Union of Concerned Scientists

SEPTEMBER 13, 2023

Despite the clean energy transition that is well underway in the United States, methane gas, or natural gas, remains the largest source of U.S. electricity generation. This is a particularly dangerous risk given the coincident grid strain and high electricity demand that is typically triggered by these weather conditions.

Fossil Fuels 251

Fossil Fuels Cooling Electricity 2015 251

PA Environment Daily

APRIL 10, 2024

The KEEP Home Energy Loan program will offer affordable financing to assist homeowners who are interested in reducing their energy costs by making energy efficient upgrades, such as installing storm windows, ductless heating and cooling, smart thermostats, solar water heaters, electric vehicle chargers, and more.

Electricity 80

Electricity 2004 Clean Energy Environmental Protection 80

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 19, 2023

This would have enabled the CAISO to expand its operations into the rest of the west as a regional transmission organization (RTO), an independent entity that plans and operates the electricity grid. Now, 22 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have 100% clean energy goals on the books.

2018 278

2018 Clean Energy Renewable Energy Electricity 278

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 2, 2024

Whatever the weather in March and beyond—in-like-a-lion blustery or out-like-a-lamb sunny—spring tends to be a season of strong electricity production from solar and wind in particular. Spring is also a glorious time for taking stock, since the official data on the previous year’s US electricity generation become available.

Electricity 157

Electricity 2013 2023 Clean Energy 157

Physics World

JANUARY 7, 2022

One of the biggest challenges in tackling the climate crisis will be to clean up our transportation networks. Electric vehicles already offer a viable route to zero-emission road travel, but more innovation is needed to build better batteries that enable longer journeys and faster charging – and all within an affordable price tag.

Clean Energy 100

Clean Energy Technology Technology 2016 100

Union of Concerned Scientists

SEPTEMBER 9, 2022

The AC doesn’t work (or you don’t run it because there go your wages), but at least the pedestal fan pointed directly at your body and some cool water help. It was simply not comparable to being outside for only one hour of one day and knowing that, at any time, I could go inside my home to cool off. .

Cooling 363

Cooling Climate Change Electricity Radiation 363

Union of Concerned Scientists

SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

However, homes with energy efficiency retrofits can retain cool or warm air longer , while simultaneously saving money throughout normal yearly temperature fluctuations. Energy efficiency retrofits increase home comfort during normal temperature deviations and home safety during extreme events.

Cooling 263

Cooling Climate Change Regulations Solar Power 263

Union of Concerned Scientists

OCTOBER 19, 2022

Solar panels generated almost 4 percent of electricity in the US in 2021, up from less than 1 percent in 2015. In some places that number is much higher; for example, 17% of California’s electricity generation came from solar in 2021. Almost half of all new energy capacity added to the US grid in 2021 came from solar.

Carbon Monoxide 317

Carbon Monoxide Electricity Carbon Dioxide Renewable Energy 317

Union of Concerned Scientists

MAY 30, 2023

And I love hearing about new renewable electricity records as spring unfolds. A few recent examples for that last love: California scored a new record for total generation from renewable energy in mid-April and a new record for solar production in mid-May. Spring tends to be a time when there is lower electricity demand.

Renewable Energy 245

Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Climate Change Electricity 245

Union of Concerned Scientists

JULY 12, 2022

That often brings to mind images of people trying to catch some shade under a baking hot sun or city kids cooling off in a fountain while their parents sweat on the sidelines. The types of clouds that have increased—specifically thick, precipitating clouds —reflect sunlight back into space during the day and have a cooling effect.

Climate Change 306

Climate Change Cooling Radiation Electricity 306

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 31, 2022

At any point in the summer, extreme heat could trigger electricity supply shortages and rotating power outages. In reality, a big heat wave could lead to electricity supply shortages and rotating power outages during any summer month, but September is when it’s most likely. How well has California’s grid been performing this summer?

Solar Power 299

Solar Power Fossil Fuels Electricity 2020 299

Legal Planet

APRIL 11, 2022

That can mean a decrease in your total energy use, but not necessarily. If cooling your house gets cheaper because you’re more energy efficiency, you might decide you can afford to keep your house even cooler. In the end, you might use more electricity, not less. Bottom line: if we use less energy, we use less land.

Conservation 245

Conservation Deforestation Electricity Carbon Emissions 245

Enviromental Defense

SEPTEMBER 7, 2023

The company is falsely claiming that “natural” gas, better described as fossil gas, is the most cost-effective way for people to heat their homes, when in reality electric heat pumps are a significantly cheaper option. Natural Gas vs Electric For a long time, fossil gas was the cheapest way to heat buildings.

Carbon Emissions 124

Carbon Emissions Natural Gas Electricity Cooling 124

Union of Concerned Scientists

MARCH 31, 2022

To improve the lives of all Chicagoans, the plan prioritizes environmental justice, household savings, public health, and clean energy. Energy burden , a household’s heating and electric expenses as a percentage of income, is a major issue for Illinois low-income families, who on average spend 13 percent of their income on energy.

Renewable Energy 264

Renewable Energy Carbon Emissions Electricity 2008 264

Union of Concerned Scientists

JUNE 24, 2024

As my colleague John Rogers explains , extreme heat can have cascading impacts on our electricity system making electricity more expensive, more polluting, and less reliable. As temperatures rise, so too does the demand for energy as more people turn to AC to keep cool.

Climate Change 303

Climate Change Sea Level Fossil Fuels Government 303

Law and Environment

NOVEMBER 7, 2022

Other research and development opportunities identified include innovation in energy storage, alternative biofuels, electric vehicle batteries, and advanced wind and solar power. We will be tracking future funding announcements under this initiative.

Technology 130

Technology Technology Biofuels Solar Power 130

Union of Concerned Scientists

SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

Like many other public-serving institutions throughout society, electricity and gas utilities are facing calls to be more equitable in their operations, planning, and treatment of customers. How are energy equity and energy justice connected? Energy equity lives under the umbrella of energy justice.

Electricity 305

Electricity Fossil Fuels Air Pollution Renewable Energy 305

Enviromental Defense

JANUARY 10, 2024

Natural Gas vs Electric For a long time, fossil gas was the cheapest way to heat buildings. But now, electric heat pumps are a much cheaper option. Due to their high efficiency – three to five times higher than gas – annual energy costs for heat pumps are much lower. But Enbridge Gas does not want you to know that.

Carbon Emissions 98

Carbon Emissions Natural Gas Electricity Cooling 98

Union of Concerned Scientists

JULY 27, 2022

As electric vehicle (EV) sales continue to increase, questions about how these cars and their batteries will be disposed of have been top of mind for current owners, future buyers, policymakers, and many experts in the automotive industry. Recycling is key to making EVs greener.

Recycling 362

Recycling Electricity Renewable Energy Technology 362

PA Environment Daily

JUNE 14, 2023

On June 13, Public Utility Commission Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille told the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee Winter Storm Elliot has again demonstrated extreme weather can have a significant impact on electric grid operations in terms of reliability and resilience.

Natural Gas 62

Natural Gas Electricity Nuclear Power Fossil Fuels 62

PA Environment Daily

APRIL 5, 2023

For more than 30 years, EPA’s ENERGY STAR program has supported the transition to a clean energy economy by fostering innovation, jobs, and economic development, while protecting public health. Read more about the ENERGY STAR Awards and Award Winners’ achievements. Posted: April 5, 2023] PA Environment Digest

2023 97

2023 Clean Energy Electricity Climate Change 97

HumanNature

NOVEMBER 13, 2023

These statistics are extremely encouraging and are critical steps in the transition to a clean energy system. On the other end of the electric grid, advanced technologies can help reduce the amount of energy that is required for basic services like lighting, heating, and cooling. Energy Information Administration.

Renewable Energy 105

Renewable Energy 2009 Solar Power 2023 105

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 27, 2023

Further, the going price of gas can be volatile and generally tracks very closely with US wholesale electricity prices, since the country grew so over-reliant on gas power plants throughout the 2010s. Last year, for the first time ever, US renewable electricity generation surpassed coal-fired electricity generation.

Fossil Fuels 282

Fossil Fuels Electricity 2014 Climate Change 282

Union of Concerned Scientists

OCTOBER 12, 2023

Rather than using treated wastewater to cool the steam the Allen plant uses to make electricity, as other plants have done, the TVA continues to tap into the source of Memphis’s drinking water. TVA CEO Jeff Lyash has often referred to gas as a bridge fuel , needed in the transition to renewable energy.

Fossil Fuels 214

Fossil Fuels Natural Gas Renewable Energy Climate Change 214

Enviromental Defense

SEPTEMBER 7, 2023

Enbridge’s marketing materials claim heating with gas is cheapest, though electric heat pumps would save a typical homeowner over $10,000 by comparison. Enbridge’s dishonest marketing is duping people into signing up for its gas service, falsely claiming it’s cheaper than heating with electricity which is just not true.”

Cooling 81

Cooling Natural Gas Greenhouse Electricity 81

Energy and Climate Law

OCTOBER 22, 2020

By Ceciel Nieuwenhout, Post-Doctoral Researcher, Groningen Centre of Energy Law and Sustainability; Lead Author of WP 1 T1.2 Report to the H2020 POCITYF-project A substantial part of energy in the EU is consumed by households , for powering electric appliances and for heating and cooling.

Electricity 246

Electricity Renewable Energy Law Regulations 246

Capaccio

MARCH 30, 2021

On 3/26/21 , Governor Baker signed comprehensive new legislation to support its commitment to Net Zero emissions by 2050, and builds on previously issued 2050 Decarbonization Roadmap and Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2030.

Cooling 52

Cooling 2030 Clean Energy 2008 52

Union of Concerned Scientists

JULY 26, 2022

For example, they may need to choose between cooling down with their windows open at night or breathing polluted air, as residents often don’t have air conditioners or the economic capacity to pay for higher electricity bills. Annual average PM2.5 and ozone concentrations highlighting air quality issues in the Central Valley.

Climate Change 347

Climate Change Ozone Air Pollution Particle Pollution 347

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 11, 2023

While it is a heavily polluting fossil fuel that is set to continue declining as a fuel source for US electricity generation over the next decade, coal still accounted for roughly 20 percent of the country’s generation in 2022. Fuel transport – Spring floods can hinder the transportation of fuels like coal.

Fossil Fuels 246

Fossil Fuels 2011 Climate Change Nuclear Power 246

A Greener Life

JANUARY 6, 2023

But floating solar panels do more than generate electricity. Panels over water are naturally cooled from beneath, and so their location adds to their efficiency. Solar projects of this type are reducing emissions with clean energy. First, it’s good for the panels. First published in The Earthbound Report.

Solar Power 98

Solar Power Clean Energy Renewable Energy Cooling 98

PA Environment Daily

OCTOBER 21, 2024

1 USDA Announces Investment Of $24 Million In 112 Clean Energy Projects In PA; $20.5 Million To Allegheny Electric Cooperative Under Rural Energy Programs Community Advocates For Clean Energy Host Nov. 15 Keep PA Beautiful Welcomes New Board Members Kelsey DeMerlis, Wesley Robinson Dept.

Toxic Substances Control Act 90

Toxic Substances Control Act Conservation 2025 Natural Gas 90

Law Columbia

OCTOBER 17, 2023

Credit: UnSplash By opening up new tax credits for tax-exempt entities, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides a vehicle to fund smart surface projects while increasing solar electricity generation. Further, in addition to directly reducing absorbed heat, cool roofs can reduce demand for air conditioning.

Clean Energy 67

Clean Energy Government Law Cooling 67

PA Environment Daily

DECEMBER 12, 2022

On December 12, the Ohio River Valley Institute released a new report showing an energy decarbonizing strategy based on zero emissions resources, energy efficiency and increased electrification is 13 percent less costly than a strategy based on hydrogen/natural gas and carbon capture in 10-county Southwest Pennsylvania area.

Natural Gas 52

Natural Gas Fossil Fuels Clean Energy Electricity 52

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 23, 2023

One of the biggest challenges with the transition to clean electricity is figuring out how to keep the grid reliable. Now, if you thought I was going to say that clean energy technologies aren’t capable of providing a reliable electricity supply, you’re way off track.

Fossil Fuels 242

Fossil Fuels Electricity Natural Gas Climate Change 242

PA Environment Daily

APRIL 5, 2022

While working to establish a neighborhood-scale clean energy plan, this project will also explore opportunities to retrofit older homes in the Hill District to make them more energy efficient.? The associated energy cost savings would be designated to benefit residents of the Hill District.

Renewable Energy 52

Renewable Energy Clean Energy Fossil Fuels Cooling 52

Frontiers

MAY 5, 2022

Wow, cool: Honeybees can learn to differentiate between odd and even quantities. Clean energy potential found in bacteria that produces electricity after consuming methane. Clean energy potential found in bacteria that produces electricity after consuming methane. Article link: [link].

Electricity 98

Electricity Cooling Clean Energy Greenhouse 98

A Greener Life

JUNE 10, 2022

The program provides paid, on-the-job training to New Yorkers who live in neighbourhoods with high rates of gun violence, with the aim of starting them on their way to a career in the city’s fast-growing green construction and clean energy trades. “I thought he was a pretty cool dude,” Kinch says.

Cooling 98

Cooling 2030 Clean Energy Electricity 98