Union of Concerned Scientists

MARCH 20, 2023

Avoiding the worst impacts of climate change will require the rapid reduction in these emissions from the vehicles we drive. In 2022, my colleagues and I analyzed the global warming emissions benefits of electric cars and trucks in our report “ Driving Cleaner.”

Electricity 312

Electricity Air Pollution Climate Change Natural Gas 312

Union of Concerned Scientists

SEPTEMBER 12, 2022

As the adoption of electric cars, trucks, and buses gains momentum, many people are wondering if the electric grid is up to the task of charging all of those vehicles. And will the grid be able to handle all of the electric vehicles we will have as we progress toward a highly-electrified transportation future, by say 2040 or 2050?

Electricity 352

Electricity Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Cooling 352

Environmental and Urban Economics

FEBRUARY 17, 2021

Such a shortage can arise on a very cold day if most heating is fueled using electricity and if any of the up and running power generators such as wind turbines reduce their aggregate supply of power. I am fan of the following opt in critical peak pricing incentive approach to reducing the aggregate demand for electricity during peak times.

Climate Change 265

Climate Change Electricity 2011 2021 265

Union of Concerned Scientists

SEPTEMBER 17, 2024

This tells us which fleets are deploying electric vehicles, which types of these vehicles are being deployed, and where. In 2023, electric cargo vans represented over seven percent of new registrations nationally for this vehicle type. One indicator of this progress is the growing share of zero-emission truck and bus registrations.

Electricity 324

Electricity Nitrogen Oxides 2023 2024 324

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 1, 2022

As part of the climate-focused changes, this bill includes significant changes to the electric vehicle (EV) tax credit. If passed, it could help accelerate the transition from gasoline to electricity with $7,500 for qualifying new EVs and a $4,000 credit for used EVs. . Why is this tax credit a big deal?

Electricity 319

Electricity Climate Change 2030 Regulations 319

Union of Concerned Scientists

OCTOBER 12, 2023

But pre-COVID, most days I used an electric bike to handle the 11-mile round trip to and from the Oakland UCS office. Using an electric bike gave me the opportunity to get to the office as quickly as with a car, with virtually no pollution and the added bonus of some outside time. But why are electric bikes important?

Electricity 313

Electricity Climate Change Carbon Dioxide Recycling 313

Legal Planet

JUNE 16, 2022

The EIA reports that: “Fossil fuel sources accounted for about 69% of South Korea’s electricity generation in 2019, and the share of nuclear power accounted for 25%. Coal-fired power, which is a baseload source, is the dominant fossil fuel used to generate electricity (40%), and natural gas-fired capacity is the second-largest source (26%).”.

Climate Change 246

Climate Change Fossil Fuels Paris Agreement 2030 246

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. The new rate structure guidance lowers electricity bills on average for lower-income households and those living in regions most impacted by extreme weather events.

Climate Change 248

Climate Change Fossil Fuels Clean Energy Electricity 248

Union of Concerned Scientists

NOVEMBER 30, 2022

I recently had the chance to visit the Los Angeles Auto Show and I was amazed at the number of electric vehicle (EV) offerings. Electric pickup trucks like this Ford F-150 Lightning have much lower global warming emissions than comparable gasoline trucks, even when accounting for electricity generation and manufacturing emissions. .

Electricity 300

Electricity 2026 Regulations 2015 300

Union of Concerned Scientists

JULY 25, 2022

Limiting climate change will require the rapid reduction in these emissions from the vehicles we drive. Electric vehicles (EVs) can eliminate tailpipe emissions altogether and so are an attractive option for reducing both global-warming and smog-forming air pollution.

Electricity 318

Electricity Air Pollution Climate Change Carbon Emissions 318

Real Climate

NOVEMBER 23, 2024

It’s 20 years since we started blogging on climate here on RealClimate (December 10, 2004). We wanted to counter disinformation about climate change that was spreading through various campaigns. In a nutshell, they are responsible for climate change, mainly due to an increased greenhouse effect.

2004 245

2004 Climate Change Atmosphere Carbon Dioxide 245

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. Given the climate crisis, which seems to worsen every day, the sooner the better.

Electricity 329

Electricity Air Pollution 2030 Clean Air Act 329

PA Environment Daily

APRIL 25, 2025

On April 25, the Department of Environmental Protection announced the release of the 2024 Climate Change Action Plan Update and 2024 Climate Impacts Assessment Report. Visit DEPs Climate Change webpage for more information on these and other Pennsylvania climate initiatives. from 2019 to 2020 and 44.4%

Climate Change 77

Climate Change 2024 Natural Gas Electricity 77

Union of Concerned Scientists

NOVEMBER 15, 2022

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is necessary to decrease climate-changing emissions. By using recycled instead of newly mined materials, reduction of climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions is approximately 64%. The switch from gasoline to electric presents a huge opportunity for efficient resource use.

Electricity 319

Electricity Recycling Nitrogen Oxides Climate Change 319

Enviromental Defense

JANUARY 20, 2025

To build a clean economy and avoid a climate disaster, Canada needs an emissions-free electricity supply. As we electrify everything, from our cars to our home heating systems, we need electricity to come from sources that dont emit greenhouse gases. The regulations come up short of what is needed to tackle climate change.

Electricity 105

Electricity Regulations Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels 105

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 9, 2025

So, when I first heard of the Climate Accountability Actat a mere two sentencesI could have brushed it off as too high-level. I came to Madison ten years ago to pursue a masters in electrical engineering. the federal government is trying to move us backwards on addressing climate change. Madison is our home.

Fossil Fuels 185

Fossil Fuels Climate Change Natural Gas Clean Energy 185

Union of Concerned Scientists

JULY 3, 2022

is a serious blow to the EPA’s ability to fight climate change—and could have dangerous repercussions beyond this case. The timing of the decision feels especially harsh, as the nation is in the throes of the “ Danger Season ” for hazards such as heat waves, drought, wildfires and hurricanes, all worsened by climate change.

Climate Change 262

Climate Change Fossil Fuels Carbon Emissions Nitrogen Oxides 262

Real Climate

APRIL 6, 2023

The summary for policymakers of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) sixth synthesis report was released on March 20th (available online as a PDF ). There is a recording of the IPCC Press Conference – Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report for those who are interested in watching an awkward release of the report.

Climate Change 299

Climate Change Fossil Fuels Greenhouse 2012 299

Union of Concerned Scientists

MAY 8, 2023

Electric transportation is essential for a cleaner and healthier world. Replacing gasoline vehicles with electric can reduce emissions that cause climate change and illnesses. Let’s talk solutions A solution to decreasing pollution is moving away from gasoline-based modes of transportation to electric.

Electricity 297

Electricity Recycling Fossil Fuels Climate Change 297

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 30, 2024

According to the latest EIA data, wind power, the leading source of US renewable electricity, may have supplied 7% more generation in 2024 than in 2023, and accounted for almost 11% of the countrys total electricity. It added up to 24% of total electricity generation in 2024, compared with 23% in 2023. One of 2024s new crop.

Clean Energy 268

Clean Energy 2024 Wind Power Renewable Energy 268

Union of Concerned Scientists

OCTOBER 15, 2024

The fuel, commonly known as natural gas, now powers the biggest portion of US electricity generation—more than 40 percent. Moreover, gas-fired electricity generation hurts communities and the environment in numerous additional ways beyond climate. of that fuel. The tool can shed light on all those issues.

Renewable Energy 283

Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Electricity Nitrogen Oxides 283

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 129

Electricity Regulations Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels 129

Union of Concerned Scientists

JUNE 26, 2024

This June, I had the opportunity to testify at the Pennsylvania House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee’s hearing on “Hydrogen Hubs and Climate Change.” My name is Julie McNamara, and I am a senior analyst and deputy policy director for climate and energy at the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Climate Change 242

Climate Change Fossil Fuels Carbon Dioxide Clean Energy 242

Union of Concerned Scientists

SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

Extreme weather, which is increasing due to climate change , can degrade the electricity system and cause these failures. Power outages are costly, can have extreme impacts on both the health and safety of a population, and can happen at any point in the process of electricity generation, distribution, and usage.

Electricity 233

Electricity Renewable Energy Climate Change Sea Level 233

Legal Planet

AUGUST 29, 2023

Under new legislation, California is moving to a novel system that includes income-based fixed charges for electricity. Public utility commissions are tasked with designing retail electricity rates that allow utilities to cover their costs and ensure that customers receive reliable and affordable electricity service.

Electricity 246

Electricity Law Conservation Climate Change 246

Union of Concerned Scientists

JUNE 13, 2022

These wind, solar, and energy storage projects total 1,300 gigawatts of electric generating capacity, which represents more than $2 trillion in investments, and is roughly the same amount needed to get the U.S. to 80 percent of electricity from zero-carbon resources by 2030. People can no longer deny climate change must be addressed.

Technology 254

Technology Technology Climate Change Fossil Fuels 254

Circle of Blue

FEBRUARY 21, 2022

The Michigan Public Service Commission is best known as the government body that decides whether gas and electric utilities can raise their rates. In an unusual move, the commission is also reviewing what keeping Line 5 operating means for climate change. But, the commission has other duties. Will it damage the environment?

Climate Change 246

Climate Change Fossil Fuels Greenhouse Law 246

Union of Concerned Scientists

JANUARY 18, 2024

Availability has also increased , with many auto dealers offering a wide range of new and more affordable electric passenger car and pick-up truck models. Disinformation and misconceptions about electric vehicles are a major reason for this lag. some essential facts about electric vehicles in rural areas.

Electricity 331

Electricity Nitrogen Oxides Technology Technology 331

Legal Planet

MARCH 9, 2023

California and other jurisdictions have been moving to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) as a climate solution. Yet some pro-sprawl interests question whether this is necessary, given the advent of electric vehicles. Clean electricity generation still has a carbon cost.

Electricity 299

Electricity Fossil Fuels 2022 Conservation 299

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 7, 2023

The latest new car sales numbers are in, and California has hit a new milestone on the path to electrification: 1 in 4 new cars sold in California in the second quarter of 2023 were plug-in electric cars and trucks. Despite the sales, this affordable electric option is being discontinued.

Electricity 246

Electricity Air Pollution 2023 Climate Change 246

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 266

Electricity Renewable Energy Clean Energy Law 266

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 22, 2023

But extreme heat also hits our electricity system in ways that make it more expensive, more polluting, and less reliable. Extreme heat means more expensive electricity Extreme heat can sharply increase electricity consumption as people turn up their air conditioners for relief. Here’s how. That’s the supply part.

Electricity 238

Electricity Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy Cooling 238

Union of Concerned Scientists

MARCH 13, 2024

Electric car buyers have new options in 2024 to make it easier to purchase a new electric vehicle (EV) by using the federal EV tax credit. Even with these restrictions, the used car tax credit will help make switching from gasoline to electricity easier for more US car buyers.

Electricity 261

Electricity 2024 Climate Change 261

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. the GHGs emitted into the atmosphere by a facility in the production of electricity—is not greater than zero.

Electricity 281

Electricity Clean Energy Greenhouse Technology 281

Union of Concerned Scientists

NOVEMBER 26, 2024

This marked a career shift toward direct climate and equity advocacy, where I could use my background in electrical engineering to more directly tackle the climate challenges threatening our planet’s critical resources, including the glaciers I would soon visit.

Climate Change 223

Climate Change 2030 Fossil Fuels Carbon Emissions 223

Enviromental Defense

JANUARY 14, 2025

Prime Minister Trudeaus recent decision to prorogue Parliament and announce his upcoming resignation may have left you wondering about what this could mean for climate change policy. All political leaders should be bolder on climate. The way to win support is to address the interlinked issues of affordability and climate.

Politics 116

Politics Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy Climate Change 116

Ocean Conservancy

NOVEMBER 15, 2024

Climate change is propelling these weather events to grow faster and stronger than ever before. Other climate change impacts are accelerating as well. Many scientists thought these high ocean temperatures would be years away, but the realities of climate change are not a distant threat.

Fossil Fuels 133

Fossil Fuels Ocean Climate Change Clean Energy 133