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Biden's clean energy agenda tests support in Pennsylvania's swing region
A new clean energy hub near Pittsburgh, fueled by the Inflation Reduction Act, tests if climate policies can boost Kamala Harris's presidential campaign against Trump.
In short:
- Eos Energy Enterprises is revitalizing a factory in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, producing long-duration zinc-halide batteries, supported by Biden's climate law offering $369 billion in clean energy tax incentives.
- Western Pennsylvania's emerging clean energy sector, including Eos, is crucial for Harris's campaign as the area balances traditional natural gas interests with new renewable energy jobs.
- The Democratic climate agenda faces challenges, with local unions backing a controversial methane-to-hydrogen project, sparking debates over job creation and environmental impact.
Key quote:
“Hopefully, stuff like this signals the return of American manufacturing as we know it.”
— Chris Dellinger, an Eos executive who oversees the company’s manufacturing operations
Why this matters:
Climate policy success in Pennsylvania, a pivotal swing state, could significantly influence the outcome of the presidential election. Harris's ability to unite clean energy initiatives with local economic needs will be vital in securing voter support.
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Senator Manchin's climate law support may have ended his Senate career
Senator Joe Manchin's involvement in the Inflation Reduction Act, despite its benefits for West Virginia, may have jeopardized his Senate career due to its unpopularity among voters.
In short:
- Senator Joe Manchin, who played a key role in passing the Inflation Reduction Act, is facing backlash from West Virginia voters despite the law's positive impact on local manufacturing and energy projects.
- Manchin is shifting focus toward supporting moderates and fostering independent political actions through initiatives like his Americans Together project, indicating his readiness to retire from the Senate.
- Despite working on a new permitting legislation with Republicans, Manchin remains critical of the Biden administration's implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act and other climate policies.
Key quote:
“It’s been weaponized to the point — no matter what good you think is happening, don’t believe your eyes, don’t believe exactly what you’re seeing.”
— Senator Joe Manchin
Why this matters:
Manchin’s story highlights the complex political dynamics of climate legislation in the U.S. Even laws that bring tangible benefits can be politically perilous if they are perceived as aligning with unpopular national policies. His experience underscores the challenges moderate politicians face in balancing constituent needs with broader party agendas.
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Chip manufacturing expansion in the West requires careful resource management
The Biden administration’s CHIPS Act is set to transform the Western U.S. into a semiconductor hub, but it poses significant challenges related to water and energy resources.
In short:
- The CHIPS Act will provide $29.5 billion to support semiconductor production in the U.S., with a focus on the Western states, to reduce dependency on foreign supply chains.
- New semiconductor factories, such as those planned by TSMC and Intel in Arizona, require substantial water and energy resources, raising concerns in drought-prone areas like Arizona.
- TSMC’s facilities are expected to create 6,000 permanent jobs, and Intel’s expansion could add 700 jobs in New Mexico, leading to significant economic growth and increased housing demand.
Key quote:
“Energy, climate tech, batteries, EVs, quantum computing, health-care diagnostics—at the center of all of this are (semiconductor) chips.”
— Chris Camacho, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council
Why this matters:
The push to increase U.S. semiconductor production aims to bolster national security and economic resilience, but it may exacerbate resource strains in regions already facing environmental challenges. Balancing industrial growth with sustainable resource management is crucial to ensure the long-term viability of these initiatives.
Related: Biden aims to transform US with historic $1.6 trillion investment
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Biden’s oil policy leaves a lasting impact on public lands
President Biden significantly reduced oil lease sales on federal lands, causing long-term effects on drilling despite not stopping it entirely.
In short:
- Biden cut new oil leases on federal lands by 95%, reducing future development.
- New rules made drilling more costly, raising bond requirements to $150,000 per lease.
- Despite the cutbacks, nearly 12,000 onshore wells were approved during Biden's tenure.
Key quote:
“The political campaign rhetoric met reality."
— Shannon Anderson, attorney with the Powder River Basin Resource Council.
Why this matters:
Biden's policies aim to decrease reliance on fossil fuels while balancing economic pressures. These changes will influence U.S. energy and environmental strategies for years to come.
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Trump aims to undo Biden's climate and energy efforts
Donald Trump plans to dismantle Joe Biden’s $1.6 trillion climate and energy initiatives if elected, affecting electric car and renewable energy projects.
By Kelsey Tamborrino, Timothy Cama, and Jessie Blaeser for POLITICO.
In short:
- Trump has vowed to redirect funds from Biden's climate programs to traditional infrastructure projects.
- He could use various methods to delay, alter, or halt the implementation of Biden’s climate agenda.
- Republican opposition and legal challenges may limit Trump’s ability to fully dismantle these programs.
Key quote:
“All of the trillions of dollars that are sitting there not yet spent, we will redirect that money for important projects like roads, bridges, dams and we will not allow it to be spent on meaningless Green New Scam ideas.”
— Donald Trump, former President of the United States
Why this matters:
Trump's proposed changes could significantly impact ongoing efforts to address climate change. This battle reflects broader political and economic debates over the future of energy policy in the U.S.
Related EHN coverage:
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Red states ask Supreme Court to block Biden’s climate rule
Republican-led states petitioned the Supreme Court to halt the Biden administration's power plant emissions rule.
In short:
- Twenty-five Republican-led states want the Supreme Court to stay Biden’s emissions rule while their legal case proceeds.
- The rule mandates coal and new gas plants to reduce carbon emissions by 90%, prompting some plants to consider shutting down.
- The EPA believes the rule will cut 1.38 billion metric tons of carbon emissions by 2047.
Key quote:
"We measured twice and cut once and we came up with a very strong, legally durable plan."
— Michael Regan, EPA Administrator
Why this matters:
If implemented, the emissions rule could significantly reduce greenhouse gases, but the challenge from these states may delay or prevent these environmental benefits. The outcome will impact the future of coal and gas power plants in the U.S.
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Biden administration invests $4.3 billion in local climate initiatives
The Biden administration has announced $4.3 billion in funding for community climate projects, aiming to enhance local sustainability efforts and reduce emissions.
In short:
- The Environmental Protection Agency is distributing $4.3 billion to 25 recipients in 30 states for climate action projects.
- Projects include forest management, energy efficiency, and developing local climate action plans.
- The funding is part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, aiming to cut carbon emissions significantly by 2050.
Key quote:
“The grants put local governments in the driver’s seat to develop climate solutions that work for their communities.”
— John Podesta, president’s senior adviser for international climate policy
Why this matters:
This funding will help communities transition to cleaner energy, potentially reducing carbon emissions equivalent to the energy use of millions of homes. It also supports job creation and sustainable development, setting a precedent for future climate initiatives.
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