Energy
Phantom Deregulatory Savings
When you take a close look, claims of huge savings from rollbacks evaporate.
From EPA chief Lee Zeldin: “In this past year, the Trump EPA finalized an estimated $1.6 trillion in deregulatory savings for American families and businesses, all while maintaining strong environmental protections,” according to Zeldin. “The Trump EPA is proving you can lower costs, restore consumer choice, and protect the environment at the same time.” That’s all wrong. Or since there are three separate errors, I should probably say it’s wrong, wrong, wrong.
CONTINUE READINGWindows of Opportunity Open in the States
The most exciting new prospects for environmental progress are far outside the Beltway
The new Congress will be a significant thorn in the President’s side. But Trump’s veto power will severely limit its ability to enact policies of its own. It is in the state governments where exciting opportunities exist for major policy changes. The political configuration and policy potential varies state by state. The opportunity is biggest in states where Democrats won trifectas: Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Nevada, with Arizona expected to join the list. The last time this happened in Minnesota, the state’s clean energy policies took major steps forward.
CONTINUE READINGElection 2026: A Political Earthquake
How close were the forecasters? And what happens next?
Now that the votes are actually in, it’s time to take stock. There are still races that are too close to call. Overall, however, the Tuesday vote was a remarkable Democratic win . The effect will be to hinder Trump’s anti-environmental campaign while expanding state support for clean energy. The vote counting for 2026 is not yet over, but the 2028 presidential campaign has now begun.
CONTINUE READINGHow Would Gov. Xavier Becerra’s ‘Power Hour’ Work?
The incoming governor will have to confront rising energy costs. As a candidate he proposed a program for free midday electricity.
Welcome to the “Becerra Era.” Surprising no one, Xavier Becerra was overwhelmingly elected to be California’s next governor. Now, he will be thrust immediately into the fray on some of the most challenging environmental and energy issues facing the state — including rising energy costs. (Some advice for the next governor here.) The energy component …
Continue reading “How Would Gov. Xavier Becerra’s ‘Power Hour’ Work?”
CONTINUE READINGWhat BAAJA Would Do to Clean Water Act Section 401, and Why it Matters
Dosewallips River
A guest post by Dave Owen
The main argument in favor of accepting this bill’s drastic changes to environmental laws is that the climate benefits of other parts of the bill make the changes worthwhile. But water management is a crucially important part of climate adaptation. Especially in a changing climate, protecting streams and wetlands is a matter of public safety; protecting aquatic resources is one of our most effective ways of managing floods.
CONTINUE READINGClimate Science Under Attack, in the Name of Global Equity
Equity for whom: The fossil fuel producers or the most vulnerable?
In the name of global equity, a coalition of carbon producers and high emitters is trying to delay the next report of the IPCC, the UN body in charge of synthesizing the world’s climate research. The report on the physical science of climate change is due in 2028, but China, India, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, and Russia want to stall into the next year. All these countries are major producers of coal, oil, or gas
CONTINUE READINGWhy the Midterms Matter for Energy & Environment
Trump could still pursue his fossil fuel dominance agenda – but not as easily.
Trump still can take many administrative actions regardless of who controls Congress. But the election still matters for the future of the U.S. energy system and the planet. A President who has the support of a united Congress can do a lot more than a President who must contend with serious congressional opposition. Here’s why it matters.
CONTINUE READINGHey Kids, It’s National Energy Dominance Month!
This October, we officially celebrate the coal and oil industries. Says President Trump.
People sometimes accuse Trump of lacking any consistent policy beliefs, but that’s certainly not true in the areas of energy and environment. He has one clear goal, maximizing fossil fuels. Everything revolves around that. And now we have a whole month officially set aside to celebrate his masterplan.
CONTINUE READINGBlue Leaders in Red States
What can we expect if Dems flip the governorships in red states?
Right now, the Democrats have 50/50 odds in Georgia and Ohio, and maybe better than 50/50 in Alaska and Iowa. Governors are only one branch of state government, which obviously limits their sway. Still, like Presidents, they have some real maneuvering room. To get some sense of the possibilities, I took a look at five states with Republican legislatures and Democratic governors.
CONTINUE READINGBlowing in the Wind
The Trump Administration once again proves shortsighted and spiteful.
Just as sponsors are making a push to get a bipartisan permit reform bill through the lame duck session of Congress, the Trump Administration has apparently decided to sabotage the process. Democrats have worried that it does no good to streamline permitting for clean energy projects if the government simply yanks the permits later. That’s exactly what the Administration is planning to do, yet again, in a case where it has repeatedly lost in court.
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