policy
Webinar: Science and policy for energy and infrastructure justice
This Oct. 22 webinar will bring together three current fellows of the Agents of Change in Environmental Justice program.
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Rural Kentuckians left out of federal flood protection efforts
The federal government’s flood risk assessment tool overlooks rural areas like Eastern Kentucky, leaving communities unprotected and underfunded after devastating floods.
Claire Carlson and Elizabeth Miller report for Climate Central and the Daily Yonder.
In short:
- Kentucky’s rural communities, despite repeated flood disasters, are classified as "low risk" by FEMA, limiting federal support.
- The National Risk Index used by FEMA undervalues rural areas due to lower financial assets, leading to biased disaster funding.
- Local leaders and residents are advocating for better federal support and preparing for future disasters with limited resources.
Key quote:
“There’s a bias against, I think, rural communities, especially in the flood dataset.”
— Chad Berginnis, Executive Director of the Association of State Floodplain Managers
Why this matters:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) labels these areas as “low risk” for flooding, not because the floods are rare, but because the financial stakes are lower compared to urban centers. In simpler terms, these communities are too poor to warrant the full federal safety net. Read more: Rising waters: Aging levees, climate change and the challenge to hold back the Ohio River.
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Credit: René DeAnda/Unsplash
Opinion: Kamala Harris has significantly influenced the climate policy agenda
Kamala Harris has played a pivotal role in shaping the U.S. climate policy by advocating for and implementing progressive measures during her tenure as vice president.
In short:
- Kamala Harris has been instrumental in passing significant climate legislation, along with cleaner water and community investments.
- She pushed for the largest investment in environmental justice, with over $40 billion dedicated to disadvantaged communities.
- Harris's influence extends to shaping bipartisan infrastructure packages, including funding for electrifying school buses and replacing lead pipes.
Key quote:
"We must act with a sense of urgency. We must be swift. We still have so much more to do."
— Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States
Why this matters:
Stokes, a political scientist and professor at the University of California Santa Barbara who focuses on environmental and climate policy, points out that the next U.S. president will play a crucial role in determining whether the goal of halving emissions in half by 2030 is achieved. While Donald Trump has promised to roll back environmental rules, Harris has worked behind the scenes to advance environmental justice and climate action.
Related EHN coverage:
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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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Credit: Cornelia Schneider-Frank/Pixabay
TC Energy's secretive efforts to shape Canadian energy policies exposed
Leaked recordings reveal TC Energy's strategies to influence North American governments and foster relationships with security officials to protect its fossil fuel interests.
In short:
- TC Energy employs former Trump staffers to influence policies and manage geopolitical threats from Washington, D.C.
- Recordings detail efforts to alter Canadian legislation to benefit TC Energy's security and intelligence sharing.
- The company's strategies include leveraging geopolitical crises and relationships with national security officials.
Key quote:
“Our focus as a team is to look at what exposes us to hostile complex threats such as nation-states using asymmetric tactics, cyber-threats exploiting vulnerabilities, geopolitical uncertainties impacting global markets and supply chains, and evolving regulatory challenges.”
— Michael Evanoff, director of national security policy, geopolitical intelligence and research, TC Energy
Why this matters:
These revelations emphasize the deep ties between major fossil fuel companies and government officials, highlighting how industry influence can shape national policies on energy and security.
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Credit: Jakub Pabis/Unsplash
US oil trade group challenges Biden administration's EV mandate in court
The American Petroleum Institute has filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration's new tailpipe emission rules, arguing they exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's authority and threaten the gas-powered car market.
In short:
- The American Petroleum Institute (API), along with co-petitioners, filed a federal lawsuit against new EPA emission rules promoting electric vehicles.
- The rules aim for up to 56% of car sales to be electric by 2032, but API claims they exceed congressional authority.
- The National Corn Growers Association and American Farm Bureau Federation join the lawsuit, citing negative impacts on the corn-ethanol industry.
Key quote:
“Today, we are taking action to protect American consumers, U.S. manufacturing workers and our nation’s hard-won energy security from this intrusive government mandate.”
— Ryan Meyers, API senior vice president and general counsel
Why this matters:
API argues that the stringent emission standards could significantly disrupt the gas-powered car market, potentially driving up costs for manufacturers and consumers alike. On the other side, environmental advocates and the Biden administration maintain that these measures are crucial for mitigating climate change and reducing pollution. The new rules are part of a broader strategy to transition towards cleaner, more efficient vehicles, with an emphasis on electric cars.
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Environmental policy reversals causing economic instability
U.S. faces rapid policy changes with each administration, impacting environmental regulations and economic stability.
In short:
- The Biden administration is reinstating stringent pollution controls, reversing previous relaxations by the Trump administration.
- Business leaders and economists express concerns over the erratic policy environment hindering long-term industrial planning and investment.
- The pattern of frequent policy reversals affects various sectors, including energy and automobile industries, leading to increased costs and uncertainty.
Key quote:
“If that planning is happening now and I make a decision anticipating that three or four years from now there will be an emissions constraint, but then by the time the model is on the market the constraint is gone, then I’ve lost money."
— John Bozzella, president of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation
Why this matters:
The frequent changes in U.S. environmental policies under different administrations create significant economic disruptions and uncertainties. This inconsistency complicates long-term business planning and investment, impeding sustainable economic and environmental progress.
Flashback to June 2020: As the nation reels, Trump Administration continues environmental policy rollbacks.
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