2022-2023 Cohort
Public lands are not neutral. We must grapple with their racist roots
Credit: Carolyn E. Ramírez
Credit: Carolyn E. Ramírez
Credit: Chad Davis/Flickr
09 August
Wildfire smoke can disrupt anesthesia and surgery outcomes
Researchers warn that wildfire smoke, filled with harmful pollutants, may interfere with anesthesia and worsen surgical outcomes, especially for children and sensitive groups.
In short:
- Wildfire smoke contains fine particles and chemicals that cause inflammation and reduce antioxidant levels, impacting health.
- Exposure can exacerbate cardiovascular issues and damage organs, complicating perioperative outcomes for patients.
- Children with prior respiratory issues are significantly more affected by poor air quality during surgeries.
Key quote:
“Wildfire smoke poses significant health risks, particularly in people with pre-existing heart and lung disease, obese patients, infants and young children and other vulnerable groups.”
— Vijay Krishnamoorthy, chief of Duke University School of Medicine’s Critical Care Medicine Division.
Why this matters:
This study adds another layer of worry as wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, raising health risks far beyond the obvious respiratory issues. Read more: Carlos Gould on wildfire smoke and our health.
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thehill.com
Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda
For more than a decade, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gave daily warnings about the mounting threat of climate change. Now he has a powerful new perch.
Credit: David Thielen/Unsplash
09 August
US oil production reaches new highs amid political tensions
U.S. oil production hit a record high of 13.4 million barrels per day last week, contradicting claims that the Biden administration's policies have harmed the energy sector.
In short:
- U.S. oil producers reached a record output, despite a decline in drilling rigs, due to improved efficiency in oil extraction.
- The increase in production counters Donald Trump's claims that Biden's policies have hurt the oil and gas industry.
- Average U.S. gas prices remain lower than last year's peak but higher than pre-pandemic levels, influenced by global production cuts.
Key quote:
“Seems to be an all-time weekly record and indicative of improving the efficiency of using drilling rigs in the oil patch.”
— Andrew Lipow, head of Lipow Oil Associates
Why this matters:
Record U.S. oil production highlights technological advances in the industry, impacting both domestic energy prices and global markets. The issue also underscores the political debate on energy policies ahead of the upcoming elections.
Related:
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www.politico.com
Credit: Ralf Vetterle/Pixabay
09 August
Pennsylvania accelerates into carbon capture with new legislation
Pennsylvania's government is advancing a controversial plan to capture and store carbon emissions underground, facing criticism over environmental risks and untested technology.
In short:
- Governor Josh Shapiro signed legislation to promote carbon capture and storage in Pennsylvania, though environmentalists criticize the plan, arguing it overstates benefits and overlooks risks.
- The law sets a new regulatory framework, increasing notification requirements to 75% of landowners for storage sites, and extends state liability for wells from 10 to 50 years after use.
- Some lawmakers and activists fear that carbon capture could repeat issues seen with fracking, including water contamination and inadequate environmental safeguards.
Key quote:
“Declaring a nonexistent technology to be in the public interest defies logic.”
— The Better Path Coalition, a grassroots environmental group
Why this matters:
Carbon capture is part of efforts to reduce emissions, but concerns about safety, effectiveness and potential environmental harm need thorough consideration. Critics argue that relying on unproven technology may distract from more sustainable solutions like renewable energy and stricter emission regulations.
Related EHN coverage:
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capitalandmain.com
Credit: scandamerican/Big Stock Photo
09 August
Tim Walz’s energy record sparks debate on environmental policies
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, chosen by Kamala Harris as her vice-presidential running mate, has a mixed energy record, balancing aggressive low-carbon policies with controversial support for an oil pipeline.
Brian Dabbs, Carlos Anchondo, and Jeffrey Tomich report for E&E News.
In short:
- Governor Tim Walz has enacted one of the most aggressive carbon-free power laws in the U.S. but has faced criticism for supporting the Line 3 oil pipeline.
- Walz's energy policies aim to transition Minnesota's power sector to clean energy, yet his stance on fossil fuels has led to both praise and criticism.
- Environmentalists see his selection as a chance to further climate goals, while critics view it as a continuation of existing energy policies.
Key quote:
“His lack of action to stop the Line 3 pipeline shows a troubling deference to fossil fuel interests.”
— Collin Rees, political director of Oil Change U.S.
Why this matters:
Tim Walz's selection as Kamala Harris’s running mate highlights the ongoing tension between advancing clean energy and maintaining fossil fuel infrastructure. His energy record reflects the complex challenges of balancing environmental progress with economic and political realities.
Related:
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www.eenews.net
09 August
New Orleans uses solar microgrids to prepare for hurricanes
New Orleans has developed a network of solar-powered "community lighthouses" to provide power during hurricanes, aiming to enhance resilience against extreme weather events.
In short:
- The Broadmoor Church in New Orleans is equipped with solar panels, serving as one of 86 planned "community lighthouses" designed to offer power during hurricanes. These hubs form part of a project by Together Louisiana to build the nation's largest network of solar resilience centers.
- Community lighthouses function as microgrids with battery backup, offering essential power for communication, refrigeration and medical needs during power outages caused by hurricanes. The project, backed by local and federal funding, will eventually support 380,000 New Orleans residents.
- Louisiana, prone to extreme weather, faces high costs due to hurricanes. With these lighthouses, the state aims to reduce deaths and suffering caused by power outages and extreme heat during hurricanes like Ida in 2021.
Key quote:
“This starts from grassroots to try to get a response that becomes systemic, one that checks in on people in their neighbourhoods – we're in the early stages of developing this across our state.”
— Broderick Bagert, Together Louisiana
Why this matters:
Extreme weather is increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change, leaving many without power during hurricanes. New Orleans' solar microgrid initiative is a proactive step towards ensuring community safety and resilience during these events.
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www.bbc.com
Photo by Raze Solar on Unsplash
09 August
Millions of households receive energy tax credits for upgrades
More than 3.4 million American households claimed $8 billion in energy tax credits last year for efficiency and renewable upgrades, cutting costs through the Inflation Reduction Act.
In short:
- The Treasury Department reports 3.4 million homes received $8 billion in tax credits for energy upgrades like solar panels and efficient windows under the Inflation Reduction Act.
- California led with 400,000 claims, followed by Texas and Florida, showing bipartisan appeal despite political differences.
- Nearly half of credit recipients earned less than $100,000 annually, aligning with Biden’s goal of aiding lower-income households in energy transitions.
Key quote:
“Those significant numbers show that these credits are more popular than initially projected.”
— Wally Adeyemo, Deputy Treasury Secretary
Why this matters:
The expanded tax credits promote renewable energy use, significantly cutting costs for American families and encouraging a shift toward more sustainable energy practices. This approach not only aids in reducing household expenses but also contributes to environmental goals by promoting clean energy solutions.
Related:
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www.eenews.net
Credit: Focal Foto/Flickr
09 August
How to save money and fight food waste
A new generation of apps is rescuing perfectly good food from landfills, making it available at a fraction of the retail price at restaurants and grocery stores.
In short:
- Food waste apps like Flashfood and Too Good To Go connect users to surplus food from grocery stores and restaurants.
- These apps help reduce the 2.5 million tons of food waste retailers discard annually, benefiting both the environment and consumers.
- By purchasing discounted surplus food, users can save money and access healthier food options.
Key quote:
“It feels like they are spreading like wildfire. I love the model because at least some of the food would literally have been thrown out a day later. It really is saving it from the garbage.”
— Dana Gunders, ReFED
Why this matters:
These digital do-gooders save money and so much more. Reducing food waste can cut global CO2 emissions and provide affordable, nutritious food options, particularly benefiting low-income families struggling with the high cost of healthy eating. Read more: New White House strategy backs food rescue efforts but more is needed to fight hunger and waste.
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www.washingtonpost.com
From our Newsroom
Environmental journalism loses a hero
Peter Dykstra – newsman, provocateur, friend and former publisher of The Daily Climate – passed away Wednesday.
ExxonMobil, LyondellBassel and Chevron among Houston’s top polluters: Report
“We know this is a business, and you want to make a profit, but consider the communities next door.”
Op-ed: Ripe for disaster declarations — heat, wildfire smoke and death data
Currently, the federal data on extreme heat and wildfire smoke itself constitutes a major disaster.
Living near oil and gas operations linked to worse mental health in people hoping to become pregnant
“If we’re concerned about healthy pregnancies, focusing on the period before pregnancy may be even more important.”
Op-ed: The climate crisis demands a move away from car dependency
Power shutoffs or wildfire evacuations can be deadly for disabled people, especially nondrivers who may not have a way to get to a cooling center or evacuation point.
Biden administration unveils plan to wean US government off single-use plastics
“Because of its purchasing power … the Federal Government has the potential to significantly impact the supply of these products.”