energy policy
Credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr
The Inflation Reduction Act’s green energy promise is putting Black communities at risk
A proposed tax credit for biomass energy plants could accelerate pollution in Black communities in the rural South, where forests are already being depleted for European energy demands.
In short:
- Biomass plants, which burn wood pellets for energy, emit carcinogens and other pollutants, disproportionately affecting Black and low-income communities.
- The proposed tax credit could subsidize biomass facilities, despite evidence that these plants are more harmful to the environment than coal.
- Over a million acres of forests in the rural South are being cleared for biomass production, worsening health and environmental outcomes for local residents.
Key quote:
"Ultimately, we’re killing the Earth and each other. It’s a false climate solution that leaves Black and brown communities still bearing the brunt of the damage."
— Treva Gear, Georgia activist
Why this matters:
Communities like Adel, Georgia are left with the pollution, loss of green space and the destruction of the very forests we depend on to capture carbon. It’s an ironic twist—clean energy for Europe, while Black communities in the South bear the brunt of the damage. Read more: How Europe’s wood pellet appetite worsens environmental racism in the US South.
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Newsletter
Credit: BES Portland/Flickr
Oregon’s biggest gas company isn’t as green as it claims
NW Natural promised Oregonians it would embrace renewable natural gas, but years later, the company continues to rely on fossil fuels while selling an image of sustainability.
In short:
- NW Natural launched a campaign to promote renewable natural gas, yet continues to sell as much fossil fuel as before.
- Internal documents reveal the company used public relations strategies to downplay the growing pressure to phase out gas and electrify homes.
- Despite promises, renewable natural gas makes up less than 1% of the company’s supply today.
Key quote:
“The story they’re telling us is simply not possible. What they’re trying to do is to prevent being put out of business.”
— Phil Barnhart, former Oregon state representative
Why this matters:
As the climate crisis deepens, misleading sustainability claims delay real action on reducing fossil fuel dependence, prolonging exposure to harmful emissions. This kind of greenwashing isn't just misleading—it's dangerous. Read more: Hog waste-to-gas: Renewable energy or more hot air?
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Credit: Jens Cederskjold/Flickr
Europe struggles with high energy costs and fading industries
European manufacturers are facing a new normal of high energy costs, while global competitors thrive on cheaper power.
In short:
- European industries are struggling to compete due to energy prices that are double those in the U.S., driven by a shift from Russian gas to expensive liquefied natural gas.
- Key sectors like chemicals and steel are declining, with companies closing plants and cutting jobs across the EU.
- Policymakers are warning that without major changes, European industry risks becoming irrelevant, while renewable energy won't bring relief until at least the mid-2030s.
Key quote:
“For the first time since the Cold War, we must genuinely fear for our self-preservation.”
— Mario Draghi, former European Central Bank chief
Why this matters:
Energy prices have long-term effects on health and economy. As Europe pivots from fossil fuels, the transition is hurting industries that supply essential goods like pharmaceuticals and microchips, with ripple effects across global markets. Factories are going dark, layoffs are looming, and policymakers are sounding the alarm. Read more: In the race for clean energy, the US is both a leader and a laggard — here’s how.
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Credit: Florida Sea Grant/Flickr/U.S. Coast Guard photo
How a 2010 oil spill still shapes cleanup strategies today
Fourteen years after the Deepwater Horizon disaster, scientists remain skeptical that today’s oil spill response methods would be significantly more effective at managing a similarly catastrophic event.
In short:
- The Deepwater Horizon spill released 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf, and only 2-6% was recovered.
- Advances in oil spill science and technology have improved recovery methods, but they remain largely ineffective for large spills.
- The rise of new oil production methods, including deep-sea drilling, increases the likelihood of future spills.
Key quote:
"I knew immediately that this would be ecologically and economically disastrous."
— Jeffrey Short, now-retired scientist from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Why this matters:
As long as we use fossil fuels, spills are likely to happen. Oil spills are the third largest source of oil in the sea. Experts warn that, despite some advances in spill response, another Deepwater Horizon-level spill would be similarly catastrophic.
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Top Story
Credit: MIRO3D/BigStock Photo ID: 421245206
Trump plans to dismantle climate funding from key law if elected
Donald Trump announced his intention to pull back unspent funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, a key climate law, should he win the 2024 election, sparking concern over its impact on climate projects, especially in Republican districts.
In short:
- Donald Trump vowed to cancel unused funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, targeting climate and energy programs.
- He floated a government efficiency commission, possibly led by Elon Musk, aimed at reducing government waste.
- The Biden administration has already allocated billions in climate funding, but much remains unspent, creating potential legal battles over clawing back those funds.
Key quote:
“I look forward to serving America if the opportunity arises. No pay, no title, no recognition is needed.”
— Elon Musk
Why this matters:
The Inflation Reduction Act is funneling billions into renewable energy projects, electric vehicles, and cleaner industry across the U.S.—including a lot of Republican-led states that could really use the cash. If Trump succeeds in cutting these funds, it could derail green energy jobs and infrastructure growth in areas that have started to see the benefits. Read more: House Speaker Mike Johnson’s climate change playbook — deny the science, take the funding.
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Credit: Macrovector SLU/Big Stock Photo ID: 475003541
America is stuck in a climate contradiction
The U.S. is funneling billions into carbon capture to slow emissions, but it may not save areas like Louisiana most affected by climate change.
In short:
- Louisiana is becoming a hub for carbon capture, seen by some as a solution to climate change, though it primarily benefits the oil and gas industry.
- Critics argue that the expansion of liquid-natural-gas (LNG) plants worsens climate risks, particularly in vulnerable areas already suffering from rising seas and extreme weather.
- Despite its potential to reduce emissions, carbon capture technology is unproven at scale and may simply justify continued fossil fuel use.
Key quote:
“You always try to keep creating new value for the future.”
— Gray Stream, CEO of Gulf Coast Sequestration.
Why this matters:
Carbon capture is a major investment under Biden's climate plan, but it risks prolonging reliance on fossil fuels rather than transitioning to cleaner energy, raising questions about its real impact on climate and health outcomes. Read more: 30 environmental advocacy groups ask PA governor to veto carbon capture bill.
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Credit: FracTracker Alliance/Ted Auch, 2023
The Gulf Coast’s LNG boom is making life unlivable for some residents
When Venture Global began building one of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas hubs in Plaquemines Parish, residents found themselves battling water shortages, clogged roads, and overwhelmed emergency services.
In short:
- Residents face deteriorating water quality, traffic gridlock, and longer emergency response times since construction began.
- The plant’s construction is straining local resources, pushing some families to seek buyouts and relocate.
- Health concerns are growing as pollution increases, with some fearing their town will become the next “Cancer Alley.”
Key quote:
“I don’t care if I have to live in a cardboard box – I want out.”
— Denise Orgeron, resident
Why this matters:
Beyond Plaquemines, this is a story of environmental disruption across the Gulf Coast, where industrial expansion is reshaping both the landscape and the lives of the people who call it home. Health and well-being are on the line, and many are starting to wonder whether the price of progress is simply too high. Read more: LNG production comes with a price, Gulf Coast communities warn.
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