For more than a century, the Jones Act has inflated energy costs, increased emissions, and undermined national security. Reducing barriers to trade and eliminating protectionism are wins for the planet and its people.
Fixing Flood Insurance
The National Flood Insurance Program puts a significant strain on the federal budget and taxpayers. Instead of renewing it and hoping for the best, lawmakers should update the program as quickly as possible.
Elevating the Standards for Carbon Offset Projects
The economic and environmental opportunities make voluntary carbon offset markets worth fixing, not abandoning altogether.
Congressman Doug Lamborn Champions Common Sense Conservation
As the country looks to reduce climate risk and the size of the federal debt, the U.S. will need principled lawmakers like Congressman Lamborn to offer solutions that reduce risk in an economically viable and sustainable way.
US carbon capture pipeline setbacks reflect challenges in climate fight
"Clean energy infrastructure projects need to educate communities on risks and benefits, and engage residents early or they risk existential setbacks, said Sanya Carley, co-director of the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania."
Customer-driven clean energy procurement, not regulation, is driving decarbonization
"While the academic debate continues, time is of the essence in decarbonizing the grid to avert the worst effects of climate change. Customer-driven clean energy procurement is driving and will continue to lead to progress, by creating demand for new renewable generation to be added to the grid."
Hydropower delays pose grid threat as permits lapse
"While hydropower dams that exist today emit relatively few carbon emissions when operating, dam building in the 20th century disrupted ecosystems, flooded tribal lands and altered natural landscapes. Obtaining a new, long-term hydropower license, which lasts 30 to 50 years, from FERC is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to modify how projects operate."
Four Climate Wins in 2023
While there is more work to be done, 2023 has delivered notable climate wins to lower emissions while keeping costs affordable and energy reliable.
With a unique alignment of interests, now is the time to address methane emissions
Jeff Kupfer writes in UtilityDive about the need to address methane emissions. “There is no doubt that methane emissions present a serious environmental threat. And given the significant role of natural gas in electricity generation for decades to come, it is reasonable for EPA to promulgate new regulations. With a bit more tailoring, there can...
Competitive Electricity Markets Deliver Economic, Environmental Benefits
As the U.S. looks to meet future electricity demand while keeping costs low for consumers, state legislatures should consider ways to incorporate more competition into respective energy markets.