energy
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Activists demand halt to uranium mining near Grand Canyon
Environmentalists and tribal members are urging Arizona officials to end uranium mining near the Grand Canyon, citing health and environmental risks.
In short:
- Activists delivered a petition with over 17,500 signatures to Governor Katie Hobbs, calling for the closure of the Pinyon Plain Mine.
- Uranium mining poses significant health risks and threatens water sources critical to the Grand Canyon's ecosystem and local communities.
- The governor’s office acknowledged receipt but has yet to take action on the petition.
Key quote:
“The safe thing to do, the prudent thing to do, is to avoid that risk altogether and close the mine.”
— Taylor McKinnon, director of the Center for Biological Diversity
Why this matters:
The Grand Canyon has long been a battleground for conservation efforts. Uranium mining, with its potential to contaminate water sources and disrupt ecosystems, adds a new layer of urgency to these efforts. The Havasupai Tribe, whose ancestral lands lie within the Grand Canyon, has been vocal about the threats posed to their health and way of life. Contaminated water sources could have devastating effects on both human populations and the diverse wildlife that call the canyon home.
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Trump blames Biden for high electricity prices to gain political edge
Former President Donald Trump criticizes President Joe Biden for rising electricity costs, leveraging it as a campaign issue.
In short:
- Trump vows to reduce energy prices and blames Democrats for the current high costs.
- Republicans criticize Biden’s climate policies, linking them to a 20% rise in electricity prices since 2020.
- Experts say short-term electricity prices are more influenced by state regulators and natural gas prices than federal policies.
Key quote:
“They could say we’re just going all in on fossil fuels and to hell with the carbon emissions. That would probably have some effect but relatively small.”
— Severin Borenstein, professor at the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley
Why this matters:
Electricity prices are becoming a significant political issue, with Republicans using them to attack Democratic climate policies. As energy costs rise, voters may become more concerned about the economic impact of these policies.
Be sure to read EHN’s piece:
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Offshore wind development faces mixed progress in the Northeast
A broken turbine blade in Massachusetts, a new wind project in New York, and New Jersey research illustrate the mixed progress in the Northeast’s offshore wind industry.
In short:
- A wind farm in Nantucket, Massachusetts was temporarily shut down due to a turbine blade collapse, prompting an extensive cleanup effort.
- New York launched its largest offshore wind project, Sunrise Wind, which will power around 600,000 homes.
- New Jersey allocated nearly $5 million for research to mitigate environmental impacts from planned offshore wind farms.
Key quote:
“We’re making progress in the debris recovery efforts and mobilizing even more resources on the island to hasten the cleanup as quickly as possible.”
— Klaus Moeller, CEO of Vineyard Wind
Why this matters:
Offshore wind farms are celebrated for their potential to provide vast amounts of clean energy, significantly reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. However, the collapse of a turbine blade raises questions about the structural integrity of these massive installations. Ensuring the durability and safety of wind turbines is paramount, not just for worker safety, but also to prevent environmental harm.
Related EHN coverage:
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GOP speakers criticize Biden's energy policies at convention
Several Republican National Convention speakers blamed President Biden's policies for rising gas and electricity prices, but experts attribute the increases to global market forces and other complex factors.
Brad Plumer and Lisa Friedman report for The New York Times.
In short:
- Republicans claimed Biden's policies increased gas and electricity prices.
- Experts say global market forces and events like Russia's invasion of Ukraine influenced these price hikes more than Biden's policies.
- Former President Trump promised more domestic drilling, but experts argue other factors affect energy prices.
Key quote:
“The bulk of electricity price spikes are the result of ‘increasing cost and volatility of fossil fuels’ and extreme weather events like wildfires.”
— Brendan Pierpont, director of electricity modeling at Energy Innovation
Why this matters:
Misleading narratives can cloud public understanding and influence policymakers. For instance, blaming renewable energy for all price increases overlooks the benefits of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and the long-term savings from sustainable energy investments. Conversely, ignoring the costs associated with maintaining and upgrading the grid to accommodate renewables can lead to unrealistic expectations and frustration.
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Trump’s climate policy legacy has lasting effects at home and globally
Former President Trump’s environmental policies, including exiting the Paris Agreement and rolling back more than 100 regulations, continue to influence climate efforts both in the U.S. and internationally.
In short:
- Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and his regulatory rollbacks have had enduring impacts, inspiring similar actions by populist leaders worldwide.
- His administration appointed conservative judges, including three Supreme Court justices, who have ruled against federal environmental regulations, complicating Biden’s efforts to reverse Trump’s policies.
- Trump’s rhetoric has fueled skepticism about climate policies, influencing political movements in Europe to weaken climate commitments.
Key quote:
“The Trump administration was the most anti-environmental, anti-climate, anti-public health administration we’ve ever had, by far.”
— Tiernen Sittenfeld, senior vice president for government affairs at the League of Conservation Voters
Why this matters:
Trump’s policies have undermined global climate efforts and set a legal precedent that hampers future regulatory actions. These changes pose significant challenges to achieving long-term climate goals and protecting public health.
Relevant EHN coverage:
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Labour proposes extensive overhaul to decarbonise UK transport
Labour plans to revamp the UK's transport system with measures including bolstering bus services, building cycle paths, and reopening old railway lines to achieve net zero carbon emissions.
In short:
- Labour's proposals include rail nationalisation and establishing Great British Railways to streamline services.
- The Green Party suggests reopening local rail links and expanding cycling and walking routes.
- Labour also plans to invest in bus services and promote electric vehicles to reduce carbon emissions.
Key quote:
“Transport choices account for about a quarter of carbon emissions, and so are vital in any plans to reach net zero.”
— Ellie Chowns, MP, Green Party
Why this matters:
Labour's ambitious transport overhaul represents a significant step towards a greener, more sustainable future. It addresses both environmental and public health concerns, promoting cleaner air and healthier living through improved public transport and increased physical activity. As the UK strives to meet its climate goals, these measures could serve as a model for other nations grappling with the challenge of reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector.
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Drilling in Permian Basin linked to high ozone levels in New Mexico park
Oil and gas drilling in the Permian Basin is causing excessive ozone pollution at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, a new study reveals.
In short:
- The study found summer ozone levels at Carlsbad Caverns frequently exceed EPA health standards, linking this to increased drilling in the Permian Basin.
- Researchers identified oil and gas extraction as major contributors to high ozone levels, with nitrogen oxide emissions from drilling operations being significant.
- The study suggests electrified, grid-powered drill rigs could help mitigate ozone pollution.
Key quote:
"Our measurements confirm that activity such as drilling and natural gas flaring is a major driver of the high ozone levels we see."
— Andrey Marsavin, PhD candidate, Colorado State University.
Why this matters:
Ozone pollution can cause asthma and other health issues and harm crops and ecosystems. Understanding its sources helps in developing strategies to protect both human health and the environment.
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