Former coal lobbyist and EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler finalized his decision to maintain the insufficient ground level ozone standard of 70 parts per billion, despite the scientific consensus that it is not strong enough to protect the most vulnerable communities.
Last night, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) voted 3-2 to approve a rate increase for Tucson Electric Power (TEP) to reimburse the utility for the high cost to operate gas and coal-fired power plants. Starting on January 1, 2021, TEP customers will see their electric bills increase -- at a time when people are already struggling to afford essential services due to the impacts of COVID-19. According to TEP, average monthly bills of residential customers with typical usage on TEP’s Basic pricing plan will increase approximately $5.20, compared to 2020 bills.
Washington, DC -- Late yesterday, Donald Trump implied that he will not sign the massive year-end omnibus package that provides some COVID relief, funds the government, and contains significant climate and energy provisions, including the phaseout of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and clean energy tax credits for wind, solar, and offshore wind.
Richmond, VA -- Today, the Virginia State Corporation Commission issued an order that creates a recovery mechanism for a new energy assistance program for low-income Virginians known as the Percentage of Income Payment Program, or “PIPP.” The PIPP program was included as a provision in the Virginia Clean Economy Act earlier this year with the express goal of lowering the cost of utility bills for lower-income ratepayers. The Commission’s order leaves open crucial elements of the PIPP program, such as the size and scope of energy reduction programs and the role of electrifica
NORTHEAST– Four jurisdictions - Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Washington, DC - have signed onto a final memorandum of understanding for the Transportation and Climate Initiative Program (TCI-P), a cap-and-invest program for reducing transportation emissions in the Northeast.
Killingly, CT -- Today, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), tasked with protecting the state’s waterways and environment, issued a draft determination approving the water quality certification for a pipeline that would fuel the controversial Killingly fracked gas plant. The proposed 2.8 mile pipeline would tear through vital wetlands and streams, including a native brook trout stream, and would destroy habitat for state-listed endangered species including the Northern long-eared owl and American bittern.
Washington, DC -- Today, Congress is voting on a massive year-end omnibus package that includes government spending, an energy package, and the Water Resources and Development Act while providing some COVID relief.
Congressional Democrats’ efforts on appropriations led to the inclusion of:
$180 million increase in funding for the EPA, the second highest funding level for the Agency ever
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Following Congresswoman Nita Lowey’s retirement announcement, House Democrats elected Representative Rosa DeLauro to take her place as Chair of the House Appropriations Committee.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, as a part of a broader omnibus package, Congress, led by Senator Tom Carper and Congressional Chair Frank Pallone and joined by Senator Schumer and Speaker Pelosi, will pass the American Energy Innovation Act with an amendment to phase out hydrofluorocarbons at a national level. The amendment requires EPA to implement an 85 percent phase down of the production and consumption of HFCs, so they reach approximately 15 percent of their 2011-2013 average annual levels by 2036.
Congress has included $1.375 billion in funding for border wall construction in this year's appropriations package. This request comes just days before President-elect Biden takes office. Biden has publicly mentioned several times his administration will not build another mile of border wall. Border groups are pushing back and calling on Congress to deny all funding for future wall construction, citing harm to communities, landscapes and wildlife. Read the coalition of organizations’ opposition of the funding and call for restoration and mitigation of the borderlands.