Berkeley, California, ambitious gas ban faces major setback, raising questions for similar initiatives nationwide

Berkeley's groundbreaking gas ban initiative has hit a major roadblock, leaving many wondering about the future of similar measures in other cities.

Akielly Hu reports for Grist.

In short:

Berkeley's gas ban, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, has faced resistance from builders and homeowners.
The city council is reconsidering the ban's scope and timeline, raising doubts about its ultimate success.
Advocates and policymakers across the country are closely watching this development, as it may impact their efforts to combat climate change through similar measures.

Key quote:

"Cities are extremely motivated to address emissions from their buildings, which are an incredibly important source of climate and health-harming pollution. And I don’t think that this court order can stand in the way of that progress.”"

— Jim Dennison, Sierra Club attorney

Visit EHN's energy section for more top news about energy, climate and health.

www.ehn.org

Berkeley, California, ambitious gas ban faces major setback, raising questions for similar initiatives nationwide

Chemical giant, climate skeptics vie for seats on EPA science panel

Nutritionist Marion Nestle weighs in on 'What to Eat Now'

With Trump absent from COP30 talks, the world moves on without U.S.

Podcast: Will we artificially cool the planet?

Fossil fuel lobbyists outnumber all COP30 delegations except Brazil, report says

European Parliament backs diluted 2040 climate targets

Opponents say bill bolstering Ohio's orphan well program is too generous to the oil and gas industry

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.