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Newsletter
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The cultural legacy of coal mining and its relevance to renewable energy
Coal mining, while hazardous and polluting, fostered strong community bonds and cultural pride that could be emulated in the renewable energy sector.
In short:
- Coal mining in the UK has ended, leaving a significant cultural and community legacy.
- Renewable energy projects, such as wind farms, may not require as many local workers but still offer opportunities for community identity.
- Community Energy projects enable local involvement and benefits from renewable energy production.
Key quote:
“They were tough men. And they were proud of it, proud of every minute of it. It ruined people, it broke people. And one of those people was my grandad.”
— Kate Rusby, Yorkshire folk-singer
Why this matters:
Transitioning to clean energy must consider the social and cultural impacts on communities historically dependent on coal. Embracing community-driven energy projects can preserve the sense of pride and belonging once found in coal mining towns.
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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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Biden aims to transform US with historic $1.6 trillion investment
President Joe Biden has launched a historic $1.6 trillion initiative to revitalize American infrastructure and accelerate green technology, aiming to secure his legacy and re-election.
In short:
- Biden's package includes massive investments in clean energy and manufacturing with significant tax breaks aimed at reducing greenhouse emissions.
- Out of the total funds, a large portion remains unspent, highlighting challenges in the execution of these ambitious programs.
- Recent spending includes significant allocations for semiconductor production and clean energy projects, underlining strategic moves to counteract technological competition from China.
Key quote:
"There's a lot left to do. First of all, that money needs to be deployed."
— John Podesta, White House senior clean energy advisor
Why this matters:
The administration's approach reflects a dual commitment: revitalizing the nation's aging infrastructure while steering the economic engine toward more sustainable practices. This pivot aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the United States—one of the world's leading polluters—and galvanize the domestic clean energy sector, potentially setting a global benchmark for environmental stewardship and innovation.
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Texas turns to geothermal energy with former oil workers at the helm
Texas is now pioneering geothermal energy exploration, leveraging the expertise of former oil industry workers.
In short:
- A Houston-based energy company has repurposed an abandoned Shell well in Starr County, Texas, to experiment with geothermal energy production, using Earth's heat.
- Sage Geosystems, led by industry veterans, demonstrates that geothermal power could provide a constant, clean energy source, potentially replacing less environmentally friendly power plants.
- Geothermal energy's growth in Texas showcases a transformative use of the state's extensive drilling expertise, promising a sustainable power future.
Key quote:
"We’ve punched over a million holes in the ground in Texas since Spindletop. So we have a lot of knowledge, and we have a lot of history and skill set."
— Barry Smitherman, former Texas oil and gas regulator and geothermal advocate
Why this matters:
One of the standout attributes of geothermal energy is its low emission footprint. It produces significantly fewer greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels, making it a potent tool in the fight against climate change. However, geothermal energy isn't without its challenges, including high upfront costs and geographical limitations, as the most accessible and potent sites are often in areas with volcanic activity or tectonic plate boundaries.
Seth Mullendore argues that the best climate strategy we have is to fully commit to the rapid scale-up of solutions that we already know will work - solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, battery storage, energy efficiency, demand management.
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Biden's climate corps initiative faces stiff opposition
President Joe Biden's proposal for an $8 billion American Climate Corps has sparked immediate and intense criticism from Republican lawmakers, highlighting a deep divide over climate policy.
In short:
- Biden's budget includes a significant investment in the American Climate Corps, aiming to train 50,000 young people for green jobs.
- Republicans, branding the initiative as wasteful and "woke," have vehemently opposed the plan, with some suggesting the money would be better spent elsewhere.
- The debate underscores the ongoing partisan clash over climate change and environmental policy, with Democrats pushing for action and Republicans resisting the proposed federal climate corps.
Key quote:
"Not to be dramatic, but lighting $8 billion on fire would probably be a better use of money and time."
— Senate Western Caucus — a right-leaning group of lawmakers keen on promoting Western interests
Why this matters:
Critics argue that the American Climate Corps, while ambitious in its goals to employ thousands of young people in conservation and renewable energy projects, represents an overreach of federal authority and an unnecessary expansion of government spending. Skeptics, primarily from conservative circles, question the efficacy of such a program in making a substantial impact on climate change and contend that it could burden taxpayers without guaranteeing a commensurate return on investment.
Youth environmental activism has moved us forward in many ways—but to maximize this impact we need coalitions that learn from the past in order to prepare for the future.
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Credit: Alan Rither/Pixabay
New opportunities with the American Climate Corps launching soon
The Biden administration is set to open the American Climate Corps jobs board next month, offering a range of positions aimed at addressing climate change and environmental conservation.
In short:
- The program, inspired by the New Deal's Civilian Conservation Corps, will initially offer hundreds of jobs, with plans to hire 20,000 young people in its first year.
- Positions will cover various fields including energy efficiency, disaster response, recycling, and wildfire mitigation, with no experience required for most jobs.
- Strong public support is seen for the program, with a majority of voters across political lines backing the initiative and many young people showing interest.
Key quote:
“There’s an incredible demand signal from young people who we see as being put on a pathway to good-paying careers.”
— Maggie Thomas, special assistant to the president for climate change
Why this matters:
This initiative is a cooperative effort involving multiple federal agencies, including AmeriCorps, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Departments of Labor, Interior, Agriculture, and Energy. Its primary aim is to mobilize over 20,000 young Americans, equipping them with the skills needed for future careers in public service or the private sector focused on environmental conservation, clean energy, and climate resilience.
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States debate supporting coal plants amid energy transition
In a bid to keep coal plants operational despite economic and environmental pressures, Republican lawmakers in several states are pushing legislation that could use taxpayer funds to prevent closures, signaling a contentious battle over the future of energy.
In short:
- Legislation in states like Utah and Kansas seeks to empower state intervention in coal plant retirements, potentially using taxpayer money for purchases.
- Critics argue these efforts counter economic sense and environmental progress, as coal plants are costlier than renewable alternatives.
- The proposed laws reflect a broader national discussion on energy security and the pace of transitioning to renewable sources.
Key quote:
"We view these bills as a policy statement by the Legislature that coal is important to Kansas’ generation fleet."
— Gina Penzig, spokesperson for Evergy
Why this matters:
These legislative efforts underscore the tension between preserving traditional energy jobs and meeting climate goals. However, the closure of coal plants often coincides with a transition toward cleaner energy sources, such as wind, solar, and natural gas, which may mitigate those coal plant job losses.
Two 2018 studies show significantly fewer health risks for babies after nearby coal plants close.
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