Wind Watch’s Post

Great conversation today on the Future of Energy panel at the LULAC 75th California Convention on Empowering & Building Strong Latino(a) Communities. Thanks to our moderator Argelia Leon of WSPA and my fellow panelists San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg and Janea Benton with Aera. We had a robust discussion on trends and challenges in the energy space as we work to decarbonize California. I was able to highlight the work SCE is doing around #CountdownTo2045 and the need for permitting reform and proactive grid buildout in order to stay on track with deploying clean energy, as well as powering California's economic growth. #PublicSpeaking #PublicAffairs #CleanEnergy #EnergyTransition #Utilities #GreenJobs #Transmission #Electricity

California rulemaking requires health and environment assessment in energy policy decisions The California Energy Center must now assess costs and benefits related to health and environmental externalities of energy generation and transmission.

A new report looked at 25 key metrics — from green buildings per capita to energy consumption from renewable resources — to evaluate the current health of states' environment and residents’ environmental-friendliness. https://lnkd.in/gRnDmXfy

🚧 US Faces Mounting Local Opposition to Renewable Energy Projects, Columbia University Report Finds A recent report from Columbia University's Sabin Center for Climate Change Law highlights growing opposition to renewable energy projects across the US. Despite incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act, local and state-level resistance has intensified, affecting projects in 47 states. The study identifies 395 new or updated local restrictions and 19 state-level barriers, which could obstruct renewable initiatives significantly. 📍 Key Findings: Ohio: County boards can ban or restrict projects, with 22 counties adopting such measures. Other States: Michigan, Wisconsin, Virginia, and California face similar challenges, with counties and townships imposing zoning restrictions on solar and wind developments. Infrastructure Opposition: Even power lines and battery storage face opposition, with moratoria in Maine and New York. The findings underscore a nationwide trend of increasing regulatory and community obstacles hindering the expansion of renewable energy despite federal incentives. #renewableenergy #sustainablefuture #climatechange #energytransition #communityimpact #electricandgassavings

"The California Energy Commission voted unanimously... to begin a process to incorporate the value of “non-energy benefits,” such as health impacts and job creation, in future decisions about the state’s energy mix... That could help tip the scales towards clean energy programs that reduce local pollution but previously may have looked too costly to invest in." Quite the development! Click on the article to read more about NEBs (non-energy benefits) and what this change could mean for California. #California #CaliforniaEnergy #NonEnergyBenefits #Decarbonization #Decarbonize #HealthImpacts #CommunityImpacts #EnergyPlanning #EnvironmentalPlanning #CombattingClimateChange #ZeroCarbon #ZeroCarbonGoals #EnergyGoals #ClimateChange #EnergyPlanning

Yesterday, Michael Greene and I had the privilege of attending the Southern New Jersey Development Council's Evolving Grid round table discussions. The event was a fantastic opportunity to delve into insightful conversations about the hurdles facing renewable energy development in Southern New Jersey and across the state. One of the highlights for me was Commissioner Shawn LaTourette's commentary on the challenges New Jersey faces in reaching its renewable energy goals. What resonated with me the most was the emphasis on acknowledging our successes but also our shortcomings in lowering our carbon footprint. By focusing on providing funding for infrastructure protection and enacting common-sense land use legislation that considers the impacts of climate change, New Jersey can protect the lives of its residents and ensure the security of the state's economy. Being realistic with ourselves allows us to face these challenges head-on, continue to strive towards our carbon-neutral goals, and make sure our communities become more resilient to the impacts of climate change. It's imperative that we work together to create a sustainable and resilient future for all. #RenewableEnergy #SustainableDevelopment #ClimateAction #EvolvingGrid #CommunityResilience #SNJDC #CarbonNeutralGoals #RenewableEnergyChallenges #ClimateChangeSolutions

FCM is funding activities that advance community energy systems initiatives. Maximum Award: $200,000 Grant up to 50%* of eligible costs Application Deadline: February 21, 2025.   Eligible Organizations: -Canadian municipal governments (e.g., towns, cities, regions, districts, and local boards) -Municipally owned corporations (e.g., a municipal utility) -An Indigenous community is an eligible lead applicant if they are partnering with a Canadian municipal government on an eligible project, or if they have a shared service agreement with a Canadian municipal government related to municipal infrastructure, climate change or adaptation. Expected Output: A study that identifies opportunity areas for low-carbon community energy systems (including renewable and district energy systems) within your community and develops mechanisms to support implementation.

Happy #EarthDay! 🌎 President Biden announced $7 billion in federal grants today for residential #solar projects — which will serve 900,000-plus households in low- and middle-income communities! The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding the Solar For All Grants and unveiled the 60 recipients today. ☀️ We are excited to share that #TXSES is part of a consortium awarded this grant and we anticipate being a subcontractor of the Harris County Consortium! 💡⚡ The projects are expected to "reduce emissions by the equivalent of 30 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and save households $350 million annually," according to senior administration officials. ------------------ https://lnkd.in/gv_9wpsf #EarthDay2024 #solarenergy #solarpanels #renewableenergy #TexasSolar

Great analysis from Nick Loris of C3 Solutions and Devin Hartman of R Street Institute on why "Conservatives, recommitted to taxpayers, consumers, and the environment, should embrace energy freedom." Thanks to RealClearEnergy for the original post! #energypolicy #environmentalpolicy #energy #environment #sustainability #climatepolicy #freemarkets