Causes

Takeout containers from restaurants on the side of the road. Discarded coffee cups floating in rivers. Packing peanuts shipped off to landfills.

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A recent report highlights the environmental and health impacts of Louisiana's tax-supported plastics plants, particularly on communities of color.

Mark Schleifstein reports for NOLA.

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In a legal tussle that sheds light on the government's eye on environmental protests, new details have emerged about the FBI's deployment of informants at the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation during the 2016 Dakota Access pipeline demonstrations.

Alleen Brown reports for Grist.

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Major petrochemical companies and manufacturers, including Exxon Mobil and LyondellBasell, are exploring with lawmakers the idea of implementing a federal fee on packaging to bolster recycling efforts.

James Osborne reports for the Houston Chronicle.

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An international tribunal ruled that Canada is not obligated to compensate Koch Industries for the losses it claimed after the cap-and-trade program was canceled in Ontario.

Fatima Syed reports for The Narwhal.

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Natural gas and renewables are stepping in as coal's role in U.S. power generation dwindles.

Dan Gearino reports for Inside Climate News.

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HOUSTON — Fewer than 6% of more than 16,000 chemicals associated with plastic production are regulated worldwide, according to a new report from PlastChem.

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A new study highlights the significant underreporting of methane emissions by the oil and gas industry, revealing emissions approximately three times higher than Environmental Protection Agency figures.

Jeff Brady reports for NPR.

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This project was created through the Altavoz Lab Environmental Fellowship in partnership with Environmental Health Sciences and received additional funding from the Pulitzer Center. It was co-published by The Texas Tribune, Environmental Health News and palabra.

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A new report highlights the rapid expansion of petrochemical facilities along the Gulf Coast, drawing billions in tax breaks despite pollution concerns.

Dylan Baddour reports for Inside Climate News.

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The UK's strategy for climate change adaptation significantly lacks the depth and urgency needed, as outlined by the Committee on Climate Change.

Fiona Harvey reports for The Guardian.

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California aims to include health and environmental considerations, such as job creation and air quality, in future energy decisions to support meeting its zero-carbon electricity goal by 2045.

Emma Foehringer Merchant reports for Inside Climate News.

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A coalition in Utah has petitioned the Supreme Court to reconsider a court ruling that halted a railway project due to environmental concerns.

David O. Williams reports for Colorado Newsline.

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A surge in power demand poses challenge to U.S. climate goals, driven by data centers and EVs.

Brad Plumer and Nadja Popovich report for The New York Times.

In short:

  • The U.S. sees an unexpected surge in electricity demand due to data centers, manufacturing growth, and electric vehicles, doubling utilities' forecasts for 2028.
  • This surge strains electric grids and could increase reliance on fossil fuels, potentially derailing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Utilities argue the need for more fossil fuel plants due to slow growth of renewable energy sources and the continuous power demand from new industries.

Key quote:

"I can’t recall the last time I was so alarmed about the country’s energy trajectory."

— Tyler H. Norris, a former solar developer and expert in power systems

Why this matters:

As America grapples with this surge in power use, the ripple effects could touch everyone— from increased energy bills to challenges in meeting climate commitments.

With solar leading the way, clean energy capacity growth is helping the planet avoid billions of tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

In a country where the pickup truck is a symbol of the working class, Australia's move toward fuel emissions standards signifies a major policy shift, reflecting global environmental concerns.

Michael E. Miller reports for The Washington Post.

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In a strategic pivot, Shell aims for a modest reduction in emissions by 2030, facing criticism for prioritizing expansion over environmental commitments.

Jillian Ambrose reports for The Guardian.

In short:

  • Shell adjusts its carbon emissions reduction target to 15-20% by 2030, down from an initial 20%.
  • The company plans to expand its liquified natural gas operations and maintain current oil production levels.
  • Critics denounce the move as a step back for climate action, highlighting Shell's focus on profit over planet health.

Key quote:

This "retrograde step" shows once again that Shell has "no interest in acting for the climate."

— Agathe Masson, campaign group Reclaim Finance

Why this matters:

Shell's decision reflects a broader tension in the energy sector between economic growth and environmental stewardship. With the climate crisis looming, the strategies of major energy firms have significant implications for global efforts to combat climate change, affecting health and sustainability initiatives worldwide.

Faulty economic studies misled Pennsylvania lawmakers on petrochemicals. Who funded the studies? Shell.

In Maryland, discussions intensify over ending subsidies for trash incineration, with advocates urging action before a legislative deadline.

Aman Azhar reports for Inside Climate News.

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In a striking contrast to its environmental pledges, Brazil is ramping up oil production, potentially becoming a top global producer.

Max Bearak reports for The New York Times.

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