Today, Republicans in the US House of Representatives advanced H.R. 7176 out of the rules committee in an attempt to accelerate the expansion of liquefied methane gas exports, known as LNG. This bill would strip away the ability of the Department of Energy (DOE) to use established criteria to determine whether gas exports are in the public interest.
Today, Virginia’s adoption of the Advanced Clean Cars (ACC) II Rule was published. This rule, which becomes legally effective on March 13, 2024, requires auto manufacturers to ensure that every new light-duty car sold in the Commonwealth is a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) by 2035.
LOS ANGELES — In a major win for polluter accountability, a legal settlement announced today will require the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) to adopt a rule that could fine polluters for their emissions contributing to the region's poor air quality. Plaintiffs estimate that a fee rule could result in SCAQMD collecting over $25 million annually from major polluters. Groups will advocate that any fees collected go back to benefit communities that have been disproportionately burdened by pollution.
Fossil fuel financing restrictions contrast with lack of progress, backtracking from U.S. banks
NEWTON, MA. – This week, the Newton City Council unanimously passed a resolution requiring the city to avoid the purchase or use of products containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl compounds, called PFAS or “forever chemicals.” This marks the first city resolution against purchasing products with PFAS in Massachusetts, following the first town resolution passed in Brookline in 2023.
Lansing, MI – Environmental and housing advocates, Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) staff, the Attorney General’s office, and Consumers Energy reached a new agreement that will expand energy efficiency – referred to as energy waste reduction (EWR) – programs and investments following approval by MPSC Commissioners today.
Bakersfield, Calif. — A burst pipeline at the intersection of Panama Lane and Buena Vista Road has been leaking crude oil for days, prompting an investigation by the Bakersfield Fire Department and other officials. The cause of the spill is currently unknown.
Oak Creek, WI – Today, the EPA released updated National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM2.5), or soot, taking a positive and long-awaited step toward addressing a dangerous and deadly air pollutant responsible for over 100,000 deaths in the United States every year.
Phoenix, AZ – Today, the EPA released updated National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulate matter (PM2.5) to curb the deadly air pollutant that significantly harms public health, causing premature death and decreased lung function, and that is responsible
Brownsville, TX – On Friday, the Sierra Club and partner organizations filed a motion to stay with the D.C. Circuit Court to prevent construction from happening at the proposed Rio Grande LNG facility site in Brownsville.