steelmaking with plastic fuel coal replacement
Credit: miraclemoments/BigStock

Biden’s push for plastic as a coal replacement sparks environmental backlash

A Pennsylvania company’s plan to turn plastic waste into fuel for steelmaking, backed by a $182.6 million federal loan guarantee, is drawing sharp criticism from environmentalists who say the project is anything but green.

James Bruggers reports for Inside Climate News.


In short:

  • The U.S. Department of Energy is funding a project to replace coal with plastic waste in steel production, claiming it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Environmental groups argue that burning plastic is not a viable climate solution and could worsen air pollution in disadvantaged communities.
  • The Energy Department’s decision is under scrutiny as critics push for investment in cleaner, proven technologies like hydrogen.

Key quote:

“There are no steel mills in the United States that burn plastic. No one has any idea what the emissions profile of burning plastic will be.”

— Jane Williams, chair of Sierra Club’s national clean air team

Why this matters:

Burning plastic as fuel could introduce new toxic emissions, raising health concerns in communities already burdened by pollution, while potentially delaying the transition to truly clean energy alternatives. Read more: Every stage of plastic production and use is harming human health.

A building with a plaque reading United STates Environmental Protection Agency next to a glass door and elegant lanterns.
Credit: Kristina Blokhin/ BigStock Photo ID:196171783

EPA shifts scientists from research to chemical approvals, raising alarm over independence

In a dramatic shake-up, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is moving dozens of scientists from its research office to chemical review roles, prompting fears of weakened environmental protections.

Lisa Friedman and Hiroko Tabuchi report for The New York Times.

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ripe pineapple fruits in a row on shelves.

Hawaii moves to sue Big Oil over climate costs; Trump administration strikes first

Hawaii’s plan to sue fossil fuel companies over climate damages prompted the Trump administration to preemptively sue Hawaii and Michigan, seeking to block the anticipated lawsuits.

Karen Zraick reports for The New York Times.

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How fragile power grids and extreme weather combined to cause Europe’s biggest blackout in decades

A widespread blackout in Spain, Portugal, and parts of France has exposed the growing vulnerabilities of modern power grids as they adapt to climate change, cyber threats and the renewable energy transition.

Jillian Ambrose reports for The Guardian.

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Blue and brown bird on gray wooden fence during daytime.

Most North American bird species are declining as once-safe habitats falter

Bird populations across North America are plummeting, with three-quarters of species in decline even in their most stable habitats, according to a new study.

Dino Grandoni reports for The Washington Post.

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Trump accelerates environmental rollbacks at unprecedented pace in first 100 days

Donald Trump’s administration has moved to dismantle 145 environmental protections in just 100 days, outpacing the entire first term’s rollbacks and targeting rules on pollution, fossil fuels, and public lands.

Oliver Milman reports for The Guardian.

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people gathered outside buildings holding Climate Justice Now signage.

Trump administration moves to eliminate $2.4 billion in environmental justice grants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under President Trump is cutting more than $2.4 billion in grants aimed at aiding disadvantaged communities, despite a court order to resume funding.

Marianne Lavelle and Peter Aldhous report for Inside Climate News.

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Row of Canadian flags hanging outside a building.

Canada’s new prime minister backs fossil fuels while promising Indigenous partnerships

Canada’s newly elected prime minister, Mark Carney, has pledged to expand the nation’s energy production and fast-track extractive projects while promising to uphold Indigenous rights, drawing both optimism and concern from Indigenous leaders.

Anita Hofschneider reports for Grist.

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