Union of Concerned Scientists

OCTOBER 15, 2024

Power plants fueled by methane gas have a serious climate problem. The fuel, commonly known as natural gas, now powers the biggest portion of US electricity generation—more than 40 percent. And we don’t need to have all the answers to make a difference.

Renewable Energy 282

Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Electricity Nitrogen Oxides 282

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. Battery storage is very cost-effective.

Electricity 114

Electricity Regulations Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels 114

Union of Concerned Scientists

MARCH 23, 2023

And fossil fuel power plants may not stick to their retirement schedules for a variety of reasons. The bottom line: There’s still a long way to go, and the clean energy transition must move quicker than it has been—despite the fossil fuel industry’s self-serving claims to the contrary. A bit more on those reasons later.

Fossil Fuels 203

Fossil Fuels 2023 Clean Energy Nitrogen Oxides 203

Union of Concerned Scientists

NOVEMBER 18, 2024

Gas plants failed at a scale that jeopardized grid reliability for large regions of the United States during severe winter storms in 2011 , 2014 , 2018 , 2021 , and 2022. And earlier this year, gas plants failed at an alarming rate during Winter Storms Heather and Gerri.

Fossil Fuels 248

Fossil Fuels Clean Energy Electricity Technology 248

Union of Concerned Scientists

MARCH 16, 2022

According to the forecast, while economy-wide CO 2 emissions decrease from 2022 to 2037 due primarily to the growth in renewable energy replacing retiring coal plants, emissions do increase after 2037 from increased usage of natural gas. EIA is projecting that natural gas prices will remain low.

Natural Gas 291

Natural Gas Renewable Energy Climate Change Electricity 291

Legal Planet

APRIL 3, 2023

EPA regulation of greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act (CAA) A. Nuclear power regulation D. FERC pipeline regulation (natural gas and hydrogen). Rules relating to renewable and fossil fuel development on public lands and offshore. California authority to regulate new vehicles D.

Law 246

Law Endangered Species Act Clean Air Act Biofuels 246

Union of Concerned Scientists

MAY 31, 2022

Many of my colleagues have already described the various ways we’ve gotten into this elevated fuel price mess, why doubling down on fossil fuels at this moment is a horrible idea, and why doing so would not improve our current or future economic, geopolitical or environmental problems. How Did We Get Here?

Clean Energy 241

Clean Energy Fossil Fuels Electricity 2020 241

Ocean Conservancy

JUNE 13, 2024

To reach these targets, a massive energy transition from dirty conventional marine fuels to zero-emission energy (like wind-assisted propulsion) and fuels is imperative. There is no time to waste on false climate solutions like Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)—a fossil fuel with serious global warming and public health implications.

Natural Gas 125

Natural Gas Ocean Ground-Level Ozone Greenhouse 125

Union of Concerned Scientists

FEBRUARY 15, 2024

California’s transportation fuel policy is knee deep in cow poop, and it’s not a good look. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is considering amendments to its Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) regulation, but indicated they have no plans to address the problems caused by counter-productive subsidies for manure biomethane.

Fossil Fuels 294

Fossil Fuels Regulations Renewable Energy Carbon Dioxide 294

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 21, 2023

While industry tried to paint hydrogen combustion engines as a “bridge” technology to hydrogen fuel cells, their own presentations undermined that very point—instead, this path is a clear dead end. We need to make sure regulators like EPA and CARB restrict its usage before it gains a fossil-fueled foothold in the marketplace.

Technology 297

Technology Technology Fossil Fuels Electricity 297

Legal Planet

DECEMBER 16, 2021

Energy use accounts for the bulk of greenhouse gas emissions. The key to getting climate change under control is to rapidly decrease the user of fossil fuels. Smaller generators have now become more economical, whether in the form of renewables or natural gas powerplants. Climate change. Regulatory changes.

Law 246

Law Fossil Fuels Regulations Electricity 246

Union of Concerned Scientists

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

In December, the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service proposed regulations governing implementation of the 45V Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit , passed as part of 2022’s Inflation Reduction Act. In particular, emissions loopholes related to biomethane and fugitive methane (i.e.,

Fossil Fuels 277

Fossil Fuels Waste Regulations Electricity 277

PA Environment Daily

OCTOBER 17, 2023

On October 17, the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee held an informational briefing on Project Canary , a company that measures, analyzes and reports on methane emissions from natural gas production and distribution infrastructure.

Natural Gas 125

Natural Gas Regulations Fossil Fuels Technology 125

Legal Planet

MAY 5, 2022

AMLO has come under criticism for his commitment to fossil fuel production and refining in Mexico. Recent changes in electricity regulation seem likely to increase the role of fuel oil in electricity production, which produces about 50% more carbon than natural gas.

Paris Agreement 264

Paris Agreement Carbon Emissions Climate Change Rainforest 264

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 20, 2022

These higher costs are being driven by a major overreliance on natural gas, which has sharply spiked in price and is currently the dominant fuel source in the US for both home heating and electricity generation. Henry Hub is the national benchmark for wholesale gas prices (Source: US Energy Information Administration ).

Fossil Fuels 307

Fossil Fuels Carbon Dioxide Electricity Natural Gas 307

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 31, 2022

I’d be remiss not to mention that, ever since the August 2020 power outages, California policymakers and regulators have been pulling out all the stops to maintain grid reliability. The solar, wind, nuclear, hydropower, geothermal, energy storage and natural gas on the grid right now are the resources the state has this month.

Solar Power 289

Solar Power Fossil Fuels Electricity 2020 289

PA Environment Daily

AUGUST 26, 2024

Speakers from several public health, community advocacy and environmental groups will participate in a September 19 webinar -- A Year Later: Have Leaders Addressed Health Concerns From Natural Gas Development Raised In University Of Pittsburgh Public Health Studies? Shapiro's deal with natural gas developer CNX Resources.

Natural Gas 115

Natural Gas Fossil Fuels 2023 Waste 115

Law Columbia

JULY 7, 2021

The decision essentially – and subject to possible appeals – answered in the negative the question of whether Berkeley’s first-in-the-nation prohibition on natural gas hookups to newly-constructed buildings (often termed a “natural gas ban”; herein referred to as the “Berkeley Ordinance”) was preempted by the U.S.

Natural Gas 98

Natural Gas Law Government Regulations 98

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. But what does extreme weather actually do to cause gas plants to run into trouble? electricity generation.

Fossil Fuels 206

Fossil Fuels Cooling Electricity 2015 206

Law Columbia

MARCH 27, 2025

City of New York , plumbing and building trade groups challenged New York Citys Local Law 154 of 2021 , a piece of legislation that prohibits fossil fuel combustion in most new buildings. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, held that EPCA preempted a Berkeley ordinance that prohibited natural gas piping in new buildings.

Law 59

Law Natural Gas Fossil Fuels Regulations 59

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 17, 2023

Yet, in 2022, almost 40% of electricity in the US was generated by power plants fueled by natural gas. Note: “Natural gas” is an industry misnomer; UCS considers methane, fossil gas, and gas to be much more appropriate terms. I’ll be using the term “gas” from here on out.)

Fossil Fuels 231

Fossil Fuels Carbon Dioxide Nitrogen Oxides Electricity 231

PA Environment Daily

OCTOBER 18, 2023

The Safety Division investigation continues to explore the circumstances surrounding this incident, compliance with state and federal pipeline safety regulations, as well as compliance with Pennsylvania’s “One Call Law,” which is intended to help prevent damage to underground utility lines. Click Here for the complete announcement.

Natural Gas 104

Natural Gas 2022 Fossil Fuels Regulations 104

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 19, 2023

In late April, California air regulators are poised to pass one of the most meaningful regulations to reduce pollution from commercial trucks, vans, and buses. The Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) rule, which I’ve blogged about in detail before, will phase out fossil-fueled trucks over the next several decades.

Electricity 266

Electricity Nitrogen Oxides Fossil Fuels Regulations 266

PA Environment Daily

OCTOBER 7, 2024

On October 7, the Ohio River Valley Institute released the results of a new poll which found 90% of Pennsylvania voters support stricter regulations on the fracking industry, according to the poll conducted by Upswing Research for the Ohio River Valley Institute. Click Here for poll results narrative. Click Here for presentation slides.

Regulations 131

Regulations Natural Gas Clean Energy Electricity 131

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 3, 2023

That’s the nightmare scenario we’re facing now as federal regulators establish guidelines for implementing the new hydrogen tax credit. If the credit is based on a narrow evaluation of the impact of hydrogen production, it will appear to be driving the deployment of clean hydrogen when considered in isolation.

Clean Energy 249

Clean Energy Fossil Fuels Electricity Renewable Energy 249

Legal Planet

JUNE 4, 2021

, its district, appellate , and supreme courts decided in favor of Urgenda, an upstart environmental organization, ordering the government to more aggressively reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In the face of disappointing legislation and regulation, activists have increasingly turned to courts in the last fifteen years.

Carbon Dioxide 246

Carbon Dioxide Fossil Fuels Climate Change 2010 246

Union of Concerned Scientists

FEBRUARY 9, 2024

Just how bad is fossil “natural” gas? And, as it turns out, the infrastructure used to produce, store, distribute, transmit, and burn gas leaks like a sieve , making gas as bad as coal for the climate. Its primary component is methane.

Clean Energy 333

Clean Energy Nitrogen Oxides Fossil Fuels Electricity 333

PA Environment Daily

AUGUST 30, 2023

on August 28, 2023 , DEP received an emergency notification of an uncontrolled venting of natural gas from shale gas well 9H at the Repsol Oil and Gas USA LLC Cummings Lumber well pad in Troy Township, Bradford County. Repsol said the well started venting natural gas from the producing and surface casing annulus for 10.5

Natural Gas 109

Natural Gas Fossil Fuels 2023 2010 109

Legal Planet

APRIL 21, 2023

City of Berkeley , addressing whether the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) invalidates a Berkeley municipal ordinance specifying when natural-gas infrastructure can be extended into new buildings. EPCA “preempts” certain state and local regulations, meaning that it prevents those regulations from being effective.

Natural Gas 130

Natural Gas Fossil Fuels Regulations Government 130

PA Environment Daily

NOVEMBER 22, 2022

Why in the world would DEP break the law just to ensure that a giant fossil fuel power plant can dirty the community’s air? NewsClip: -- AP: Attorney General’s Staff Meets With Dimock, Susquehanna County Residents Indicating Movement On Criminal Case Against Shale Gas Driller Related Articles: -- EQB To Meet Nov.

Natural Gas 104

Natural Gas Fossil Fuels Air Pollution Renewable Energy 104

PA Environment Daily

AUGUST 14, 2024

On August 14, CNX Resources issued a press release announcing the preliminary results of air emissions monitoring at 14 sites it said "indicate that CNX natural gas development poses no public health risk." Eleven of the sites were monitored for as little as just four weeks up to 24 weeks or less.

Natural Gas 108

Natural Gas Air Pollution Fossil Fuels Regulations 108

PA Environment Daily

MAY 1, 2023

On May 1, the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee was told the wholesale prices of electricity in the PJM regional electric grid are too low to support coal and natural gas power plants. Historically, demand has been relatively flat, maybe growing about 1% a year. Why do we see these types of projects in the queue?

Natural Gas 92

Natural Gas Electricity Renewable Energy Technology 92

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 20, 2023

Through the Clean Air Act , and as affirmed—and reaffirmed—through multiple legal sagas, EPA is statutorily obligated to address carbon pollution from fossil fuel-fired power plants. One critical tool for forcing that reckoning comes from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA decision, but it did not ground EPA.

Clean Air Act 205

Clean Air Act Fossil Fuels Carbon Emissions Clean Energy 205

PA Environment Daily

OCTOBER 16, 2023

My purpose was simple: to tell the real story of how former coal towns, and now the “fracking towns” (places where Hydraulic Fracturing is used to extract methane, i.e., natural gas), of Pennsylvania are being left behind. My first stop was my parents’ grave, having died four years ago just four months apart.

Fossil Fuels 107

Fossil Fuels Greenhouse Clean Energy Natural Gas 107

PA Environment Daily

SEPTEMBER 7, 2024

Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester), Minority Chair Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, announced new regulations enhancing pipeline safety and governing hazardous liquids pipelines owned by public utilities in Pennsylvania are expected to be published as final this month and take effect in November. Read more here. Read more here.

Regulations 103

Regulations Natural Gas 2028 Electricity 103

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 24, 2022

Biomethane – Just as vegetable oils are used by oil companies to greenwash oil refineries, biomethane serves a similar role greenwashing natural gas. A petroleum phaseout plan will help regulators appropriately target climate policies, but it is also essential to help communities and workers plan for the future.

Technology 294

Technology Technology Carbon Dioxide Electricity 294

Law and Environment

AUGUST 11, 2022

The legislation covers a wide range of policy changes focused on electrifying vehicles and transit, reducing fossil fuel connections in new construction, and revamping policy related to solar, offshore wind, and other carbon-free energy sources. DPU is directed to promulgate updated regulations in accordance with the legislation.

Clean Energy 147

Clean Energy Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy 2027 147