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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:
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GOP speakers criticize Biden's energy policies at convention
Several Republican National Convention speakers blamed President Biden's policies for rising gas and electricity prices, but experts attribute the increases to global market forces and other complex factors.
Brad Plumer and Lisa Friedman report for The New York Times.
In short:
- Republicans claimed Biden's policies increased gas and electricity prices.
- Experts say global market forces and events like Russia's invasion of Ukraine influenced these price hikes more than Biden's policies.
- Former President Trump promised more domestic drilling, but experts argue other factors affect energy prices.
Key quote:
“The bulk of electricity price spikes are the result of ‘increasing cost and volatility of fossil fuels’ and extreme weather events like wildfires.”
— Brendan Pierpont, director of electricity modeling at Energy Innovation
Why this matters:
Misleading narratives can cloud public understanding and influence policymakers. For instance, blaming renewable energy for all price increases overlooks the benefits of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and the long-term savings from sustainable energy investments. Conversely, ignoring the costs associated with maintaining and upgrading the grid to accommodate renewables can lead to unrealistic expectations and frustration.
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Former Pioneer executives increase political donations to Republicans
A report reveals Scott Sheffield, former CEO of Pioneer Natural Resources and his son Bryan, have significantly increased their political contributions primarily to Republican candidates, following a Federal Trade Commission decision barring Scott from ExxonMobil's board.
In short:
- Scott Sheffield – the head of a Texas oil and gas empire– and his family have donated over $6.2 million to political causes since 2010, a Public Citizen’s report found.
- The Federal Trade Commission barred Scott Sheffield from joining ExxonMobil's board due to alleged collusion with OPEC.
- Bryan Sheffield increased donations to Republicans after the FTC's decision, including $413,000 to support Trump's presidential campaign.
Key quote:
"Oil barons being able to cash out and sell their companies and devote huge amounts of political contributions is a major problem for our democracy."
— Alan Zibel, researcher at Public Citizen and author of the new report.
Why this matters:
The significant financial influence of the Sheffields raises concerns about conflicts of interest and the integrity of political and regulatory processes in Texas. With close ties to Texas regulators, their contributions could impact decisions affecting the state's oil and gas industry.
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Curtis' win in conservative Utah could influence GOP climate stance
Utah Republican John Curtis’ U.S. Senate primary victory signals potential shifts in GOP climate policies.
In short:
- U.S. Rep. John Curtis, known for his climate advocacy, won his primary, positioning himself for a U.S. Senate seat.
- Curtis founded the Conservative Climate Caucus to promote Republican engagement in climate science and bipartisan solutions.
- His legislative future may include the "PROVE IT Act," focused on studying carbon intensity of U.S. products.
Key quote:
“Does it verify or affirm that you can have a more thoughtful or nuanced position on climate issues and energy issues and still get elected statewide in a conservative state? Yes.”
— U.S. Rep. Garret Graves (R-La), ranking member of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis
Why this matters:
Curtis' win could lead to greater bipartisan cooperation on climate issues in a traditionally conservative state. His efforts to shift Republican perspectives on climate policy may impact national discussions and legislative actions.
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Major business groups plan to defend Biden’s climate law despite past opposition
Washington’s leading business lobby groups, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Petroleum Institute, are prepared to defend parts of President Biden's climate law, the Inflation Reduction Act, if Republicans regain the White House.
In short:
- Despite previously opposing the Inflation Reduction Act, these groups now support its tax breaks for clean energy technologies.
- Business interests, including oil companies, are particularly interested in provisions for hydrogen fuel production and carbon capture.
- The groups' stance could clash with a potential Trump administration's plans to roll back Biden’s climate policies.
Key quote:
“Business is going to defend the Inflation Reduction Act.”
— Christopher Guith, senior vice president at the Chamber’s Global Energy Institute
Why this matters:
The shifting alliances highlight the complex dynamics in U.S. energy policy, where economic interests may drive unexpected support for climate initiatives. This could influence future legislative battles and shape the country’s transition to cleaner energy.
Read additional EHN coverage:
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Republicans challenge federal and California electric vehicle mandates
Arizona Republican leaders have initiated legal actions against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California for imposing electric vehicle rules they deem overreaching.
In short:
- Arizona Republicans, led by House Speaker Ben Toma and Senate President Warren Petersen, have filed lawsuits against the EPA's vehicle emissions standards and a California rule on electric trucks.
- The lawsuits argue that these regulations exceed legal authority, lack proper analysis, and could negatively impact jobs and the economy.
- These legal challenges follow previous actions this year, including another lawsuit against the EPA regarding air pollution standards.
Key quote:
"The EPA’s tailpipe emissions rules prioritize politics over science, posing a greater threat to public health by inflating the cost of essential and everyday goods."
— Tony Bradley, president and CEO, Arizona Trucking Association
Why this matters:
This legal standoff highlights the resistance among some states to federally mandated or influenced environmental policies, particularly those that demand rapid changes to existing infrastructure and market dynamics. Critics, like those leading the charge in Arizona, argue that such mandates place undue burdens on states and consumers, potentially leading to increased costs and economic disruption, especially in regions heavily reliant on traditional industries and older modes of transportation.
Transitioning to electric vehicles is seen by many experts as a crucial step in addressing urban air quality issues, reducing respiratory diseases, and curbing the overall impact of climate change. However, the path to such transitions is fraught with economic and logistical challenges that necessitate thoughtful consideration of local contexts and capabilities.
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Electric vehicle purchases show a political divide in the US
A study reveals a stark divide in electric vehicle (EV) ownership in the U.S., with Democrats far more likely to purchase EVs than Republicans, reflecting broader political and cultural tensions.
In short:
- Democratic counties significantly outpace Republican ones in EV adoption, despite similar economic conditions.
- Political leaders and cultural attitudes have polarized perceptions of electric vehicles, with significant opposition from Republican figures.
- Researchers suggest that visibility and familiarity with EVs could encourage broader acceptance across political divides.
Key quote:
"There's an incredible correlation with political ideology."
— Lucas Davis, professor of business and technology, University of California, Berkeley
Why this matters:
The political polarization of electric vehicle adoption could hinder the U.S.'s ability to meet its climate goals. Bridging this divide may require shifting perceptions of EVs beyond the political and cultural conflicts that currently frame them.
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