Union of Concerned Scientists

FEBRUARY 13, 2024

The simple fact is that ditching fossil fuels for low-cost clean energy resources is good for the planet, good for the US economy, and good for public health. The studies the DOE reviewed also found that transmission investments would provide a host of benefits beyond access to clean energy. The good news?

Clean Energy 314

Clean Energy Renewable Energy Electricity 2030 314

Union of Concerned Scientists

MAY 19, 2022

Minnesota needs substantial investments now to build toward an equitable clean energy future. The bad news is, they have to find a compromise between two vastly different clean energy bills—by Monday. Minnesotans are already experiencing the climate crisis, as well as health impacts, from burning fossil fuels.

Clean Energy 247

Clean Energy Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy Electricity 247

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 28, 2022

Last week was a big one for clean energy in Michigan. First, Union of Concerned Scientists and the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition released a new report on how Michigan and other states can achieve 100-percent renewable energy standards that benefit all communities. No new gas plants.

Clean Energy 275

Clean Energy Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy 2030 275

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 336

Electricity Fossil Fuels 2012 Climate Change 336

Union of Concerned Scientists

MARCH 30, 2022

Replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy from wind and solar will depend on upgrading the electric power grid, which is currently plagued by planning delays and gridlock. PJM has only recently considered the states’ energy policies as relevant to its FERC-authorized role as transmission planner for its region.

Fossil Fuels 262

Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy Electricity Regulations 262

PA Environment Daily

APRIL 30, 2025

On April 30, the PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center and Evergreen Collaborative unveiled Renewable Energy Success Stories in the Keystone State. All across the Keystone State, our communities are saving energy and money, becoming more energy independent, and protecting our planet.

Clean Energy 96

Clean Energy Renewable Energy Natural Gas Fossil Fuels 96

Union of Concerned Scientists

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

By expanding renewable power, phasing out fossil fuels, electrifying as much of the economy as possible, and deploying other technologies, the U.S. Building substantial amounts of clean energy to power the electrification of transportation (and other sectors like buildings and industry). degrees Celsius.

Clean Energy 349

Clean Energy Biofuels Electricity Renewable Energy 349

Union of Concerned Scientists

JULY 21, 2022

The most consequential vote to advance a clean energy future won’t be happening in Washington, D.C., It will be happening in the (virtual) boardroom of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), which has authority over the bulk electric transmission system across much of the Midwest. or your state capital next week.

Clean Energy 295

Clean Energy Renewable Energy Electricity Fossil Fuels 295

Union of Concerned Scientists

NOVEMBER 21, 2024

Bidirectional EVs Could Be the New Standard Electric vehicles (EVs) should be a clean transportation and a clean energy solution. This could let drivers use these batteries to power critical appliances during emergencies, their homes during power shutoffs, or even the grid when electricity demand is high.

Fossil Fuels 201

Fossil Fuels Recycling Clean Energy 2004 201

Enviromental Defense

DECEMBER 2, 2024

Statement by Alienor Rougeot, Senior Program Manager, Climate and Energy, on Ontario’s claims regarding the federal Clean Electricity Regulations. The federal government’s proposed regulations to reduce emissions in electricity generation are achievable without breaking the bank.

Electricity 131

Electricity Regulations Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels 131

Ocean Conservancy

NOVEMBER 15, 2024

If we are to protect the ocean, its marine ecosystems and the people who depend on them, we must address climate change at its root: the burning of fossil fuels for energy. But this cannot happen without clean-energy solutions, such as offshore wind and other marine renewables , that can replace them.

Fossil Fuels 133

Fossil Fuels Ocean Climate Change Clean Energy 133

Union of Concerned Scientists

JULY 17, 2023

The fabulous growth of wind and solar builds on states’ clean energy policy and corporate decarbonization targets. However, great opportunities for more new clean energy supplies to replace fossil fuel energy need supporting grid investments. Where do we go for that modern infrastructure?

Clean Energy 238

Clean Energy Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Regulations 238

Union of Concerned Scientists

FEBRUARY 16, 2023

Last week, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed into law a standard that will make the North Star State’s electricity 100 percent carbon-free by 2040. Building on the success of the 100 percent standard, there are many other energy- and environment-related bills ready for discussion and approval. Congratulations, Minnesota! What’s next?

Electricity 258

Electricity Clean Energy Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy 258

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 9, 2025

I came to Madison ten years ago to pursue a masters in electrical engineering. billion in higher energy costs compared to cleaner alternatives. To underscore the negative impacts of fossil fuels on our grid, I also pointed to key research around resilience. Madison is our home.

Fossil Fuels 187

Fossil Fuels Climate Change Natural Gas Clean Energy 187

Union of Concerned Scientists

JUNE 12, 2023

What happens when promise of electricity reliability fails in bad weather? How can gas power plant owners claim to be reliable but fail to make adequate efforts to purchase fuel? We know that consumers pay for electricity reliability and bear the cost when supplies are tight.

Fossil Fuels 208

Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy Electricity Regulations 208

Union of Concerned Scientists

NOVEMBER 27, 2023

Senate Bill (SB) 271 requires utilities to achieve, at a minimum, renewable energy-generated electricity sales of 50 percent in 2030 and 60 percent in 2035. Additionally, SB 271 requires utilities to achieve a “clean energy” portfolio of at least 80 percent in 2035 and 100 percent in 2040. What’s In the Bills?

Clean Energy 245

Clean Energy Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy Nuclear Power 245

Union of Concerned Scientists

JANUARY 23, 2025

At present, California effectively has a ban on new nuclear power plants, but some California legislators are interested in rolling that back ostensibly to advance California towards its clean energy goals. The California Energy Commissions SB 100 report examined various scenarios that reach 100% clean electricity in California.

Nuclear Power 214

Nuclear Power Clean Energy Technology Technology 214

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 30, 2023

One notable example is in Michigan, where utilities are phasing out coal plants and momentum is building for legislation that would support an equitable clean energy transition. In 2022, the MPSC similarly approved a revised version of utility Consumers Energy’s long-range energy plan following settlement negotiations.

Clean Energy 233

Clean Energy Electricity Renewable Energy 2028 233

PA Environment Daily

MARCH 15, 2025

On March 14, a tour of Steelton-Highspire School District facilities and Tregs Independent Brewing in Dauphin County shows the benefits of going solar and electric school buses. These events were held to educate local residents about the benefits of solar energy and electric vehicles. Patty Kim (D-Dauphin), Rep.

Electricity 112

Electricity Renewable Energy Clean Energy Solar Power 112

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 24, 2023

There’s good news in the recently released official data on electricity generation in the United States in 2022: renewable energy has continued to grow, coal power has continued to drop, and renewables are now firmly ahead of coal for the first time ever. They offer a lot of good news about clean energy progress.

Clean Energy 305

Clean Energy Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy Solar Power 305

Energy and Climate Law

NOVEMBER 2, 2020

For almost two year now the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) is under revision and negotiations shall finish in 2021. The aim of the EU is to try to stop fossil fuel companies suing states over climate action. This shall also apply to electrical energy derived from these materials.

Fossil Fuels 207

Fossil Fuels Natural Gas Electricity 2020 207

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 3, 2023

Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) sets a bold goal for the state—no carbon pollution from electricity generation by 2045, which means zero global warming emissions from coal- and gas-fired power plants. Illinois legislators and clean energy advocates celebrate CEJA’s signing in September 2021.

Electricity 234

Electricity Fossil Fuels Clean Energy Waste 234

PA Environment Daily

MARCH 21, 2025

Another in-person event took place in Western Pennsylvania, where supporters rallied in support of community-centered clean energy at the Homestead Steel Mill Stacks. Pennsylvania residents can't enjoy these benefits because the fossil fuel industry has blocked any such legislation. As one of the priorities in Gov.

Clean Energy 105

Clean Energy Nitrogen Oxides Renewable Energy Carbon Dioxide 105

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 13, 2024

As electric vehicle charging stations sprout like mushrooms along our roads and clusters of new wind turbines come online, these two clean energy solutions to the climate crisis are becoming more commonplace. But beyond more electric cars and solar panels, what can everyday people do?

Fossil Fuels 242

Fossil Fuels Clean Energy Electricity Climate Change 242

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. Renewable energy will help with all of that—but we need a grid that is designed for wind and solar instead of having to rely on expensive coal and gas plants.

Renewable Energy 354

Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Solar Power Electricity 354

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 16, 2024

Much of our electricity system is 50 to 70 years old, yet current plans for domestic manufacturing, electric vehicle fleets, community solar gardens and more clean energy all depend on a modern grid. New demands for electricity and the need to reduce climate-changing emissions are driving new grid planning efforts.

Electricity 268

Electricity Renewable Energy Clean Energy Law 268

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 25, 2022

I’m going to let you in on a little secret: Without power grid modeling tools, the transition to clean electricity would be an absolute mess. Luckily, we don’t have to resort to guesswork because we have sophisticated grid modeling tools that help guide the transition to clean electricity. Surely that would not end well.

Electricity 274

Electricity Clean Energy Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy 274

Union of Concerned Scientists

SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

Since the beginning of 2022, electric vehicle sales in the United States have been downright electrifying. Last year, US drivers bought more than 800,000 new electric vehicles (EVs), 65 percent more than in 2021, even as overall car sales declined. billion to help California drivers switch from gasoline to electricity.

Electricity 330

Electricity Air Pollution 2030 Clean Air Act 330

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 26, 2024

As one example of these rising costs, Californians’ electricity bills have been skyrocketing over the past few years. And we know that as our climate warms further—driven by burning fossil fuels—the risk of large wildfires will only grow. There are many more capital costs likely coming.

Climate Change 250

Climate Change Fossil Fuels Clean Energy Electricity 250

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. The same solutions will fix the energy crisis and the climate crisis.

Fossil Fuels 322

Fossil Fuels Paris Agreement Renewable Energy Carbon Dioxide 322

Union of Concerned Scientists

MAY 12, 2021

We need to quickly transition to a clean energy future in Illinois to prevent additional negative public health impacts from fossil fuel plants. The Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) HB 0804/ SB1718 is the only bill that puts Illinois on a path to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030 and 100% renewable energy by 2050.

Fossil Fuels 238

Fossil Fuels Clean Energy Renewable Energy 2030 238

Union of Concerned Scientists

FEBRUARY 9, 2024

Gas, which now generates 40 percent of US electricity, is considered by some to be critical to maintain grid reliability. For example, Dominion Energy, an electric and gas utility in Virginia, is planning to build a mammoth 1,000-megawatt gas plant in an area with a high percentage of residents who are people of color and low-income.

Clean Energy 336

Clean Energy Nitrogen Oxides Fossil Fuels Electricity 336

Union of Concerned Scientists

JUNE 13, 2022

We already have so many of the foundational technological building blocks of the clean energy transition at hand: renewables, energy efficiency, energy storage, and pathways to electrifying a vast array of energy end uses. Now we need to rapidly accelerate the clean energy momentum already underway.

Technology 256

Technology Technology Climate Change Fossil Fuels 256

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 21, 2024

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) included a major—forthcoming—refresh for one of the biggest policy drivers of the nation’s clean energy transition to date: tax credits subsidizing the deployment of clean electricity resources. What’s “clean,” and how is it measured?

Electricity 283

Electricity Clean Energy Greenhouse Technology 283

Union of Concerned Scientists

JANUARY 22, 2024

When it comes to the transition to clean energy, 2023 was quite a year for progress: record-breaking amounts of solar installed in the United States, a solid drop in carbon emissions from the US power sector, more than one million electric vehicles sold in the country for the first time, “breakneck” growth in renewable energy globally, and more.

Clean Energy 177

Clean Energy Renewable Energy Electricity 2024 177

Legal Planet

SEPTEMBER 17, 2024

You don’t have to look beyond the front pages of newspapers , or beyond rooftops in your neighborhood to know that we are in the midst of a clean energy revolution, with renewable energy technologies dramatically decreasing in price and increasing in availability.

Law 325

Law Renewable Energy Clean Energy Fossil Fuels 325

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 3, 2023

Last year’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) included a clean hydrogen production tax credit (known as “45V”) that is one of a slew of new incentives intended to help catalyze the next and necessary phase of advancing the nation’s clean energy transition as a whole. The costs will be too great otherwise.

Clean Energy 251

Clean Energy Fossil Fuels Electricity Renewable Energy 251