Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency reversed long-standing guidance that helps limit hazardous pollution such as mercury and lead from major sources like power plants, large industrial facilities and vehicles. The end result? Potentially, the biggest increase in hazardous air pollution this country has seen in decades, and environmental justice communities are likely to bear the brunt of it. Read more >

New EPA Guidance Stands to Increase Hazardous Air Pollutants in Environmental Justice Communities
January 29, 2018 12:06 PM EDT
Seven Takeaways for the Warsaw Climate Talks from the New IEA Report
November 12, 2013 1:57 PM EDT
There’s a distinct lack of optimism here at the Warsaw climate meeting. A recent report from UNEP shows that we are falling far short of the emissions reductions necessary to limit the global temperature increase to no more than 2°C above pre-industrial levels. The IPCC working group 1 report points out the grave implications of our rising carbon emissions. But, like the previous reports, IEA’s World Energy Outlook released today shows that, despite the grim emissions trends, we do still have choices: yes, we can cut our emissions sharply and, yes, that means making serious policy decisions now. Read more >
Water-Smart Power Can Help Declining Aquifers
August 29, 2013 9:14 AM EDT
A new study about declining aquifers in the Great Plains focuses on the agricultural sector’s water use, as it should. But water-smart power choices can help, too, by cutting electric-sector pressure on precious groundwater resources. Read more >
Zombies, Glee, and Coal on Earth Day: New Mashup Report on Coal’s Water Dependence
April 22, 2013 10:27 AM EDT
In the fine tradition of mashups that have produced zombie-enhanced classic novels and cutting-edge high school music efforts, a new UCS mini-report is a stimulating amalgamation of two exciting areas of UCS research, pointing to additional bonuses from closing old coal plants. This Earth Day, you can celebrate water savings, too. Read more >
Bring on the Fire Trucks: RGGI States Tighten Cap, Up Their Climate Game
February 8, 2013 11:27 AM EDT
The nine states involved in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) announced plans yesterday to get stricter about power plant carbon emissions, with a tighter cap on those emissions and other updates that build on the program’s successes. That’s good news indeed, for the region and the country. Read more >