Green tech gets a $6 billion boost from the Biden administration

The Biden administration earmarks $6 billion for projects aimed at slashing emissions in heavy industries, marking a major step in the battle against climate change.

Brad Plumer reports for The New York Times.


In short:

  • The initiative funds 33 projects across 20 states to test decarbonization technologies in industries like steel, cement, and food production.
  • Notable beneficiaries include Constellium for a cleaner aluminum plant, Kraft Heinz for electrifying food production, and Cleveland-Cliffs for innovative steel manufacturing.
  • This represents the U.S.'s most significant investment in industrial decarbonization, aiming to set global standards for clean manufacturing.

Key quote:

“The area that’s often written off as the hardest to decarbonize is the industrial sector.”

— Ali Zaidi, President Biden’s national climate adviser

Why this matters:

Cleaner technologies can dramatically reduce emissions, but adoption requires financial investment and often, a push from policy.

In 2021, EHN's Peter Dykstra wrote: Biden takes a run at America's glaring environmental problems. Can he succeed?

Oil worker in orange uniform and helmet on of background the pump jack and sunset sky.
Credit: bashta/BigStock Photo ID: 24119156

Fossil fuel companies finally accept the climate crisis – just not their role in it

The era of corporate climate denial is over but in courts around the world the big names have shifted strategy.

Unassembled yellow and white wind turbines and towers

Trump’s $1B offshore wind payout to TotalEnergies sparks legal concerns

Offshore wind and legal experts question whether Interior has the authority to reimburse the oil giant for canceled leases, especially if it taps taxpayer dollars.

Japanese fighter jets perform maneuvers in flight formation for military drills.
Credit: Kagenmi/BigStock Photo ID: 312022999

A turning point in the Iran war

The president is discovering the high stakes of an escalation that damages energy facilities.
Computer generated 3D illustration with oil pumps, solar panels and wind turbines.
Credit: MIRO3D/BigStock Photo ID: 147195269

Opinion: The Iran War is revealing the messy middle of our renewable energy transition

When the world map of literal power changes, the political hierarchy shifts, too.

Smokestacks emitting pollution in Harbin, Heilongjiang, China

As it boosts renewables, China still can't break its coal addiction

Despite being a renewables superpower, China continues to permit and build new coal-fired power plants at a rapid pace. Analysts say the nation’s new five-year plan will ensure further coal plant expansion and jeopardize China’s ability to deliver on its climate promises.
A power plant's smokestacks billowing smoke into the air

Surging energy demand helps fuel Trump’s love affair with coal

Keeping coal plants online has become the U.S. grid’s unofficial insurance policy, even as their emissions exacerbate extreme weather.
A dry environment with a dam and a small amount of water in view

Iran was already running out of water. Then came the ‘war on infrastructure’

Military strikes, drought, and a legacy of overpumping are driving Iran’s fragile food and water system to the brink.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

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.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

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

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

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

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

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.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

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

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.