After the price of crude oil plummeted to $75 a barrel, which marked the lowest price since December of last year, big oil companies kept consumer gas prices artificially high, according to new analysis by Accountable.US. Chris Marshall, research manager for the group, said instead of passing cost savings down to consumers who have been paying high prices for months, big oil has continued to line the pockets of its wealthy shareholders and executives. "While prices at the pump have been hurting American families, oil and gas companies are making record-shattering profits," Marshall pointed out. " .
New rules proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency would require regular inspections of all methane-emitting oil and gas production sites throughout the country. In Pennsylvania, groups that support the rules say they ll open the door for more jobs in the natural-gas industry. Isaac Brown, executive director of the Center for Methane Emission Solutions, noted there is a market now for technologies and companies to help energy producers address emissions, which means they ll need more workers. .
Despite gains in certain areas, Minnesota is still behind its current goals to reduce carbon emissions. But those in the clean-energy sector see big opportunities in 2023. Groups pushing for a quicker transition to these sources feel the upcoming legislative session could pave the way for key decisions to accelerate progress. .
Kentucky s two dozen rural electric co-ops could do more to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy, according to a recent ranking of southeastern rural electric co-ops. Co-op utilities provide power to 1.5-million people in nearly all Kentucky counties. Chris Woolery, residential energy coordinator with the nonprofit Mountain Association, said while more Kentuckians want investments that will lower their monthly costs, many aren t aware of how they can voice concerns with their local co-op. .
By Caleigh Wells for KCRW.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News Service Collaboration California s newest infrastructure project will hit two proverbial climate birds with one stone. And Los Angeles city officials just decided last week to try one of its own. The plan is to cover some of California s exposed water canals with solar panels. .