NRDC, Author at CleanTechnica

California: $20 Billion Potential Savings from Targeted Electrification

NRDC — Sun, 23 Jun 2024 23:26:31 +0000

New analysis shows targeted electrification could save Californians more than $20 billion in gas pipeline costs by 2045 while tackling climate emissions. The transition from gas heating appliances to clean, efficient electric heat pumps is already underway in California — yet gas utilities continue to spend millions of dollars each year ... [continued]

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NRDC Report: Cleaner Cars Drive Benefits for Health & Wallets

NRDC — Sat, 15 Jun 2024 23:10:58 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The clean car policies of the Biden administration will deliver unprecedented benefits to the American people, including billions of dollars of savings, more vehicle options and less pollution, a new report from NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) shows. The report, Cleaner Cars, Fatter Wallets, compiles new and existing data ... [continued]

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Washington State Passes Cutting-Edge Policies To Reduce Climate Pollution

NRDC — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 16:22:35 +0000

Decarbonizing utilities: Washington passed the first law in the United States that outlines a pathway for a combined gas and electricity utility to transition away from gas for all of its customers. Proposed by Puget Sound Energy, the bill allows the utility to merge electric and gas customers into a single rate ... [continued]

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Smart Siting of Offshore Wind Protects Right Whales in Gulf of Maine

NRDC — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:33:36 +0000

The Biden Administration is advancing offshore wind in areas of the Gulf of Maine that pose a lower risk to endangered North Atlantic right whales. The Final Wind Energy Area (WEA) identified for potential offshore wind development in the Gulf of Maine is largely located away from habitats of higher importance to ... [continued]

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Building a More Sustainable, Affordable Colorado with Thoughtful Housing Strategies

NRDC — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 22:26:54 +0000

Land use reform proposed by Colorado leaders could deliver a triple victory for climate, air quality, and housing affordability. Governor Jared Polis’s State of the State address in January 2024 posed the question of what Colorado should look like on the state’s 150th birthday in 2026, Polis’s final year in ... [continued]

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EPA’s Carbon Standards Are a Powerful Tool

NRDC — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 16:00:19 +0000

The EPA’s standards to curb carbon emissions from power plants are crucial to addressing climate change. Strong and comprehensive rules are needed to address this major source of carbon pollution. Power plants are the nation’s second-largest source of carbon emissions after transportation, and, after years of delay, the U.S. Environmental ... [continued]

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As Demand Grows for Electric Cars, So Does the Market for Green Jobs in the EV Industry

NRDC — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 15:55:06 +0000

Analysts expect openings for all types of electric vehicle jobs to expand over the next decade, with new opportunities across the country. From software developers and regional planners to vehicle assemblers and construction workers, jobs in the electric vehicle (EV) industry are on the rise. In the United States, EV ... [continued]

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The Particulars of PM 2.5 — Why Particulate Matter … Matters.

NRDC — Sun, 11 Feb 2024 01:33:43 +0000

PM 2.5 (n.): Air pollution consisting of particles less than 2.5 microns across New Delhi has the most polluted air on earth. In 2019, particulate matter in the city reached levels more than 20 times higher than the worst air pollution measured in Manhattan that same year. Specifically, it got to ... [continued]

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Mobilizing Electric Vehicles in Rural India

NRDC — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 04:41:43 +0000

This week marked a significant milestone as NRDC, in collaboration with partners Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), unveiled a first-of-its-kind initiative to pilot electric vehicles in rural areas. The primary objective of this pilot is to catalyze an inclusive and equitable ... [continued]

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Carbon Neutral or High Emitter? Canada & The Forest Carbon Loophole

NRDC — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 13:26:40 +0000

Natural or anthropogenic? Canada’s GHG reporting approach claims GHG emissions from wildfires are natural, but GHG removals from forests at the age of “commercial maturity”, despite being primarily natural disturbance origin, are anthropogenic. Our new study published in Frontiers in Forests and Global Change and profiled by CBC shows how Canada’s official report on forest ... [continued]

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States Remain in the Lead on Addressing Transportation Emissions

NRDC — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 04:31:45 +0000

Litigation may delay important federal rulemaking, but states can continue to act. Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, and there can be no long-term, successful climate action absent progress in reducing emissions from this sector. Last November, the Department of Transportation released its ... [continued]

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First-Ever Regional Offshore Wind & Wildlife Science Plan Released

NRDC — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 03:42:16 +0000

First-ever Regional Offshore Wind and Wildlife Science Plan Released A new collaborative group has developed a landmark research plan to answer if and how offshore wind development affects East Coast wildlife and habitats. Tapping offshore wind is critical to a healthier, fossil fuel-free future that avoids the worst impacts of ... [continued]

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New U.S. Policy Boosts Access to EV Charging

NRDC — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 18:32:39 +0000

The federal action will improve access for millions of Americans.

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Lowering Energy Costs & Emissions in Rural America

NRDC — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 20:18:03 +0000

NRDC endorses legislation to improve USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program. The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) has been a stalwart program for rural America. The program, implemented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has provided cost-shared grants and loans to rural small businesses, farmers, and ranchers to install ... [continued]

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Renewable Energy & Environmental Protection is Not an Either/Or

NRDC — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 02:16:44 +0000

Attacks on NEPA are neat, plausible, and wrong. H.L. Mencken was sadly spot on when he famously opined that “there is always an easy solution to every human problem—neat, plausible, and wrong.” We are seeing this pattern emerge yet again in response to one of the most critical problems we face ... [continued]

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The Legal Battle to Preserve the Advanced Clean Fleets Rule

NRDC — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 21:17:41 +0000

California’s Advanced Clean Fleets Rule faces legal opposition, threatening billions in health and economic benefits. California’s Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) rule combats toxic freight pollution in the state. Driven by decades of advocacy from frontline communities, the rule accelerates the deployment of zero-emission trucks, yielding an estimated $26.5 billion in ... [continued]

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Time for a Different Approach to Building Upgrade Programs

NRDC — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 12:15:29 +0000

One size does not fit all, building retrofit programs should be designed at a community level to ensure low-middle income homes don’t get left behind. A new guidelines doc co-authored by NRDC with partners helps set up community-driven retrofit programs. Federal funding from the climate law will soon begin to ... [continued]

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The Significance of Chevron Deference

NRDC — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 15:35:18 +0000

Two new SCOTUS cases, Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo and Relentless Inc. v. Dept. of Commerce, may impact federal agencies’ ability to perform their duties. The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on January 17 in a pair of cases that could weaken the ability of federal agencies ... [continued]

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New Database of Federal Grants for Food Waste

NRDC — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 12:00:34 +0000

ReFED and NRDC partnered to create a database of federal grants that could be used to fund food waste reduction work. Approximately 38% of food in our country goes unsold or uneaten, and most of this ends up as waste in landfills or incinerators. The good news is there are many waste ... [continued]

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More & More U.S. Homes Facing Flood Risk

NRDC — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 18:04:37 +0000

The nation is falling further behind in addressing risk to the most repeatedly flooded homes. The list of the nation’s most flood-prone homes is growing longer. NRDC’s updated Losing Ground dashboard now includes data on severe repetitive loss properties (SRLPs) from the inception of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through late 2022. The ... [continued]

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How to Fix What Xcel Got Wrong on Clean Heat

NRDC — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 17:33:38 +0000

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission should approve a Clean Heat Plan that delivers more emissions reductions at a lower cost Landmark Clean Heat legislation from 2021 requires Colorado’s gas utilities to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from gas burned inside their customers’ homes and buildings by 4 percent by 2025 and 22 ... [continued]

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What’s Great & What Needs Fixing in the EPA’s Proposed Lead Rule

NRDC — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 04:40:26 +0000

The EPA would require most water systems to remove lead pipes within 10 years. That’s great, but key improvements are needed. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proposed improvements to its rule on lead in drinking water, which include many encouraging changes that provide us hope that we may see a day ... [continued]

The post What’s Great & What Needs Fixing in the EPA’s Proposed Lead Rule appeared first on CleanTechnica.

Building Decarbonization Policy Must Center Housing and Health Equity

NRDC — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 04:55:07 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new issue brief released [last week] from NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) highlights how racist practices create inadequate housing quality for at-risk communities and what can be done to address this within building decarbonization policy. The brief was created in collaboration with the Building Energy, Equity, ... [continued]

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We Can’t Let Aging Transmission Stall Clean Energy Progress

NRDC — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 04:57:24 +0000

This Blog is part of NRDC’s Year-End Series Reviewing 2023 Climate & Clean Energy Developments. For more than a century, our power grids have served as the backbone of a system that has underpinned economic activity by delivering energy to homes, businesses, and industry. But the network was designed in ... [continued]

The post We Can’t Let Aging Transmission Stall Clean Energy Progress appeared first on CleanTechnica.

The IRA in 2023: Building Up for Action

NRDC — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 04:51:46 +0000

For the nation’s buildings, successful implementation of the IRA is more critical than ever. This Blog is part of NRDC’s Year-End Series Reviewing 2023 Climate & Clean Energy Developments. As 2023 comes to a close, it’s a great time to reflect on the progress made to date on the Inflation ... [continued]

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Year in Review for DOE Clean Energy Innovation and Outlooks for 2024

NRDC — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 04:50:15 +0000

Congress must protect and extend clean energy innovation policies to advance an equitable, prosperous, and just energy transition. Clean energy innovation remains an essential pillar of the energy transition. Clean energy innovation remains an essential pillar of the clean energy transition. In 2023, we witnessed numerous exciting developments out of ... [continued]

The post Year in Review for DOE Clean Energy Innovation and Outlooks for 2024 appeared first on CleanTechnica.

Yet Another Oil Spill Hits the Gulf of Mexico

NRDC — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 00:42:43 +0000

The largest Gulf oil spill since Deepwater Horizon highlights the inherent risks of offshore drilling to coastal communities and marine ecosystems. A new large oil spill hit the Gulf of Mexico on November 16. This disaster is a stark reminder of the constant risk that offshore drilling poses to wildlife, ecosystems, and ... [continued]

The post Yet Another Oil Spill Hits the Gulf of Mexico appeared first on CleanTechnica.

COP28 Climate Funds Pledge Tracker

NRDC — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 00:19:41 +0000

Keep track with COP28 pledges to UN funds that help developing countries reduce greenhouse emissions and address the impacts of climate change. Debates about funding are always a major feature of UN climate negotiations. The big injustice of the climate crisis is that the poorest and most vulnerable communities, who ... [continued]

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What Is the Justice40 Initiative?

NRDC — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 04:50:25 +0000

Tackling climate change will require an ambitious policy and billions in federal funding that, if done right, will create a wealth of benefits—like cleaner air, quality jobs, economic growth, stronger public health safeguards, and modernized infrastructure that better serves future generations. But in order to be successful, these benefits need ... [continued]

The post What Is the Justice40 Initiative? appeared first on CleanTechnica.

Electric vs. Gas Cars: Is It Cheaper to Drive an EV?

NRDC — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 00:03:53 +0000

There are plenty of climate and air quality reasons to buy an electric vehicle (EV), but is it cheaper to drive? While this is a complicated question that has befuddled car shoppers for years, in most cases, an EV will indeed be cheaper in the long run. And with automakers ... [continued]

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Creating Win/Win Wind Outcomes with Technology

NRDC — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 04:30:19 +0000

An expert process will develop technology review criteria to help build offshore wind faster while protecting ocean life. We need offshore wind, and we need to do it right. Worldwide, we are witnessing a historical transition toward a new renewable energy paradigm that offers a healthier, fossil fuel-free future. Offshore ... [continued]

The post Creating Win/Win Wind Outcomes with Technology appeared first on CleanTechnica.

The Successful UAW Strike Portends A Successful EV Transition

NRDC — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 04:53:14 +0000

When the United Auto Workers (UAW) started its strike against Ford, GM, and Stellantis earlier this year, a grim storyline took shape in the press: This strike pitted President Biden’s push for a transition to electric vehicles (EVs) against his support for workers. Writing about the strike and the transition ... [continued]

The post The Successful UAW Strike Portends A Successful EV Transition appeared first on CleanTechnica.

New Mexico Adopts Crucial Package to Clean up Cars & Trucks

NRDC — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 18:03:11 +0000

Adoption of the Advanced Clean Cars II, Advanced Clean Trucks, and Heavy-Duty Low NOx standards will provide significant benefits to New Mexico After a marathon four-day hearing, the New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board and the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Air Quality Control Board’s adopted three major standards that will provide significant ... [continued]

The post New Mexico Adopts Crucial Package to Clean up Cars & Trucks appeared first on CleanTechnica.

The Belvidere Plant’s Transition To An EV Plant Has A Bright Future

NRDC — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 20:20:57 +0000

The United Auto Workers’ historic strike results in important benefits, including a path for reopening the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois. The United Auto Workers (UAW) fought through a historic strike to win significant benefits in a tentative deal that includes a path for reopening the Belvidere Assembly Plant in ... [continued]

The post The Belvidere Plant’s Transition To An EV Plant Has A Bright Future appeared first on CleanTechnica.

Now Is The Time To Get Transportation Right

NRDC — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 02:30:54 +0000

With record amounts of federal funding for transportation projects underway, a new NRDC scorecard ranks the states on their transportation priorities.

The post Now Is The Time To Get Transportation Right appeared first on CleanTechnica.

Electrifying Trucks: Tackling Inflation & Saving Americans Money

NRDC — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 06:26:04 +0000

In 2023, trucking is poised to carry nearly $15 billion in goods. Electrifying this sector is vital for combating inflation and bolstering economic resilience.

The post Electrifying Trucks: Tackling Inflation & Saving Americans Money appeared first on CleanTechnica.

Colorado Adopts Clean Cars Standards, But Leaves Benefits On The Table

NRDC — Sat, 21 Oct 2023 02:29:48 +0000

82% of New Cars Sold in Colorado Must Be Zero-Emission by 2032

The post Colorado Adopts Clean Cars Standards, But Leaves Benefits On The Table appeared first on CleanTechnica.

The World is Mobilizing Against Big Biomass This Week

NRDC — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 20:45:57 +0000

Communities around the world will highlight that the production and export of forest-based biomass threatens communities and the climate. On Thursday, October 19th, individuals and organizations around the world will take part in an international day of action against “Big Biomass.” In demonstrations, briefings, and other actions spanning six continents, ... [continued]

The post The World is Mobilizing Against Big Biomass This Week appeared first on CleanTechnica.

Clean Cars Yield $178 Billion in Benefits for Illinois

NRDC — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 11:45:01 +0000

A new study shows that the Advanced Clean Cars II Program can bring $178 billion in benefits to Illinois.

The post Clean Cars Yield $178 Billion in Benefits for Illinois appeared first on CleanTechnica.

Powering Up Californians Act Is Signed into Law

NRDC — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 23:25:13 +0000

Governor Newsom approves new law that will prepare the electrical grid and reduce the time needed to energize EV charging stations and electrify buildings.

The post Powering Up Californians Act Is Signed into Law appeared first on CleanTechnica.

Governor Newsom Stands Up To Big Oil

NRDC — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 13:01:12 +0000

SACRAMENTO — In a strong move to hold oil companies responsible for the economic and public health dangers of oil wells left idle and unplugged, Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 1167, the “Orphan Well Prevention Act,” into law. This bill, authored by Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, will ensure that the ... [continued]

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Energy Efficiency & Electrification Take Center Stage in New Jersey

NRDC — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 18:03:13 +0000

With historic commitments from Governor Phil Murphy, backed by robust programs, New Jersey is becoming a leader in clean, efficient buildings.

The post Energy Efficiency & Electrification Take Center Stage in New Jersey appeared first on CleanTechnica.

EPA Takes Two Big Steps to Curb Climate-Warming HFCs

NRDC — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 11:45:30 +0000

Pound for pound, HFCs are one of the most potent sources of climate pollution, and this is a significant step forward in reducing the products that use them. Climate-friendlier alternatives to these HFCs are available that make these products work as well as – or better than – before.

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$4.3 Billion on the Table; Huge Benefits to Public Health & Wealth Lie Within Reach

NRDC — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 17:11:22 +0000

We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in our homes and buildings, to win big on public health and reduce both housing energy costs and climate change pollution. Despite the huge benefits, the path to investing in existing buildings has been full of obstacles but now billions in new flexible ... [continued]

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Renewable Power Helped the United States Survive the Hottest Summer Ever

NRDC — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 17:10:12 +0000

This summer, the United States endured the two warmest months ever recorded, yet the system held because of renewable energy.

The post Renewable Power Helped the United States Survive the Hottest Summer Ever appeared first on CleanTechnica.