energy transition
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A Harris presidency could reshape the US climate policy
Vice President Harris, known for her strong environmental stance, might carry forward Biden’s climate policies with significant implications for the U.S.'s climate future.
Joshua Partlow and Brady Dennis report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Environmentalists have praised Harris' voting record on environmental issues, including sponsoring the Green New Deal.
- The Biden-Harris administration has significantly advanced renewable energy through the Inflation Reduction Act and reversed Trump-era rollbacks on pollution regulations.
- Harris’s running mate selection could influence her climate agenda, especially in battleground states reliant on fossil fuels.
Key quote:
“I think these issues really are core to who she is, and she cares deeply. I think she would be rock solid and determined to carry on and build on the progress of this administration.”
— Tiernan Sittenfeld, senior vice president for government affairs at the League of Conservation Voters.
Why this matters:
With a track record of supporting green initiatives and a commitment to environmental justice, Kamala Harris's potential presidency could mean ramped-up efforts to curb emissions, invest in renewable energy, and hold polluters accountable. Read more: Speaker Mike Johnson’s climate change playbook — deny the science, take the funding.
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Record oil profits highlight the long road to renewable energy
Despite global efforts to shift to renewables, U.S. oil producers are raking in record profits thanks to high prices and demand.
In short:
- U.S. oil companies, recovering from the pandemic slump, are now seeing significant profits due to market forces and geopolitical events.
- Many oil companies have shifted strategies, focusing on financial returns by cutting costs and improving efficiency.
- Despite increasing renewable energy adoption, global demand for oil continues to grow, with the U.S. leading in production.
Key quote:
“We’re not going to get out of this business because supply was squeezed, because there’s plenty of it. We’re going to get out of the business because demand went down.”
— Samantha Gross, director at Brookings Institution
Why this matters:
This tug-of-war between old-school energy and the shiny new kids on the block highlights the tough balancing act of transitioning to a cleaner future. For now, Big Oil's got its foot firmly on the gas pedal, leaving us all to wonder how long this joyride can last. Read more: “Code Red” for climate means reducing US oil and gas production.
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Credit: Xenia Hübner/Flickr
Clean technology advances help stabilize global climate pollution
Global climate pollution from fossil fuels is showing signs of stabilizing, thanks to advances in clean technology like solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles.
In short:
- The Carbon Monitor Project reports a slight decline in global climate pollution from February to May 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
- Despite the peak in emissions, atmospheric CO2 levels continue to rise rapidly due to centuries of accumulated pollution.
- China and the U.S. play pivotal roles in reducing global emissions, with clean energy advancements being crucial.
Key quote:
"Now we are finding that atmospheric CO2 levels are increasing faster than ever. We must recognize that these are clear signals of the damage carbon dioxide pollution is doing to the climate system, and take rapid action to cut fossil fuel use as quickly as we can."
— Rick Spinrad, NOAA Administrator
Why this matters:
Stabilizing global emissions is a critical milestone in combating climate change, signaling a potential turning point towards reducing harmful pollution and mitigating severe weather impacts. Read more: In the race for clean energy, the US is both a leader and a laggard — here’s how.
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Michigan aids workers in clean energy shift
To support the transition to clean energy, Michigan's Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity has established an office to help workers move from fossil fuel jobs to renewable energy roles.
In short:
- Michigan aims for 100% clean energy, transitioning auto production from gas to electric vehicles.
- The new Community and Worker Economic Transition Office, funded federally, aids manufacturers and workers in adapting to renewable energy jobs.
- Collaboration with federal programs enhances workforce training and resource allocation for economic transitions.
Key quote:
“We know that we’re going to have clean energy transitions that are gonna take us years and decades to fully employ. So what we can do is we can create these opportunities to identify the communities and workers that are most vulnerable to change, and then deliver opportunities to the businesses in those communities so that they don’t ever face that economic harm.”
— Jonathan Smith, senior chief deputy director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
Why this matters:
The transition to clean energy can prevent economic harm in communities reliant on fossil fuels by creating new jobs and training opportunities. Proactive strategies help ensure that workers and businesses can adapt to and benefit from these changes.
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Credit: European Parliament/Flickr
The Green parties face a decline in European elections
The Green parties lost a third of their seats in the European Parliament, raising questions about the future of Europe's climate movement.
In short:
- The Greens' decline is attributed to shifting voter priorities amid the war in Ukraine and the cost-of-living crisis.
- Centrist and right-wing parties have absorbed or attacked the Green agenda, portraying it as elitist and out of touch.
- Despite setbacks, the Greens found success in Nordic and some Southern European countries, indicating potential for future coalitions.
Key quote:
“They portray this transition as a very elitist transition, that it’s only for the ‘Tesla people. And I can tell you, Tesla does not have a good image anymore.”
— Bas Eickhout, European Greens’ vice president
Why this matters:
The decline of Green parties could slow progress on climate policies in Europe, affecting global efforts to combat climate change and potentially increasing socio-economic disparities. Read more: The chemical industry may have killed a landmark EU chemical policy. Here’s what that means for the US.
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Credit: The National Guard/Flickr
Vermont takes bold steps to combat climate change
Governor Phil Scott has allowed Vermont's groundbreaking climate legislation to pass without his signature, marking a pivotal moment in the state's environmental policy.
In short:
- The “Climate Superfund Act” requires major oil companies to pay for climate change damages in Vermont, calculated based on their emissions from 1995 to 2024.
- Vermont's new “Flood Safety Act” introduces stricter building regulations in river corridors, enhances wetland protections, and increases dam safety to mitigate future flooding risks.
- Despite concerns about legal challenges and implementation timelines, these laws aim to fund climate resilience projects and reduce future disaster costs.
Key quote:
“What’s incredibly clear is these companies that are responsible for the climate crisis aren’t going to pay Vermont a dime unless we take an action like this.”
— Ben Edgerly Walsh, Vermont Public Interest Research Group
Why this matters:
Vermont's new laws set a national precedent by holding oil companies accountable and proactively addressing climate change impacts, hopefully leading to improved public health and environmental resilience. Read more: How the “Halliburton Loophole” lets fracking companies pollute water with no oversight.
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Credit: Jerry Huddleston/Flickr
Biden administration ends new coal leasing in Powder River Basin
The Biden administration moves to halt new coal leasing in the Powder River Basin, aiming to curb fossil fuel extraction.
In short:
- The Biden administration will end new coal leasing in the Powder River Basin, the largest coal-producing region in the U.S.
- Climate activists celebrate the decision, which could prevent billions of tons of coal from being mined.
- Critics, including Republican lawmakers and mining groups, argue it will harm local economies and energy security.
Key quote:
“The nation’s electricity generation needs are being met increasingly by wind, solar and natural gas. The nation doesn’t need any increase in the amount of coal under lease out of the Powder River Basin.”
— Tom Sanzillo, director of financial analysis at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.
Why this matters:
This move aligns with national climate goals by reducing carbon emissions from coal, addressing environmental and public health concerns, and signaling a shift towards renewable energy sources. Read more: Appalachia is transitioning from coal. Here’s what it could learn from Germany.
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