Union of Concerned Scientists

MARCH 23, 2023

And fossil fuel power plants may not stick to their retirement schedules for a variety of reasons. pollution, which are particles with diameters of 2.5 In 2019, air pollution more broadly was responsible for about 6.7 A bit more on those reasons later. micrometers or less. million deaths globally. What can be done?

Fossil Fuels 233

Fossil Fuels 2023 Clean Energy Nitrogen Oxides 233

Union of Concerned Scientists

MAY 13, 2024

So of course the American Lung Association ’s yearly report, State of the Air (SOTA), published every year since 2000, is of professional and personal interest. The air quality for this report was calculated using data reviewed by EPA from 2020, 2021, and 2022. These particles are categorized by size.

2024 308

2024 Fossil Fuels Ozone Air Pollution 308

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 19, 2022

And we’re still trying to recover from a pandemic that has made even more clear the disproportionate impacts of air pollution on overburdened communities, making them even more vulnerable to the negative impacts of COVID 19. Similarly, communities now tied to fossil fuels need support in moving beyond that dependence.

Renewable Energy 363

Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Nitrogen Oxides Clean Energy 363

Union of Concerned Scientists

NOVEMBER 20, 2023

New science has shown that the largest fossil fuel, dairy, and waste methane super-emitters contribute a sizeable fraction of the total methane emissions in the regions the study authors monitored. Their use of these tactics underlie the calls to hold both the fossil fuel and meat and dairy industries accountable for their actions.

Fossil Fuels 318

Fossil Fuels Paris Agreement Climate Change 2030 318

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 16, 2021

The proposed methane gas plant makes it clear our fight against fossil fuel interests is not over.

Fossil Fuels 336

Fossil Fuels Air Pollution Climate Change 336

Legal Planet

DECEMBER 19, 2023

With the backdrop of the first-ever Health Day at the annual UN climate conference, air quality in Dubai soared, as PM2.5 pollution reached 155 micrograms per cubic unit. Air pollution is harmful to human health as it exacerbates and causes an increase in health issues, like respiratory illnesses. More than ever before.

Fossil Fuels 264

Fossil Fuels Air Pollution Climate Change Carbon Monoxide 264

Yale E360

NOVEMBER 24, 2020

Close ties between the ruling elite and the coal industry have helped perpetuate South Africa’s dependence on the dirtiest fossil fuel for electricity. But now residents of the nation’s most coal-intensive region are suing to force the government to clean up choking air pollution. Read more on E360 ?.

Fossil Fuels 245

Fossil Fuels Air Pollution Electricity Government 245

Union of Concerned Scientists

MAY 18, 2021

The world must reach net-negative CO2 emissions by midcentury, not only to slow the pace of climate change, but to reduce the millions deaths yearly from fossil fuel air pollution. Much of the burden of our energy choices falls on Black and brown communities.

Fossil Fuels 246

Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy Air Pollution Climate Change 246

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 10, 2023

The power sector is the second highest source of climate pollution in the U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently published a proposed rule which would limit carbon pollution from fossil fuel burning power plants, a move which is critically important, statutorily required, and long overdue.

Air Pollution 243

Air Pollution Fossil Fuels Carbon Dioxide Climate Change 243

Union of Concerned Scientists

NOVEMBER 30, 2023

Communities and ecosystems continue to suffer the consequences of human-caused climate change , primarily from the burning of fossil fuels across our economy. The case for phasing out of fossil fuels and making a just and equitable transition to clean energy has never been more clear. comes from burning fossil fuels.

Fossil Fuels 287

Fossil Fuels Clean Energy Nitrogen Oxides Air Pollution 287

Union of Concerned Scientists

NOVEMBER 16, 2022

Union of Concerned Scientists’ (UCS) research shows that top fossil fuel producers’ emissions are responsible for as much as half of global surface temperature increase. The best solution: Replace fossil fuels with renewable energy. A small number of big corporations are responsible for the climate crisis.

Fossil Fuels 321

Fossil Fuels Paris Agreement Renewable Energy Carbon Dioxide 321

Union of Concerned Scientists

MARCH 14, 2023

Among the commenters was my colleague Sam Wilson , who passionately and effectively called on the EPA to follow the science and enact the strongest air pollution standards to protect people’s health. pollution, half of the deaths are attributable to the burning of fossil fuels. EPA’s PM 2.5 EPA’s PM 2.5

Clean Air Act 245

Clean Air Act Fossil Fuels Air Pollution 2001 245

Union of Concerned Scientists

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

It also will save US consumers money because they will spend less on fossil fuels. First, decarbonizing the electricity sector mainly with wind and solar to replace coal and fossil gas. Second, replacing fossil fuels with clean electricity in the transportation, building, and industrial sectors. Your thoughts?

Carbon Emissions 331

Carbon Emissions Fossil Fuels Clean Energy 2030 331

Legal Planet

JULY 13, 2023

To begin with, there are the health benefits of the energy transition away from fossil fuels. As we clean up our energy system, we simultaneously reduce the tons of pollutants we now produce from burning coal, oil, and natural gas. Pollution from these sources kills thousands of Americans a year and millions of people globally.

Fossil Fuels 246

Fossil Fuels Climate Change Air Pollution Natural Gas 246

Union of Concerned Scientists

JULY 22, 2022

Minnesotans are facing concurrent crises of climate change, high energy prices and inflation, and the inequitable public health impacts of fossil fuel air pollution. Getting energy from where it’s produced to where it’s needed. Unlocking the gridlock for Minnesota’s renewable energy future.

Renewable Energy 363

Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Solar Power Electricity 363

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 13, 2024

Paul Arbaje is an energy analyst in the Climate & Energy program at the Union of Concerned Scientists and an expert on electricity policies and reforms that reduce fossil fuel use and reliance. The energy enthusiast who owns their own homes can take further steps toward making their homes completely free of direct fossil fuel use.

Fossil Fuels 269

Fossil Fuels Clean Energy Electricity Climate Change 269

New Scientist

FEBRUARY 3, 2023

Fossil fuel power plants filled the gap but that has led to increased air pollution The ongoing drought in the western US depleted reservoirs and reduced hydropower generation.

Air Pollution 98

Air Pollution Fossil Fuels 98

Union of Concerned Scientists

MAY 30, 2024

Even where the grid still has significant fossil fuel-powered generation, EVs are a cleaner choice. In the grid region that serves most of Texas, driving the average EV produces emissions equal to an 82 MPG gasoline car, despite over 60% of electricity generation coming from fossil fuels.

Electricity 336

Electricity Fossil Fuels 2012 Climate Change 336

Union of Concerned Scientists

FEBRUARY 13, 2023

Unfortunately, the existing siting process has resulted in a high concentration of polluting power plants, electrical substations , and gas compressor stations in environmental justice communities.

Fossil Fuels 241

Fossil Fuels Clean Energy Air Pollution Electricity 241

Union of Concerned Scientists

MAY 12, 2022

The shift from fossil fuels in the 100-percent RES scenario reduces the amount of toxic power plant air pollution much more than what we called a “no-new-policy,” or business-as-usual, scenario. And what about fossil fuel-dependent workers and communities? Our analysis also demonstrates renewables’ power.

Electricity 279

Electricity Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy Nitrogen Oxides 279

Inside Climate News

DECEMBER 6, 2023

A study released on the eve of the conference found that 8 million people around the world die annually from air pollution. And experts say the crisis is worsening. By Victoria St. Martin In one home video, Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah bops to a choreographed Beyoncé dance.

Air Pollution 132

Air Pollution Fossil Fuels Climate Change 132

Union of Concerned Scientists

JANUARY 10, 2024

More recently, ongoing discrimination continues to push marginalized groups into areas with existing polluting infrastructure. In New England, the percent of people of color living near fossil fuel power plants is up to 23.5 Most notable of these polluting emissions are nitrogen oxides (NOx).

Fossil Fuels 318

Fossil Fuels Nitrogen Oxides Electricity Air Pollution 318

Inside Climate News

OCTOBER 5, 2022

Researchers have discovered how tiny particles from fossil fuel emissions exploit a gene mutation to promote the growth of cancer. By Victoria St. Martin The cough just wouldn’t go away.

Air Pollution 116

Air Pollution Fossil Fuels Climate Change 116

Union of Concerned Scientists

FEBRUARY 9, 2024

First, there’s air pollution. Gas plants and infrastructure emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) during combustion, which degrade local air quality. Exposure to NOx and other gas infrastructure air pollutants has been associated with respiratory illnesses and an increase in childhood asthma rates.

Clean Energy 354

Clean Energy Nitrogen Oxides Fossil Fuels Electricity 354

Legal Planet

JANUARY 4, 2023

This means that, with few exceptions, new buildings will need to exclusively use electric appliances, and will not be allowed to contain any fossil-fuel infrastructure, like natural-gas lines. All-electric as the new normal. A win for climate, health & safety, and equitable process.

Fossil Fuels 246

Fossil Fuels Electricity Climate Change Natural Gas 246

Union of Concerned Scientists

MAY 19, 2022

Minnesotans are already experiencing the climate crisis, as well as health impacts, from burning fossil fuels. The Minnesota House has shown strong leadership in addressing the climate crisis and funding the clean energy transition at the scale necessary to swiftly curb heat-trapping emissions from fossil fuels.

Clean Energy 261

Clean Energy Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy Electricity 261

Enviromental Defense

JULY 5, 2023

Almost all plastic is made from fossil fuels. In fact, plastic and petrochemicals (chemicals made from oil and gas) have been called the fossil fuel industry’s Plan B – a way to prop up demand for oil and gas as the world stops using it for transportation and energy in order to meet climate commitments.

Fossil Fuels 107

Fossil Fuels 2009 Air Pollution Climate Change 107

Legal Planet

FEBRUARY 23, 2023

Another is that the costs of renewable energy and electric vehicles have declined so greatly in the past ten years, making them more or less competitive with their fossil-fuel alternatives. They also reduce air pollution and benefit public health. In short, maybe we can have our cake and eat it too.

Carbon Emissions 246

Carbon Emissions Fossil Fuels 2007 Air Pollution 246

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 29, 2024

Last year, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) made headlines across the country when we published a report demonstrating how worsening wildfires in the West are linked to the unrelenting, shameless emissions of the fossil fuel companies. Climate-change fueled disasters will continue to have impacts on human health.

Fossil Fuels 300

Fossil Fuels Climate Change 2022 Air Pollution 300

Union of Concerned Scientists

JANUARY 30, 2023

The state-specific fact sheet, On the Road to 100 Percent Renewables for Minnesota , outlines how it could meet its electricity needs completely and equitably with renewable energy by 2035 and dramatically reduce fossil fuel use in vehicles and buildings.

Electricity 261

Electricity Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Clean Energy 261

PA Environment Daily

OCTOBER 12, 2024

Yaw announced the introduction of legislation prohibiting the distribution of Act 13 impact fees to any county “that is actively suing over fossil fuel use.” Read more here. Although not yet introduced, Sen. Read more here. 16 [PaEN] -- EPA Files $4.2 16 [PaEN] -- EPA Files $4.2

Natural Gas 109

Natural Gas Fossil Fuels Law 2019 109

Legal Planet

MARCH 15, 2023

Research shows that halting the burning of fossil fuels in homes and businesses is beneficial for the health of residents and vital to combat climate change. Gas stoves are a significant driver of childhood asthma , leaking methane even while turned off and releasing as much nationwide climate pollution each year as 500,000 cars.

Nitrogen Oxides 305

Nitrogen Oxides Air Pollution Ozone 2029 305

Legal Planet

AUGUST 23, 2021

Urban air pollution kills millions of people around the world. Eliminating fossil fuels will radically reduce that problem. We will also get rid of coal mines and oil wells, which produce other kinds of pollution today. Accomplishing that will be no easy feat. What does it buy us?

Climate Change 246

Climate Change Ozone Fossil Fuels Air Pollution 246

Union of Concerned Scientists

JUNE 18, 2024

This included a bill that would have started a statewide conversation about the diminished role fossil fuels should play in Maine’s energy system as the state strives to meet its climate and clean energy commitments. Gas is primarily composed of methane—a fossil fuel with extremely high global warming potential.

Fossil Fuels 169

Fossil Fuels Carbon Dioxide Nitrogen Oxides Electricity 169

Union of Concerned Scientists

SEPTEMBER 2, 2022

While the epicenter of the war and its horrors has remained trained on and in Ukraine, Russia has also leveraged its position as a major fossil fuel exporter to fund its war efforts and to manipulate and threaten others, including countries across Europe that have long relied on Russian supplies of gas.

Fossil Fuels 257

Fossil Fuels Clean Energy Carbon Dioxide Natural Gas 257

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 17, 2023

We need more electricity to transition our homes and cars off fossil fuels, but we can’t afford to let that electricity come from more gas power plants. Because unlike moving sources of air pollution like cars, gas plants are completely stationary. Why is this inequitable and disproportionate siting a problem?

Fossil Fuels 245

Fossil Fuels Carbon Dioxide Nitrogen Oxides Electricity 245

PA Environment Daily

OCTOBER 18, 2024

The jobs did not come, and while the price of gas didn’t go up, air and water pollution sure did. That means they are going to politicians with their hand out to receive more of your tax dollars with nothing to show for it except receipts from past failures like leaking pipelines, harmful air pollution, and dangerous explosions.

Natural Gas 109

Natural Gas Toxic Substances Control Act Fossil Fuels 2019 109