Carbon Emissions and Fossil Fuels - Environmental Professionals Connection

Boston Bans Fossil Fuels in New and Renovated City Buildings

Law and Environment

AUGUST 3, 2023

On July 31, 2023, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu signed an executive order ending the use of fossil fuels in new construction and major renovations of city-owned buildings. Covered buildings and projects will require heating, ventilation, air conditioning, hot water, and cooking systems that do not use fossil fuels.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Carbon Emissions Clean Energy Law

Making Fossil Fuels Pay for Their Damage

Legal Planet

AUGUST 18, 2022

Production and combustion of fossil fuels imposes enormous costs on society, which the industry doesn’t pay for. One option, a tax on carbon dioxide emissions, gets the most attention but seems politically impossible. A more promising alternative might be a clean-up tax on the fossil fuel industry.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Carbon Dioxide Politics Air Pollution

Ask a Scientist: The US Has to Do More to Meet Its Carbon Emissions Reduction Goals

Union of Concerned Scientists

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

However, several analyses—including a recent one by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS)—have concluded that the IRA, even when coupled with the bipartisan infrastructure act and other federal and state climate policies, will not be enough to meet US carbon emission reduction goals. Energy efficiency also plays a critical role.

Carbon Emissions

Carbon Emissions Fossil Fuels Clean Energy 2030

Report from COP27: The Fossil Fuel Industry Continues to Block the Path to Climate Justice

Union of Concerned Scientists

NOVEMBER 14, 2022

The destruction caused by climate change is directly linked to human activity, primarily burning fossil fuels. There are multiple realistic, tangible solutions that would rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, yet policy addressing anthropogenic climate change remains slow and insufficient.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Climate Change Renewable Energy Natural Gas

Disinformation Alert: Fossil Fuel Interests Preparing to Deploy False Claims about New EPA Rules

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 27, 2023

Fossil fuel power plant owners are facing increased accountability for their air and water pollution, including from a new round of environmental and public health protections that are being rolled out by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We’ve heard these lazily disingenuous narratives before.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Electricity 2014 Climate Change

Burning Fossil Fuel Reserves Would Use Up Carbon Budget Seven Times Over

Yale E360

SEPTEMBER 20, 2022

If burned, global fossil fuel reserves would release 3.5 trillion metric tons of carbon emissions, more than has been unleashed since the start of the Industrial Revolution, according to the Global Registry of Fossil Fuels, a new database launched by Carbon Tracker and Global Energy Monitor.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Carbon Emissions

Investors Need to Know the Full Scope of Corporate Carbon Emissions

Union of Concerned Scientists

MAY 23, 2023

They’re called Scope 3 emissions, and they are key to understanding the big picture of a company’s impact on the environment. First, let me explain the three “scopes” of carbon emissions. Scope 1 emissions come from power plants, oil rigs and other sources directly owned or controlled by a company.

Carbon Emissions

Carbon Emissions Fossil Fuels Greenhouse Sea Level

Explainer: Putting the fossil fuel industry into reverse

A Greener Life

OCTOBER 7, 2022

To many in the climate movement, the fossil fuel industry is the enemy. It is the carbon emissions from coal, oil and gas that are driving the breakdown of the climate. But what to do with the fossil fuel industry? After all, fossil fuel companies have unrivalled experience in delivering enormous projects.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Carbon Emissions 2025

Big Oil’s Denial and Delay Is Endangering Our Future

Union of Concerned Scientists

MARCH 16, 2023

Previous IPCC reports have concluded that human activities such as burning fossil fuels are the primary cause of climate change: about 70 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions come from burning fossil fuels for electricity, transportation, and industry. The result is a world that is rapidly warming.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Carbon Emissions Climate Change Sea Level

Renewables smash fossil fuels at cost

A Greener Life

JULY 7, 2021

New research from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) confirms renewables are continuing to outpace fossil fuels on cost. They found that the share of renewable energy that achieved lower costs than the most competitive fossil fuel option doubled in 2020. C climate pathway.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy 2010 2020

ADANI’S MASSIVE FOSSIL FUEL EXPANSION PLANS

Corp Watch

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

ADANI’S MASSIVE FOSSIL FUEL EXPANSION PLANS Market Forces PaulaR Thu, 11/16/2023 - 19:21 Read more Despite the need to urgently reduce carbon emissions and accelerate the transition to clean energy to limit global warming, the Adani Group conglomerate is pursuing and supporting massive new fossil fuel projects that endanger key climate goals.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Carbon Emissions Clean Energy 2023

Waste-To-Energy Tech Could Slash U.S. Water Sector Carbon Emissions, But Its Potential Remains Underdeveloped

Circle of Blue

AUGUST 3, 2021

And, because the process reduces methane emissions from the sewage and displaces fossil fuel-powered energy, utilities can slash their net emissions in the process. Are they capturing and avoiding more methane emissions than would otherwise occur? The post Waste-To-Energy Tech Could Slash U.S.

Carbon Emissions

Carbon Emissions Waste Renewable Energy Carbon Dioxide

TCI Program Established to Reduce Carbon Emissions From Transportation

Clean Energy Law

MARCH 11, 2021

In December 2018, after having successfully reduced greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector by 53.3%, a majority of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) jurisdictions announced plans to design a program to address carbon emissions from the combustion of transportation fuels.

Carbon Emissions

Carbon Emissions Fossil Fuels Regulations Greenhouse

If the US Meets Its Climate Goals, We Can Save Money and Lives

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

Fossil Fuels Clean Energy Nitrogen Oxides Air Pollution

Carbon Emissions Hit a New Record High

Scientific American

NOVEMBER 14, 2022

Fresh data released at the COP27 climate summit show global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels are soaring despite an energy crisis.

Carbon Emissions

Carbon Emissions Fossil Fuels Carbon Dioxide Climate Change

10 finance firms effectively own half of all future carbon emissions

New Scientist

AUGUST 6, 2022

An analysis of the 200 largest fossil fuel companies suggests that just 10 shareholders could influence the fate of nearly half of the world's remaining fossil fuels

Carbon Emissions

Carbon Emissions Fossil Fuels

PA-Based Evangelical Environmental Network: Over 51,000 Christians Call For Stronger Standards On Fossil Fuel Power Plants

PA Environment Daily

AUGUST 8, 2023

Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed standards on carbon pollution from fossil-fuel-fired power plants ( Docket ID No. and are the second largest source of carbon emissions nationwide. EPA-HQ-OAR-2023-0072-0001 ). Power plants are responsible for approximately 25% of climate pollution in the U.S.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Air Pollution Carbon Emissions Clean Energy

Pittsburgh 2030 District Announces Significant Progress In Reducing Carbon Emissions - 44.8% From Baseline; Savings Of $59.7 Million In Utility Costs

PA Environment Daily

JUNE 7, 2023

The Pittsburgh 2030 District , a project of the Green Building Alliance , has released its 2022 Progress Report , revealing District property partners have reduced carbon emissions by 44.8% This achievement moves the District within range of reaching its target goal of 50-65% reduction in carbon emissions before the 2030 deadline.

Carbon Emissions

Carbon Emissions 2030 Paris Agreement Natural Gas

What UCS Said to Pennsylvania Legislators About Hydrogen Hubs and Climate Change

Union of Concerned Scientists

JUNE 26, 2024

Because one of Pennsylvania’s two hubs, ARCH2, is also proposing to be heavily reliant on fossil fuel-based hydrogen production projects, I also detailed the serious risks of policymakers propping up such an approach. Here are three critical flags with pursuing a fossil-based “clean” hydrogen future.

Climate Change

Climate Change Fossil Fuels Carbon Dioxide Clean Energy

Ask A Scientist: What Energy Solutions to the Climate Crisis Are Within Reach?

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 13, 2024

One place to look is the power grid , responsible for a quarter of the United States’ carbon emissions. 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.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Clean Energy Electricity Climate Change

What Fixed Charges on Your Electric Bill Could Mean for Charging an EV in California

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 23, 2024

The design of this pricing change is meant to keep the total revenue to the utilities constant while reducing the cost of switching from fossil fuels to electricity to power homes and cars. Adding a fixed charge to electricity bills would allow for the reduction of the price per unit of electricity use (cost per kilowatt-hour).

Electricity

Electricity Fossil Fuels 2026 2025

The Profound Climate Implications of Supreme Court’s West Virginia v. EPA Decision

Union of Concerned Scientists

JULY 1, 2022

That’s because the case, which was about the nature and scope of EPA authority in regulating carbon emissions from existing power plants, turned on a rule that does not exist. First and foremost, despite some fossil fuel interests swinging for the fossil fuel-favored fences, the Supreme Court’s decision in West Virginia v.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Clean Air Act Clean Energy Greenhouse

I’m With Paul

Legal Planet

FEBRUARY 23, 2023

In a recent column , Paul Krugman argued that cutting carbon emissions doesn’t have to mean an end to economic growth. Carbon emissions and growth aren’t joined at the hip. The numbers are really clear about the disconnect between the trajectories of GDP and emissions. He’s right about that.

Carbon Emissions

Carbon Emissions Fossil Fuels 2007 Air Pollution

Badly Drafted and Constitutionally Suspect

Legal Planet

MAY 9, 2022

Texas and a number of other states have passed laws banning what they call “boycotts of fossil fuel companies.” ” More precisely, they ban state investment or contracting with firms that “boycott” fossil fuel companies. That’s generally — but not always — going to be firms “utilizing” fossil fuels.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Law Carbon Emissions Politics

South Korea and Climate Change

Legal Planet

JUNE 16, 2022

With economic growth have come carbon emissions. As of 2016, half of its total emissions are from the power sector, with 20% from industry and 15% from transportation, and. According to the Energy Information Agency , South Korea’s power sector is heavily reliant on fossil fuels. 50% coal, 26% gas, and 25% nuclear.

Climate Change

Climate Change Fossil Fuels Paris Agreement 2030

Public Pressure on ExxonMobil Works. Little Else Does.

Union of Concerned Scientists

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Trading in disinformation In its climate lobbying report, ExxonMobil deemed 52 associations “aligned” for acknowledging the risks of climate change, publicly backing the Paris Agreement goal of limiting average global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius and taking steps to reduce carbon emissions.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Carbon Emissions Climate Change Paris Agreement

The Supreme Court’s Latest Decision Is a Blow to Stopping Climate Change

Union of Concerned Scientists

JULY 3, 2022

The majority 6–3 decision sharply curtails the EPA’s authority to set standards based on a broad range of flexible options to cut carbon emissions from the power sector—options such as replacing polluting fossil fuels with cheap and widely available wind and solar power coupled with battery storage.

Climate Change

Climate Change Fossil Fuels Carbon Emissions Nitrogen Oxides

How Will EPA’s Proposed Power Plant Carbon Rule Impact Public Health?

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 10, 2023

thus, it is crucial that we address carbon emissions from power plants. 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

Air Pollution Fossil Fuels Carbon Dioxide Climate Change

Municipalities of Puerto Rico v. Exxon: a unique class action against fossil fuel companies presses for climate accountability in the United States

Law Columbia

DECEMBER 2, 2022

Exxon , the cities and towns allege that the fossil fuel companies were liable because they knowingly produced and marketed products that have caused climate change harms, while concealing and misrepresenting the associated dangers. have filed more than twenty cases seeking damages from fossil fuel companies for climate harms.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Climate Change 2017 Greenhouse

Numbers: Global carbon emissions at record levels with no signs of shrinking

Environmental News Bits

NOVEMBER 15, 2022

Global carbon dioxide emissions from all human activities remain at record highs in 2022, and fossil fuel emissions have risen above pre-pandemic levels, according to a new analysis by an international body of scientists.

Carbon Emissions

Carbon Emissions Carbon Dioxide Fossil Fuels 2022

How Much Battery Storage Does Illinois Need?

Union of Concerned Scientists

NOVEMBER 13, 2024

Among many other provisions, CEJA includes carbon emission limits for coal and fossil gas plants that phase in over several years, starting in 2030. Prior UCS analysis has also shown that it’s helpful to locate storage in the general vicinity of fossil fuel plants that will be retired in the future.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels 2030 Electricity Clean Energy

Climate Policy and the Audacity of Hope

Legal Planet

APRIL 29, 2024

New California legislation will require corporations to disclose their carbon emissions. Cheaper renewable energy attracts private investment and makes limits on fossil fuels more feasible. California set a 2035 deadline for eliminating gas and diesel cars, and eight other states are following suit.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels 2008 2010 Clean Energy

To slash carbon emissions, colleges are digging really deep

Environmental News Bits

FEBRUARY 19, 2024

A growing number of colleges and universities are using deep underground pipes to heat and cool their buildings without burning fossil fuels. Read the full story in the New York Times.

Carbon Emissions

Carbon Emissions Fossil Fuels Cooling

Hydrogen and “Renewable” Gas Aren’t Realistic Solutions for Decarbonizing Maine’s Buildings

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

Fossil Fuels Carbon Dioxide Nitrogen Oxides Electricity

From Research to Action: The Growing Impact of Attribution Science

Union of Concerned Scientists

MARCH 7, 2023

They can also look at known carbon emission sources and model the world with and without those added emissions. As extreme weather events have become more frequent and severe, climate event attribution science underscores the need to dramatically reduce carbon emissions and help communities adapt to the climate change impacts.

Climate Change

Climate Change Sea Level Fossil Fuels Carbon Dioxide

Whales and Lobstermen Have a Common Enemy

Union of Concerned Scientists

FEBRUARY 22, 2023

GOM communities, not fossil fuel interests, should determine policies that affect GOM people. He was on to something And the lobsterman was correct: we can blame carbon emissions for ocean acidification and warming in the Gulf of Maine. They should be held accountable for their actions.”

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Ocean Sea Level Carbon Dioxide

Ask a Scientist: Two Dozen States Can Meet 100 Percent of Electricity Demand with Renewables by 2035

Union of Concerned Scientists

MAY 12, 2022

All told, they represent 56 percent of the US population, generate 62 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, and are responsible for 43 percent of the country’s annual carbon emissions. Emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from power plants in alliance states drop 88 percent and 77 percent respectively by 2040.

Electricity

Electricity Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy Nitrogen Oxides

Emissions by the Big Utilities: Where They Are, What They’re Aiming For

Legal Planet

MARCH 31, 2022

It turns out that most of them are 50-60% reliant on fossil fuels, with a lot of the remainder coming from nuclear and hydro. However, there are important differences in the mix of gas and coal in generation, which matters a lot since coal-fired generators emit much more carbon per kilowatt. Fossil Fuel Use.

2030

2030 Natural Gas Fossil Fuels 2007

U.S. Climate Law: A Broad & Rapidly Growing Field

Legal Planet

APRIL 3, 2023

EPA regulation of greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act (CAA) A. Standards for carbon and methane emissions from new sources Permitting requirements for carbon emissions from new stationary sources of major sources of existing pollutants. Standards for emissions from new vehicles.

Law

Law Endangered Species Act Clean Air Act Biofuels

Driving on Electricity Is Now Much Cleaner than Using a Gasoline Car

Union of Concerned Scientists

MAY 30, 2024

Replacing gasoline with electricity greatly reduces the carbon emissions from driving. Based on where electric vehicles (EVs) have been sold, driving the average EV in the US produces global warming emissions equal to a hypothetical 94 mile per gallon gasoline car, or less than a third of the emissions of the average new gasoline car.

Electricity

Electricity Fossil Fuels 2012 Climate Change

Guest Essay: In The Dead Of Night, Legislature Subsidizes Fossil Fuel Industry While Clean Energy Jobs, Water Quality Restoration, Recreation Projects Go Without

PA Environment Daily

JULY 19, 2021

Buried two-thirds of the way through a dense tax code bill, nestled between tax breaks for entertainment venues and expansion criteria for Keystone Opportunity Zones, was a major $320 million giveaway for a new fossil fuel facility. In 2012, the Legislature passed the largest corporate subsidy in its history—a 25-year, $1.65

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Clean Energy 2012 2020

A Year After the Shell Ruling: Big Victories and Next Steps for Climate Litigation

Union of Concerned Scientists

MAY 26, 2022

Today marks one year since the precedent-setting court ruling in the Netherlands, which ordered Shell to cut its activities’ carbon emissions by 45 percent compared to 2019 levels to align with the Paris climate agreement. The industry’s actions, the CHR report said, were driven “not by ignorance, but greed.”

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Climate Change Paris Agreement Carbon Emissions

The Turning Tide

Legal Planet

JUNE 4, 2021

Some events last week sent a strong signal that the tide is turning against fossil fuels. To paraphrase Churchill, this may not be beginning of the end for fossil fuels, but at least it is the end of the beginning of the campaign against them. Each of the events standing alone would have been noteworthy.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels Paris Agreement Climate Change Carbon Emissions

EPA’s Power Plant Carbon Rules Are Critical—and Complex. Here’s What to Know, and What to Watch.

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 20, 2023

Through the Clean Air Act , and as affirmed—and reaffirmed—through multiple legal sagas, EPA is statutorily obligated to address carbon pollution from fossil fuel-fired power plants. Indeed, EPA still retains the ability to set strong standards that curtail carbon pollution at the scale, speed, and rigor required.

Clean Air Act

Clean Air Act Fossil Fuels Carbon Emissions Clean Energy

Boston Bans Fossil Fuels in New and Renovated City Buildings

Making Fossil Fuels Pay for Their Damage

Trending Sources

Ask a Scientist: The US Has to Do More to Meet Its Carbon Emissions Reduction Goals

Report from COP27: The Fossil Fuel Industry Continues to Block the Path to Climate Justice

Disinformation Alert: Fossil Fuel Interests Preparing to Deploy False Claims about New EPA Rules

Burning Fossil Fuel Reserves Would Use Up Carbon Budget Seven Times Over

Investors Need to Know the Full Scope of Corporate Carbon Emissions

Explainer: Putting the fossil fuel industry into reverse

Big Oil’s Denial and Delay Is Endangering Our Future

Renewables smash fossil fuels at cost

ADANI’S MASSIVE FOSSIL FUEL EXPANSION PLANS

Waste-To-Energy Tech Could Slash U.S. Water Sector Carbon Emissions, But Its Potential Remains Underdeveloped

TCI Program Established to Reduce Carbon Emissions From Transportation

If the US Meets Its Climate Goals, We Can Save Money and Lives

Carbon Emissions Hit a New Record High

10 finance firms effectively own half of all future carbon emissions

PA-Based Evangelical Environmental Network: Over 51,000 Christians Call For Stronger Standards On Fossil Fuel Power Plants

Pittsburgh 2030 District Announces Significant Progress In Reducing Carbon Emissions - 44.8% From Baseline; Savings Of $59.7 Million In Utility Costs

What UCS Said to Pennsylvania Legislators About Hydrogen Hubs and Climate Change

Ask A Scientist: What Energy Solutions to the Climate Crisis Are Within Reach?

What Fixed Charges on Your Electric Bill Could Mean for Charging an EV in California

The Profound Climate Implications of Supreme Court’s West Virginia v. EPA Decision

I’m With Paul

Badly Drafted and Constitutionally Suspect

South Korea and Climate Change

Public Pressure on ExxonMobil Works. Little Else Does.

The Supreme Court’s Latest Decision Is a Blow to Stopping Climate Change

How Will EPA’s Proposed Power Plant Carbon Rule Impact Public Health?

Municipalities of Puerto Rico v. Exxon: a unique class action against fossil fuel companies presses for climate accountability in the United States

Numbers: Global carbon emissions at record levels with no signs of shrinking

How Much Battery Storage Does Illinois Need?

Climate Policy and the Audacity of Hope

To slash carbon emissions, colleges are digging really deep

Hydrogen and “Renewable” Gas Aren’t Realistic Solutions for Decarbonizing Maine’s Buildings

From Research to Action: The Growing Impact of Attribution Science

Whales and Lobstermen Have a Common Enemy

Ask a Scientist: Two Dozen States Can Meet 100 Percent of Electricity Demand with Renewables by 2035

Emissions by the Big Utilities: Where They Are, What They’re Aiming For

U.S. Climate Law: A Broad & Rapidly Growing Field

Driving on Electricity Is Now Much Cleaner than Using a Gasoline Car

Guest Essay: In The Dead Of Night, Legislature Subsidizes Fossil Fuel Industry While Clean Energy Jobs, Water Quality Restoration, Recreation Projects Go Without

A Year After the Shell Ruling: Big Victories and Next Steps for Climate Litigation

The Turning Tide

EPA’s Power Plant Carbon Rules Are Critical—and Complex. Here’s What to Know, and What to Watch.

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