federal
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Plan to build largest US LNG terminal approved by federal commission
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the construction of the largest liquefied natural gas terminal in the U.S., sparking local opposition and potential lawsuits.
In short:
- The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission voted 2-1 to approve the $10 billion Calcasieu Pass 2 project in Louisiana.
- Environmental and community advocates plan to sue, citing concerns over greenhouse gas emissions and local impacts.
- The approval bypassed a Biden administration pause intended to study LNG terminal impacts further.
Key quote:
“We are ready and willing to take it to court.”
— Roishetta Ozane, leader of The Vessel Project of Louisiana
Why this matters:
This decision may significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions, undermining climate goals. The local community faces potential economic and environmental challenges from the terminal's construction.
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Federal agencies move to protect climate science from political interference
Federal agencies are implementing measures to safeguard scientific research from potential political meddling.
Maxine Joselow and Scott Dance report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's new contract includes provisions allowing employees to report political meddling without fear of retribution.
- Policies to protect scientific integrity are being strengthened at NOAA and the Commerce Department.
- Advocates argue these measures are necessary but not foolproof against future political changes.
Key quote:
“It will be impossible to fully Trump-proof any agency or protect any scientist if Trump wins a new term and either the House or Senate is in Republican control. Then there will be absolutely no meaningful oversight.”
— Tim Whitehouse, executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility
Why this matters:
The integrity of scientific research, especially on climate change, is vital for informed policy-making and public trust. Safeguarding these processes from political interference ensures that decisions are based on accurate and unbiased information.
Related EHN coverage:
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Credit: Markus Distelrath/Pixabay
Federal incentives drive Midwest clean energy manufacturing boom
The Midwest is seeing a surge in clean energy investments, with $30 billion in private capital flowing in since the Inflation Reduction Act was passed in 2022.
In short:
- Midwestern states, including Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio, have attracted significant investments for clean energy projects.
- The region's manufacturing heritage is helping it become a hub for electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy equipment.
- More than 300 major clean energy projects have been announced nationwide since 2022, with the Midwest receiving about a quarter of the $123 billion total investment.
Key quote:
“This is like a new era in American manufacturing as it switches to clean energy.”
— Michael Timberlake, E2 communications director
Why this matters:
The investment surge is being funneled into a variety of renewable energy initiatives, from wind and solar farms to advanced battery storage and electric vehicle infrastructure. These projects are set to reduce the region's reliance on fossil fuels, cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. For states long dominated by traditional manufacturing and coal industries, this transition marks a significant pivot towards a greener future.
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Democratic governors vie for climate funding under Biden's signature climate law
Democratic governors are unveiling ambitious climate plans to compete for federal funds, aiming to shape a greener future.
In short:
- Governors are proposing varied strategies to reduce emissions and embrace clean energy, leveraging the Inflation Reduction Act.
- Plans include incentives for renewable energy, building decarbonization, and the adoption of hydrogen and electric transportation.
- The competition not only seeks to address climate change but also positions governors as future leaders in the Democratic Party.
Key quote:
"We’re getting a snapshot of what’s on the table in each state."
— Irene Nielson, Natural Resources Defense Council.
Why this matters:
Across the United States, states are taking diverse and innovative steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reflecting a commitment to combat climate change even in the absence of strong federal mandates. These targets are part of broader climate action plans that detail how states intend to achieve their goals, including resilience strategies, clean energy targets, and economic and social objectives.
California will soon have the largest oil drilling setbacks in the U.S. Experts say other states can learn from this move.
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Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
We went to the first EV charging station funded by the federal infrastructure law
On the western outskirts of Columbus, Ohio, two doors down from a Waffle House, is a truck stop that, as of last Friday, has the first electric vehicle charging station in the country to be financed in part by the 2021 federal infrastructure law.
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Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash
'Massive' federal solar investment could mean big utility savings in Kentucky
Advocates see an Inflation Reduction Act program as a critical opportunity to help low-income communities reap the benefits of solar power.
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With climate change, Illinois farmers seek federal investment
Crops across Illinois were affected by unprecedented drought at the beginning of the summer, and bad air quality from Canadian wildfires presented an unusual problem for those who rely mostly on outdoor work.
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