legislature
Newsletter
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Utah legislature passes bill to maintain coal power plant operations
A new bill has been passed to secure the future of a coal-fired power plant in Utah.
In short:
- Utah's Legislature approved a bill to preserve the Intermountain Power Project, ensuring its operation past the planned 2025 closure.
- The bill establishes a state authority to buy the plant at market price and requires comprehensive environmental and regulatory compliance assessments.
- Concerns arise over the impact on cleaner energy transitions and financial implications for Utah municipalities.
Key quote:
"To achieve energy security, colleagues, we must protect Utah's energy resources, our independence, and our infrastructure,"
— Rep. Carl Albrecht, House sponsor of the bill
Why this matters:
The decision to keep the coal plant operational contributes to Utah's energy security during a transitional period. However, it poses significant questions about environmental sustainability and economic impact on local communities, highlighting the tension between maintaining traditional energy sources and moving toward cleaner alternatives.
Did you know? When coal plants decrease pollution or shut down, people have fewer asthma attacks.
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Newsletter
Credit: Pascal Debrunner/Unsplash
Hawaii legislators push for enhanced environmental monitoring in Maui following Lahaina wildfires
In the wake of the Lahaina wildfires, Hawaii lawmakers are advancing legislation to fund ongoing air and water quality monitoring in Maui.
In short:
- House Bills 1839 and 1840 aim to fund environmental health specialists and aquatic biologists for monitoring air and water quality in Maui post-wildfires.
- The bills respond to the long-term health concerns from the August 8 wildfires, which left significant waste and pollutants.
- The Department of Health estimates more than $4 million yearly for operating air quality sampling stations, while the Department of Land and Natural Resources projects around $260,000 annually for water monitoring.
Key quote:
“We need our legislators to care about us. Imagine if you were living in this situation, what would you want for your family?”
— Joanna Nakihei, Lahaina resident
Why this matters:
Continuous monitoring of air and water quality is essential to safeguard the health of Maui residents and to understand the broader environmental consequences of such disasters. This initiative reflects a proactive approach to disaster response and environmental protection, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of climate-related challenges.
Last year, Dr. Carlos Gould joined the Agents of Change in Environmental Justice podcast to discuss his research on wildfire smoke’s impact on our health, and how we can protect ourselves.
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Big Stock Photo
Va. voters to decide Statehouse control, with climate on the line
Republicans have a chance in about seven weeks to take full control of the Virginia state government for the first time in a decade.
Judge rules in favor of youths in landmark Montana climate trial
“This is a monumental decision," said a lawyer for the young plaintiffs, and could influence similar cases in other states.
Water, climate change top legislative issues for Sierra Club, activists
Environmental advocates will take their legislative priority list to the capitol Tuesday, lobbying lawmakers to act on water, climate and land.
Photo by Jesse Duering on Unsplash
Students ask Nebraska lawmakers to acknowledge climate crisis
Two students pleaded with Nebraska lawmakers to support a resolution acknowledging the existence of climate change and the Legislature's duty to mitigate it.
Photo by Slade Lapusnak on Unsplash
Minnesota Senate GOP bill would block 'clean cars' standards
A state Senate committee has advanced a bill that would block the authority of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to adopt “clean car” standards after rules established by the agency without the Legislature’s input angered Republicans last summer.
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