Back

Director's Picks

"Will Lawmakers Sacrifice Our Health and Safety to Get a Debt Ceiling Deal?"

Summary

Lawmakers in the United States are currently negotiating the national debt ceiling, and in the midst of these negotiations, the future of clean energy and environmental protections is at stake. Some lawmakers from both parties are pushing to streamline the process of approving energy infrastructure projects, arguing that it takes too long to obtain necessary permits. However, this issue has become a bargaining chip in the debt ceiling negotiations, potentially jeopardizing the communities that are most in need of a greener future. Fossil fuel and construction companies want to make it easier to obtain approvals for liquefied gas terminals, oil and gas pipelines, and other infrastructure, while renewable energy companies aim to expedite the delivery of clean energy and update electricity grids. The concern is that weakening key environmental protection laws, such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), could have devastating consequences for marginalized communities that already suffer disproportionately from pollution and lack sufficient government protection. Balancing the need for clean energy development with environmental safeguards is crucial to avoid sacrificing the health and well-being of communities.

discover more

November 8, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change

As COP29 highlights the need for climate finance, experts emphasize a shift toward evidence-based metrics to maximize the impact of climate funding. A recent Environmental Defense

November 8, 2024
Energy Justice
Energy Justice

Key utility commission elections in Arizona, Montana, and Louisiana saw Republican victories, which could influence each state's approach to clean energy. In Arizona, a Republican

November 8, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change

COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, faces major challenges with the recent U.S. election of Donald Trump and global economic strain. Key issues include setting a new climate aid goal, as d

November 7, 2024
Energy Justice
Energy Justice

Despite Donald Trump’s plans to re-exit the Paris Climate Accord, the renewable energy movement appears resilient. Wind and solar power, now the cheapest energy sources worldwide,

November 7, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

In the recent U.S. elections, voters in five states passed significant environmental ballot initiatives, allocating billions for climate resilience and conservation. Minnesota vot

November 7, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change

A recent analysis reveals that emissions from private jet travel rose 50% from 2019 to 2023, driven by increased use of jets for short trips, some under 50 kilometers. Tracking

November 6, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change

New research suggests that allowing rainforests to regrow naturally could store significant carbon while restoring biodiversity. The study, published in *Nature*, estimates that 8

November 3, 2024
Human Health
Human Health

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., if given influence over health policy under a Trump administration, could advance certain bipartisan health reforms. His ideas, such as capping drug prices,

November 2, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change

Hurricanes not only cause physical destruction but also fuel disease outbreaks, as shown in recent studies on post-storm health impacts in the U.S. and Caribbean. Floodwaters from

November 1, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change

Recurrent Energy, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar, has launched its Liberty Solar project near Houston, Texas, with operations beginning on October 31, 2024. Located in Liberty Cou

October 31, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change

San Francisco’s Proposition K, set for a vote on November 5, seeks to close a 2-mile section of the Great Highway to cars, converting it into a park and recreation area. Supporter

October 30, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change

The Biden-Harris administration has allocated $15.3 million to American Climate Corps projects in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and enhancing gre

October 30, 2024
Energy Justice
Energy Justice

Footprint Project, a New Orleans-based nonprofit, is using solar-powered microgrids to replace traditional gas and diesel generators in disaster relief, aiming to cut emissions an

October 30, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change

Florida’s escalating home insurance crisis, compounded by repeated hurricanes, has left many residents contemplating leaving the state. With average premiums topping $10,000 annua

October 28, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change

The Biden-Harris administration has allocated over $7.4 million to Texas ports under the EPA’s Clean Ports Program, part of a $3 billion national investment targeting zero-emissio