Marta Vicarelli’s Post

Clearing the air: Honest truths about clean energy #USA: In the race for transition to green energy, Kristen Walker from the American Consumer Institute (ACI) is urging a more critical examination of the environmental impacts of wind, solar, and electric vehicles (EV) on the environment. ACI’s new report, “Clearing the Air: Honest Truths About Clean Energy,” reveals that the life cycle of these technologies—from production to disposal—carries significant environmental costs that are often overlooked in public discourse. Read the full study here. Key Takeaways: Environmental Costs of Production: The . . . #windpower #windenergy

Check out this fantastic article about how science communication is an important part of the green energy transition!

🌱 NECEC, MAINE RENEWABLE ENERGY ASSOCIATION, and CLIMATEWORK MAINE Pen Op-Ed on Navigating Maine's Climate Transition: Challenges and Opportunities 🌱 The shift towards a greener future in Maine is proving to be challenging. NECEC's Director of Ecosystem and Strategic Engagement, Aaron Jeffrey Frederick, MAINE RENEWABLE ENERGY ASSOCIATION Executive Director Eliza Donoghue, Esq., and ClimateWork Maine Executive Director Jeff Marks co-authored an insightful op-ed in The Portland Press Herald that delves into Mainers' cultural and practical hurdles as we embrace climate-friendly technologies like electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps. The article emphasizes that while the intention behind these transitions is noble, the execution requires a nuanced understanding of local sentiments and infrastructure needs. At the same time, another piece from the same newspaper highlights a critical issue: the rising demand for electricity due to the increased adoption of EVs and heat pumps. This surge is straining our current electrical grid, underscoring the urgent need for grid expansion and modernization to support our renewable energy goals. Together, these articles paint a comprehensive picture of Maine’s climate journey. They remind us that while innovation is key, it must be paired with thoughtful planning and community engagement to ensure a smooth and inclusive transition. NECEC is proud to be doing this work alongside our partners at ClimateWork Maine, and we were particularly excited to sponsor their recent 2nd Annual Summit on Climate Change and Maine's Economy. Let's continue to work together to overcome these challenges and build a sustainable future for all Mainers. Read more: Op-Ed on Climate Transition Challenges: https://lnkd.in/eGrqadGz Electricity Demand Increase: https://lnkd.in/eGZ4PM58 #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #Maine #ClimateChange #ElectricVehicles #HeatPumps #EnergyTransition #CommunityEngagement

From Marine, my lighthouse for a just energy transition: ‘’Silverberg insights into the approaches taken to balance local versus national interests in the US renewable energy sector are eye-opening…’’ Get more, just there ⤵️

🌍💡 "What is the cost we’re willing to pay for social acceptance?" This is the burning question at the heart of David Silverberg’s latest article in FORESIGHT Climate & Energy 🌱🔋 Across the U.S., the clash between rural tradition and the push for renewable energy is palpable. Local resistance, fueled by NIMBY attitudes and fossil fuel interests, is stalling the potential of wind and solar projects. Yet, states like Illinois are making bold moves, overriding local barriers to champion sustainability and economic growth. Why does this matter? As we face urgent climate and equity goals, the story of resistance and progress painted by Silverberg is an interesting conversation starter. His insights into the approaches taken to balance local versus national interests in the renewable energy sector are eye-opening, especially as the U.S. rolls out its ambitious Solar for All program. This program aims to bring solar energy to over 900,000 low-income households all across the country, promising a significant boost in clean energy access and affordability. 👉 Read it here: https://lnkd.in/dSBBYbbu #RenewableEnergy #Decarbonization #EnergyPolicy #CommunityEngagement #SolarForAll

A couple of years ago, one community group read about a project happening on their lands on a poster at the local service station. They were the native title holder so would have legal rights. That’s Chris Croker talking, from the First Nations Clean Energy Network. He says, this is quite common. One of the big challenges is ensuring that companies start talking to First Nations groups at an early stage of the process. Chris says a lot of developers and industry proponents aren’t sure which way they should be resourcing or what they should be focusing on. They run the risk of slowing things down, making some misinformed steps, which is where this new guide builds that knowledge of industry. He's talking about a new guide for proponents out this week - 'Leading Principles: First Nations and Renewable Energy Projects’ - written by the Clean Energy Council and KPMG, using Best Practice Principles derived from the First Nations Clean Energy Network. The hope is this guide will allow industry to better engage with First Nations groups, and avoid unnecessary stoppages due to company blunders, reports Jacinta Bowler. Chris hopes the guide will be an important starting point for the two groups to come together. “In five years’ time, hopefully we’ll have hundreds of First Nations groups partnering with developers co-owning and co-developing wind farms, solar farms, storage systems and transmission lines. “I also hope we’ll have a massive level of technical knowledge residing within the First Nations communities around energy development and energy needs and efficiency.” Thanks for publishing this story RenewEconomy. This story and the new guide can be found in the comments.

The 2nd US Clean Energy Transition Conference is live in Washington D.C today! Dr. Marianette Miller-Meeks, Chair, Conservative Climate Caucus, US House of Representatives, highlighted Iowa's remarkable strides in renewable energy with 50% of its energy coming from renewable sources. Iowa is not just known for agriculture but is also a pioneer in renewable energy. Dr. Miller-Meeks emphasized the need for a cohesive national strategy to meet the growing energy demand in the US. She advocates for critical regulation and permitting reforms across industries to enable emission reduction. To stay competitive, Dr. Miller-Meeks stresses the importance of driving innovation and embracing technology for affordable and abundant energy while reducing emissions. We can out-innovate and out-compete anyone - let's work towards a sustainable energy future together! #CleanEnergy #RenewableEnergy #Innovation #Sustainability #TimeisoftheEssence

The passage of the Inflation Reduction Act — the largest investment in climate action in US history — provided unprecedented incentives for clean energy projects. While some grants are competitive and limited, tax credits are available to all and newly applicable to tax-exempt entities. The organizations taking advantage of these clean energy incentives can reduce their emissions and save money on their energy bills. Hospitals, schools, and nonprofits are using these dollars for system upgrades and renewable energy investments. RMI and America Is All In’s Clean Energy Academy are making sure these entities receive technical assistance to leverage federal funding for their projects. Participants’ stories show us what’s possible when federal incentives and community-driven initiatives come together. https://bit.ly/3C9bRHR

Young voters in West Virginia are making their voices heard loud and clear: they want a future powered by renewable energy. A recent survey reveals a strong preference among young West Virginians for increased investment in wind and solar power, signaling a shift towards sustainable energy solutions. 🔋 Key Findings: 1. A significant majority of young voters believe renewable energy is crucial for the state’s future. 2. There’s a growing demand for policies that support clean energy development. 3. Young West Virginians are ready to back candidates who prioritize environmental sustainability. 🌞 Why It Matters: Renewable energy not only helps combat climate change but also creates jobs and boosts the local economy. By embracing clean energy, West Virginia can lead the way towards a greener, more prosperous future. 📢 Take Action: Join the movement and make your voice heard! Support candidates committed to renewable energy and sustainable policies. Together, we can ensure a brighter, cleaner future for all West Virginians. Read more about this important survey and how you can get involved: https://lnkd.in/e-c7jFWM #RenewableEnergy #WestVirginia #ClimateAction #YoungVoters #Sustainability #CleanEnergy

New York Energy Week 2024: "How Federal Policy is Driving Clean Energy Progress and Opportunity" New York Energy Week 2024 is set to take place from Monday, June 24 to Friday, June 28, marking its eleventh year as a cornerstone event for the global energy community. NYEW has become synonymous with fostering connections among a diverse array of energy market participants, ranging from renewable and fossil fuel industries to utilities, regulatory bodies, and beyond. This event is renowned for its ability to unite experts and enthusiasts from various sectors, including finance, government, academia, law, and media, creating an unparalleled platform for collaborative action and innovation. The week-long event features an extensive lineup of panel discussions, workshops, keynote addresses, and networking opportunities designed to inspire and facilitate groundbreaking innovations and strategic partnerships. Attendees are given the chance to share insights, challenge conventional norms, and explore the latest trends that are shaping the future of energy. NYEW's legacy of empowering thought leadership and bridging gaps between different energy sectors continues to be a driving force in the industry's evolution. A highlight of this year's event is a session on Monday, June 24, from 9:00 am to 9:30 am, titled "How Federal Policy is Driving Clean Energy Progress and Opportunity." This session will be led by Carla Frisch the Principal Deputy Director of the Office of Policy at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Frisch will discuss the critical role federal policies play in advancing clean energy initiatives and the opportunities they create for the sector. Her insights are expected to provide valuable perspectives on the intersection of policy and technology in driving the energy transition. As New York Energy Week celebrates over a decade of leadership, it continues to be a pivotal event for anyone invested in the future of energy. The convergence of a global energy ecosystem at NYEW promises to inspire and facilitate significant advancements in the field. Join this landmark event to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the future of the global energy landscape. https://lnkd.in/ef6asuxP #cleanenergy #policy #energyprogess #opportunity