"We have a real opportunity right here in Imperial to create a whole new industry standard, that could be the gold standard for future development that is more equitable, and more just, that can be replicated across this entire country, and perhaps even the globe," said Luis Olmedo, a community health and environmental justice activist in California’s Imperial Valley and Executive Director of the Comite Civico del Valle.
CLEAN ENERGY
Must Be Equitable
California communities want to benefit from the lithium gold rush. As companies rush to harvest the key battery mineral across the Imperial Valley, neglected local communities are hoping the latest flurry of activity will bring long-term benefits for a region struggling with economic development. Advocates are hoping to establish agreements with the mining companies that would create good local jobs and promote economic growth for the predominantly low-income communities. But because of the region’s history with failed industrial development efforts, residents have expressed skepticism alongside their hopes. (Desert Sun)
CLEAN ENERGY
Has Many Benefits
Solar power proves to be a major resiliency benefit. In the aftermath of recent weather disasters across the country, solar panels have proven to be one of the best tools for community resilience by keeping the lights on. Slate writes that the recent examples come as cities, counties, and states have begun incorporating solar into their sustainability and resiliency plans. Some healthcare facilities are also beginning to adopt solar power and microgrids to improve their resiliency and prevent blackouts. The Guardian reports that this trend also brings air quality benefits and can help save facilities tens of thousands of dollars in power bills. (Slate, The Guardian)
CLEAN ENERGY
Is Affordable
Solar and wind energy saved Texas more than $7 billion this year. Renewable energy is saving Texas ratepayers nearly $1 billion every month, adding up to $7.4 billion over the first 8 months of this year, according to a study from energy analysts IdeaSmiths LLC. This year’s savings are especially large because of the spiking price of fossil gas, and the analysts write that renewable energy adoption has also delivered environmental and public health benefits. Today, wind and solar comprise nearly one-quarter of Texas’s energy supply. The report comes as Texas prepares to head into the winter, reigniting concerns about grid reliability in light of last year’s deadly outages in February. (Dallas Morning News $)
CLEAN ENERGY
Is Replacing Fossil Fuels
U.S. grants $2.8 billion for battery and grid projects. The Biden administration announced the multi-billion dollar grants today as part of its ambition to build up domestic supply chains of EVs and batteries that reduce reliance on China. Reuters reports 20 companies are receiving funds for projects across 12 states to mine key battery metals (like lithium, graphite, and nickel), build processing facilities and manufacturing plants, and scale up battery recycling. Overall, planned investments in domestic battery production recently topped $40 billion, an increase of 700 percent since the beginning of 2021. Electrek reports that 15 new battery plants and plant expansions are now under development as manufacturers rush to construct supply chains to meet rising EV demand. (Reuters, Electrek)
Coal plants are becoming clean energy plants. In states all across the country, coal plants nearing the end of their lives are beginning to shift to become clean energy hubs like battery storage facilities, solar farms, hydrogen plants, or offshore wind transmission hubs. Economic conditions have led to steep declines in the coal industry, and advocates are eager to leverage their existing infrastructure connections to produce clean energy. The trend has been boosted by the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes a 10 percent tax credit for new renewable energy projects in communities with existing coal plants, as well as provisions to help coal plants refinance debts and additional tax credits for wind, solar, and battery infrastructure. (Fast Company $)
CLEAN ENERGY
Is Challenging
Truck makers are stalling the shift to electric hauling. While diesel truck manufacturers have publicly supported the transition to zero-emissions heavy-duty trucks, their lobbyists have been working behind the scenes to stifle and delay the transition to a cleaner trucking industry. The Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association recently pushed to weaken state and federal clean fuel and clean truck policies, despite the acute climate and public health impacts produced by diesel truck pollution. The trucking industry contends that high costs, insufficient infrastructure, and weak supply chains have been significant obstacles, but advocates say the industry is fighting regulations that would help overcome these challenges. (Washington Post $)
MULTIMEDIA
Video: Elon Musk Has Some Bad Ideas for Mass Transit. We Have Solutions. (Spoiler: It’s trains.)
