energy policy
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America is stuck in a climate contradiction
The U.S. is funneling billions into carbon capture to slow emissions, but it may not save areas like Louisiana most affected by climate change.
In short:
- Louisiana is becoming a hub for carbon capture, seen by some as a solution to climate change, though it primarily benefits the oil and gas industry.
- Critics argue that the expansion of liquid-natural-gas (LNG) plants worsens climate risks, particularly in vulnerable areas already suffering from rising seas and extreme weather.
- Despite its potential to reduce emissions, carbon capture technology is unproven at scale and may simply justify continued fossil fuel use.
Key quote:
“You always try to keep creating new value for the future.”
— Gray Stream, CEO of Gulf Coast Sequestration.
Why this matters:
Carbon capture is a major investment under Biden's climate plan, but it risks prolonging reliance on fossil fuels rather than transitioning to cleaner energy, raising questions about its real impact on climate and health outcomes. Read more: 30 environmental advocacy groups ask PA governor to veto carbon capture bill.
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Credit: FracTracker Alliance/Ted Auch, 2023
The Gulf Coast’s LNG boom is making life unlivable for some residents
When Venture Global began building one of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas hubs in Plaquemines Parish, residents found themselves battling water shortages, clogged roads, and overwhelmed emergency services.
In short:
- Residents face deteriorating water quality, traffic gridlock, and longer emergency response times since construction began.
- The plant’s construction is straining local resources, pushing some families to seek buyouts and relocate.
- Health concerns are growing as pollution increases, with some fearing their town will become the next “Cancer Alley.”
Key quote:
“I don’t care if I have to live in a cardboard box – I want out.”
— Denise Orgeron, resident
Why this matters:
Beyond Plaquemines, this is a story of environmental disruption across the Gulf Coast, where industrial expansion is reshaping both the landscape and the lives of the people who call it home. Health and well-being are on the line, and many are starting to wonder whether the price of progress is simply too high. Read more: LNG production comes with a price, Gulf Coast communities warn.
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Credit: Reinhard Link/Flickr
Texas boosts oil-friendly courts to safeguard industry interests
On September 1, Texas will open new business courts, heavily influenced by Big Oil, with judges handpicked by Governor Greg Abbott, many of whom have deep ties to the fossil fuel industry.
In short:
- Texas’ new business courts will handle corporate cases, with judges selected by Governor Abbott, many of whom have histories defending fossil fuel companies.
- The courts, designed with little oversight, have been criticized for favoring industry interests, particularly in environmental cases.
- Environmental cases previously heard by more liberal courts will now be overseen by these conservative, industry-friendly judges.
Key quote:
“Greg Abbott created a boutique court for corporations where he, not the voters, gets to pick the judges.”
— Adrian Shelley, director of Public Citizen Texas.
Why this matters:
This move is a direct strike at environmental and public health advocacy. In a state where fossil fuel dominance is already crushing the push for green energy and stricter regulations, this court is poised to silence dissenting voices even further. Read more: ExxonMobil, LyondellBassel and Chevron among Houston’s top polluters.
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Newsletter
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Reimagining energy: The rise of free solar power
A solar revolution is underway, with experts predicting that by 2030, solar power could be effectively free during daylight hours in many regions.
In short:
- Solar energy capacity saw an 80% increase in 2023, now providing nearly 6% of global electricity, with expectations to become the dominant source by the 2030s.
- The cost of solar panels has dropped dramatically, making solar the cheapest new electricity source for 95% of the world.
- The future may bring industries that adjust operations based on solar availability, with a growing focus on energy storage and transmission.
Key quote:
“The next tenfold increase will be equivalent to multiplying the world’s entire fleet of nuclear reactors by eight in less than the time it typically takes to build just a single one of them.”
— The Economist
Why this matters:
With fewer fossil fuels being burned, we could see a dramatic drop in pollution-related illnesses, cleaner air, and a significant cut in carbon emissions. The challenge now is to figure out how to harness this potential. Read more: Solving the climate crisis requires more than switching to renewables—everyone needs equal access.
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Credit: Gage Skidmore/Flickr
Republicans scramble as Democrats weaponize Project 2025
Democrats are turning the tables on Republicans by using Project 2025, a controversial conservative policy blueprint, as a powerful political weapon.
In short:
- Democrats are linking Republicans to Project 2025, a detailed policy manual, to portray them as extreme ahead of the upcoming election.
- Republicans, who once used the Green New Deal to attack Democrats, are now on the defensive as Project 2025 proves unpopular with voters.
- Polls show Project 2025’s policies, like cutting renewable energy funding and mass firing government workers, are largely rejected by the public.
Key quote:
“This is just rocket fuel for Democratic motivation and turnout.”
— Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), House Democratic task force leader.
Why this matters:
While the Green New Deal was about aggressively tackling climate change with sweeping reforms, Project 2025 seems to be a pivot in the opposite direction, potentially undermining environmental protections in favor of deregulation. For the average American, this could mean a rollback on efforts to curb emissions, protect public lands, and address climate justice. Read more: Greenwashing’s medieval age.
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Credit: Ralph Earlandson/Flickr
A uranium mine threatens the Havasupai Tribe's sole water source
A uranium mine near the Grand Canyon risks contaminating the Havasupai Tribe’s only water source, sparking fears for their health and safety.
In short:
- The Pinyon Plain Mine, located near the Grand Canyon, sits atop an aquifer that provides the Havasupai Tribe's only drinking water.
- A new study challenges the safety assessments of the mine, suggesting the rock layers could allow uranium to contaminate the tribe's water.
- The Havasupai Tribe and environmentalists are fighting the mine, fearing irreversible damage to their sacred land and water supply.
Key quote:
“Once it goes into our village, we will get sick. I question to these mining people: ‘Are you going to take accountability to pay for my people’s hospitalizations?’”
— Dianna Sue White Dove Uqualla, Havasupai elder
Why this matters:
The potential contamination of the Havasupai’s water source exemplifies the dilemma we face over prioritizing resource extraction in the face of growing environmental pressures. If the lifeblood of the Havasupai is tainted, it would be a blow not only to their survival but to the integrity of the Grand Canyon itself. Read more: Protecting Indigenous children means protecting water.
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Sweden shows how to slash emissions while boosting the economy
Sweden has managed to cut 80% of its emissions since 1990 while doubling its economy, proving that economic growth and climate protection can go hand in hand.
In short:
- Sweden's success comes from early investments in renewable energy, utilizing its natural resources like forests and hydropower.
- The country transitioned away from fossil fuels for heating and electricity, with biofuels now powering 97% of heating.
- Strong government policies, including a high carbon tax, incentivized businesses and citizens to adopt greener practices.
Key quote:
"The biggest lesson is that you need close cooperation between government, private sector, and the local government as well to really develop these system solutions together and take risks, make these big long-term investments."
— Asa Persson, advisor to the Swedish government on climate policy.
Why this matters:
By investing in green tech, enforcing strict environmental regulations and pushing for a circular economy where waste becomes a resource, Sweden is showing the world that you don’t have to choose between a healthy planet and a thriving economy. Read more: Steps to re-invigorate the economy must free us from polluting fossil fuels.
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