Sat.Jan 11, 2025 - Fri.Jan 17, 2025

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U.S. Wind and Solar Overtake Coal Power

Yale E360

In a first, the U.S. saw wind and solar supply more power than coal last year, according to a new analysis. But even as renewables made gains, U.S. emissions stayed flat owing to rising demand for energy.

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Ask A Scientist: How Can Scientists Drive Change Through Climate Lawsuits? 

Union of Concerned Scientists

As the climate crisis deepens, so does the urgency to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for decades of deception. Governments representing more than a quarter of the US population have filed lawsuits against major corporations including ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, and BP, seeking justice for the harm caused by their lies about the dangers of their products.

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What Does the New Political Reality Mean for Climate Action in Canada

Enviromental Defense

Prime Minister Trudeaus recent decision to prorogue Parliament and announce his upcoming resignation may have left you wondering about what this could mean for climate change policy. At Environmental Defence, we have two main take-aways: Increased urgency: there are still a few critical climate policies that now have a shortened timeline to cross the finish line.

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‘Virtually Any City on Earth Can Burn Now’

Inside Climate News

In the superheated 21st century, the old rules for wildfires no longer apply. John Vaillant, author of Fire Weather, explains. By Kiley Bense The journalist John Vaillants book Fire Weather begins in the spring of 2016 in the boreal forests surrounding the remote Canadian city of Fort McMurray, where a fire is growing. Although wildfire is a regular part of life in northern Alberta, this fire was destined to be different.

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How to Modernize Manufacturing Without Losing Control

Speaker: Andrew Skoog, Founder of MachinistX & President of Hexis Representatives

Manufacturing is evolving, and the right technology can empower—not replace—your workforce. Smart automation and AI-driven software are revolutionizing decision-making, optimizing processes, and improving efficiency. But how do you implement these tools with confidence and ensure they complement human expertise rather than override it? Join industry expert Andrew Skoog as he explores how manufacturers can leverage automation to enhance operations, streamline workflows, and make smarter, data-dri

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Whiplash: How Big Swings in Precipitation Fueled the L.A. Fires

Yale E360

UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain says that two very wet years followed by a very dry one helped to turn the Los Angeles wildfires into raging infernos. This phenomenon of hydroclimate whiplash, he says, is expected to occur in more and more places as the world warms.

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I Didn’t Lose My Home in the Fires…But Can I Drink the Water?

Union of Concerned Scientists

As the known drinking water nerd amongst my friend group, I have been informally fielding questions about whether their water is safe to use near the wildfires in Southern California. Some common questions Ive heard include: How do I know if I can drink the tap water? Can I shower with it? When will it be safe? Beyond more generally getting the facts right on the water and wildfire issues in California, as this Guardian headline suggests, its smart to assume the worst about the safety of drinkin

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California Rice Fields Offer Threatened Migratory Waterbirds a Lifeline

Inside Climate News

Conservation groups are working with Central Valley farmers to restore critical habitat for wetland birds struggling to subsist on a fraction of their historic wintering grounds. But finding the right spots is challenging. By Liza Gross ARBUCKLE, Calif.On a misty December morning, a few dozen sandhill cranes stood in shallow water in the middle of a flooded rice field in the Sacramento Valley, about 90 miles north of San Francisco.

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Carbon Dioxide Levels Rose by a Record Amount Last Year

Yale E360

Carbon dioxide is accumulating in the atmosphere faster than ever before, putting hopes of limiting warming in jeopardy.

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Collecting useful data on NEPA

Legal Planet

As Ive recently posted , permitting reform is (appropriately) in the news right now. That means theres also a reason for various think tanks, NGOs, academics, and others to release studies that might inform the policy debate. One such study from 2024 that has gotten some coverage on social media recently is a report by the Breakthrough Institute on NEPA litigation.

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TECfusions Unveils Massive 1,400-Acre Data Center Project With 3 Gigawatts Of Natural Gas-Fired Power Generation In Westmoreland County

PA Environment Daily

On January 14, TECfusions announced the acquisition of 1,395 acres in Upper Burrell, Westmoreland County for a data center project, known as TECfusions Keystone Connect. This strategic purchase, which includes the former Alcoa R&D campus and surrounding real estate, marks a significant expansion of TECfusions' portfolio. The project will transform the shuttered office and industrial site into a state-of-the-art data center campus, with plans for 3 gigawatts of natural gas-fired power generat

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The Key to Sustainable Energy Optimization: A Data-Driven Approach for Manufacturing

Speaker: Kevin Kai Wong, President of Emergent Energy Solutions

In today's industrial landscape, the pursuit of sustainable energy optimization and decarbonization has become paramount. ♻️ Manufacturing corporations across the U.S. are facing the urgent need to align with decarbonization goals while enhancing efficiency and productivity. Unfortunately, the lack of comprehensive energy data poses a significant challenge for manufacturing managers striving to meet their targets. 📊 Join us for a practical webinar hosted by Kevin Kai Wong of Emergent Ene

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How Climate Change Is Complicating a Beloved Midwest Pastime: Ice Fishing

Inside Climate News

Wide temperature swings in Wisconsin and Minnesota have delayed the formation of ice thick enough to support anglers and other outdoor recreationists. By Kristoffer Tigue Andy Volicek has been ice fishing at his cabin in Washburn County, Wisconsin, roughly 75 miles northeast of the Twin Cities, every year for more than two decades. But lately, unseasonably warm winters have forced Volicek to postpone his trips.

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In Africa, Local Communities Protect More Wildlife Than Do Parks

Yale E360

A new analysis shows that African wildlife increasingly depend on lands managed by villagers and herders. In many areas, locally-run conservancies now more effectively protect wildlife than national parks do, with communities reaping tourism revenue and other benefits.

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The Promise of AI in Energy: Securing America’s Leadership

Cresforum

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries worldwide, and energy is no exception. With its ability to optimize grid management, enhance equipment reliability and accelerate innovation, AI promises a more efficient, sustainable and secure energy future. However, Americas ability to maintain its leadership in this transformative field is at risk.

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Registration Now Open! 2025 Shale Gas & Public Health Conference At Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Online Feb. 27

PA Environment Daily

The Physicians for Social Responsibility PA , the League of Women Voters of PA , and the Department of Environmental and Energy Engineering at Duquesne University invite you to register for the 2025 Shale Gas and Public Health Conference: New Directions to be held February 27 in Pittsburgh and online. The Conference will bring together scientists, public health experts, industry leaders, and advocacy groups to explore the latest research and insights on unconventional oil and gas development, it

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Implementing D.E.J.I. Strategies in Energy, Environment, and Transportation

Speaker: Antoine M. Thompson, Executive Director of the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition

Diversity, Equity, Justice, and Inclusion (DEJI) policies, programs, and initiatives are critically important as we move forward with public and private sector climate and sustainability goals and plans. Underserved and socially, economically, and racially disadvantaged communities bear the burden of pollution, higher energy costs, limited resources, and limited investments in the clean energy and transportation sectors.

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Scientists Call for More Marine Protected Areas in the Southern Ocean

Inside Climate News

As climate change and commercial fishing threaten krill, the crustaceans that fuel Antarcticas entire food web, scientists and advocates say those responsible for protecting Antarcticas marine life are failing. By Teresa Tomassoni When Antarctic krill swarm, the semi-transparent shrimp-like crustaceans join together in the millions or trillions, forming dense coral-colored underwater clouds as they swim in sync with one another and traverse frigid ocean currents.

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Trees That Never Knew Plentiful Rainfall Better Prepared for Drought

Yale E360

A new study finds that trees that lived through many wet years struggle to cope with dry spells, while young trees that have never known abundant rainfall may be better equipped for ongoing drought.

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Red #3 is Going

Legal Planet

Yesterday’s FDA’s ban on the food dye red #3, which takes California’s recent ban nationwide, is welcome and long overdue. Red #3 is a known animal carcinogen, and appears to have been excluded from an earlier FDA ban on its use in cosmetics and externally applied drugs primarily through clerical error. As I described in a Halloween op ed in The Hill , the safety standard in Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act regulations compels FDA to deny market access to synthetic food dye

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Help Wanted: Nonprofit Stream Restoration, Inc. Watershed Restoration Project Manager

PA Environment Daily

Butler County-based Stream Restoration Inc. is seeking qualified candidates for a Watershed Restoration Project Manager position. The individual in this position will work with the Executive Director, staff, communities, and project partners to develop, fund, and implement environmental restoration projects that improve the water quality and ecological function of watersheds.

2025 103
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Shaping a Resilient Future: Climate Impact on Vulnerable Populations

Speaker: Laurie Schoeman Director, Climate & Sustainability, Capital

As households and communities across the nation face challenges such as hurricanes, wildfires, drought, extreme heat and cold, and thawing permafrost and flooding, we are increasingly searching for ways to mitigate and prevent climate impacts. During this event, national climate and housing expert Laurie Schoeman will discuss topics including: The two paths for climate action: decarbonization and adaptation.

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Smoke and Ash Made More Toxic by the Contents of Burning Homes Threaten Residents of LA and Beyond

Inside Climate News

Public health officials and researchers urge the public to cover up outside and clean carefully indoors, but many low-income and disabled residents, and those lacking air conditioning, have difficulty staying safe in bad air. By Audrey Gray and Andrew Robinson LOS ANGELESThe air here has many flavors this week, none of them reassuring: Smoky. Acrid.

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Fertilizer from Sewage, a Utility Money Maker, Faces Uncertain Future

Circle of Blue

Wastewater industry rattled by toxic chemical contaminants in biosolids. Produced from Milwaukee’s biosolids, Milorganite is sold in retail home-and-garden centers nationwide as a turf grass fertilizer. Photo Brett Walton/Circle of Blue By Brett Walton, Circle of Blue January 15, 2025 MILWAUKEE Mounting concern about chemical contaminants in sewage sludge, a waste product widely seen as recyclable and economically valuable, could turn into a costly liability and upend the finances of mu

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Keeping our havened populations fighting fit: Do native predators help Australian mammals face invasive cats and foxes?

The Applied Ecologist

Linking to the recently-published article, Natasha Harrison discusses whether native predators inside predator-free havens could be good for the conservation of threatened native prey species. Predator-free havens Since their introduction into the Australian landscape following European settlement, feral cats and red foxes have caused prolific population declines among our native fauna.

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DCNR State Parks Environmental Education Newsletter Highlights Winter Teaching Ideas; Outdoor Activities; Winter Salt Week; Amphibian Week

PA Environment Daily

The January issue of the DCNR State Parks Environmental Education Newsletter highlights lots of winter and outdoor activities-- -- 10 Winter Outdoor Activities For Preschoolers -- Activities To Explore Winter Ecology -- PA Outdoor Corps Workforce Training Opportunities -- Winter Salt WeekWebinars Jan. 27-31 -- Amphibian Week Webinar -- eBird Explorers - Youth Action For Birds -- Educator Workshops Click Here to read the entire newsletter.

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How to Drive Cost Savings, Efficiency Gains, and Sustainability Wins with MES

Speaker: Nikhil Joshi, Founder & President of Snic Solutions

Is your manufacturing operation reaching its efficiency potential? A Manufacturing Execution System (MES) could be the game-changer, helping you reduce waste, cut costs, and lower your carbon footprint. Join Nikhil Joshi, Founder & President of Snic Solutions, in this value-packed webinar as he breaks down how MES can drive operational excellence and sustainability.

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Federal protection for monarch butterflies could help or harm this iconic species, depending on how it’s carried out

Environmental News Bits

by William E. Snyder, University of Georgia and Michael Crossley, University of Delaware Monarch butterflies are among the most beloved insects in North America. They are brightly colored and unique, both as caterpillars and later as mature insects. Monarchs are found in every U.S.

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EPA Releases Final Risk Evaluation for DINP, Finding Unreasonable Risk of Injury to Human Health When Workers Are Exposed under Four COUs

Nanotech

On January 14, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the final risk evaluation for diisononyl phthalate (DINP) conducted under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). EPA states that it has determined that DINP presents an unreasonable risk of injury to human health because workers could be exposed to high concentrations of DINP in mist when spraying adhesive, sealant, paint, and coating products that contain DINP.

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Fire at world’s largest battery facility is a clean energy setback

New Scientist

A fire at Vistra Energy's Moss Landing battery storage facility in California destroyed thousands of lithium batteries and a significant amount of the state's clean energy storage capacity

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Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Welcomes New Local Affiliate - Keep Coatesville Beautiful, Chester County

PA Environment Daily

On January 15, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful announced Keep Coatesville Beautiful has officially become a local affili ate of KPB in Chester County. Keep Coatesville Beautiful is supported by Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance , whose mission is to drive economic development in the City that enables the community to thrive. To achieve this milestone, Keep Coatesville Beautiful successfully completed Keep Pennsylvania Beautifuls comprehensive Community Assessment.

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Sustainability at Retail

Sustainability impacts every nation, company, and person around the world. So much so that, in 2015, the United Nations (UN) issued a call for action by all countries to work toward sustainable development. In response to this and as part of a global Sustainability at Retail initiative, Shop! worked collaboratively with its global affiliates to address these critical issues in this white paper.

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Los Angeles Fires Were Fueled by Climate Change

Scientific American

Many factors, such as strong Santa Ana winds and urban planning decisions, played into the recent destructive wildfires in the Los Angeles area.

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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Issues 90-Day Finding on Golden-cheeked Warbler Delisting Petition

Endangered Species Law

On January 20, 2025, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Service) will publish a positive 90-day finding on a 2016 petition (Petition) to delist the golden-cheeked warbler ( Setophaga chrysoparia ) (GCWA). The decision comes on the heels of the agency’s recent recommendation to downlist the GCWA from endangered to threatened. Pursuant to Endangered Species Act section 4 and relevant implementing regulations, the Service will receive information from the public to inform a more detailed s

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Air monitoring station records biggest ever jump in atmospheric CO2

New Scientist

Wildfires and fossil fuel burning in 2024 contributed to the biggest annual rise in atmospheric CO2 levels ever recorded at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii

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French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust Partners With Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Of The United Methodist Church To Preserve 130 Acre Camp In Chester County

PA Environment Daily

On January 16, the French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust and the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church announced the completion of a voluntary land conservation agreement to preserve Camp Innabahs 130-acre property along Pughtown Road in East Vincent Township, Chester County. A space that has been a cherished center for community, outdoor recreation, and connection to the natural world for generations will never face the pressures of land development.

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EPA Issues Final Risk Management Rules for Trichloroethylene, Perchloroethylene, and Carbon Tetrachloride

Nanotech

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released final risk management rules under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) on December 9, 2024, and for carbon tetrachloride (CTC) on December 11, 2024. EPA states that all uses of TCE will be banned over time, with the vast majority of identified risks eliminated within one year, and safer alternatives readily available for the majority of uses.