President Joe Biden s Inflation Reduction Act has been billed as the most significant legislation in U.S. history to tackle the climate crisis, strengthen American energy security and lower utility bills, and some American households stand to benefit more than others. Luke Ilderton, deputy director of Energy Outreach Colorado, believes the new legislation is a good start, but argues current programs helping low-income households keep the heat on in winter and fans moving in summer will still be necessary. .
Advocates are contending North Carolina state agencies are not doing enough to slow down the devastating impacts of climate change. Last year Gov. Roy Cooper signed an energy bill into law, which calls on the state s utilities commission to develop a carbon plan for the state to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to 70% below 2005 levels by 2030, and be carbon-free by 2050. .
Arizona consumers are contesting a proposed $90 million Southwest Gas rate increase that analysts say would only benefit future - but not current - customers. Its application to the Arizona Corporation Commission seeks to raise rates for natural gas customers by 11.5% to pay for increased profits, fund carbon offsets to reduce greenhouse gases, recover trade association dues, and recoup late-payment charges waived during the pandemic. Keriann Conroy, research associate with the watchdog group Energy and Policy Institute, said the utility s two million Arizona customers can t afford another rate hike. .
Georgia Power is reducing its reliance on coal by phasing out several coal-fired units. However, clean-energy advocates say the company should dispose of all its waste correctly and not pawn the cost of cleanup on ratepayers. After years of pressure from concerned community members and clean-energy advocates, Georgia Power has been following a national trend by retiring some of its coal-fired power plants, the latest is Plant Wansley near Carrollton. .