Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 11, 2024

Fortunately, I don’t have COPD and I didn’t contract asthma when I was young, perhaps partly because I grew up in a home with an electric range. While less than 40 percent of households nationwide cook on a gas stove, 62 percent of households in Washington do. But other Washingtonians may not be as lucky. What accounts for that?

2013 361

2013 Electricity Natural Gas Fossil Fuels 361

PA Environment Daily

APRIL 18, 2024

By John Quigley, Kleinman Center For Energy Policy , University of Pennsylvania The challenge of decarbonizing the electricity grid while ensuring its reliability is acute in Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth is the nation’s third-largest electricity producer , and exports more of it than any other state. per year over the next ten years.

Electricity 111

Electricity Natural Gas Clean Energy Fossil Fuels 111

PA Environment Daily

MAY 1, 2023

On May 1, the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee was told the wholesale prices of electricity in the PJM regional electric grid are too low to support coal and natural gas power plants. The PJM Providers Group represents all forms of generation-- gas, coal, nuclear, solar, wind and other renewables.

Natural Gas 76

Natural Gas Electricity Renewable Energy Technology 76

PA Environment Daily

AUGUST 28, 2023

On August 23, the PJM Interconnection Critical Issue Fast Path Resource Adequacy stakeholder group heard testimony and suggestions on the issue of making electricity market changes to address nonperformance of natural gas and other generators during emergencies and events like Winter Storm Elliot in December. Read more here.

Natural Gas 81

Natural Gas Electricity Clean Energy Renewable Energy 81

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 29, 2024

Most of these pieces were about the company’s support for a seemingly independent network of anti-regulation, “free-market” nonprofits that spread falsehoods about the reality and seriousness of climate change. I’m not aware of anything the fossil fuel industry gets that I would characterize as a subsidy.” His reply ?

Fossil Fuels 345

Fossil Fuels Climate Change 2007 Carbon Emissions 345

PA Environment Daily

MAY 3, 2024

On April 30, Senate Bill 1174 (Stefano-R-Fayette) was reported out of the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee with unanimous Republican support that would allow any “public utility” to petition the Public Utility Commission to waive any law, regulation or policy under the Commission’s jurisdiction, if it benefits ratepayers.

Regulations 116

Regulations Law Natural Gas Fossil Fuels 116

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 21, 2023

While industry tried to paint hydrogen combustion engines as a “bridge” technology to hydrogen fuel cells, their own presentations undermined that very point—instead, this path is a clear dead end. We need to make sure regulators like EPA and CARB restrict its usage before it gains a fossil-fueled foothold in the marketplace.

Technology 279

Technology Technology Fossil Fuels Electricity 279

Union of Concerned Scientists

MAY 31, 2022

Rising prices of methane gas used for power and heating, exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, are contributing to soaring electric and heating bills across the country. And such action cannot be influenced by fossil fuel interests and their policy proposals that we are seeing in Congress. How Did We Get Here?

Clean Energy 242

Clean Energy Fossil Fuels Electricity 2020 242

Legal Planet

APRIL 3, 2023

EPA regulation of greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act (CAA) A. Nuclear power regulation D. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rules bearing on electricity transmission E. FERC pipeline regulation (natural gas and hydrogen). California authority to regulate new vehicles D.

Law 190

Law Endangered Species Act Clean Air Act Biofuels 190

Union of Concerned Scientists

FEBRUARY 15, 2024

California’s transportation fuel policy is knee deep in cow poop, and it’s not a good look. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is considering amendments to its Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) regulation, but indicated they have no plans to address the problems caused by counter-productive subsidies for manure biomethane.

Fossil Fuels 278

Fossil Fuels Regulations Renewable Energy Carbon Dioxide 278

Legal Planet

NOVEMBER 13, 2023

Over three-fourths of Indonesia electricity comes from fossil fuels: 60% from coal and 16% from gas. For example: “Many electricity sector policies awaiting implementing rules and regulations are not aligned with each other, or contradict related non-energy regulations. Several official plans.

Paris Agreement 233

Paris Agreement Sea Level Fossil Fuels Carbon Emissions 233

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 21, 2023

How would that change if I hopped on the electric bus route at the end of my block? The situation would indeed be much better if our gifts were delivered by a team of flying reindeer fueled by magic and apples instead of trucks running on polluting diesel fuel.

Nitrogen Oxides 258

Nitrogen Oxides Electricity Fossil Fuels Air Pollution 258

Union of Concerned Scientists

SEPTEMBER 13, 2023

Despite the clean energy transition that is well underway in the United States, methane gas, or natural gas, remains the largest source of U.S. electricity generation. However, one important attribute of gas not directly related to cost is starting to be put under the microscope: gas plants’ reliability.

Fossil Fuels 186

Fossil Fuels Cooling Electricity 2015 186

Union of Concerned Scientists

MARCH 16, 2022

They just released their 2022 “Annual Energy Outlook” (AEO), which is a big deal: it tells us where electricity is headed over the next 30 years. Here are five key takeaways from this year’s AEO, focused primarily on the electricity sector: 1. This year’s projections are a bit grim. Carbon emissions remain high.

Natural Gas 267

Natural Gas Renewable Energy Climate Change Electricity 267

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 17, 2023

Yet, in 2022, almost 40% of electricity in the US was generated by power plants fueled by natural gas. Note: “Natural gas” is an industry misnomer; UCS considers methane, fossil gas, and gas to be much more appropriate terms. I’ll be using the term “gas” from here on out.)

Fossil Fuels 234

Fossil Fuels Carbon Dioxide Nitrogen Oxides Electricity 234

PA Environment Daily

AUGUST 30, 2023

on August 28, 2023 , DEP received an emergency notification of an uncontrolled venting of natural gas from shale gas well 9H at the Repsol Oil and Gas USA LLC Cummings Lumber well pad in Troy Township, Bradford County. Repsol said the well started venting natural gas from the producing and surface casing annulus for 10.5

Natural Gas 110

Natural Gas Fossil Fuels 2023 2010 110

Legal Planet

FEBRUARY 8, 2024

should prop up fossil fuels, constrain renewables wherever possible, and claw back the federal government’s historic investments in clean energy, while reinvesting in nuclear energy and new nuclear weapons. America is the world’s #1 exporter of fossil gas partly thanks to policies of the Obama and Biden administrations.

2024 259

2024 Fossil Fuels 2025 Nuclear Power 259

Union of Concerned Scientists

JANUARY 18, 2023

In case you missed it, there was a firestorm last week in Washington over gas stoves. ignited the controversy last Monday when he said his agency, which regulates dangerous household products, should consider banning gas stoves because of the threat they pose to public health and the environment. in just one day.

Natural Gas 287

Natural Gas Ground-Level Ozone Carbon Dioxide Fossil Fuels 287

Legal Planet

APRIL 24, 2023

EPA , conservatives and industry interests have claimed that just about every new regulation violates the major question doctrine. When the Biden Administration ramped up fuel efficiency requirements through 2026, ideologues such as the Heartland Institute and states like Texas were quick to wheel out this attack.

Clean Air Act 208

Clean Air Act 2026 Electricity Air Pollution 208

PA Environment Daily

JANUARY 23, 2023

On January 20, the natural gas industry and Senate Republicans launched an effort to unleash the industry by reducing regulations, requiring automatic approval of permits and limiting opportunities for public review of permits at a hearing of the Senate Republican Policy Committee in Pittsburgh.

Natural Gas 98

Natural Gas Regulations Waste 2022 98

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 19, 2023

In late April, California air regulators are poised to pass one of the most meaningful regulations to reduce pollution from commercial trucks, vans, and buses. The Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) rule, which I’ve blogged about in detail before, will phase out fossil-fueled trucks over the next several decades.

Electricity 250

Electricity Nitrogen Oxides Fossil Fuels Regulations 250

Union of Concerned Scientists

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

In December, the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service proposed regulations governing implementation of the 45V Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit , passed as part of 2022’s Inflation Reduction Act. In particular, emissions loopholes related to biomethane and fugitive methane (i.e.,

Fossil Fuels 266

Fossil Fuels Waste Regulations Electricity 266

PA Environment Daily

MARCH 9, 2022

The European Commission proposes replacing natural gas from any source in key sectors of its energy economy, dramatically expanding energy efficiency, renewables “instead of funding the fossil fuel industry elsewhere.” They want energy jobs in the EU. Let's dash into renewable energy at lightning speed.

Natural Gas 97

Natural Gas Fossil Fuels 2030 Clean Energy 97

PA Environment Daily

JANUARY 27, 2022

At the request of the natural gas industry, House Republicans passed House Bill 1947 (O’Neal-R- Washington) by a vote of 118 to 83 which preempts the ability of local governments to require the use of all-electric energy in buildings within their communities to reduce climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions.

Natural Gas 52

Natural Gas Electricity Fossil Fuels Greenhouse 52

PA Environment Daily

MARCH 27, 2022

On March 25, the United States and the European Commission came to an agreement on how to address Europe’s need for natural gas through the next two winters by diversifying liquefied natural gas supplies “in alignment with climate objectives” to end Europe’s dependence on Russian fossil fuels.

Natural Gas 72

Natural Gas Clean Energy Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy 72

Union of Concerned Scientists

FEBRUARY 9, 2024

Just how bad is fossil “natural” gas? And, as it turns out, the infrastructure used to produce, store, distribute, transmit, and burn gas leaks like a sieve , making gas as bad as coal for the climate. EN: What needs to be done to make the electric grid more equitable—and reliable?

Clean Energy 335

Clean Energy Nitrogen Oxides Fossil Fuels Electricity 335

Law Columbia

JULY 7, 2021

The decision essentially – and subject to possible appeals – answered in the negative the question of whether Berkeley’s first-in-the-nation prohibition on natural gas hookups to newly-constructed buildings (often termed a “natural gas ban”; herein referred to as the “Berkeley Ordinance”) was preempted by the U.S.

Natural Gas 98

Natural Gas Law Government Regulations 98

Legal Planet

JUNE 30, 2022

Here is the Court’s reasoning in a nutshell: Capping carbon dioxide emissions at a level that will force a nationwide transition away from the use of coal to generate electricity may be a sensible “solution to the crisis of the day.” The Obama Administration’s section 111(d) regulation was known as the Clean Power Plan.

Natural Gas 273

Natural Gas Regulations Clean Air Act Politics 273

Legal Planet

MAY 24, 2022

It seems clear that the Court will strike down the third pillar of the Clean Power Plan, which targets overall shifts in a state’s generation mix, including shifts away from companies owning fossil fuel plants to other generators. The Biden Administration would have plenty to work with in crafting new regulations.

Fossil Fuels 208

Fossil Fuels Clean Air Act Regulations Ozone 208

PA Environment Daily

MARCH 4, 2023

Energy Information Administration (EIA)-- -- Natural Gas: Pennsylvania’s marketed natural gas production, primarily from the Marcellus Shale, reached a record 7.6 We were about a third, a third, a third [in sources of fuel to generate electricity]. We didn't have any reliability issues at all.” "And

Nuclear Power 96

Nuclear Power Natural Gas Electricity Renewable Energy 96

Legal Planet

DECEMBER 9, 2021

It attempted to move away from fossil fuels and toward zero-carbon sources like solar power to supply electricity. Here are the options going forward for regulating existing power plants. Switch to another legal basis for regulation. The Clean Power Plan was based on section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act.

Clean Air Act 198

Clean Air Act Fossil Fuels Carbon Emissions Renewable Energy 198

Legal Planet

APRIL 21, 2023

McCarthy is also demanding regulatory changes that would foster fossil fuels and hamstring EPA’s regulatory power. In addition, the bill would eliminate key provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act that are aimed at expanding the use of electric vehicles and renewable energy. 30, 2021 to October 1, 2022.

Fossil Fuels 218

Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy Natural Gas Government 218

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 3, 2023

That’s the nightmare scenario we’re facing now as federal regulators establish guidelines for implementing the new hydrogen tax credit. Electrolysis, which uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, releases no carbon emissions at the point of production. The costs will be too great otherwise.

Clean Energy 240

Clean Energy Fossil Fuels Electricity Renewable Energy 240

PA Environment Daily

SEPTEMBER 2, 2023

On September 1, The Center Square reported the state Department of Health is inviting citizens to file environmental health complaints related to natural gas development. Visit Health’s Oil and Natural Gas Production Health Concerns webpage for more information. Read more here. Read more here.

Natural Gas 104

Natural Gas Natural Resources Fossil Fuels Climate Change 104

Legal Planet

APRIL 21, 2023

City of Berkeley , addressing whether the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) invalidates a Berkeley municipal ordinance specifying when natural-gas infrastructure can be extended into new buildings. EPCA “preempts” certain state and local regulations, meaning that it prevents those regulations from being effective.

Natural Gas 130

Natural Gas Fossil Fuels Regulations Government 130

PA Environment Daily

JUNE 14, 2023

On June 13, Public Utility Commission Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille told the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee Winter Storm Elliot has again demonstrated extreme weather can have a significant impact on electric grid operations in terms of reliability and resilience. The issues were actually at the wellhead. “It

Natural Gas 49

Natural Gas Electricity Nuclear Power Fossil Fuels 49

PA Environment Daily

APRIL 2, 2023

The PJM Interconnection said it will be sending penalty assessments to electric generators that failed to perform during December’s Winter Storm Elliot this week across its service territory of 13 states and the District of Columbia. Read more here.

Natural Gas 56

Natural Gas Electricity Fossil Fuels Regulations 56