Legal Planet

NOVEMBER 15, 2021

The decision at the Glasgow climate conference to phase down fossil fuels is an important step forward — and not just because of climate change. We think of fossil fuels as a source of climate change, but that’s only a one part of the problem. Fossil fuels are a case in point. Consider coal.

Fossil Fuels 246

Fossil Fuels Carbon Dioxide Clean Water Act Climate Change 246

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 264

Fossil Fuels Climate Change Electricity Regulations 264

Union of Concerned Scientists

JANUARY 24, 2023

Utilities and grid operators prepared for the storm as it was coming down the pike, but they still underestimated the energy demand it would trigger, as well as the number of outages at fossil fuel power plants—mainly natural gas-fired, plus some coal-fired plants.

Fossil Fuels 290

Fossil Fuels 2014 Climate Change Electricity 290

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

APRIL 23, 2024

Residential electricity rates for many Californians have increased significantly over the last year, making it more expensive to charge an electric vehicle (EV) at home. It’s still cheaper to recharge an EV than buy gasoline, but those savings have been eroded by surging electric rates. to $9.54.

Electricity 306

Electricity Fossil Fuels 2026 Climate Change 306

Union of Concerned Scientists

MARCH 23, 2023

With the clean energy transition already under way, the US electricity mix is set to continue changing this year. Solar power is expected to make up about half of all additions of US electric generating capacity in 2023, according to data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). I’ll start off with the good.

Fossil Fuels 264

Fossil Fuels 2023 Clean Energy Nitrogen Oxides 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 361

Fossil Fuels Electricity 361

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 251

Fossil Fuels Clean Energy 2022 Electricity 251

Union of Concerned Scientists

OCTOBER 15, 2024

After the hottest summer on record, the world continues to witness extreme weather fueled by the burning of fossil fuels. We need to stop burning fossil fuels immediately. Thankfully, we are in the midst of a much-needed transition away from fossil fuels and towards a future powered by more renewables.

Clean Energy 321

Clean Energy Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy Electricity 321

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

Union of Concerned Scientists

MAY 12, 2022

Nearly all of the alliance members have a renewable electricity standard (RES), which requires utilities in their jurisdiction to increase their use of renewable energy to a particular percentage by a specific year. EN: What were your top findings? Our analysis also demonstrates renewables’ power.

Electricity 279

Electricity Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy Nitrogen Oxides 279

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

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 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 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

Union of Concerned Scientists

JANUARY 30, 2023

Now it’s on to the state Senate, where the question is: Will this be the year Minnesota sets a path toward 100-percent carbon-free electricity? Minnesota can join other leading states By enacting a standard for 100-percent carbon-free electricity by 2040, Minnesota can join other leading states who have updated their clean energy policies.

Electricity 264

Electricity Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Clean Energy 264

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 341

Fossil Fuels Electricity Politics 341

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 346

Fossil Fuels Electricity 346

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 321

Fossil Fuels Electricity 321

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

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 19, 2022

Climate Alliance (USCA) can meet all of their electricity needs with renewable energy—while decarbonizing other sectors of the economy and ensuring equitable benefits to all communities. And we’re already seeing the prominent role that renewables are starting to play in our electricity mix. by 2035 is needed.

Renewable Energy 364

Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Nitrogen Oxides Clean Energy 364

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 279

Electricity Renewable Energy Climate Change Sea Level 279

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

Union of Concerned Scientists

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

The legislation committed nearly $400 billion to support, among other things, wind and solar power, battery storage, electric vehicles, and other clean energy technologies that will make a significant dent in US heat-trapping emissions. It also will save US consumers money because they will spend less on fossil fuels.

Carbon Emissions 331

Carbon Emissions Fossil Fuels Clean Energy 2030 331

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 290

Fossil Fuels Clean Energy Electricity Climate Change 290

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

NOVEMBER 20, 2024

At this point, I’d wager that pretty much everyone in the US either has been affected or knows someone who has been affected recently by a natural disaster-related electric power outage. Indeed, for people who use electric-powered medical devices, a power outage is life-threatening. That doesn’t reduce the hardship of a power outage.

Fossil Fuels 246

Fossil Fuels Electricity Cooling Waste 246

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 279

Climate Change Fossil Fuels Clean Energy Electricity 279

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

Union of Concerned Scientists

JUNE 15, 2022

The ones that’ll soon be gracing areas over the horizon are powerful enough, each one, to generate the equivalent of an average home’s daily electricity use in just a few seconds. Even more important, though, wind is an impressive piece of our electricity supply. Wind is now the largest source of renewable energy in the country.

Wind Power 360

Wind Power Fossil Fuels Electricity Climate Change 360

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 306

Electricity Clean Energy Greenhouse Technology 306

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 22, 2024

The next day, Wednesday, August 14, Puerto Rico woke up with 728,000 clients (almost half) without electricity, thousands without drinking water (because many communities rely on electricity to pump water), and flood warnings throughout the island. What awaits Puerto Rico with Genera in charge of electricity generation?

Renewable Energy 362

Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Electricity 2019 362

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 235

Fossil Fuels Electricity 235

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. A small number of big corporations are responsible for the climate crisis.

Fossil Fuels 321

Fossil Fuels Paris Agreement Renewable Energy Carbon Dioxide 321