politics
Top Story
Credit: Elvert Barnes/Flickr
A blueprint for reshaping climate regulations under a second Trump administration
The Project 2025 plan outlines a conservative vision for dismantling EPA climate regulations if Trump returns to the White House.
In short:
- Project 2025, led by the Heritage Foundation, details how a second Trump term could weaken the EPA and reshape climate regulations.
- The plan includes reducing industries required to report greenhouse gas emissions and reviving policies from Trump's first term.
- Transparency and cost-benefit analysis are central themes, aiming to limit EPA's regulatory reach.
Key quote:
“The biggest difference is we have a plan from Day One, we’re going to start implementing it, and we won’t be as susceptible to process problems that really sunk a couple of those final regulatory proposals and actions we took at the tail end of the administration.”
— Mandy Gunasekara, former Trump EPA chief of staff
Why this matters:
Project 2025 is not just a high-level manifesto; it's a step-by-step guide to neutering the EPA and rolling back climate regulations that took years to put in place. Read more: Moving forward after four years of fights and falsehoods.
Keep reading...Show less
Top Story
Credit: WildEarth Guardians/Flickr
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.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: Shane Rounce/Unsplash
Trump blames Biden for high electricity prices to gain political edge
Former President Donald Trump criticizes President Joe Biden for rising electricity costs, leveraging it as a campaign issue.
In short:
- Trump vows to reduce energy prices and blames Democrats for the current high costs.
- Republicans criticize Biden’s climate policies, linking them to a 20% rise in electricity prices since 2020.
- Experts say short-term electricity prices are more influenced by state regulators and natural gas prices than federal policies.
Key quote:
“They could say we’re just going all in on fossil fuels and to hell with the carbon emissions. That would probably have some effect but relatively small.”
— Severin Borenstein, professor at the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley
Why this matters:
Electricity prices are becoming a significant political issue, with Republicans using them to attack Democratic climate policies. As energy costs rise, voters may become more concerned about the economic impact of these policies.
Be sure to read EHN’s piece:
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
New Zealand's climate policy shift endangers 2050 net zero goal
New Zealand is set to miss its 2050 net zero emissions target after the government scrapped key climate policies, new data reveals.
In short:
- New Zealand's coalition government has failed to announce robust new climate policies, leading to projections that the country will miss its 2050 net zero emissions target.
- The government plans to focus on technology and tree planting rather than shutting down productive sectors or implementing pricing regimes without proper tools for farmers.
- Climate scientists warn that the reliance on undeveloped technologies and offsets like tree planting is a high-risk strategy.
Key quote:
"Many of their policies to date will result in higher annual emissions that will not be offset by either planting trees or the emissions reduction scheme."
— Ralph Sims, Professor Emeritus in Sustainable Energy and Climate Mitigation at Massey University.
Why this matters:
Missing the 2050 net zero target risks worsening climate change impacts. Without significant changes, New Zealand may face increased financial costs and environmental damage.
Keep reading...Show less
Credit: Alliance for Excellent Education/Flickr/Photo by Allison Shelley for EDUimages
A new book argues the right way to discuss climate change
A new book by Genevieve Guenther asserts that using fossil fuel industry language undermines climate action.
In short:
- Genevieve Guenther's book, The Language of Climate Politics, claims fossil fuel talking points have permeated climate discussions, skewing public perception and action.
- Guenther identifies six problematic terms: alarmist, costs, growth, "India and China," innovation, and resilience, suggesting alternatives to better frame climate discourse.
- Despite potential backlash, Guenther emphasizes the need for precise language to effectively advocate for emission reductions and broader climate action.
Key quote:
"To secure a livable future, one thing we will need to do is dismantle and reframe the terms dominating the language of climate politics."
— Genevieve Guenther, Author
Why this matters:
Accurate climate communication can help mobilize public support and drive policy change, ensuring that discussions highlight the urgency around reducing fossil fuel emissions and mitigating climate impacts. Read more: Greenwashing’s medieval age.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: Gage Skidmore/Flickr
GOP plans major rollbacks of US climate policies if victorious in elections
A Republican sweep in upcoming elections could mean a dramatic shift in U.S. climate policy, undoing many of Biden’s key environmental initiatives.
In short:
- Republicans could defund or dismantle federal environmental agencies, roll back climate regulations, and boost fossil fuel usage.
- Key GOP proposals include increasing oil drilling, slashing fees for fossil fuel companies, and cutting funding for clean energy initiatives.
- A potential win for Republicans might also see the repeal of Biden’s 2022 climate law, the Inflation Reduction Act, impacting investments in green technologies.
Key quote:
“There is no doubt that a second Trump administration would pick up where it left off — whether it was conventional energy, oil and gas pipelines, or the market-dictated acceleration of the renewable energy transition.”
— Alex Herrgott, executive director of the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council under Trump
Why this matters:
This isn’t just a color change on the electoral map; it’s a seismic shift in climate policy that could reshape the nation's environmental trajectory. Read more: Moving forward after four years of fights and falsehoods.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: shganti777/Big Stock Photo
Trump’s climate policy legacy has lasting effects at home and globally
Former President Trump’s environmental policies, including exiting the Paris Agreement and rolling back more than 100 regulations, continue to influence climate efforts both in the U.S. and internationally.
In short:
- Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and his regulatory rollbacks have had enduring impacts, inspiring similar actions by populist leaders worldwide.
- His administration appointed conservative judges, including three Supreme Court justices, who have ruled against federal environmental regulations, complicating Biden’s efforts to reverse Trump’s policies.
- Trump’s rhetoric has fueled skepticism about climate policies, influencing political movements in Europe to weaken climate commitments.
Key quote:
“The Trump administration was the most anti-environmental, anti-climate, anti-public health administration we’ve ever had, by far.”
— Tiernen Sittenfeld, senior vice president for government affairs at the League of Conservation Voters
Why this matters:
Trump’s policies have undermined global climate efforts and set a legal precedent that hampers future regulatory actions. These changes pose significant challenges to achieving long-term climate goals and protecting public health.
Relevant EHN coverage:
Keep reading...Show less
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE
