ClimateWire News
Trump DOJ claims win as Michigan sidesteps climate lawsuit playbook
The state is trying a novel tactic in climate litigation, accusing the oil and gas industry of violating antitrust laws.
NOAA halts crucial dataset that helps measure Arctic sea ice
The agency says its new dataset is better, but ice measurements will take time. "Bad news for climate monitoring," one scientist lamented.
Urban heat island strategy being written to guide cooling efforts
A standards-setting nonprofit is drafting guidelines that tell local officials how they can reduce pockets of deadly heat in cities.
Electricity prices outpace inflation as data centers proliferate
Last year may mark a turning point, where the pace of data center development exceeds the ability of some regional electric grids to keep up.
Illinois balks at climate superfund bill
The measure would have required that major climate polluters pay into a state resilience fund. But the bill didn’t attract enough support in the Democratic-controlled Statehouse.
Virginia updates laws on EV chargers, transmission lines
The moves come on the heels of Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) creating a new Cabinet-level role for energy.
Solar panel group buys spread across Michigan as residents band together
In the past few years, a largely grassroots solar installation trend has taken shape across a handful of Michigan towns and counties.
‘Gravel gardens’ gain ground to cut wildfire and heat risks
When airborne embers land on plant-based garden mulches like pine bark, straw or wood chips, they ignite quickly and risk spreading fire.
Japan’s top polluters face new rules as carbon market advances
Reporting requirements begin this month for about 300 to 400 firms with annual Scope 1, or direct, emissions of at least 100,000 metric tons.
India set for searing summer as Iran war strains energy supplies
Slower growth in energy storage capacity, coupled with natural gas shortages linked to the war, will leave India heavily reliant on coal and hydropower, as well as less predictable wind generation.
The future of space business depends on a rocket that keeps blowing up
Dozens of startups working on data centers, mining and pharmaceuticals are hanging on Elon Musk's long-stalled megarocket.
Coal power plants restart abroad as war blocks gas exports
Nations in Europe and Asia are delaying coal phase-outs and lifting restrictions. The resurgence could be long-term, analysts say.
Vermont’s first-in-nation climate law faces legal challenge
The Trump administration takes aim at a 2024 lawsuit that seeks to force fossil fuel companies to pay the costs of addressing climate change
How Tuscon convinced its utility to back a climate fund
By threatening to create a public utility, city officials helped steer Tucson Electric Power toward an agreement where it would spend $56 million over 25 years on climate action.
Brussels says Europeans should consider traveling less during energy crunch
The EU Commission letter reflects growing fears that the Iran war is sparking an all-out global economic crisis.
Biofuel lobbies crank up efforts to change EU green jet fuel regs
Producers of fuel made from agricultural products argue they should have a greater role in the EU’s clean fuel plans.
EU carbon is pricing in a less aggressive push to ease costs
The European Commission plans to scrap the invalidation of certain permits in its Market Stability Reserve while leaving the volume thresholds and the absorption rate intact.
Banco do Brasil weighs farmer relief amid Iran war, capital risk
One option under discussion at the state-controlled bank is to extend loan maturities, allowing farmers to defer part of their payments to the end of existing contracts.
Death toll in Afghanistan flooding increases to 28
Dozens of people have died from extreme weather in the country so far this year.
One casualty of Democrats’ affordability pivot: Climate goals
The upfront costs of transitioning to clean energy and worries about rising utility bills are forcing tough choices for Democratic leaders.
