president biden
Newsletter
Credit: Nicholas Doherty/Unsplash
Glauconite disrupts offshore wind plans
A green mineral called glauconite is causing problems for President Biden's offshore wind initiatives by complicating the installation of wind turbines.
In short:
- Glauconite forms a sticky, clay-like layer when disturbed, obstructing the installation of monopiles, which are essential for offshore wind turbines.
- At least four offshore wind projects in New England and New York have been affected by this mineral, threatening their efficiency and economic viability.
- The U.S. Geological Survey and wind developers are researching the extent of glauconite deposits and potential solutions to this issue.
Key quote:
“Our administration has been laser focused on making what many of us thought impossible — a thriving and sustainable domestic offshore wind industry from coast to coast.”
— Interior Secretary Deb Haaland
Why this matters:
Glauconite is hampering efforts to meet ambitious renewable energy targets. The discovery of glauconite in key offshore wind areas also sparks concerns about the ecological impact of extensive drilling and construction activities. Balancing the urgent need for renewable energy with the preservation of marine ecosystems is a delicate task. Scientists and environmental advocates stress the importance of thorough impact assessments and the development of eco-friendly installation methods.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Biden announces $7 billion for solar energy in low-income communities
President Biden's new initiative allocates $7 billion to support solar energy in underprivileged areas, aiming to reduce energy costs and emissions.
In short:
- The Solar for All program will fund solar and battery installations in low-income neighborhoods, benefiting approximately 900,000 households.
- Funding will be managed by state, municipal and tribal governments along with nonprofits, with implementation slated for the summer.
- The initiative will help achieve the administration's clean energy goals and reduce energy expenses for families by an average of $400 annually.
Key quote:
“Low income families can spend up to 30 percent of their paychecks on their energy bills. It’s outrageous.”
— U.S. President Joe Biden.
Why this matters:
As President Biden noted, many low-income families spend a significant portion of their income on utility bills. Solar energy can drastically reduce these costs, easing financial burdens and increasing disposable income for other essential needs.
Black, Indigenous and people of color and low-income communities bear the brunt of climate change's negative impacts but renewable energy technologies like solar cells primarily benefit wealthy and predominantly white communities.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
At G7 summit, leaders wrangle on coal, natural gas and climate
The U.S. finds itself caught between defending President Biden’s climate change agenda and aiding allies intent on increasing their access to fossil fuels.
Photo by Louis Velazquez on Unsplash
House Republicans fail to override Biden’s ESG veto
The GOP-led chamber on Thursday failed to override President Biden’s first veto in a new vote, falling short of the necessary two-thirds majority.
Newsletter
Photo by Louis Velazquez on Unsplash
Hospitals and emissions: Congressional report outlines what providers are doing on climate change
Most said they are directing some resources to climate change. The health industry has faced growing scrutiny over its environmental impact.
Squaring off between carbon taxes and renewable energy incentives
Some European renewable energy producers are concerned that the EU may lose green energy investments to the United States in the wake of recently enacted U.S. legislation.
Newsletter
'We're back, baby': New bill boosts US climate credibility
After a moment when hopes dimmed that the United States could become an international leader on climate change, legislation that Congress is poised to approve could rejuvenate the country’s reputation and bolster its efforts to push other nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions more quickly.
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE
