At an Iowa pork plant, piles of dead pigs and wafting sulphur dioxide
When climate technology breaks down, the results can be deadly.
Latest
‘Farming in the dark’: How Rollins’ USDA is endangering American agriculture
In her first six months, Donald Trump’s second agriculture secretary has altered the course of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She says prosperity is ‘just around the corner.’ But staffing cuts and restricted research could have long-lasting impacts.
Louisiana is the latest state to greenwash gas
A new state law that redefines natural gas as a 'green' energy source was adapted from language written by a right-wing think tank.
The Texas flash flood is a preview of the chaos to come
Climate change is making disasters more common, more deadly and far more costly, even as the federal government is running away from the policies that might begin to protect the nation.
‘Big Beautiful Bill’ will have Americans paying higher prices for dirtier energy
The sweeping Republican law cuts EV and solar incentives, props up coal and oil, and could cost U.S. households $280 more per year.
Floods are swallowing their village. But for them and others, the EPA has cut the lifeline.
The Trump administration has pulled more than $2.7 billion in climate grants, hitting vulnerable communities the hardest.
These fishers made peace with offshore wind. Then Trump came along.
Called ‘traitors’ at the docks, over 100 East Coast fishers are working for wind developers. Many voted for a president who wants to tear it all down.
US warming up to geothermal: ‘It’s hot everywhere underground’
But even at one of the largest US geothermal projects, located near Austin, Texas, the upfront cost can be a barrier, making it ‘a tough sale.’
$80 million, few rules: Louisiana’s energy efficiency ‘slush fund’
One of the least energy efficient states allows elected commissioners to use ratepayer money for ‘patronage’ projects — with little oversight
How the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ positions US energy to be more costly for consumers and the climate
By slashing support for electric vehicles and home efficiency, the GOP-backed bill could drive up energy bills and slow climate progress
Tulane scientist resigns, citing ‘gag order’ on environmental justice research
Emails show a racial disparities study angered elected Louisiana officials and potential donors to a $600 million university-led redevelopment project
Data centers are building their own gas power plants in Texas
Not so long ago, developers of the massive server farms talked about powering them with wind and solar power. But now, with the coming of power-hungry AI platforms, they’re bypassing the grid, building their own gas-fired power plants on site.
California board hits pause on plan to phase out gas appliances
A coalition that includes SoCalGas had launched a fierce campaign against a proposed transition from gas-fired furnaces and water heaters
Support for renewables shrinks as fossil fuel interest grows
Observers blame ‘culture wars’ while Republican consultant says messaging must emphasize economic, not environmental, benefits
How Big Oil is ruining a small ‘slice of heaven’ town in Texas
Export terminals shipping nearly half of U.S. crude oil have formed around Ingleside on the Bay, turning the coastal town into an unlikely ‘fenceline’ community.
The gas lobby is weakening Southern California’s boldest clean-air plan in decades
A coalition that includes SoCalGas has launched a fierce campaign against a transition away from gas-fired furnaces and water heaters
Sustainable Building
This little-known ‘dark roof’ lobby may be making your city hotter
As cities heat up, reflective roofs could lower energy bills and help the climate. But dark roofing manufacturers are waging a quiet campaign to block new rules.
Carbon Capture
Trump admin cuts $3.7B for industrial decarbonization and carbon capture
The decision will devastate ambitious efforts to cut emissions from heavy industry ranging from food production to chemicals.
Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental groups sue over Louisiana’s ban on community air monitoring
Meanwhile, a state task force’s call for beefed up air monitoring in areas affected by industrial pollution appears to be falling on deaf ears.
Inflation Reduction Act
Trump’s USDA resurrects one climate grant program, kills another
Many farmers who spent big on solar are finally getting reimbursed. But another climate program for agriculture is headed for the morgue.
Powering Rural Futures
From EVs to HVAC, clean energy means jobs in Central Illinois
Decatur has been losing factory jobs for years. A clean energy workforce hub promises renewal — and provides training for students from disenfranchised communities.
Renewables
Redlining shaped the power grid. Communities of color are still paying the price.
The clean energy transition is moving forward, but the legacy of segregation leaves many urban neighborhoods locked out.
Coal
Trump’s 2-year reprieve gives coal plants ‘a free pass to pollute’
A former EPA official warns exemption for some coal-fired power plants could be the first step toward gutting pollution rules for all plants
Renewables
Even in red America, clean energy is booming. But now, huge renewable projects are dead.
Political uncertainty under Trump has dampened the market, with nearly $8 billion in clean energy projects scrapped or cut back already this year.
Carbon Capture
GOP support of carbon capture fractures in Louisiana, nationally
Fossil fuel interests like carbon capture — it helps them drill more oil and emit less greenhouse gas. Homeowners say, ‘Not in my backyard’
Decarbonization
Cement is a climate menace. Under Trump, fixing it just got harder.
The cement industry has set ambitious goals to cut its carbon footprint. But as federal funding dries up, its path to a greener future is less clear.
Gulf Coast
Energy efficiency program killed; advocates say Louisianans will pay the price.
The state Public Service Commission voted along party lines to end a program to save energy and money for residential customers — who already top the US in electricity use
Gulf Coast
Video: The failed promise of industry jobs in polluted communities
A new documentary, based on a Tulane study, debunks the promise of high-quality employment for residents of color when new industrial plants come to their neighborhoods
Data Centers
Transmission line conflicts ahead as US electricity demand booms
A fight in Maryland may be a prelude to what lies ahead as artificial intelligence drives demand for more power — and more power lines
Inflation Reduction Act
As Congress slashes spending, will clean energy tax credits survive?
Solar boosters say repealing Inflation Reduction Act incentives could drive up electricity costs, stall manufacturing and slow climate progress.
Rising Tide
Flood risks getting worse along US coastlines, new analysis shows
Researchers predict rising seas will increase severe flood risks for about 2.5 million Americans by 2050.
Environmental Protection Agency
As EPA pulls back, schoolchildren could face the steepest risks
Communities living and learning near petrochemical plants will face more pollution and less federal protection under Trump’s new policies.