Energy Policy / Public News Service

BP's refinery in Whiting, IN covers 1,400 acres in northwestern Indiana, just a few miles from the Chicago loop. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

BP, Feds Reach Settlement over Pollution from NW Indiana Refinery

WHITING, Ind. -- International oil-and-gas producer BP will pay more than $500,000 to the federal government as part of a legal settlement over air …

Oil and natural-gas production is the largest industrial source of methane pollution in the country. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Pennsylvanians Make Voices Heard During EPA Methane-Rule Hearing

PITTSBURGH -- Pennsylvanians were overwhelmingly present during three days of virtual public testimony to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) la…

An estimated 5,500 miles of Pennsylvania streams have been polluted as a result of abandoned-mine drainage, according to the state Department of Community and Economic Development. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 6, 2021

Infrastructure Mine-Reclamation Funds Promising for PA

ASHLEY, Pa. -- The trillion-dollar infrastructure bill passed by Congress last month includes $11.3 billion for abandoned-mine reclamation and …

New Mexico and Colorado are considered leaders among states trying to curb air pollution from oil fields. (blogs.edf.org)

EPA Concludes Public Hearings on New Methane Rules

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- People who live on the Navajo Nation near the San Juan Basin are closely following work by the Environmental Protection Agency (…

Indigenous people in Peru demonstrate against oil drilling in 2013. (Amazon Watch)

Report: Half of Oil from the Amazon Processed in California

LOS ANGELES -- California-based facilities are refining half of all the oil drilled in the Amazon rain forests, according to a new report by the …

Hastings-on-Hudson is currently the highest-ranking town in New York State's Climate Smart Communities program. (Adobe Stock)

NY Small Towns See Opportunity to Address Climate Change Locally

HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. -- One of the major takeaways from last month's big climate conference in Scotland is, all levels of government need to …

According to a poll conducted earlier this year by Colorado College, 78% of Coloradans say that oil and gas development on national public lands should be stopped or strictly limited. (Adobe Stock)

Report Underscores Need for Oil, Gas Leasing Reforms

DENVER -- President Joe Biden's Build Back Better Act includes reforms for oil and gas production on public lands first introduced by the Reagan admin…

There are hundreds of natural-gas processing facilities in the nation, and more than half of these plants would meet the Toxics Release Inventory's chemical reporting thresholds for 21 different toxic chemicals, according to the EPA. (Adobe Stock)

New EPA Rules: Natural-Gas Facilities to Show Air-Pollution Data

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Natural-gas processing plants in West Virginia and around the country will soon have to start publicly reporting the chemicals …

The Texas counties of Pecos, Nacagdoches and Hutchinson have the highest numbers of "orphan wells," according to data compiled by Native State Environmental. (nativestateenvironmental.org)

Conservatives Seek Reforms for "Orphan Wells" on Public Lands

AUSTIN, Texas -- The Build Back Better Act making its way through Congress includes reforms for oil and gas production on public lands first …

Methane emissions have been linked to negative health outcomes, such as headaches, nausea, memory loss and other issues. (Denys Prykhodov/Adobe Stock)

Methane-Detection Vehicles to Help Utility Prevent Leaks

LANSING, Mich. -- A public utility in Michigan is launching a pilot program to reduce its methane emissions. Consumers Energy has what it calls the …

Oil and gas companies dispose of liquid waste in injection wells. (eleonimages/Adobe Stock)

Groups Say Ohio Needs to Strengthen Rules for Oil and Gas Waste

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Groups say new draft rules proposed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) do not go far enough to properly regulate …

Around 32% of Americans plan to travel for Thanksgiving this year, a decline from 35% last year, according to a recent survey from GasBuddy. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Around 32% of Americans plan to travel for Thanksgiving this year, a decline from 35% last year, according to a recent survey from GasBuddy. (Adobe Stock)

Gas-Powered WV Drivers Pinched at the Pump This Thanksgiving

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - West Virginia gas prices continue to climb, and experts say drivers can expect to shell out more money for gas through next year…

Experts estimate the Gulf of Mexico lost between 4 billion and 8 billion oysters due to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and loss of reproduction in ensuing years. Places like Suwannee Sound in Florida and other Gulf states are tapping settlement money to help populations rebound. (macayran/Pixabay)

Settlement Funds from Oil Spill to Help Restore FL Oyster Reefs

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Storm damage, pollution and other factors - some related to climate change - are reducing the oyster population. But settlement …

Beginning in 2024, manufacturers must increase their zero-emission truck sales to between 30% and 50% by 2030. (Renew Oregon)

Front-Line Communities Applaud OR "Clean Truck" Rules

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Communities on the front lines of climate change are expected to benefit most from new rules in Oregon to move the state toward …

The Tesla Gigafactory, where the Megapack was designed, is in Nevada. (Smnt/Wikimedia Commons)

Nez Perce Tribe First in ID to Receive Tesla's Large-Scale Solar Battery

BOISE, Idaho -- Idaho's first large-scale solar battery from Tesla has been installed by the Nez Perce Tribe. The Tesla Megapack is about the size …

In 2020, the residential sector used 3.66 trillion Kilowatt hours of electricity, making up 96% of U.S. total electricity sales, according to data from the University of Michigan's Center for Sustainable Systems. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Biden’s Build Back Better Act Could Help Consumers Save on Energy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Energy experts say the expanded rebates and tax credits proposed in President Joe Biden's Build Back Better Act could …

Between 2010 and 2019, taxpayers lost out on $12.4 billion in revenue from drilling on public lands. (Adobe Stock)

Conservatives Call for Oil and Gas Reforms on Public Lands

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- The Build Back Better Act making its way through Congress includes reforms for oil and gas production on public lands first …

Gas bills in Indianapolis are expected to be on average $10 more per month this winter compared with last year. (fizkes/Adobe Stock)

Hoosier Households Urged to Apply for Heating Assistance

INDIANAPOLIS - As cold weather moves in, state agencies are working to make sure Hoosier households know how to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy …

The Build Back Better Act includes rebates for solar installations. (Studio Harmony/Adobe Stock)

Mainers Spotlight Urgency of Build Back Better to Curb Climate Change

AUGUSTA, Maine - With the Build Back Better Act expected to see a vote in the U.S. House this week, some Mainers are reminding their elected …

If you find your rates for a third-party utility provider is skyrocketing, AARP Maryland recommends canceling it and turning to regulated utility suppliers. (Adobe stock)<br /> — If you find your rates for a third-party utility provider is skyrocketing, AARP Maryland recommends canceling it and turning to regulated utility suppliers. (Adobe stock)

New Tool Helps Monitor MD Third-Party Utility Bills

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - About 60 million American households get their energy from third-party suppliers, and a new online toolkit helps these consumers …

Collapse of the 90-year-old Lake Dunlap Dam spillway in 2019 because of aging structural steel highlighted infrastructure needs in Texas. (Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority)

U.S. Infrastructure Bill Signed, 'Build Back Better Act' on Deck

AUSTIN, Texas -- With the massive infrastructure bill now signed into law by President Joe Biden, environmental advocates are keeping the pressure on …

The Four Corners Power Plant, built in 1962, is one of the largest coal-fired generating stations in the U.S. (serc.carleton.edu)

NM Utility Provider Under Fire Over Aging Power-Plant Investments

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Critics of a plan by New Mexico's largest utility company to abandon one of the oldest coal-burning plants in the country say …

One of the reasons that the coalition opposes the permit is because it said Invenergy did not provide, and Allegheny County did not require, an analysis of the impact the facility would have on nearby "environmental justice communities." (Adobe Stock)

Environmental Orgs Appeal Permit for Gas-Fired Power Plant in Southwest PA

ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- Several environmental organizations are appealing a decision made last month by Allegheny County to approve an air permit …

Cutting greenhouse-gas emissions as part of an effort to slow climate change also reduces air pollutants, such as fine particulate matter, that harm human health, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Cutting greenhouse-gas emissions as part of an effort to slow climate change also reduces air pollutants, such as fine particulate matter, that harm human health, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Build Back Better Act’s Tax Credits Will Benefit WV Families

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Experts say the consumer rebates outlined in President Joe Biden's Build Back Better Act will help families save money as they …

Galveston Bay will receive settlement funds from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill to build oyster reefs made mostly from limestone, recycled oyster shells or concrete. (ancolek1998/Pixabay)

Deep Horizon Oil Spill Settlement Funds to Help Restore TX Oyster Reefs

HOUSTON -- Storm damage, pollution and other factors, some related to climate change, are reducing the oyster population, but settlement funds from …

If temperatures are 10% colder than forecast, the cost of heating propane is projected to rise by 94% this winter. (Adobe Stock)

Coloradans Warned to Brace for Higher Winter Heating Bills

DENVER - The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects that Coloradans will be paying considerably more to heat their homes this winter…

Some four out of ten U.S. residents - 135 million people - live in counties with unhealthy levels of air pollution, according to the 2021 State of the Air report by the American Lung Association. (Adobe Stock)

NC Scientist Says Climate Action Needed Now to Protect Human Health

RALEIGH, N.C. - Higher temperatures driven by climate change will likely make air pollution worse, and one North Carolina scientist says action is …

Virginia will benefit from the new infrastructure plan's $3.5 billion national investment in weatherization, which will reduce energy costs for families. (Adobe stock)

New Infrastructure Deal Called Critical to Climate Progress in Virginia

ASHBURN, Va. - Some Virginia lawmakers are applauding Friday's passage of President Joe Biden's infrastructure plan, claiming it's a critical step …

The release of methane is one the largest sources of greenhouse gases contributing to global climate change. (Leonid Ican/Adobe Stock)

Utah Officials Hope Climate Summit Spurs Action, Results

PARK CITY, Utah -- As talks continue at the annual international climate summit, Utahns are among those urging the U.S. to follow up on its …

Arizona Public Service provides energy to more than 2.7 million customers across the state. (Sashkin/Adobe Stock)

Arizona Regulators Cut Power Company's Rate-Hike Request

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Following pressure from consumer groups and ratepayers, the Arizona Corporation Commission this week made significant cuts to a …

The Build Back Better framework would promote renewables and move the United States toward a goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50% to 52% by 2030. (Niserin/Istockphoto)

PA Officials Press for Action on Climate Change

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Local leaders from Pennsylvania and across the country are pressing for decisive action in the fight against climate change…

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, North Carolina consumes almost four times as much energy as is produced in the state. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, North Carolina consumes almost four times as much energy as is produced in the state. (Adobe Stock)

Pull Back the Curtain: Webinars Cover Energy Policy for NC Residents

RALEIGH, N.C. - Experts say an increasing number of people are sharing their views with state regulatory agencies about rate cases and clean energy…

An industry group says solar and clean-energy projects have invested $2 billion into Wisconsin's economy. (Adobe Stock)

WI Takes Big Leap in Clean-Energy Pursuit

MILWAUKEE - The clean-energy industry has welcomed its newest member to the "Gigawatt Club." Wisconsin's recognition for advancing such projects comes…

In 2015, nearly 200 countries agreed to individual plans to fight global warming in the historic Paris climate agreement. (TheDigitalArtist/Pixabay)

COP26: Another Attempt to Avert Climate-Change Catastrophe

AUSTIN, Texas -- As climate scientists warn time is running out to reverse the worst effects of climate change, some Texans will be among those …

Advocates for rooftop solar say it will better localize the energy system, making it more resilient. (kmlPhoto/Adobe Stock)

Utility's Study Could "Determine Future of Solar in ID"

BOISE, Idaho - A years-long battle over the future of residential solar power continues in Idaho. The Idaho Public Utility Commission is taking …

Under Mayor Peduto's administration, Pittsburgh has created a Climate Action Plan that includes electrifying public transportation and powering all city facilities with 100% clean energy by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

Outgoing Pittsburgh Mayor Heads to COP26 Climate Summit

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- The 26th annual United Nations Conference of the Parties, better known as COP26, kicked off yesterday in Glasgow, Scotland with …

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Kentuckians have installed enough solar-energy capacity to power more than 6,000 homes. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Kentuckians have installed enough solar-energy capacity to power more than 6,000 homes. (Adobe Stock)

Solar-Power Advocates: KY Net-Metering Decision "Fair, Equitable"

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Kentucky's Public Service Commission has rejected a proposal by two utilities that would have drastically reduced the value of solar …

In a Clean Power Institute national survey conducted this month, nearly 80% of voters said they support tax incentives for expanding clean energy. (Martin Barraud/Adobe Stock)

MI Groups Spotlight Renewable Technologies for Clean Power Week

LANSING, Mich. -- It is American Clean Power Week, and Michigan groups are highlighting clean energy technologies and the jobs they create. A little …

Community action agencies say weatherization assistance programs provide a local economic benefit, in part because crews are using funds to buy supplies locally to make homes more energy-efficient. (Adobe Stock)

More MN Homes Could Benefit from Weatherization

MONTEVIDEO, Minn. -- Home weatherization programs for low-income households have come a long way, but federal funding has not always matched demand…

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's August report urged governments to focus on reducing methane emissions from sources like oil and gas wells. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Call on PA Governor to Maintain Methane Promise

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Environmental groups are taking a new approach to hold Gov. Tom Wolf's administration accountable for a pledge he made; to adopt …

The Home Weatherization Program returns an estimated $2.78 in non-energy benefits for every $1.00 invested. (Adobe Stock)

45 Years of Making Ohio Homes Warmer and Safer

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As chilly autumn temperatures set in around the state, and National Weatherization Day arrives tomorrow, a program helping Ohioans …

The Columbia Generating Station, a commercial nuclear facility, operates at Energy Northwest's campus, which is surrounded by the Hanford site. (Tobin/Flickr)

Tribes Protest N-Reactor Project on Hanford Site

RICHLAND, Wash. -- An advanced nuclear reactor proposal at the Hanford site is spurring opposition from local tribes. The Confederated Tribes of the …

In June, Vancouver, Wash., reached a record temperature of 115 degrees F, breaking the previous record of 108 degrees F. (RG/Adobe Stock)

Gas Industry Turns Up Heat on Climate Action Plans

VANCOUVER, Wash. - As cities work toward decreasing their climate impact, they're running up against some opponents in the gas industry. In …

Fossil fuels kill more than 8 million people per year as the result of pollution, research shows. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Fossil fuels kill more than 8 million people per year as the result of pollution, research shows. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Clean-Energy Transition More Gain than Pain

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- New research shows a rapid energy transition away from fossil fuels would save more than $5 trillion compared with continuing …

Research shows investing in community solar projects can bring major economic benefits to the state of Michigan. (Consumers Energy)

Utilities: Community Solar Projects Bring Clean Energy, Economic Benefits

DETROIT -- Utilities in Michigan are raising awareness about the ways consumers can get involved in cleaning up the energy grid, including by …

Advocates for clean energy say installation of air-source or ground-source heat pumps would be best to use in the switch to electricity for heating, cooling and cooking. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates Urge Faster Electrification of NY Buildings

ALBANY, N.Y. - Groups in support of renewable energy are pushing for legislation and other initiatives to accelerate complete electrification of …

In a new poll, 71% of all registered voters support strengthening rules to reduce oil and gas methane pollution, including 73% of Independents and 50% of Republicans. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Voters Want Methane Rules to Include Smaller Wells

CASPER, Wyo. - A strong majority of voters across party lines say they want national rules similar to those passed in Wyoming to reduce methane …

Natural-resource advocates and other groups are urging North Dakota to move on from fossil fuels, while state leaders say industries such as coal need more investment to adapt their technologies. (Adobe Stock)

Fresh Off Granholm Meeting, ND Renewable-Energy Officials Talk Vision

BELCOURT, N.D. -- Renewable-energy advocates in North Dakota are hoping for more federal support to advance projects, after a key meeting with a …

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Public News Service (podcast)"
	"Hey Google, play the Public News Service podcast"
	"Alexa, play Public News Service podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the 2021 Talks podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the 2021 Talks podcast"
	"Alexa, play 2000 21 Talks podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Alexa, play the Yonder Report podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app

PNS Daily Newscast - December 8, 2021

2021Talks - December 8, 2021

The Yonder Report - December 2, 2021

Energy Policy