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
Latest
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Gulf Coast
Update: US electricity prices are surging. These companies want out.
Citing few renewable options and projected price jumps, industries in Louisiana propose their own power generation, free from monopoly utilities
Inflation Reduction Act
Farmers in Trump country were counting on clean energy grants. Then the government moved the goalposts.
Thousands of farmers and small rural businesses remain in limbo as USDA demands grant rewrites favoring fossil fuels over renewables.
Gulf Coast
Fueling Knowledge: Oil and gas money shapes research, creates ‘echo chamber’ in higher education
Louisiana’s flagship university is looking to partner more closely with petrochemical industries in the state
Inflation Reduction Act
Criminal targeting of environmental groups ‘scary,’ advocates say
Groups now worry about FBI probes as they struggle to rebound from federal spending freeze enacted under President Donald Trump
Fueling Knowledge
Fueling Knowledge: LSU’s ties to oil and gas stretch back to the 1930s
This is part one of a two-part investigative series exploring the relationship between the fossil fuel industry and Louisiana State University. To Louisiana State University administrators 55 years ago, the front yard of fraternity houses seemed like the “least objectionable” location on campus to drill seven oil wells. That’s
Data Centers
Power for data centers could come at ‘staggering’ cost to consumers
New report highlights how traditional ways of setting rates don’t fit Big Tech’s massive, immediate demand for more electricity
Carbon Capture
Capturing CO2, sold as climate solution, rebranded as oil industry boost
Oil executives, business interests push economic benefits of carbon capture as President Trump takes aim at climate funding OK’d under Biden
Solar
EPA says it has unfrozen billions in funds for climate-related projects
The statement by an agency spokesperson comes after two judges ordered the environmental agency to pay contracts signed under Biden
Inflation Reduction Act
‘Chaotic’ USDA funding freeze stalls rural renewable projects
Thousands of farmers and a dozen rural electric cooperatives wait for news about billions in funds under Trump administration ‘review’