WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Administrative Law Judge issued an initial decision finding that Basin Electric Cooperative failed to meet its obligation to assess cheaper alternatives when the utility spent tens of millions of dollars upgrading overpriced coal-fired power plants, passing the exorbitant costs onto its captive customers. Basin Electric is the largest rural cooperative in the United States, serving rural customers in 9 states, and remains heavily dependent on coal for its electricity generating needs.
Washington, D.C. — Today, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) approved plans to stop coal mine expansions on public lands in the Powder River Basin, spanning Montana and Wyoming. The Powder River Basin is the source of 40 percent of all U.S. coal, and 85 percent of coal produced on public lands.
Denver, CO -- Today the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) concluded deliberations on Xcel Energy's first Clean Heat Plan with a preliminary approval for a portfolio of resources that will substantially reduce emissions from the natural gas utility through investment in building electrification and energy efficiency. A final written order is expected in the coming weeks.
SAN FRANCISCO — Today, the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) voted 4-0 to lower volumetric (per-usage) rates and implement three tiers of monthly electric fixed charges:
Today, environmental and public health groups moved to intervene to defend the Environmental Protection Agency’s final standards for light-duty cars and trucks.
SAN FRANCISCO — The fight to hold Coca-Cola accountable for misleading consumers will continue thanks to a district court judge's ruling on Monday. Judge Donato denied Coca-Cola’s attempt to dismiss a Sierra Club lawsuit, meaning that the suit will now move forward.
Washington, DC - Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit affirmed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2022 reinstatement of its waiver authorizing California to set stronger vehicle greenhouse gas emissions standards and zero-emission vehicle requirements than the federal government.
BOZEMAN, MT — Four conservation and animal protection groups sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today for denying their petition to protect gray wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains under the Endangered Species Act.
NEW ORLEANS, La. — Today, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the unsound approval of a massive deepwater oil export facility off the Gulf Coast near Brazoria County, Texas.
Boise, ID -- Today the Sierra Club filed a lawsuit against the City of Boise challenging a 70-year-old ordinance that unconstitutionally restricts the use of loudspeakers and megaphones in public spaces. The lawsuit asks Idaho’s federal court to halt enforcement of that ordinance and others like it because they violate First Amendment rights by restricting free speech and creating a "chilling effect" on protest.
Washington, D.C.: Last Friday, the Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Sustainable FERC Project filed a protest challenging Southwest Power Pool’s (SPP) proposed capacity accreditation methodologies, arguing they threaten reliability by ignoring the facts of fossil fuel underperforming and renewables overperforming when power is needed most. Additionally, the groups filed a Federal Power Act Section 206 complaint challenging the existing accreditation methodologies for those resources that SPP is trying to replace.
Washington, D.C – In response to legal action by Earthjustice, Environment Integrity Project, the National Parks Conservation Association, and Sierra Club, the Environmental Protection Agency published notice of a proposed consent decree that includes deadlines for the agency to take action on 33 states’ plans to reduce haze pollution that harms air quality in national parks and wilderness areas.