Energy Policy / Public News Service

The Biden administration is working on new nationwide regulations for methane gas emissions from oil and gas sites. (Leonid Ikan/Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 23, 2022

Report: 40% of Regional Methane Pollution Linked to "Super Emitters"

A relatively small number of so-called "super emitters" are responsible for 40% of the methane emissions in oil and gas hotspots such as California's …

The Hanford Nuclear Site was home to the world's first plutonium production reactor. (U.S. Department of Energy)

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Interactive Hanford Story Teaches about Nuclear Site's Threat to Columbia River

The Hanford Nuclear Site on the Columbia River in central Washington has left a complex legacy for the region. An interactive story map imagines …

The World Health Organization links indoor air pollution, including pollutants from burning natural gas, to increased chances of stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. (Vladimir Semenov/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Groups Plead with Public Utilities Commission to 'Supercharge' Electrification

Nevada needs to move away from natural gas and toward clean energy - that's the view of climate action groups that spoke up on Tuesday at an open foru…

New technology can pinpoint methane sources to within 15 feet, and using a high-resolution imagery, can connect plumes to individual pieces of equipment. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

New Maps Expose Methane 'Super-Emitter' Sites

A new study mapping methane pollution across five oil and gas production basins in states including Colorado found a small number of sites account for…

The Inflation Reduction Act will lower energy costs for households and businesses, create manufacturing jobs for American workers and deliver a clean, secure, and healthy future for families. (Vitalli Vodolazskyi/AdobeStock)

Tennessee Rural Electric Co-ops to Benefit from Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act has made a historic investment of $370 billion dollars to fight climate change over the next decade. Among its benefits…

Wyoming to Receive $25 Million for Orphan Wells Under Infrastructure Bill

President Joe Biden's bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is expected to bring more than 300 jobs to Wyoming to clean up and plug so-cal…

Critics of a draft proposal to expedite the permitting process for energy projects say it would open up more oil and gas drilling on public lands, on and offshore, running counter to the nation's efforts to curb climate change. (Bob Wick/Bureau of Land Management/Flickr)

Elected Officials Condemn Proposal to Fast-Track Energy Permits

Local officials concerned about climate change are urging Democrats to scuttle a deal reached with Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., to pass a bill to fast-…

Part of New York State's climate law says 35% of total statewide spending on clean energy and efficiency programs must go to disadvantaged communities. (Adobe Stock)

NY Prepares Disadvantaged Communities for Climate Change Effects

New York State has been working to ensure disadvantaged communities aren't so vulnerable to the effects of climate change. However, as storms grow in …

Some environmental groups say carbon capture might be worth exploring, but only on a smaller scale to ensure it can work as part of climate-change solutions. (Adobe Stock)

Policy Expert: Too Many Unknowns about Carbon Capture

South Dakota regulators could get an updated map proposal this fall from a company behind a multistate pipeline for underground storage of carbon diox…

A recent designation of Southwest Colorado streams marks the largest community proposal for Outstanding Waters protections to be adopted in Colorado's history. (Adobe Stock)

Southwestern Colorado Waters Win New Protections

As climate change brings longer and more severe drought to the American Southwest, a community-led coalition is celebrating new protections for more …

In bi-partisan fashion, Iowa leaders have championed wind energy development. But some say the state is behind in studying the broader impact of climate change. (Adobe Stock)

IA Leaders Face New Pressure to Study Climate Change

The effects of climate change, such as droughts and destructive storms, have been visible across Iowa in recent years. That's prompted calls for …

Methane emissions from oil and gas infrastructure in New Mexico are the state's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the University of New Mexico. (umm.edu)

NM Fossil-Fuel Industry Fights Methane, Ozone Rules Compliance

Environmental groups in New Mexico say a lawsuit filed by an advocacy group for the state's fossil-fuel industry suggests it values profit more than p…

The Idaho National Laboratory treats nuclear waste at its facility near Idaho Falls. (MichaelVi/Adobe Stock)

Critics: Climate Bill's Nuclear Funding Undermines Clean-Energy Claims

The Inflation Reduction Act aims to revolutionize the clean-energy sector in the United States. But in Idaho, critics think its investment in nuclear …

The Nez Perce Tribe finds spring chinook salmon on the Snake River are unlikely to recover without substantial intervention. (Hanjo/Adobe Stock)

WA Leaders: Breaching Snake River Dams Necessary, Not Yet Possible

An announcement from Washington state leaders on the future of the lower Snake River dams contained both good and bad news for groups defending native…

Much like coal and oil, woody biomass is a carbon-burning form of energy production that emits carbon dioxide. (Adobe Stock)

Massachusetts Helping Turn Tide on Biomass Energy

Clean-energy advocates are hopeful Massachusetts' leadership on fighting biomass pollution will drive change in other states and nations. The Bay …

West Virginia has the potential to create more than 1,000 solar energy jobs, and nearly 3,000 energy efficiency jobs by 2030 and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, according to data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (Adobe Stock)

Inflation Reduction Act: A Pathway to Transition WV from Coal

West Virginia residents stand to gain from the tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act. The legislation, supported by Sen. Joe Manchin…

With more certainty surrounding federal tax credits, supporters of renewable energy say developers will give the green light to more projects in the coming years. (Adobe Stock)

Measuring the Inflation Reduction Act's Economic Potential for ND

The Inflation Reduction Act has made headlines for clean energy provisions and prescription drug cost reform for Medicare recipients. A labor leader …

The biomass process, also called anaerobic digestion, uses waste products from farm animals and plants to extract methane and generate power. (Olivo/Adobe Stock)

MI Groups Call Biomass Proposal 'Flawed, Inefficient'

Environmental advocates are calling a Michigan proposal to use animal and industrial waste as a source of "renewable natural gas" for power generation…

Home weatherization programs have evolved from placing plastic on windows. Industry leaders say crews analyze many aspects of the structure, including heating and cooling systems, the electrical system, and electric baseload appliances. (Adobe Stock)

In MA, Green Jobs Abound for Home Energy Upgrades

When it comes to "green jobs," installing solar panels and building wind turbines are often mentioned, and community action agencies in Massachusetts …

According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, water levels in Lakes Michigan and Huron have risen during the last decade from around 577 feet to 582 feet. (Tada Images/Adobe Stock)

Inflation Reduction Act Provides Hope for Michigan's Climate-Change Policies

With the Inflation Reduction Act now law, many states are beginning to bring their climate goals to fruition. In the last decade, Michigan has seen …

Renewables now comprise nearly 60% of all electricity produced in Iowa. (Adobe Stock)

New Numbers Show IA's Clean-Energy Sector Growing Stronger

The new Inflation Reduction Act is expected to spur more clean-energy projects around the country. It coincides with some encouraging numbers for …

Multi-billion-dollar companies like Chevron, which owns this refinery in El Segundo, would have to track and make public their carbon emissions if SB 260 becomes law. (Pedro Szekely/Flickr)

Vote Coming on Bill to Make Big Companies Disclose Carbon Emissions

A big floor vote in the State Assembly is expected this week or early next on a bill that would require mega-corporations that do business in Californ…

Indiana has more than 7,000 MW of clean energy in development - with the bulk of that in solar. (Branden/Adobe Stock)

Indiana Becoming America's 'Crossroads of Clean Energy'

Solar energy is growing fast in Indiana, which bodes well for clean energy as a whole in the state. Indiana ranks third among states in terms of …

Latino workers are getting training in green-energy job skills through a pilot program, but some face roadblocks trying to balance a new career path with maintaining two or three other jobs to support themselves. (Adobe Stock)

Program Works to Bring 'Green' Construction Jobs to Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Latino community has been inundated with job opportunities in the "green" economy thanks to a new pilot program. Elevate, a climate-…

Part of the Inflation Reduction Act's $369 billion climate-change investment creates the Methane Emissions Reduction Program, which aims to reduce leaks from producing and distributing natural gas. (Adobe Stock)

Inflation Reduction Act is Law: What Next for Climate?

Although President Joe Biden has signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, he's getting pressure to declare a climate emergency to provide further …

Once installed, a trio of solar arrays is estimated to save Maine taxpayers at least $7.2 million over the next 20 years. (Photocreo Bednarek/Adobe Stock)

MaineDOT Installing Solar Arrays to Power Capitol Complex

The Maine Department of Transportation is "going green," with plans to install solar arrays on three state-owned properties in Augusta. The …

Congress recently passed legislation expected to help households transition away from expensive air conditioning to more efficient and affordable heat-pump technology which also can cool homes. (Adobe Stock)

Biden Urges States to Help More Low-Income Households Stay Cool in Summer

Coloradans struggling economically put their health at risk when they decide not to turn on cooling systems, frequently out of fear of not being able …

According to a 2021 study, 90% of coal must remain unextracted to keep global temperatures at levels considered safe by leading scientists. (Adobe Stock)

Court Ruling Adds to Challenges Facing Wyoming Coal Industry

A federal court's decision to require the Department of Interior to consider the potential health and climate impacts of coal mining on public lands c…

The Yurok Tribe hopes that money from the Inflation Reduction Act will allow a big expansion of its forest restoration programs, like this one along the Trinity River in northern California. (Matt Mais/Yurok Tribe).

CA Groups, Tribes Praise New Bill, Call for Climate Emergency Declaration

As President Joe Biden gets ready to sign the Inflation Reduction Act into law, California conservation groups are hailing it as the country's …

The Inflation Reduction Act includes tax credits for renewable energy, such as wind turbines. (Yay Images/Adobe Stock)

Historic Climate Action Bill Heads to President Biden's Desk

Congress has passed legislation making the largest investment in clean energy in U.S. history. It has grassroots organizations like Northern Plains …

The White House says under the Inflation Reduction Act, 7.5 million more families will be able to install solar on their roofs with a 30% tax credit. (Adobe Stock)

New Federal Climate Bill Renews Hope for MN Groups

President Joe Biden is expected to sign the Inflation Reduction Act today. Its main theme is addressing the threat of climate change, and clean-…

The Inflation Reduction Act contains $369 billion in new spending to fight global warming from the oil and gas industry and boost clean energy. (Mike/Pixabay)

New Climate Bill to Tackle Texas Methane Emissions

Included in the Inflation Reduction Act is a provision aimed at cutting methane emissions from oil and gas drilling, but it remains to be seen …

Summit Carbon solutions has been seeking voluntary land agreements with private property owners in multiple states for its underground carbon storage project. (Adobe Stock)

ND Landowners Continue Mobilization in Opposing Carbon Pipeline

Next week, North Dakota landowners will get a chance to hear updates on a proposed underground pipeline for transporting and sequestering carbon …

Later this year, Minnesota officials hope to receive federal approval for its plan to use infrastructure dollars, awarded to each state, to add fast-charging stations for electric vehicles. (Adobe Stock)

MN's EV Infrastructure on Verge of Big Growth Spurt

By 2030, Minnesota wants 20% of all light-duty vehicles on its roads to be electric. But a lot of charging stations are needed to help achieve that …

Despite the growth of renewable energy in Iowa, considering projects is still new to a lot of local governments. That's prompted a Midwest organization to propose a guide to be shared by state leaders. (Adobe Stock)

New Tool Emerges in Helping IA Communities Map Out Wind, Solar

Iowa is seen as a leader in renewable energy for sources like wind power, but tension is building in how to site such projects. The rapid growth of …

Idaho Power wants to reduce the rate it pays rooftop solar generators to the rate customers pay for power. (Jason/Adobe Stock)

Idaho Power Throwing Shade on Rooftop Solar, Supporters Say

Idaho Power has commissioned a study which found the rate it pays for rooftop solar customers to send their power back to the grid should be lowered…

A spike in natural-gas prices is expected to double the cost of electricity in New Hampshire. (Adobe Stock)

Granite Staters Face Energy-Cost Woes: Help Is Out There

As New Hampshire faces another week of hot, humid temperatures, its residents also are bracing for a dramatic spike in energy bills. As a result of …

An influx of federal funds could help shape the future and speed the adoption of technologies to make Georgia's infrastructure network smarter, better connected and electric. (Pixabay)

Calls for Infrastructure Spending to Focus on Rural Georgia

President Joe Biden's bipartisan infrastructure law will disburse up to $239 million to help Georgia improve the resilience of transportation infrastr…

The U.S. Postal Service uses 217,000 delivery vehicles to deliver mail and parcels to more than 135 million addresses. (EGROY /Adobe Stock)

Public Pressure Prompts USPS to Boost EV Purchases

The U.S. Postal Service is buying nearly 85,000 new vehicles and estimates 40% will be electric. Scott Hochberg, attorney at the Center for …

As many states work to achieve their own climate goals, the United States is working toward its goal of having 30 gigawatts of electricity generated from offshore wind by 2030, enough to power 10 million homes. (Fokke Baarssen/Adobe Stock)

Offshore Wind Backers: Long-Term Benefits Outweigh Costs

As part of New York state's climate goals, Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced the third competitive solicitation of offshore wind projects, with the …

On July 8, the spot price for crude oil dropped by 6.89%, but the retail gas price only fell 2.56% days later. (Adobe Stock)

Big Oil Keeping Prices High as Crude Prices Drop

A new analysis shows big oil companies are much more reluctant to lower gasoline prices when crude prices drop than they are to raise prices when crud…

Clean-air advocates say reducing flaring at the Suncor refinery is just one step Colorado can take to reduce harmful ozone smog. (Adobe Stock)

CO Clean-Air Advocates Push for Better Ozone Protections

Kate Merlin's two children could not play outside for nearly half of last summer at camp because ground-level ozone reached levels considered dangerou…

A report from the USPS Office of the Inspector General finds while upfront costs for electric vehicles may be greater, the Postal Service would save money over time by deploying more EVs. (eqroy/Adobe Stock)

USPS Boosts Electric Vehicles in New Delivery Fleet to 50%

The U.S. Postal Service is buying nearly 85,000 new vehicles, and estimates about 40% of them will be electric vehicles. That includes 50,000 new …

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, electric-vehicle sales nearly doubled from 2020 to 2022. (Adobe Stock)

IN Electric-Vehicle Infrastructure Plan Open for Public Comment

The Indiana Department of Transportation wants Hoosiers to weigh in on the state's proposed electric vehicle charging network. The state is …

EV Advocates: Electrifying USPS Vehicles Benefits Workers, Communities