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Whenever possible, NetZero Insider reporters like to cut to the chase — as in John Cropley’s piece on a new report from Energy Innovation, stating that rising distribution and transmission costs, and not renewable generation, are major drivers of rate increases on electric bills across the country.
Cropley also pulls no punches in his coverage of a recent audit of New York’s progress, or lack thereof, on the climate and emission-reduction goals it set in the Climate Leadership and Protection Act, passed in 2019. The audit slams the state’s Public Service Commission for not staying focused on the goals set in the law and not looking at emerging issues that could result in rising electricity demand.
Jon Lamson continues his excellent coverage of New England with two timely and sharp articles. First, Lamson looks at the rocky road Connecticut regulators are navigating as they work toward the establishment of performance-based ratemaking ― linking utility profits to performance outcomes ― with heavy resistance from the state’s main utilities.
Article No. 2 reports on a forum on the use of grid-enhancing technologies in Massachusetts to expand capacity, flexibility and resilience on existing lines. A recent forum focused on the importance of creating standards for software compatibility, amending rules to allow new technologies to participate in transmission solicitations and ensuring that studies account for the full scope of GETs benefits.
And our West Coast correspondent Elaine Goodman sends in two stories from California, reporting on the Public Utilities Commission’s work on new rules to accelerate transmission permitting and the finalization of the state’s agreement with the Department of Energy to begin receiving federal funds for a green hydrogen hub.
In our curated content, the politics of the U.S. clean energy transition and the Republican National Convention were inescapable.
The New York Times reported on Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s views on climate change: He doesn’t think it’s a problem and continues to broadcast massive misinformation. Republican lawmakers followed suit, the Times reported, slamming the Biden administration for higher gas and electricity prices, basing their arguments on cherry-picked, out-of-context numbers.
Similarly, E&E News runs down the pro-oil record of Trump’s running mate, first-term Sen. JD Vance, who received $238,000 in donations from oil and gas companies for his 2022 campaign.
There was plenty of news on corporate efforts to cut emissions:
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Iron and steelmakers are also exploring new ways to produce these critical products without emitting carbon dioxide, according to Canary Media, with the steel industry moving forward with a transition from coal-fired production to electric arch furnaces.
Read on for this week’s Intelligence Report:
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Economic Development
Michigan
A new report from Climate Power says Michigan continues to lead the nation in Inflation Reduction Act projects, bringing in more than $25 billion in new investments across the state. Michigan Advance
U.S.
More than $106.5 billion in large-scale clean energy project investments have been announced in Republican-held congressional districts from August 2022 through June 2024. Democrat-held congressional districts garnered slightly less than $15.4 billion in investments. POWER Magazine
Environmental Justice
Louisiana
A Louisiana lawsuit against the EPA said its bid to address environmental racism was itself a form of "reverse discrimination." Inside Climate News
New Jersey
The Department of Environmental Protection found a recent environmental justice law that bars polluting projects in overburdened communities will not prevent the construction of a controversial backup power plant in Newark's Ironbound section. New Jersey Monitor
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International
Although decarbonisation is a pressing issue at the top of the business agenda, only 18% of financial institutions and 27% of investment firms have a net zero transformation strategy that looks beyond the next 12 months. Mayer Brown
U.S.
The regulatory compact is a necessary principle to induce investors into sinking capital into long-lived assets, and we need it now more than ever, write Ray Gifford and Matt Larson of Wilkinson Barker Knauer. Utility Dive
U.S.
The trend could turn around if the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates later this year, clean energy consulting group Mercom Capital Group said. Utility Dive
Insurance
Texas
Insurance researchers and analysts expect insurers will continue raising already high premiums -- and become more selective with what type of damage they cover. Texas Tribune
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Hawaii
Hawaii has been a leader on many environmental and climate change issues, most notably in being the first state in the country to adopt a 100% renewables target for electricity (2015's House Bill 623). Civil Beat
International
For decades, the Earth's forests, along with its oceans and soil, have sucked roughly a third of planet-warming carbon dioxide back in, creating a vacuum known as the land carbon sink. But as deforestation and wildfires ravage the world's forests, scientists have begun to worry that this crucial balancing act may be in jeopardy. Grist
International
Forty years of data reveals that planted mangroves can reach about 70% of the carbon stocks in naturally occurring mangroves. Inside Climate News
International
Extreme weather is fueling global conflict--and hampering NATO's ability to address it, according to a new analysis. Inside Climate News
Maryland
Environmental groups say judges across the country believe cases like Baltimore's should hold oil companies accountable in state courts for environmental harm. Inside Climate News
Oregon
Multnomah County recorded its highest-ever temperatures during heat dome conditions in 2021 that killed 69 people. Inside Climate News
Texas
Devastating, back-to-back power outages have led some in Houston to consider whether they want to stay in the city they love. The New York Times
Heat Waves
New York
Landlords have to keep tenants warm in the winter, but can leave them sweating in the summer. A city councilman wants to change that. The New York Times
U.S.
Energy utility providers in 2022 shut off electricity to at least 3 million customers who had missed a bill payment. Over 30% of these disconnections happened in the three summer months The Conversation
U.S.
Cool roofs reflect sunlight and reduce the urban heat-island effect. Grist
Wildfires
U.S.
Property insurers are trying to force changes in construction standards that they say are necessary to protect against wildfires. The New York Times
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Florida
Under Ron DeSantis, we're turning a blind eye to problems or, worse, gaslighting people about them, writes longtime journalist Diane Roberts. Florida Phoenix
International
The costs of the energy transition, including electrification, carbon sequestration and renewable hydrogen, are difficult to calculate but will run into the low trillions of euros. Reuters
International
In a provocative new book, Genevieve Guenther argues that too many conversations are happening on the fossil fuel industry's terms. Grist
International
His break from the Paris accord inspires other populist leaders, while his reshaping of the federal courts and environmental rollbacks affect the air, water, wetlands and public lands, disrupting efforts to counter climate change. Inside Climate News
Montana
The state's Supreme Court heard oral arguments on an appeal of a decision that struck down a law supporting fossil fuel development. The ruling centered on a constitutional right to a healthy environment. Inside Climate News
U.S.
The Sunrise Movement, expressing concern about the president's ability to win re-election, said he should "pass the torch to a new nominee." The New York Times
U.S.
The Republican vice presidential candidate has championed oil and gas, panned wind turbines as "hideously ugly" and called for repealing climate policy. E&E News
U.S.
Louisiana and Mississippi utility regulators called on the Fifth Circuit to review FERC's sweeping overhaul of how major electric transmission projects are planned and paid for. Law360
U.S.
Renewable energy companies are wildly underinvesting in political solutions to the existential threat they face, writes Ayelet Hines, director of community engagement at Tigercomm. Utility Dive
U.S.
As the event opens with a focus on energy, former President Trump and other leaders are calling for more oil, gas and coal development. The New York Times
U.S.
Several speakers focused on the sharp rise in gas and electricity prices under President Biden. The New York Times scrutinized their statements. The New York Times
U.S.
Here's where the party stands on global warming, energy and the environment. The New York Times
U.S.
Even so, it's unlikely the Chevron decision will significantly affect regulated utility investment plans because most environmental and carbon reduction requirements are driven by state mandates, according to the ratings agency. Utility Dive
U.S.
The authority is replacing major coal-fired units at its Kingston (site of a massive coal ash spill in 2008) and Cumberland plants with gas generation and is planning to retire all of its coal power fleet by 2035. Alabama Reflector
U.S.
Policies promoted under the plan would place political personnel in positions to oversee science at major federal agencies and reduce such agencies' limitations on polluting industries. The Hill
U.S.
If Donald Trump returns to the White House, he would likely face fewer legal and bureaucratic obstacles to dramatically remake EPA. The New York Times
Wisconsin
As America's culture wars rage on, Democrats are marketing renewable energy in battleground states as a win for the economy and labor unions. Will it work? Inside Climate News
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