Getting climate, energy & environment news right.

NYC removes zoning restrictions for rooftop solar, energy storage and electrification equipment
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NYC removes zoning restrictions for rooftop solar, energy storage and electrification equipment

"The initiative also expands buildings’ rooftop and yard allowances to accommodate the increased need for outdoor electrified equipment such as heat pumps. It changes other rules to ensure a wide range of exterior retrofits and updates 'Zone Green' floor area exemptions to ensure a better-than-code performance. It updates the framework for accessory mechanical equipment, like HVAC units and fire protection systems, to reflect the needs of electric retrofits and other energy infrastructure, by enabling equipment to cover up to 50% of buildings to a height of 15 feet, the proposal says."

From kicks to compost: Puma’s playbook for circular sneakers
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From kicks to compost: Puma’s playbook for circular sneakers

"Footwear production accounts for 1.4 percent of annual global greenhouse gas emissions, according to a 2018 Quantis study — roughly equivalent to the emissions of Canada. Manufacturing accounts for 43 percent of those emissions, and extracting and processing raw materials 34 percent, the report found. Making a pair of sneakers generates 30 pounds of CO2, according to an analysis by MIT in 2013. A typical shoe contains several materials tightly sewn together — leather, plastic, cotton, rubber, synthetics and so on — and is thus very difficult to recycle. Ninety percent of old shoes end up in landfill sites."

Rising peak demand, 83 GW of planned retirements create blackout risks for most of US: NERC
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Rising peak demand, 83 GW of planned retirements create blackout risks for most of US: NERC

"A spokesperson for MISO said the grid operator 'concurs with NERC’s key conclusions and recommendations,' and is taking steps to address potential resource shortfalls. A new seasonal resource adequacy construct, changes to resource accreditation, development of a long-range transmission plan and adoption of a reliability-based demand curve will help, they said."

Scientists unveil methane munching monster, 100 million times faster than nature
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Scientists unveil methane munching monster, 100 million times faster than nature

The chlorine atoms then steal hydrogen atoms from methane to make hydrochloric acid (HCl), which can be captured and recycled. The methane atoms decompose into carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen (H2), the same way it is processed naturally but at a rate that's roughly 100 million times faster in the reaction chamber."

A Shale Oil CEO’s Second Act: Going Green
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A Shale Oil CEO’s Second Act: Going Green

"In the past, oil-and-gas entrepreneurs who closed one drilling venture often started another. Today, money has gotten tight for many new fossil-fuel projects in the U.S. as the productivity of wells wanes and climate-conscious investors shy away, industry executives say. Although many big fossil-fuel companies are spending billions on acquisitions to increase production, the amount of money private investors are committing to funds that invest in oil-and gas-related assets has roughly halved so far this year versus a recent peak of $102 billion in 2016, according to investment data tracker Preqin."

Report finds Texas methane emissions hit record low in 2022
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Report finds Texas methane emissions hit record low in 2022

"'The Permian Basin’s success in reaching some of the lowest methane intensity rates in the world exemplifies the region’s commitment to environmental stewardship. We will continue to proactively work to minimize oil and gas development’s environmental impact—all while producing affordable, abundant, and reliable energy,' Longanecker concluded."

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