Union of Concerned Scientists

MAY 16, 2023

I usually try to stay in my cozy power sector bubble, plugging away on electricity grid decarbonization. But this new study from my colleagues working on climate change and fossil fuel accountability couldn’t be ignored. And as a result, those fossil fuel companies should shoulder some of the costs related to wildfires.

Fossil Fuels 263

Fossil Fuels Climate Change Electricity Regulations 263

Union of Concerned Scientists

NOVEMBER 18, 2024

In extreme weather, when electricity demand is at its highest and the grid needs gas plants the most, gas plants have been failing at alarming rates. Even with the clean energy transition well underway, gas plants will be around for a while as we phase out fossil fuels. Gas power plants have a problem.

Fossil Fuels 289

Fossil Fuels Clean Energy Electricity Technology 289

Yale E360

JANUARY 27, 2023

Solar, wind, electric vehicles, and other clean energy technologies saw a record-high $1.1 trillion in investment globally last year, matching investment in fossil fuels for the first time ever, according to a new report from Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Read more on E360 →

Fossil Fuels 287

Fossil Fuels Clean Energy 2022 Electricity 287

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 279

Clean Energy 2024 Wind Power Renewable Energy 279

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. The 2021 law allows, but does not require, PJM to plan ahead because various fossil fuel plants must reduce and then cease emissions by a specific date.

Fossil Fuels 264

Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy Electricity Regulations 264

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

Yale E360

JUNE 24, 2021

But with a recent string of setbacks for big oil companies and the rapid advance of electric vehicles, some now say that “peak oil” is already here. For years, analysts have predicted that rising world oil consumption would peak and start declining in the coming decades. Read more on E360 ?.

Fossil Fuels 364

Fossil Fuels Electricity 364

Legal Planet

JANUARY 9, 2025

And m itigationour failure to quickly transition away from fossil fuelsis part of the story. Science tells us that burning fossil fuels is a large part of what makes wildfires like the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires more likely and more severe by creating this hydroclimate whiplash. Building back electric, not gas.

Climate Change 317

Climate Change Climate Scientist Fossil Fuels Atmosphere 317

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 9, 2025

I came to Madison ten years ago to pursue a masters in electrical engineering. To underscore the negative impacts of fossil fuels on our grid, I also pointed to key research around resilience. So, when I first heard of the Climate Accountability Actat a mere two sentencesI could have brushed it off as too high-level.

Fossil Fuels 244

Fossil Fuels Climate Change Natural Gas Clean Energy 244

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 246

Fossil Fuels Recycling Clean Energy 2004 246

Enviromental Defense

DECEMBER 17, 2024

The weakening of these regulations equate to an abandonment of the Prime Ministers promise to Canadians of a net-zero electricity grid by 2035. A clean electricity grid is the backbone of the energy transition. Canada is in an enviable position when it comes to our electricity supply.

Electricity 113

Electricity Regulations Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels 113

Union of Concerned Scientists

NOVEMBER 13, 2024

Energy storage, or the storing of electricity for later use on the power grid, plays an important role in the clean energy transition. Renewable generation is variable—wind and solar power produce electricity when the wind is blowing and the sun is shining. Curtailment means we are wasting otherwise clean, perfectly usable electricity.

Fossil Fuels 162

Fossil Fuels 2030 Electricity Clean Energy 162

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

Legal Planet

MARCH 9, 2023

Yet some pro-sprawl interests question whether this is necessary, given the advent of electric vehicles. Clean electricity generation still has a carbon cost. Even if we move to 100% electric vehicles, that energy has to come from somewhere. Electric vehicles come with their own carbon footprint and pollution costs.

Electricity 299

Electricity Fossil Fuels 2022 Conservation 299

Legal Planet

APRIL 14, 2025

In 2019, Pacific Gas & Electric filed for bankruptcy because of billions of dollars of potential liability from fires the previous summer. Conduct is considered just and reasonable if the conduct of the electrical corporation. The fires in L.A. But such litigation isnt new. billion settlement.

Government 217

Government Electricity Fossil Fuels 2019 217

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 Clean Electricity Regulations are an important part of Canadas climate plan.

Electricity 100

Electricity Regulations Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels 100

Energy and Climate Law

NOVEMBER 2, 2020

The aim of the EU is to try to stop fossil fuel companies suing states over climate action. On fossil fuel investments, however, the document was rather unspecific, merely stating that the modernized ECT shall reflect climate change and clean energy transition goals.

Fossil Fuels 207

Fossil Fuels Natural Gas Electricity 2020 207

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. In 2017, our grid was 96 percent non-emitting.

Electricity 127

Electricity Regulations Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels 127

Yale E360

SEPTEMBER 26, 2024

As the world’s largest producer of advanced computer chips, Taiwan is struggling to meet demand for electricity. Highly dependent on imported fossil fuels, soon to shutter its last nuclear plant, and slow to build out renewables, the island is heading toward an energy crunch. Read more on E360 →

Fossil Fuels 362

Fossil Fuels Electricity 362

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. What’s next? Minnesota’s legislative session runs until late May.

Electricity 264

Electricity Clean Energy Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy 264

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 8, 2025

Electric vehicle (EV) sales are increasing , and these vehicles are important to reduce fossil fuel use and air pollution. Increasing sales means more EVs eventually reaching their end of useful life. When an EV retires, the battery can be recycled and the materials recovered to make new batteries.

Recycling 220

Recycling Fossil Fuels 2026 Air Pollution 220

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. Wind energy produces roughly only 11 grams of carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour (g CO2/kWh) of electricity generated. Together we can change course.

Fossil Fuels 133

Fossil Fuels Ocean Climate Change Clean Energy 133

Yale E360

OCTOBER 19, 2021

The key to shifting away from fossil fuels is for consumers to begin replacing their home appliances, heating systems, and cars with electric versions powered by clean electricity. The challenges are daunting, but the politics will change when the economic benefits are widely felt. Read more on E360 ?.

Fossil Fuels 363

Fossil Fuels Electricity Politics 363

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 338

Electricity Air Pollution 2030 Clean Air Act 338

Yale E360

DECEMBER 26, 2023

The rapid growth of wind, solar, and electric vehicles means that demand for fossil fuels is likely to peak this decade. Is the energy sector ready for the transition? Read more on E360 →

Fossil Fuels 363

Fossil Fuels Electricity 363

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. Researchers like me are putting a microscope to the electric vehicles (EVs) because, as with any extraction and manufacturing, there are associated impacts.

Electricity 312

Electricity Recycling Fossil Fuels Climate Change 312

Legal Planet

NOVEMBER 4, 2024

Over its short lifetime, the program has already transformed many segments of the fuels market. More than two-thirds of our diesel comes from renewable, non-petroleum resources, and many California refineries are shifting from refining fossil fuels to refining waste oils and other renewable feedstocks.

Air Pollution 279

Air Pollution Fossil Fuels Greenhouse 2010 279

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 299

Electricity Renewable Energy Clean Energy Law 299

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 278

Electricity Renewable Energy Climate Change Sea Level 278

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. One factor is the dirtiness of fossil fuels.

Electricity 246

Electricity Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy Cooling 246

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. Local officials and residents, including Sen.

Electricity 111

Electricity Renewable Energy Clean Energy Solar Power 111

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 289

Fossil Fuels Clean Energy Electricity Climate Change 289

Yale E360

APRIL 20, 2021

Ending the use of fossil fuels to heat homes and buildings is a key challenge for cities hoping to achieve net-zero emissions. Nowhere is that more evident than in Philadelphia, where technical and financial hurdles and a reluctant gas company stand in the way of decarbonization. Read more on E360 ?.

Fossil Fuels 263

Fossil Fuels Electricity 263

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 331

Fossil Fuels Carbon Emissions Climate Change Sea Level 331

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. PowerGEM , an independent consulting firm, conducted the analysis for us, using the same data and process PJM uses.

Electricity 246

Electricity Fossil Fuels Clean Energy Waste 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. 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 278

Climate Change Fossil Fuels Clean Energy Electricity 278

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. Most Minnesotans are familiar with their local electricity utility, since that’s who bills them for electricity they provide.

Renewable Energy 363

Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Solar Power Electricity 363