take on High Utility Bills

OH Groups Want More Public Feedback on Leasing State Lands for Oil, Gas

Experts School IA Emergency Responders on EV Car Crashes

Following Energy Trends, WI Regulators Urged to Reconsider Gas Plant

Group Urges Action to Plug Orphaned UT Oil Wells

College in WY Wins $3 Million Grant to Expand Health-Care Worker Pipeline

Initiative Helps Hoosiers Get Environmental Resilience Funding

MN Joins 'Matching-Funds Game' for Clean-Energy Projects

Earth Day in NV: 'Don't Give In to Climate Despair'

NY Renewable-Energy Projects Coming to Fruition

Public Comments Sought for Xcel Energy’s Most Recent Rate Hikes

Pittsburgh Plans for Climate Goal with Priority-Based Budgeting