Ocasio-Cortez Wants to Unite Generations of Climate Action Efforts under the Green New Deal
By Mark Hand, Climate Progress
From the election of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) to the rise of the youth-led Sunrise Movement, young Americans are injecting a strong dose of energy into the climate and environmental movements.
Colorado’s Oil and Gas Industry Goes after Reporters and Signature Gatherers in New fracking Fight
By Mark Hand, Climate Progress
As Colorado gears up for another fight over oil and gas drilling near homes and schools, this time the fossil fuel industry is reportedly doing whatever it takes to win.
Study Predicts Major Expansion of Offshore Wind along Atlantic coast
By Mark Hand, Climate Progress
Almost every state along the Atlantic coast — 12 out of 14 — has offshore wind potential that exceeds its current electricity needs, according to a new study. Bringing the electricity generated by offshore Atlantic wind farms ashore could help meet future electricity demand created by activities — transportation and the heating of homes and businesses — that are currently powered by gasoline, natural gas, and other fossil fuels.
Community Fights Massive Drilling Site Planned near Public School in Low-Income Area
By Mark Hand, Climate Progress
Residents of a city along Colorado’s Front Range are fighting the construction of a major oil and gas drilling site set to be completed next year near a public school attended mostly by low-income students of color.
Disaster Strikes Area of Oklahoma Rocked by Natural Gas Well Explosion less than a Year Ago
By Mark Hand, Climate Progress
Five workers are presumed dead after a natural gas rig exploded in Oklahoma Monday, causing a massive fire that left a derrick crumpled on the ground. The deadly blast comes less than a year after a natural gas well explosion in the same area of the state injured one worker.
Climate Change gives California’s Wildfire Season an Unwelcome Boost
By Mark Hand, Climate Progress
Ferocious wildfires are raging across Southern California, destroying hundreds of homes adorned with holiday decorations and forcing thousands of residents to flee. With high winds expected to continue, forecasters are warning that dangerous fires could endanger the region for days. California is susceptible to fires year-round, but the worst of the wildfires aren’t supposed to occur this late into the year.
Warning to Local Governments: Adopt Climate Adaptation Strategies or Face Credit Downgrades
By Mark Hand, Climate Progress
The growing effects of climate change, including climbing global temperatures and rising sea levels, are forecast to have an increasing economic impact on state and local governments in the United States. “This will be a growing negative credit factor for issuers without sufficient adaptation and mitigation strategies,” Moody’s noted in a statement released in conjunction with the report.
Environmentalists just Gained a New Enemy in the Fight against Natural Gas Pipelines
By Mark Hand, Climate Progress
The electric utility sector’s top lobbying group is teaming up with fossil fuel trade associations as part of an effort to intensify the industry’s campaign against citizen and environmental groups opposed to fracking and new natural gas pipelines.