Amid rising energy costs and inflation, energy advocates said they have seen a jump in interest in community solar. Luanne McGovern, legislative chair and board member of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, explained community solar lets individuals, businesses and organizations buy a "share" in a community solar project and in turn, receive a credit on their monthly electric bill. She explained community solar projects could potentially lower energy costs for residents and increase investment in the state, pointing to the companies eyeing West Virginia land for new solar farm infrastructure. .
A new report analyzed the potential impact of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative on Pennsylvania emissions, power generation, revenue, and jobs. The initiative s goal is to reduce carbon emissions through a cap-and-trade system. It has been in existence since 2009 and Pennsylvania would be the 12th state to join the program. .
The Environmental Protection Agency announced last month new and more stringent vehicle emission standards, which some say could significantly help reduce harmful air pollution in Utah and across the country, as well as accelerating the automobile industry s switch to electric vehicles. While the agency s rule does not specifically require automakers to increase production of electric vehicles, the agency is saying it is most likely the way for the industry to meet the standards. Chris Harto, senior sustainability policy analyst for Consumer Reports, said it could lead to some significant changes down the line. .
A court hearing is scheduled for this week as environmental and tribal advocates continue to voice concerns about an oil and gas pipeline that runs across northern Wisconsin. Line 5, operated by Enbridge Energy, goes through a reservation that is home to the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The tribe recently filed a court motion seeking an emergency shutdown of the pipeline. .
The federal government is gathering public feedback on proposed revisions to air-quality standards for soot, and environmental voices in Wisconsin and elsewhere said they show promise but need to be stronger.