Texas sees growing interest in rooftop solar after Hurricane Beryl

A recent surge in rooftop solar adoption in Texas is likely to continue following Hurricane Beryl, as grid instability drives more residents to seek energy independence.

Dan Gearino reports for Inside Climate News.


In short:

  • Texas ranks third in small-scale solar generation but 20th on a per-capita basis, indicating significant growth potential.
  • The Biden administration's Solar for All program is funding rooftop solar projects for low- and moderate-income households in Houston.
  • Rising utility costs and grid reliability concerns are key drivers of increased interest in solar energy.

Key quote:

"I think the public is ready to embrace a paradigm shift in how we manage power distribution in Houston."

— Rafael Lemaitre, spokesman for Power Up Harris County

Why this matters:

Adopting rooftop solar can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve grid resilience. It offers a sustainable solution to rising utility costs and power outages.

Earth's worsening climate crisis demands immediate action

Scientists warn that Earth is entering a dangerous phase of the climate crisis, with record temperatures, emissions and population growth increasing the risk of societal collapse.

Damian Carrington reports for The Guardian.

Keep reading...Show less
Senator Whitehouse & climate change

Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda

For more than a decade, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gave daily warnings about the mounting threat of climate change. Now he has a powerful new perch.
Wildlife populations drop sharply as habitat loss continues
Credit: Wallula/Pixabay

Wildlife populations drop sharply as habitat loss continues

Global wildlife populations have declined by 73% over the past 50 years, primarily due to habitat destruction, a WWF report reveals.

Victoria Gill and Helen Briggs report for BBC.

Keep reading...Show less

Florida’s homelessness crackdown complicates hurricane recovery

Anti-camping laws in Florida are making it harder for the state’s homeless population to access aid and shelter amid Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Rachel M. Cohen reports for Vox.

Keep reading...Show less

Insurance costs squeeze commercial real estate as climate risks rise

Landlords and developers face mounting insurance premiums due to climate-related disasters, putting extra strain on an already struggling commercial real estate market.

Emily Flitter reports for The New York Times.

Keep reading...Show less
toxic chemical flood releases
Credit: Healthy Gulf/Flickr

Contamination from flooded industrial sites during major hurricanes is a growing concern

The destructive force of hurricanes Helene and Milton have brought the risk of toxic industrial releases back to the fore.

James R. Elliott, Dominic Boyer and Phylicia Lee Brown write for The Conversation.

Keep reading...Show less

Midwest eyed as safer business spot amid rising climate risks

As climate change intensifies, companies across various industries consider relocating to the Midwest, where climate-related risks are perceived to be lower.

Kristoffer Tigue reports for Inside Climate News.

Keep reading...Show less

Western states could see significant carbon cuts with new energy transmission projects

A new report suggests 12 proposed electrical grid projects could drastically reduce carbon emissions across 14 Western states by replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources.

Alex Baumhardt reports for Oregon Capital Chronicle.

Keep reading...Show less
From our Newsroom
Houston area has more than 100 unauthorized air pollution events already this year

Houston area has more than 100 unauthorized air pollution events already this year

An EHN analysis finds nearly half were related to flaring.

environmental justice

LISTEN: Mokshda Kaul on making the clean energy transition work for all

“Coalitions become this interesting way to create buy-in.”

climate week NYC

Op-ed: Is plastic the biggest climate threat?

A plastics treaty for the climate and health must address overproduction of plastics and head off the petrochemical and plastic industry’s planned expansion.

fracking pennsylvania cancer

Residents say Pennsylvania has failed communities after state studies linked fracking to child cancer

Last year Pennsylvania Department of Health studies showed increased risk of childhood cancer, asthma and low birth weights for people living near fracking. Advocates say not enough has been done since.

The fossil fuel industry is disproportionately harming low-income and minority women: Report

The fossil fuel industry is disproportionately harming low-income and minority women: Report

“Women, in all of their diversity, must be at the center of climate and energy decision-making.”

homelessness climate change

Op-ed: People need shelter from climate change — their health hangs in the balance

The discourse on climate resilience must include affordable housing policy solutions.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.