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Tech billionaires’ plan to build eco-friendly city faces opposition in California
A company backed by Silicon Valley billionaires aims to create an eco-friendly city in Solano County, California, but faces local opposition over environmental concerns and land use.
In short:
- California Forever, led by former Goldman Sachs trader Jan Sramek, plans to build a new city on 60,000 acres of farmland, promising solutions to housing and sustainability issues.
- Despite spending millions to gain support, the plan was withdrawn after local opposition and a poll showing 70% voter disapproval.
- Critics argue that developing existing communities is a better solution for housing and environmental issues than creating new cities.
Key quote:
“Building housing in existing communities is one of our best climate solutions, and paving over 17,000 acres of non-irrigated farmland is not.”
— Sadie Wilson, director of planning and research, Greenbelt Alliance
Why this matters:
Creating new cities from scratch raises questions about environmental sustainability and resource use. While such projects promise innovation, they often face hurdles in balancing development with ecological preservation and community needs.
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Shell pauses Rotterdam biodiesel plant construction
Shell has halted construction on a major biofuel plant in Rotterdam, citing technical difficulties as the reason for the delay.
In short:
- The biofuel plant, started in 2021, was set to produce 820,000 tonnes of biofuels annually by 2025.
- The project faced technical issues, prompting a temporary pause to reassess and optimize construction processes.
- This pause is part of Shell's broader shift, reducing its green initiatives in favor of more profitable oil and gas projects.
Key quote:
“Low-carbon fuels form a key part of Shell’s ambitions to provide affordable and sustainable products to our customers.”
— Shell spokesperson.
Why this matters:
The delay in Shell's biodiesel plant reflects broader industry struggles to transition to sustainable energy. Traditional diesel fuels are known contributors to air pollution, which poses significant health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Biodiesel, by contrast, burns cleaner and produces fewer pollutants, offering a healthier alternative for communities around the world.
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Ruling allows construction of controversial energy line to proceed
A U.S. judge has dismissed a challenge by Native American tribes and environmentalists against a $10 billion energy transmission project in Arizona.
In short:
- The judge ruled that the tribes' and environmentalists' challenge came too late, allowing the SunZia energy transmission line project to proceed.
- The project, spanning from New Mexico to California, is designed to transport wind-generated electricity.
- The SunZia project is seen as integral to President Biden's climate agenda but faces opposition due to its impact on historic and cultural sites.
Key quote:
"This decision provides assurance moving forward that projects that follow permitting processes and obtain proper approvals will not be threatened years later by baseless legal claims."
— Cary Kottler, chief development officer of Pattern Energy
Why this matters:
The ruling emphasizes the ongoing tension between large-scale renewable energy projects and the preservation of cultural and environmental resources. This decision may set a precedent for future infrastructure projects facing similar opposition.
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Biden's plan may make new homes greener and pricier
The Biden administration is planning to enforce stricter energy efficiency standards for new homes, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower energy costs.
In short:
- New federal policy may require most new homes to include efficient heating and cooling systems, aligning with the latest international energy standards.
- The change could add approximately $7,200 to the cost of a new home, but potentially save homeowners $1,000 annually in energy bills.
- Homebuilders argue that the policy will further increase housing costs and deter potential buyers already challenged by high interest rates.
Key quote:
“This policy could save homeowners thousands on energy bills while significantly cutting down pollution.”
— Thomas Frank, Reporter.
Why this matters:
Implementing stricter energy codes in new homes can significantly cut the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. Despite increasing upfront costs, long-term energy savings and environmental benefits are substantial.
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Increasing workplace deaths from extreme heat prompt new regulations
As extreme heat leads to increasing workplace fatalities, the Biden administration is pushing for new safety regulations, though facing substantial opposition.
Coral Davenport and Noah Weiland report for The New York Times.
In short:
- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is preparing to propose a new rule to protect workers from extreme heat, covering around 50 million people.
- Last year recorded the highest number of heat-related deaths in the U.S., with 2,300 fatalities, and emergency room visits for heat illnesses surged.
- Business groups are resisting the proposed regulations, citing the complexity and costs of implementation.
Key quote:
"The threat to people from extreme heat is reaching a point where we have to rethink how, at all levels of government, we are preparing and putting in place a response that matches the severity of the problem."
— Dr. John M. Balbus, deputy assistant secretary for climate change and health equity in the Health and Human Services Department
Why this matters:
The sweltering summer heat is not just an inconvenience; it's becoming a deadly force in American workplaces. Recent data points to a disturbing rise in heat-related fatalities among workers, particularly those in outdoor industries like construction and agriculture. However, the push for new safety protocols is encountering significant resistance from various quarters. Some industry groups argue that the regulations would impose undue financial burdens on businesses, particularly small enterprises already grappling with post-pandemic economic recovery.
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Effort begins to stop Washington's move away from natural gas
Backers of a new initiative have started gathering signatures to halt Washington's push to phase out natural gas use in buildings.
In short:
- Initiative 2066 aims to repeal parts of a state law promoting electrification over natural gas in new constructions.
- The measure prevents local governments from restricting the use of natural gas in heating and appliances.
- Supporters need over 324,000 signatures by July 5 to place the initiative on the November ballot.
Key quote:
“This initiative preserves the choice of natural gas for consumers.”
— Greg Lane, executive vice president of the Building Industry Association of Washington
Why this matters:
This initiative represents a significant pushback against state efforts to reduce carbon emissions through increased electrification. If passed, it could maintain higher natural gas usage, impacting both environmental goals and energy policies in Washington.
Derrick Z. Jackson argued in 2019 that by keeping Americans focused on the climate benefits of gas vs. coal, the gas industry seeks to delay a broader debate of the deficits of gas vs. renewables.
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Builders resist stricter energy codes for new homes
In a clash over climate and affordability, home builders are lobbying against stricter energy efficiency standards for new houses, citing cost concerns.
In short:
- Home builders in various states, including North Carolina and Michigan, are opposing new energy efficiency building codes, arguing they increase housing costs.
- The industry claims these codes add significantly to construction costs, though federal studies suggest a much lower impact.
- Climate advocates and some builders counter that energy-efficient homes offer long-term savings and environmental benefits.
Key quote:
"The notion that building this way is too expensive or too complicated … I just don’t buy any of that."
— Rob Howard, green builder
Why this matters:
This resistance to energy-efficient building practices is significant as it hinders progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from homes, which account for a significant portion of U.S. emissions. The debate underscores the challenge of balancing economic interests with urgent environmental needs.
Op-ed: When a home is not a sanctuary but a sickening, expensive trap.
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