Democrats investigate oil execs' support for Trump campaign funds

Congressional Democrats are probing oil industry executives about their potential contributions to Donald Trump's campaign in exchange for favorable policies.

Ben Lefebvre reports for Politico.

In short:

Senate Democrats are probing nine oil companies and trade associations regarding potential discussions on industry-friendly policies in exchange for campaign donations to Trump.
Letters were sent to companies including Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and Occidental Petroleum, asking if they provided Trump with policy documents for a potential second term.
This investigation follows accusations of collusion between Big Oil and OPEC to keep oil prices high.

Key quote:

“Such an obvious policies-for-money transaction reeks of cronyism and corruption.”

— Senators Whitehouse and Wyden

Why this matters:

This investigation focuses on concerns over political corruption and potential collusion in the oil industry, which has the potential to influence elections as well as impact both environmental policies and consumer gas prices. Read more: “Code Red” for climate means reducing US oil and gas production.

www.politico.com

Credit: airphoto.gr/BigStock Photo ID: 4550715

‘It’s sick’: Trump administration uses mascot called ‘Coalie’ to push dirtiest fossil fuel

Cartoon lump of coal with giant eyes was spotlighted by US interior secretary in X post saying: ‘Mine, Baby, Mine!’

Read the Full Article on

www.theguardian.com

3D rendered illustration of solar system and battery storage

Credit: Hartono Creative Studio/ Unsplash+

Battery demand 'straps on a rocket' in Australia as rooftop solar passes its peak

Even as Australia appears to have passed the peak of solar uptake, demand for batteries is seemingly headed into orbit.

Read the Full Article on

www.abc.net.au

Democrats investigate oil execs' support for Trump campaign funds

‘It’s sick’: Trump administration uses mascot called ‘Coalie’ to push dirtiest fossil fuel

China to see solar capacity outstrip coal capacity this year

Battery demand 'straps on a rocket' in Australia as rooftop solar passes its peak

Colorado River negotiators are nearly out of time and snowpack

Western U.S. cities open wallets in quest for water

Attempt to drill through Thwaites Glacier is foiled

Vienna, Austria, swaps parking for green space

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.