Coast Funds has secured $335M in long term financing

Here's some good news. $335M in financing secured for businesses, communities, and ecosystems to grow together: everyone should know about this model being built by an organization called Coast Funds.

It's good business, but it's also something much bigger. It's an alternative to the extractive model of growth we're often taught is our only choice.

The Coast Funds (operating in the region also known as Canada) just published their annual report for 2024, with a great 4 minute video overview I highly recommend. It's a long term green finance campaign. In business terms it will:

* Grow revenue through income diversification and capital attraction

* Reduce costs through economies of scale from pooled finance and cost sharing

* Reduce risk through long-term funding commitments and ecological resilience to foster economic stability

But there's a whole lot more going on here than that. If those terms are your primary frame of reference, I invite you to keep one foot there - and step with your other foot into a different frame of reference you'll see in watching this short video.

And now, our daily summaries of nearly 200 selected updates from around the world of green tech and sustainability.

Today's Updates

Table of Contents

• 🌾Agriculture (8 stories) - Rodale/Propagate expand organic farming; Coffee Watch challenges Brazil imports; USDA funding cuts; CA solar farms boom; Pingree's resilience act; Brightseed/Haleon AI; DJI drone growth; Local Processing Act.

  
  

• 🪨Carbon (12 stories) - South Korean wildfires, Amazon carbon storage, Brazilian rock weathering, Blair's fossil fuel stance, EU carbon pricing, Occidental's carbon capture, Remora's rail capture, carbon credit code, satellite disposal impacts, WWU nitrogen research.

  
  

• ♻️Circular (9 stories) - Arda Biomaterials, Syre, DePoly, Alphabet's X & Dow advance circularity; microplastic concerns grow; Keurig develops algae-based pods.

  
  

• 🌱Ecosystems (22 stories) - Whitley Award for Reshu Bashyal, Virunga wildlife decline, Nsengimana's crane conservation, Oregon wildlife crossings, Strickland River threats, marine protected areas, Arctic plant study, Attenborough's 'Ocean' film, Jerusalem wildfire, microplastic mapping, Great Barrier Reef bleaching, North American bird extinction risk, RestorLife Award, Ottawa River flood watch, Amazon jaguar populations, Waterston Desert Writing Prize, Samford University salamander protection, Natural History Museum biodiversity exhibition, urban dandelion adaptations, air pollution health risks.

  
  

• ⚡Efficiency (8 stories) - BC's Zero Carbon Step Code lags; LA wildfire rebuilds favor all-electric; BayWa r.e. gains 30% with digital tools; Nanomaterial boosts solar cable efficiency; Water reuse showcased at SF Climate Week; Aerosol duct sealing cuts HVAC waste; Free cooling saves spring energy; Pump optimization improves power plant efficiency.

  
  

• 💰Finance (17 stories) - Brazil's $125B Tropical Forest Fund, renewable energy finance for conflict zones, Pioneer Point Partners' €1.1B fund, Growers Edge's $25M for agrifintech, Datamaran's ESG tool, and Royal Bank of Canada's abandoned sustainable finance target.

  
  

• 🔌Grid (22 stories) - AI-powered grid resilience (CenterPoint, Consumers Energy), EU demand up, Spain blackout probes solar link, data center rate debates, AGL battery at Liddell, Australia shifts to renewables, MGA Thermal brick storage, US battery pledge, data center grid strain.

  
  

• 🌍Indigenous (13 stories) - NDN Fund supports Native Conservancy; First Nations invests in Great Bear Sea; Brazilian Indigenous communities address lithium mining; Yanomami scholars research traditional knowledge; Indigenous languages encode environmental knowledge.

  
  

• 🏭Industry (24 stories) - Nickel mine landslide, clean energy job training grants, GoodWe's BIPV, Pure Lithium's anodes, Corning's solar investment, green hydrogen facilities (Aberdeenshire, RWE), national hydrogen pipeline (Germany), fusion pilot plant (Hessen), JinkoSolar shipments, Nippon Energy factory, First Solar's earnings, ExxonMobil's plastics plant, Panasonic exits solar.

  
  

• 📜Policy (71 stories) - EPA grant terminations, legal battles for river personhood, state-level climate action despite Trump, California's Clean Air Act fight, and "Climate Superfund" legislation in ten states.

  
  

• 🔋Renewables (11 stories) - Community solar savings, JA Solar offshore modules, US surpasses fossil fuels, Microsoft & Clearway wind deal, Stonepeak invests in Repsol solar.

  
  

• 🚗Transport (10 stories) - Sustainable Aviation Fuel Certificates, Kofa, Roam, Exeter Airport, Volkswagen ID.3 GTX, BYD Seagull in Brazil, Dow & Jaguar TCS Racing, Waymo & Toyota Autonomous Vehicles.

Agriculture

Rodale/Propagate expand organic farming; Coffee Watch challenges Brazil imports; USDA funding cuts; CA solar farms boom; Pingree's resilience act; Brightseed/Haleon AI; DJI drone growth; Local Processing Act.

• Rodale Institute and Propagate Awarded Major Grant from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to Advance Regenerative Agriculture Across the Midwest (Propagate) - Rodale Institute and Propagate receive $843,700 federal grant to expand organic farming and agroforestry practices across 3,000 acres in five Midwest states.

• Mongabay reports fuel petition to block US import of coffee tied to slave labor (Mongabay) - Coffee Watch files petition to block US coffee imports from Brazil over slave labor allegations, citing multiple documented cases involving major coffee suppliers.

• USDA Programs Freeze: What We Know (NSAC) - USDA freezes or terminates $6 billion in agricultural program funding affecting conservation, local food systems, and rural clean energy development across 17 different programs.

• Farmers are making bank harvesting a new crop: Solar energy (Renewable Energy World) - California farmers earn 25 times more revenue per acre converting cropland to solar installations while saving water and providing environmental benefits.

• The Carbon Copy: The ARA makes a comeback (Carbon180) - Rep. Pingree reintroduces Agriculture Resilience Act to support farmers in climate resilience through conservation, soil health practices, and carbon storage initiatives.

• Brightseed and Haleon partner to harness AI for small molecule discovery (AgFunderNews) - Brightseed partners with Haleon to leverage AI platform for discovering plant-based bioactive compounds with potential health benefits, offering direct platform access to Haleon's team.

• DJI report charts rapid rise in global adoption of ag spray drones (AgFunderNews) - DJI reports 400,000 agricultural spray drones now in use globally, up 33% from 2023, with rapid adoption across 100 countries despite US market challenges.

• Release: The Strengthening Local Processing Act Addresses Critical Livestock and Poultry Supply Chain Issues, Bolstering Resilient Food Systems (NSAC) - Bipartisan Strengthening Local Processing Act reintroduced in Congress to support small meat processors, enhance supply chain resilience, and expand regional processing capacity through grants and training programs.

Carbon

South Korean wildfires, Amazon carbon storage, Brazilian rock weathering, Blair's fossil fuel stance, EU carbon pricing, Occidental's carbon capture, Remora's rail capture, carbon credit code, satellite disposal impacts, WWU nitrogen research.

• Deadly South Korea wildfires made twice more likely by climate change (Mongabay) - Climate change has doubled likelihood of deadly South Korean wildfires that burned 104,000 hectares and killed 32 people in March 2025, scientists find.

• New report reinforces critical role of Amazonian protected areas in climate fight (Mongabay) - New report shows Amazon protected areas and Indigenous territories store 60% of rainforest's carbon and absorbed 257 million metric tons of CO2 from 2013-2022.

• InPlanet at Web Summit Rio 2025 (InPlanet) - Brazilian startup scales enhanced rock weathering technology to remove gigatons of CO2 while boosting crop yields through mineral-enriched soil applications.

• Tony Blair opposes phasing out fossil fuels. These academics disagree (The Conversation) - Former UK PM Tony Blair's opposition to fossil fuel phase-out draws strong rebuke from climate scientists who argue rapid elimination is essential for climate action.

• Who did better on emissions – Labor or LNP Coalition? (RenewEconomy) - Analysis shows Coalition's claimed emissions reductions largely came from Labor's renewable energy policies, while current emissions plateau under Labor government reflects policy transition period.

• How to Defuse the EU’s Carbon Tax Time Bomb (CleanTechnica) - EU's carbon pricing system for transport and heating fuels requires key reforms including price controls, elite pollution targeting, and income-based implementation to ensure political viability by 2027.

• Occidental Petroleum: Balancing Oil & Carbon in a Volatile Market (Energy Central) - Occidental Petroleum reports Q4 2024 revenue decline while expanding carbon capture investments and completing $12.4B CrownRock acquisition.

• South Korea’s Deadliest Wildfires Twice As Likely Because of Climate Change: Study (Earth.org) - Climate change doubled likelihood of hot, dry conditions fueling South Korea's deadliest wildfires that killed 32 and burned 104,000 hectares.

• Cleantech Startup Remora Partners with Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific to Capture Carbon from Trains (ESG Today) - Cleantech startup Remora partners with major rail companies to capture and monetize CO2 emissions from locomotives, targeting 714,000 metric tons annual capture by 2030.

• Proposed code allows for use of carbon credits to address Scope 3 emissions (Trellis) - New voluntary code proposes companies can use carbon credits to address hard-to-reduce Scope 3 emissions gap, challenging existing SBTi standards.

• Dying satellites can drive climate change and ozone depletion, study finds (The Guardian) - Study reveals satellite disposal could release 10,000 tonnes of aluminum oxide annually by 2040, threatening ozone recovery and causing atmospheric temperature anomalies.

• Chemistry students publish paper on nitrogen coupling (Western Today) - WWU Chemistry students publish research on nitrogen coupling that could help remove harmful water pollutants contributing to ozone depletion.

Circular

Arda Biomaterials, Syre, DePoly, Alphabet's X & Dow advance circularity; microplastic concerns grow; Keurig develops algae-based pods.

• Arda Biomaterials brews up new funds for alt-textiles, eyes partnerships in fashion and automotive (AgFunderNews) - UK startup Arda Biomaterials raises $5.25M seed round to convert brewery waste into leather alternatives for fashion and automotive industries.

• What are the health impacts of plastic? (Yale Climate Connections) - New research reveals widespread microplastic contamination in human organs and blood, with growing evidence linking plastic exposure to inflammation, hormone disruption, and chronic diseases.

• H&M-Backed Syre to Build “Gigascale” Textile-to-Textile Recycling Plant in Vietnam (ESG Today) - H&M-backed startup Syre signs agreement to build Vietnam's first gigascale textile recycling plant, aiming to produce up to 250,000 metric tons of circular polyester annually.

• DePoly Raises $23 Million to Turn Hard-to-Recycle Plastics into New Raw Materials (ESGToday) - Chemical recycling startup DePoly raises $23M to scale technology converting hard-to-recycle plastics into raw materials for new PET and polyester products.

• Alphabet and Dow are building an AI database to sort complex plastics (Trellis) - Alphabet's X division and Dow partner to develop AI database for identifying and sorting complex plastics to boost recycling rates.

• Goods Exchange & Spring Clean-up (Nipissing First Nation) - Indigenous community announces goods exchange and spring cleanup program to promote reuse and proper waste disposal in Ontario First Nation.

• Li-Cycle Undertaking Process to Seek Buyers for its Business or Assets (Li-Cycle) - Battery recycling company seeks buyers for business assets amid financial struggles, receives waiver extensions from convertible note holders.

• Behind Keurig’s bid to make coffee pods without plastic (Trellis) - Keurig develops plastic-free, biodegradable coffee pods using algae-based coating, with plans to scale production at new South Carolina facility.

• 17 ways to ward off stroke, dementia or depression later in life (Nature) - Study identifies 17 modifiable risk factors and lifestyle changes that can help prevent stroke, dementia and depression in later life, with blood pressure control being most crucial.

Ecosystems

Whitley Award for Reshu Bashyal, Virunga wildlife decline, Nsengimana's crane conservation, Oregon wildlife crossings, Strickland River threats, marine protected areas, Arctic plant study, Attenborough's 'Ocean' film, Jerusalem wildfire, microplastic mapping, Great Barrier Reef bleaching, North American bird extinction risk, RestorLife Award, Ottawa River flood watch, Amazon jaguar populations, Waterston Desert Writing Prize, Samford University salamander protection, Natural History Museum biodiversity exhibition, urban dandelion adaptations, air pollution health risks.

• Reshu Bashyal becomes fourth Nepali in as many years to win Whitley Award (Mongabay) - Nepali botanist Reshu Bashyal wins prestigious Whitley Award for orchid and yew conservation work, becoming country's fourth recipient in four consecutive years.

• Winners of 2025 Whitley Awards, the ‘Green Oscars,’ are announced (Mongabay) - Seven conservationists from three continents awarded prestigious Whitley Awards totaling £400,000 for projects protecting endangered species including jaguars, elephants, and cranes.

• Poaching intensifies in M23-occupied areas of Virunga National Park (Mongabay) - Armed conflict in DRC's Virunga National Park leads to 50% wildlife decline since 2021 as M23 occupation prevents eco-guard patrols and enables widespread poaching.

• Rwanda’s Olivier Nsengimana inspires protection for gray crowned cranes in East Africa (Mongabay) - Rwandan veterinarian Olivier Nsengimana leads successful conservation effort increasing endangered gray crowned crane population from 487 to 1,293 through habitat protection and anti-trafficking initiatives.

• Major step for wildlife crossings with Senate passage of HB 2978 (Environment America) - Oregon Senate passes bipartisan bill HB 2978 to establish wildlife crossing advisory group aimed at reducing animal-vehicle collisions and reconnecting fragmented habitats.

• Protect This Place: The Headwaters of Papua New Guinea’s Strickland River (The Revelator) - Remote Papua New Guinea's Strickland River headwaters, home to undiscovered species and Indigenous Hewa people, faces threats from potential road development and deforestation.

• Accelerating Our Ocean’s Protection (Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance) - New rapid deployment mechanism launches to help developing nations establish marine protected areas and achieve 30x30 ocean conservation targets.

• Arctic plant study reveals an ‘early warning sign’ of climate change upheaval (The Guardian) - Arctic plant study tracking 2,000 plant communities over 40 years reveals unexpected ecosystem shifts and biodiversity changes as climate warming impacts tundra vegetation patterns.

• Attenborough at 99: naturalist ‘goes further than before’ to speak out against industrial fishing in new film (The Guardian) - David Attenborough's new film 'Ocean' condemns industrial fishing and bottom trawling practices, warning of marine ecosystem destruction while advocating for urgent ocean protection measures.

• Motorists abandon cars as 'worst wildfire in decades' rages near Jerusalem – video (The Guardian) - Massive wildfire near Jerusalem forces highway evacuations and hospitalizations as Netanyahu declares national emergency amid worst fires in decades.

• 'Scratching' more than the ocean's surface to map global microplastic movement (ScienceDaily) - Global study maps microplastic distribution from surface to deep ocean, revealing how different-sized particles move through marine systems and impact carbon cycles.

• A 2024 heat wave decimated corals in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef (Yale Climate Connections) - Prolonged 2024 ocean heatwave kills 53% of monitored Great Barrier Reef corals after bleaching 80% of studied specimens.

• Sarah Rose at The National Audubon Society discussed the threat of climate change on bird population (National Audubon Society) - Research shows two-thirds of North American bird species face extinction within 20 years due to climate change, prompting dual focus on energy decarbonization and natural carbon sequestration.

• TF Wins RestorLife Award + Join Our Webinar with The Nature Conservancy and Sylvera (Terraformation) - Company wins RestorLife Award 2025 for excellence in nature restoration and biodiversity conservation while supporting local communities.

• Community notice: Stay safe around water – Watershed Conditions Statement (Flood Watch) in effect (Nipissing First Nation) - Ministry issues Flood Watch warning for Upper Ottawa River and Tomiko River regions until May 6, with 45mm rain expected and potential flooding risks.

• Print Edition 61: The Animal Issue (Nautilus) - Latest print edition explores animal science through diverse expert perspectives including pollution ecology, philosophy, and new scientific illustrations.

• Study suggests there are more jaguars in the Amazon than previously thought (Mongabay) - New large-scale camera trap study reveals Amazon jaguar populations are three times denser than previous IUCN estimates, with approximately 6,300 jaguars identified in surveyed areas.

• DEADLINE: Waterston Desert Writing Prize (SEJ) - Waterston Desert Writing Prize offers $3,000 award for nonfiction writers exploring desert ecosystems and human narratives, with submissions due May 1, 2025.

• For Alabama’s Spotted Salamanders, a Win and a Warning (Inside Climate News) - Alabama's Samford University relocates planned sports complex to protect endangered spotted salamander habitat following community activism.

• Whale earwax, fungal fertilizer and chocolate emissions: exhibition explores biodiversity research (Nature) - London's Natural History Museum exhibition explores biodiversity research through unique exhibits including whale earwax analysis, fungal fertilizers, and chocolate production emissions.

• How dandelions conquered concrete to bring nature back to cities (The Conversation) - Urban dandelions have evolved unique adaptations to thrive in harsh city environments while supporting over 200 insect species and enabling biodiversity recovery in concrete spaces.

• The Silent Killers: Unmasking the Health Risks of Airborne gases (Revolve) - Research links air pollution to increased risks of respiratory, cardiovascular, mental health issues and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Efficiency

BC's Zero Carbon Step Code lags; LA wildfire rebuilds favor all-electric; BayWa r.e. gains 30% with digital tools; Nanomaterial boosts solar cable efficiency; Water reuse showcased at SF Climate Week; Aerosol duct sealing cuts HVAC waste; Free cooling saves spring energy; Pump optimization improves power plant efficiency.

• B.C. Climate Accountability Report: zero-cost opportunity to lower emissions missed in the building sector (Stand.earth) - British Columbia misses opportunity to reduce building emissions through Zero Carbon Step Code acceleration, as 33 local governments already mandate low-carbon construction ahead of province's 2030 timeline.

• Building Back Better: All-Electric Homes of the Future (Building Decarbonization Coalition) - New report shows all-electric homes in Los Angeles wildfire rebuild zones offer faster construction, lower costs, and improved health benefits compared to gas-powered homes.

• The Digital Playbook for Renewable Energy Success – What Works and What Doesn’t? (Sitetracker) - Digital transformation tools help BayWa r.e. achieve 30% efficiency gains in renewable energy project management through centralized data and AI integration.

• How Super Crystalline Nanomaterial Applied to Solar Power Cables and Connectors Can Improve System Efficiency (POWER Magazine) - New super crystalline nanomaterial coating on solar power cables improves system efficiency by 6-7% with two-year payback period.

• We're closing out Earth Month strong, Marshall! (Epic Cleantec) - Company hosted tours, panels and events during San Francisco Climate Week 2025 to showcase building water reuse solutions and engage with sustainability leaders.

• Hidden Multifamily Energy-Saving Solutions (Aeroseal) - Hidden ductwork leaks in multifamily buildings waste up to 30% of HVAC energy, but new aerosol-based sealing technology offers non-disruptive solution with 90% leak reduction.

• 3 Spring Energy Optimization Strategies for Building Engineers and Energy Managers (Gridium) - Building engineers can achieve significant spring energy savings through free cooling optimization, smart scheduling, and strategic maintenance timing.

• Optimizing Power Plant Performance: Innovations in Pump Efficiency and Flow Control (PowerMag) - New pump efficiency optimization service and v-port control valves promise 30% improved efficiency and reduced emissions in power plant fluid systems.

Finance

Brazil's $125B Tropical Forest Fund, renewable energy finance for conflict zones, Pioneer Point Partners' €1.1B fund, Growers Edge's $25M for agrifintech, Datamaran's ESG tool, and Royal Bank of Canada's abandoned sustainable finance target.

• Indigenous forest peoples can finally control nature finance (Nature4Climate) - Brazil to launch $125 billion Tropical Forest Forever Facility at COP30, guaranteeing Indigenous peoples 20% of forest protection rewards.

• Reflections from recent convenings (Energy Peace Partners) - Global convenings highlight growing importance of innovative renewable energy financing solutions for conflict zones amid shrinking public funding.

• The End of Green Capitalism?: Video & Highlights (The Natural History Museum) - Leading experts discuss potential end of green capitalism amid policy rollbacks and private sector's parallel fossil fuel and renewable energy investments.

• UK banks put £75bn into firms building climate-wrecking ‘carbon bombs’, study finds (The Guardian) - UK banks have invested £75bn since 2016 in companies developing massive fossil fuel projects that threaten global climate targets, with HSBC leading in financing 104 such projects.

• Who will finance global climate solutions? Not the West. (Grist) - As Western nations cut climate funding and aid, China and Global South countries emerge as new leaders in international climate finance and action.

• Pioneer Raises $1.2 Billion for Article 9 Sustainable Infrastructure Fund (ESG Today) - Pioneer Point Partners raises €1.1B ($1.2B) for Article 9 sustainable infrastructure fund targeting energy transition and environmental sectors in Western Europe.

• Policy uncertainty could trigger ‘recession’ for renewables, analyst says (Utility Dive) - Global funding for solar and energy storage companies plunges 41% and 81% respectively in Q1 2025 amid IRA and tariff policy uncertainty.

• The new SunPower posts profitability, but at a cost: 75% of its staff (Renewable Energy World) - SunPower achieves first profitable quarter in four years after reducing workforce by 75%, from 3,499 to 906 employees.

• Growers Edge eyes expansion with fresh $25m: ‘It’s a strong validation of our new team, direction, and strategy’ (AgFunderNews) - Agrifintech startup Growers Edge secures $25M funding to expand risk management tools and financial services for US farmers and ag retailers.

• GFI: There are ‘no silver bullets to fill funding gaps in cultivated meat’ (AgFundNews) - Cultivated meat industry faces severe funding decline with only $139M raised in 2024, down from $1.3B in 2021, as private investment proves insufficient for scaling production facilities.

• Trading Update – Strong Performance, Disciplined Capital Allocation (Drax) - Energy company reports strong Q1 2025 performance across biomass, hydro and storage assets, expects full-year earnings at top end of analyst forecasts.

• Mine Power: World Bank Commodity Markets Outlook (247Solar) - World Bank forecasts 12% drop in commodity prices through 2025 with metals declining 10%, driven by weakening global manufacturing and heightened market volatility.

• Is Clean Energy Finally Affordable? BLUETTI’s Paying In—And Launching Something New (CleanTechnica) - BLUETTI launches clean energy incentive program and new Apex 300 portable power station to make solar generators more affordable through trade-in subsidies and flexible payment options.

• Episode 58: From Microbiology to Climate Finance: Bridging Science, Policy, and Sustainable Development - MyEnergyLife Series (EnergyLife) - World Bank consultant Chiagozie Obuekwe shares career journey from microbiology to sustainable energy finance and development policy.

• Datamaran Launches Double Materiality Assessment Solution (ESGToday) - AI software company Datamaran launches new tool enabling companies to continuously update double materiality assessments for ESG regulatory compliance and risk management.

• RBC Drops $500 Billion Sustainable Finance Target (ESG Today) - Royal Bank of Canada abandons $500 billion sustainable finance target and withholds climate disclosures due to new Canadian greenwashing regulations.

• Steven Rothstein discusses Ceres Accelerator's main motivators for driving innovation (Ceres) - Nonprofit accelerator focuses on materiality over morality to drive climate innovation through partnerships with large investors and companies despite federal inaction.

Grid

AI-powered grid resilience (CenterPoint, Consumers Energy), EU demand up, Spain blackout probes solar link, data center rate debates, AGL battery at Liddell, Australia shifts to renewables, MGA Thermal brick storage, US battery pledge, data center grid strain.

• Are Utilities Prepped To Deal With A Slew Of Hurricanes And Wildfires? (Forbes) - US utilities deploy AI, cloud computing, and drone technology to predict and respond to increasingly severe weather events, with case studies from CenterPoint Energy and Consumers Energy showing improved disaster preparedness.

• How much electricity does Europe need in 2024? (TaiyangNews) - EU electricity demand forecast to reach 3,284.8 TWh in 2024, up 1.21% year-on-year, driven by increased electrification across transport, heating and industrial sectors.

• Spain’s Blackout Has Put in Motion a Debate Over Inertia (Heatmap News) - Spain's nationwide blackout triggers debate over grid stability as high renewable energy penetration faces scrutiny over lack of mechanical inertia from traditional power sources.

• Q&A: What we do – and do not – know about the blackout in Spain and Portugal (Carbon Brief) - Massive blackout across Spain and Portugal disrupted 60% of power supply, with initial investigation suggesting possible solar plant involvement but multiple factors likely at play.

• SOCAN Senate Testimony on HB3546 (SOCAN) - Oregon climate group testifies in support of bill to create special rate category for energy-intensive data centers to protect regular utility customers from rate hikes.

• Consumer Watchdog Accuses Regional Grid Operator of Overcharging Marylanders for Power (Inside Climate News) - Maryland consumer watchdog files complaints against PJM grid operator for allegedly overcharging residents through capacity auctions and unfair infrastructure cost allocation.

• First batteries installed as Liddell’s shuttered coal plant morphs into green energy hub (RenewEconomy) - AGL installs first battery units at former Liddell coal plant site as part of 500MW/1000MWh storage facility transformation into green energy hub.

• “There is no going back:” AEMO bids goodbye to baseload grid and spins high renewable future (RenewEconomy) - Australian Energy Market Operator declares permanent shift from baseload power to renewables-plus-firming model for national electricity grid.

• Not-for-profit secures federal funding for three new community batteries (RenewEconomy) - Melbourne non-profit Yarra Energy Foundation secures federal funding to deploy three new community batteries in Victoria suburbs, expanding local grid storage capacity.

• Phase-Shifting Hot Bricks Pack More Energy Storage Punch Into Smaller Spaces (CleanTechnica) - Australian startup MGA Thermal demonstrates first-ever phase-shifting brick system that stores renewable energy in melting tin alloy blocks, providing continuous industrial steam with 24x less space than conventional batteries.

• Can AI improve energy security? Industry executives think so, and many are already using the technology (Renewable Energy World) - Survey shows 91% of US energy executives believe AI can enhance energy security, with 85% already using or piloting AI solutions.

• The New War of Currents: How Electricity Technology Became a Geopolitical Battleground… (Energy Central) - China's dominance in clean energy technology and firmware control sparks new geopolitical tensions as Iberian blackout highlights grid vulnerabilities and cyber risks.

• How PG&E Is Supporting EV Growth Without Expensive Grid and Home Upgrades (PowerMag) - PG&E partners with Itron to enable EV charging in older homes without expensive panel upgrades through smart meter coordination and load management.

• Alberta’s Deregulated Grid Is Bracing for 11 GW of New Demand (POWER Magazine) - Alberta's deregulated power grid faces unprecedented strain with 11GW of new data center demand while managing transition from fossil fuels to renewables and nuclear.

• POWER Digest [May 2025] (POWER Digest) - Major German battery storage project secures €87M financing for 104.5-MW/209-MWh facility in Saxony-Anhalt, marking country's second large-scale BESS project.

• Why customer engagement is the key to VPP success (Utility Dive) - Virtual power plant success depends on personalized customer engagement and simplified enrollment processes to unlock distributed energy resources' grid potential.

• US energy storage sector commits to $100B investment by 2030 (Utility Dive) - U.S. energy storage industry pledges $100 billion investment by 2030 to build and source American-made batteries, aiming for 100% domestic supply chain.

• Unplugged with Pete (Enchanted Rock) - Energy industry podcast explores resilience strategies with Sapphire Gas CEO and H-E-B discussing natural gas backup power and microgrid solutions.

• In the World’s Data Center Hotbed, How Close Is Too Close, and Who Should Pay? (Inside Climate News) - Virginia's data center boom sparks debate over who should pay for $23M transmission infrastructure as residents protest new facilities near homes while industry touts economic benefits.

• The DOE wants to use federal lands, including historic research laboratories, for AI data center development and co-located generation (RenewableEnergyWorld) - DOE seeks to repurpose federal research sites for AI data centers with co-located power generation, targeting operations by 2027.

• The evolving symbiosis between utilities and hyperscalers (Latitude Media) - Utilities and tech hyperscalers forge symbiotic partnerships to manage unprecedented load growth while competing for resources and talent.

• Power in Unity: Strengthening OT Cybersecurity Through Collaboration (Power Magazine) - Power industry experts emphasize critical need for collaboration between OT teams, automation providers, and institutions to strengthen cybersecurity defenses amid rising threats to energy infrastructure.

Indigenous

NDN Fund supports Native Conservancy; First Nations invests in Great Bear Sea; Brazilian Indigenous communities address lithium mining; Yanomami scholars research traditional knowledge; Indigenous languages encode environmental knowledge.

• NDN FUND CONTINUES SUPPORT OF LANDBACK EFFORTS IN COPPER RIVER DELTA, ALASKA (NDN Collective) - Indigenous-led NDN Fund provides second loan to Native Conservancy for land protection and food sovereignty initiatives in Alaska's Copper River Delta.

• Coast Funds’ 2024 Annual Report Celebrates the Power of First Nations’ Leadership and Governance (Coast Funds) - First Nations invested $7.8M in conservation and economic projects while securing $335M for Great Bear Sea initiative in landmark Indigenous-led stewardship agreement.

• In Brazil’s Jequitinhonha valley, communities share how to reduce lithium mining impacts (Mongabay) - Indigenous and local communities in Brazil's lithium-rich Jequitinhonha Valley share strategies to reduce mining impacts through better consultation practices and environmental protections.

• “Nós também temos ciência”: a travessia acadêmica de três mestres Yanomami (Instituto Socioambiental) - Three Yanomami scholars make history as first from their community to earn master's degrees from Federal University of Amazonas, researching traditional knowledge in their native language.

• Could an Indigenous Approach to Climate Change be the Solution for Rural Americans? (Center for Coalfield Justice) - Indigenous climate solutions like traditional forest management and cultural burning offer effective strategies for rural Americans facing climate impacts, drawing parallels between native ecological knowledge and rural environmental practices.

• Las lenguas indígenas son fuentes de conocimiento ambiental (Yale Climate Connections) - Indigenous languages encode vital environmental knowledge through vocabulary, grammar and oral traditions that could help protect biodiversity, says linguist David Harrison.

• Trump’s first 100 days shredded millions in funding for Indigenous peoples (Grist) - Trump administration slashes over $350 million in Indigenous climate, health, and education funding during first 100 days of second term.

• How the feds abandoned reservations to burn (High Country News) - Federal underfunding leaves tribal fire departments severely understaffed and under-resourced while reservation lands face increasing wildfire threats, with tribes receiving less than half the per-acre funding of U.S. Forest Service.

• Abby Reyes: Tales of Murder, Oil Wars, and the Rise of Climate Justice (Climate One) - Indigenous rights advocate Abby Reyes shares how her partner's 1999 murder by Colombian paramilitaries while defending U'wa territory from oil development led to decades of environmental justice work and eventual legal victory.

• 🌍 Branching Networks: Voices, Recognition, and Care (Meli Bees Network) - Indigenous-led organization expands global biodiversity protection through multilingual collaboration and community-based conservation initiatives across Brazilian biomes.

• This Plaintive Song Is From a Land Without Lullabies (Nautilus) - Anthropologists discover Paraguay's Northern Aché tribe lacks cultural traditions of lullabies and group dancing, challenging assumptions about music's universality in human societies.

• I wish I was ice fishing (High Country News) - Inuit writer reflects on cultural disconnect between traditional subsistence practices and urban life after moving from rural Unalakleet to Anchorage, Alaska.

• Join us at the Cultural Survival Summer Bazaars! (Cultural Survival) - Annual Summer Bazaars in Massachusetts and Rhode Island to showcase Indigenous arts, cultures and support Indigenous artists' livelihoods through sales of traditional crafts and performances.

Industry

Nickel mine landslide, clean energy job training grants, GoodWe's BIPV, Pure Lithium's anodes, Corning's solar investment, green hydrogen facilities (Aberdeenshire, RWE), national hydrogen pipeline (Germany), fusion pilot plant (Hessen), JinkoSolar shipments, Nippon Energy factory, First Solar's earnings, ExxonMobil's plastics plant, Panasonic exits solar.

• Landslide deaths again highlight safety failures in Indonesia’s nickel industry (Mongabay) - Fatal landslide at Indonesia's largest nickel industrial park kills three workers, exposing ongoing safety and environmental concerns in EV battery metal production.

• April 2025 Newsletter (Oregon Department of Energy) - State awards $2M in grants to six organizations for clean energy workforce development, focusing on heat pump installation and energy efficiency training for disadvantaged communities.

• Celebrating Clean Energy Jobs on National Apprenticeship Day (IREC) - National Apprenticeship Day highlights growing clean energy job training programs across solar, wind, and efficiency sectors, with 425 new apprentices registered through ACE Network.

• GoodWe’s Comprehensive PV Innovations At Intersolar Europe 2025 (TaiyangNews) - Chinese company GoodWe to showcase comprehensive BIPV and hybrid storage solutions, including new ESA energy storage system launch, at Intersolar Europe 2025.

• Pure Lithium Announces Engagement with Kingston Process Metallurgy to Scale Lithium Metal Anode Production (CleanTechnica) - Pure Lithium partners with Kingston Process Metallurgy to scale production of innovative lithium metal anodes for next-generation batteries using proprietary Brine to Battery™ technology.

• Corning increases commitment to making solar wafers in the US (Renewable Energy World) - Corning boosts US solar wafer manufacturing investment to $1.5 billion in Michigan, adding 400 jobs to support domestic solar supply chain.

• Aberdeenshire consents UK’s largest green hydrogen project (Energy Central) - Aberdeenshire approves UK's largest green hydrogen facility using surplus wind farm energy to produce zero-carbon hydrogen for industrial use.

• RWE, Hydrogen | Grangemouth (Energy Central) - RWE plans green hydrogen facility in Grangemouth capable of producing 1.8 metric tonnes per hour to replace natural gas in local chemical plant operations.

• Bundesnetzagentur | German Hydrogen Network (Energy Central) - Germany's federal energy regulator unveils comprehensive national hydrogen pipeline network plan to accelerate clean energy transition.

• Hydrogen’s Power Play: What Comes After the Hype (POWER Magazine) - Hydrogen industry faces uncertain future as production costs, policy clarity, and demand uncertainty hinder widespread adoption despite growing global capacity.

• Groups Collaborate on Projects for Fusion Energy in Germany (POWER Magazine) - German state of Hessen signs MoU with industry partners to develop first-of-kind nuclear fusion pilot plant at former Biblis nuclear site.

• The State of US Clean Energy Manufacturing Investment (Clean Investment Monitor) - US clean energy manufacturing investment tripled to $14B in Q1 2025 despite rising project cancellations, with 380 new facilities announced since IRA passage.

• LiveEO | SurfaceScout Live: How to Detect Pipeline Risks Before They Happen (LiveEO) - AI-powered satellite monitoring system detects pipeline risks 4x more effectively than traditional inspection methods, offering real-time damage prevention across vast networks.

• Ask the Expert: What you should know about CEBA Connect: Spring Summit (CEBA) - Clean energy industry summit in Minneapolis to convene 700+ professionals for networking, collaboration on carbon-free energy future, featuring 31 sessions and new networking spaces.

• JinkoSolar’s Shipped 17.5 GW Solar Modules In Q1 2025 (TaiyangNews) - JinkoSolar reports 17.5GW solar module shipments in Q1 2025 amid widening losses due to price declines and shifting trade policies.

• Nippon Energy To Launch 1 GW HJT Solar Module Factory In Dubai (TaiyangNews) - Japanese firm Nippon Energy announces 1 GW heterojunction solar module factory in Dubai, marking major expansion of Middle East's solar manufacturing capacity.

• No Clean Energy Company Is Safe From Tariffs (Heatmap News) - First Solar's Q1 earnings miss and stock plunge reveals all US clean energy manufacturers vulnerable to Trump's reciprocal tariffs despite domestic production focus.

• Why Manufacturing Executives are Embracing Servant Leadership (LNS Research) - Manufacturing executives are shifting to servant leadership style, showing 10% better performance across KPIs and improved employee retention in industrial operations.

• Plans Advance for Huge New Exxon Plastics Plant in Texas (InsideClimateNews) - ExxonMobil advances $10 billion Texas Gulf Coast plastics plant with local school district tax break negotiations, aiming to produce 3 million tons of plastic annually.

• Energy Insiders Podcast: The view from inside the gas industry (RenewEconomy) - Gas industry veteran Rick Wilkinson discusses market dynamics, Spain's blackout, and election day impacts in Energy Insiders podcast.

• Panasonic Steps Away From Solar & Storage, Ends EverVolt Line (CleanTechnica) - Panasonic exits residential solar and battery storage market, discontinuing EverVolt product line while honoring existing warranties.

• Marnie Surfaceblow: The Scrubber Corrosion Case: How Manganese Disrupted Operations (POWER Magazine) - Manganese contamination from cooling tower blowdown causes severe corrosion in power plant's limestone scrubber system, disrupting operations and requiring engineering intervention.

• Study: Over 70 per cent of businesses to push forward with electrification (BusinessGreen) - Over 70% of businesses plan to increase electrification and emissions reduction efforts over next three years despite energy security and cost concerns, EY study finds.

• 6 archetypes to take corporate sustainability to the next level (Trellis) - Six sustainability archetypes - from box-checker to innovation-driven - help companies align C-suite, board, and sustainability teams for better environmental and social outcomes.

Policy

EPA grant terminations, legal battles for river personhood, state-level climate action despite Trump, California's Clean Air Act fight, and "Climate Superfund" legislation in ten states.

• Federal Funding Opportunities and Guidance – April 30, 2025 (Environmental Protection Network) - EPA rapidly processing termination notices for over 700 environmental justice grants while some grantees regain ASAP funding access following court order.

• Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) (CPD) - Bangladesh policy think tank advocates for enhanced climate resilience and sustainability through collaborative policy recommendations and research initiatives.

• How Recognizing the Life of Rivers Could Transform the Law (Atmos) - Legal scholars and Indigenous communities push to grant rivers legal personhood status worldwide, marking shift in environmental protection approaches.

• Climate Hope in Challenging Times: April 2025 (350.org) - Despite Trump's second term anti-climate policies, US cities and states show climate progress through local legislation and protests against fossil fuel infrastructure.

• House Takes Unprecedented Step to Undermine California’s Clean Air Act Authority (EDF) - House of Representatives passes unprecedented resolution to block California's Clean Air Act authority on vehicle emission standards, threatening decades of state-level pollution control.

• New Map Shows Hundreds of Facilities Across the U.S. That Might Get a Pollution Pass from Trump Administration (EDF) - Interactive map reveals 500+ industrial facilities invited by EPA to seek pollution limit exemptions, sparking concerns over public health impacts near schools and communities.

• Norwich Climate Commission Coordinator (Tyndall Centre) - Norwich Climate Commission seeks part-time coordinator to manage public events, prepare briefings, and support city's climate action initiatives through 2025-2027.

• Global protests marking Trump’s 100 days show world is ready to resist (Greenpeace International) - Global environmental protests mark Trump's first 100 days with demonstrations against billionaire influence and environmental rollbacks at multiple iconic locations worldwide.

• MoCo Kids Lead the Way: Family Environmental Scavenger Hunt Sparks Climate Action to Protect Our Communities and Environment (Chesapeake Climate) - Montgomery County families participate in environmental scavenger hunt to teach children about climate action and sustainable community practices.

• 96 percent of Illinois wetlands could be at risk; Illinois Wetlands Protection Act needed to protect them (Prairie Rivers Network) - Illinois faces potential loss of 96% of wetlands due to Trump administration's Clean Water Act rollback, prompting state legislation to establish protective permitting program.

• California Judiciary Committee Advances Pathways Bill (Advanced Energy United) - California Senate Judiciary Committee passes SB 540 bill 11-0, advancing framework for regional clean energy coordination while preserving state authority.

• Reflecting on the legacy of Laudato Si (Citizens' Climate Lobby) - Former Vatican meeting participant reflects on Pope Francis's environmental encyclical Laudato Si's decade-long impact on global climate policy and Catholic environmental advocacy.

• Utilities Quietly Walk Back Commitments to Diverse Hiring, Social Justice (Energy and Policy Institute) - Major US utilities quietly roll back diversity and inclusion commitments made after George Floyd's murder, removing DEI language from corporate documents and websites amid right-wing pressure.

• The Clean Air Act is Under Threat. Remember the Donora Smog? (Center for Coalfield Justice) - Trump EPA allows industrial polluters to bypass Clean Air Act regulations, echoing conditions that led to deadly 1948 Donora smog disaster.

• 2025 Q1 VPP and Supporting DER Policy and Regulatory Updates (SEPA) - Q1 2025 sees surge in state-level virtual power plant policies and regulations, with Arizona, California, and Virginia leading major program expansions and regulatory reforms.

• Make Polluters Pay State Legislative Round-up: Progress, Promise, and Pitfalls (ThirdAct.org) - Ten U.S. states introduce "Climate Superfund" legislation in 2025 requiring fossil fuel companies to pay for climate damage, following successful passage in Vermont and New York.

• People with neoliberal views are less likely to support climate-friendly policies – new research (The Conversation) - Research across six countries reveals people holding neoliberal beliefs and free-market values consistently show lower support for climate-friendly government policies.

• The governor of Illinois discusses decarbonization in the era of Trump (Volts) - llinois Governor JB Pritzker discusses defending climate laws, advancing clean energy, and tackling challenges like housing and transportation amid Trumpism.

• In his first 100 days, Trump launched an ‘all-out assault’ on the environment (Climate Desk) - Trump's first 100 days marked by aggressive environmental deregulation and policy reversals targeting climate action and environmental protections.

• What Have Reform’s Key Candidates Said About Climate Change? (DeSmog) - Reform UK's key local election candidates promote climate science denial and anti-net zero policies while receiving funding from fossil fuel interests.

• The Senate’s Deceptively-Named “Fix Our Forests Act”: Logging, Not Solutions (John Muir Project) - Critics say the "Fix Our Forests Act" is a deceptive logging bill that weakens environmental protections, increases logging of mature trees, and may worsen wildfires.

• Trump Made a “MEGA” Mess of His First 100 Days (VIDEO) (Moms Clean Air Force) - Trump administration's first 100 days marked by environmental deregulation, including Clean Air Act rollbacks and PFAS chemical policy reversals.

• A Sad State of the Air: Moms Make News (Moms Clean Air Force) - American Lung Association report reveals 156 million Americans now exposed to unhealthy air pollution levels, marking 25 million increase from previous year.

• MEMO: What is at stake with reconciliation & extreme, illegitimate CRAs as the House returns (LCV) - House Republicans advance budget reconciliation bill threatening environmental protections, clean energy initiatives, and state rights while proposing $200 billion for border wall construction.

• House Republicans Attempt to Block Cleaner Vehicles Standards through Illegitimate Congressional Review Acts (LCV) - House Republicans launch Congressional Review Act resolutions to block California's stricter vehicle emission standards and EPA waivers, threatening state-level clean air regulations.

• Sen. Susan Collins Blasts Trump for Cuts to Scientific Research (InsideClimateNews) - Sen. Susan Collins criticizes Trump administration's $2 billion cuts to federal science funding and dismissal of 1,300 NIH employees, warning of risks to US research leadership.

• N.C. Treasurer Names Conservative Climate Skeptic to State Utilities Commission (Inside Climate News) - North Carolina treasurer appoints climate skeptic and former environment secretary Donald van der Vaart to state Utilities Commission, shifting power balance toward Republicans.

• Victoria to legislate “first of its kind” 2035 renewable gas target for industrial use (RenewEconomy) - Victoria announces Australia's first renewable gas target requiring 4.5PJ from renewable sources by 2035 for industrial users, aiming to address gas shortages and decarbonization.

• Is Labor to blame for high energy prices? Or was this the perfect trap set by the fossil fuel industry? (RenewEconomy) - Australian energy price increases stem from bipartisan policies enabling gas exports and coal price hikes, not from Labor's renewable energy initiatives which have yet to be implemented.

• Montana Republicans Are Proud Their State Has The Most Toxic Superfund Sites (CleanTechnica) - Montana Republicans push legislation to weaken environmental protections despite state constitution requiring "clean and healthful environment" and recent court ruling favoring youth climate plaintiffs.

• The Geopolitics Of Critical Minerals: China’s Grip & The West’s Response (CleanTechnica) - China's tightening grip on critical mineral exports prompts Western nations to bolster domestic production and friendshoring strategies amid geopolitical and economic concerns.

• The Future Is Now — Solar Citizens Sausage Sizzle Political Protest (CleanTechnica) - Solar Citizens hosts EV showcase and political rally in Australia featuring 26 electric vehicles and renewable energy experts to counter opposition's pro-nuclear, anti-EV stance ahead of federal election.

• Trump has launched more attacks on the environment in 100 days than his entire first term (The Guardian) - Trump administration launches record 145 environmental deregulation actions in first 100 days, surpassing total rollbacks from first term.

• ‘A ruthless agenda’: charting 100 days of Trump’s onslaught on the environment (The Guardian) - Trump's first 100 days marked by aggressive environmental deregulation campaign including mass firings of scientists, rollback of pollution rules, and withdrawal from global climate commitments.

• Solar panels to be fitted on all new-build homes in England by 2027 (The Guardian) - England mandates solar panel installation on all new-build homes by 2027, adding £3-4K to construction costs but saving homeowners £1K annually on energy bills.

• I worked with Tony Blair when he put climate at the heart of UK policy. He must not now undermine that | David King (The Guardian) - Former UK chief scientific adviser challenges Tony Blair's recent climate policy stance, warning against false choice between emissions cuts and new technology.

• The Guardian view on Labour and net zero politics: lean in and ignore bad advice | Editorial (The Guardian) - Former PM Tony Blair faces backlash after suggesting governments should reduce fossil fuel restrictions, contradicting climate experts and Labour's net zero stance.

• Leaked federal roadmap for public land called ‘industry wish list’ (The Wildlife News) - Leaked Interior Department strategic plan reveals push to exploit Western public lands under new deputy secretary Karen Budd-Falen's leadership.

• ‘Spiral of Silence’: Climate Action is Very Popular, So Why Don’t People Realise It? (Bluedot Living) - Global study reveals 89% of people want more climate action but wrongly believe they're in minority, creating 'spiral of silence' limiting progress.

• 'A common-sense decision': Government to make solar panels mandatory for new homes in England (BusinessGreen) - UK government to mandate solar panel installation on new homes in England from 2027, expected to save households £1,000 annually on energy bills.

• Balcony solar is all the rage in Germany. Why not in the US? (Canary Media) - Utah passes first US law promoting balcony-mounted solar panels, but national electrical standards remain a key barrier to widespread adoption like in Germany.

• 100 days in, does Trump still ‘dig’ coal? (Grist) - Trump signs executive order declaring coal a "critical mineral" while cutting mine safety programs and black lung protections, as industry continues decade-long decline despite campaign promises.

• See 60 days of DOGE chaos (High Country News) - Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) creates widespread chaos in federal agencies through mass firings, budget cuts, and policy reversals in first 60 days under Trump administration.

• Behavior change is society change (High Country News) - Research shows visible leadership from politicians and celebrities significantly increases public willingness to adopt sustainable behaviors and make climate-conscious choices.

• El cambio de comportamiento es un cambio social (High Country News) - Study reveals social comparison and visible leadership from politicians and celebrities most effectively drive sustainable behavior changes and climate action.

• Clean energy manufacturers cancel projects as Trump-era policies take hold (Utility Dive) - Clean energy manufacturers cancel nearly $8 billion in projects during Q1 2025 as Trump administration freezes IRA funding and imposes new tariffs.

• On May Day, workers are calling – and climate activists must answer (Climate Change News) - Labor unions and climate activists unite to demand global Just Transition policies ahead of COP30, highlighting urgent need for worker protections in green economy shift.

• Downing Street forces Tony Blair to row back from net zero strategy criticism (The Guardian) - Downing Street compels Tony Blair to retract criticism of government's net zero strategy after backlash from Labour politicians and climate experts.

• One Nation candidate whose preferences may help Coalition has railed against climate science and Covid ‘little Hitlers’ (The Guardian) - One Nation candidate Stuart Bonds, whose preferences could help Coalition win Hunter seat, revealed to have dismissed climate science and called health officials "little Hitlers".

• Climate experts and politicians round on Tony Blair for ‘wrong message’ (The Guardian) - Climate experts and politicians criticize Tony Blair for undermining net zero strategy by claiming rapid fossil fuel phase-out is "doomed to fail".

• Communicating Climate Change LIVE - Part 1 (YouTube) - Climate experts emphasize the need for effective climate communication that uses trusted messengers, focuses on tangible solutions, and employs multiple communication channels while balancing urgency with optimism.

• Laurel Blatchford shares how Delivery Associates plans to move forward in the climate space (Delivery Associates) - Global consulting firm plans to accelerate climate and sustainability work through cross-sector partnerships and implementation-focused strategies.

• CCC Monthly Meetings Return on Thursday 5/15! (Charleston Climate Coalition) - Local climate group announces return of monthly meetings and organizing summit against Dominion Energy's proposed gas plant in Canadys, SC.

• Climate Ambassador Officer (Tyndall Centre) - UK climate research institution seeks part-time Climate Ambassador Officer to coordinate educational outreach and support volunteer network in East of England.

• Federal Administration Looks to Expand Logging in California’s National Forests (Spectrum News) - US Agriculture Secretary orders 25% increase in national forest logging, sparking debate over wildfire prevention effectiveness and environmental impacts.

• Queensland unveils strict new wind and solar rules: No development application without council deal (RenewEconomy) - Queensland government mandates renewable energy developers secure local council agreements before submitting development applications, introducing strict social impact requirements.

• “There is a political war” to attract renewable hydrogen investment – and Australia is losing (RenewEconomy) - Australia losing global race for renewable hydrogen investment as capital flows to nations better de-risking major projects, warns BP Australia head.

• Australians’ support for nuclear power ban rises despite Dutton’s best efforts to sell atomic future, survey finds (The Guardian) - Support for Australia's nuclear power ban increases to 59% despite opposition leader's campaign to end restrictions and build reactors.

• The BBC is utterly beholden to the right. Why else would it fear a podcast about heat pumps? | George Monbiot (The Guardian) - BBC blocks Evan Davis's personal heat pump podcast while allowing right-wing commentary, highlighting institutional bias against environmental topics.

• The Guardian view on Australia’s federal election: progressives must vote strategically (The Guardian) - Australia's 2025 federal election pits Labor's steady reforms under Albanese against Coalition's controversial policies under Dutton, with climate action and cost-of-living as key battlegrounds.

• Time to Defund the Climate Models? (Energy Central) - Trump administration budget cuts threaten to shut down major US climate modeling programs at NASA, NOAA, and DOE amid broader climate research funding reductions.

• 'Postcode lottery': New data reveals North-South divide in waiting times for clean tech approval (BusinessGreen) - Data shows UK clean technology installation approval times vary dramatically by region, from 1 to 45 days, revealing significant North-South divide.

• EWG testimony to the California Assembly environment panel on A.B. 1264, to ban particularly harmful ultra-processed foods (EWG) - California Assembly considers bill A.B. 1264 to ban harmful ultra-processed foods from schools, citing research linking them to 120,000 early deaths annually.

• The hidden costs of wolf conservation (High Country News) - California and Washington states explore "pay for presence" compensation programs for ranchers sharing land with wolves, moving beyond traditional livestock loss payments despite budget constraints.

• Is sustainable tourism possible? (High Country News) - Jackson Hole, Wyoming implements first state sustainable tourism plan amid record visitor surge, with locals divided over $3.7M annual tourism marketing spend despite overcrowding concerns.

• Tony Blair’s climate crisis views ‘absolutely aligned’ with government policy, Starmer says – as it happened (The Guardian) - Labour leader Keir Starmer defends government climate policy alignment with Tony Blair's views amid controversy over former PM's net zero criticism.

• It’s the anti net-zero, anti-woke Tony Blair – how was this man ever considered a progressive? | Zoe Williams (The Guardian) - Former UK PM Tony Blair faces criticism for opposing net-zero policies and maintaining corporate alignments, marking shift from progressive stance.

• Helen Clarkson looks to build on progress from US Leaders' Forum to Climate Week NYC (Climate Group) - CEO Helen Clarkson highlights successful US Leaders' Forum discussions on climate action implementation and previews global Climate Week NYC event in September.

• A 180 on climate (Canary Media) - North Carolina's landmark climate law faces reversal as Senate bill aims to eliminate Duke Energy's 2030 emissions goals, with support from former clean energy advocates in manufacturing sector.

• Doug Burgum’s sharp turn (Canary Media) - Former North Dakota governor Doug Burgum shifts from supporting clean energy and carbon neutrality to backing fossil fuel expansion as Trump's Interior Secretary.

• Louisiana considers how to regulate solar (Canary Media) - Louisiana lawmakers consider solar farm regulations requiring mile-long buffers between projects and homes, but face disagreement from property owners, developers and petrochemical sector.

Renewables

Community solar savings, JA Solar offshore modules, US surpasses fossil fuels, Microsoft & Clearway wind deal, Stonepeak invests in Repsol solar.

• Easy Energy Bill Savings with Community Solar (Solar Landscape) - Community solar program offers 15-20% electricity bill savings through shared rooftop solar projects without requiring personal panel installation.

• China Solar PV News Snippets: JA Solar Modules For Offshore PV Demo Project & More (TaiyangNews) - JA Solar delivers specialized marine-resistant modules for China's first 500 MW fully offshore solar plant, while NEA encourages private sector expansion in solar industry.

• Good Climate News Roundup – Earth Month 2025 (LCV) - US renewable energy surpassed fossil fuels in electricity generation for first time, providing 51% of grid power in March 2025.

• Why unlimited green energy is closer than people think – video (The Guardian) - Global renewable energy adoption reaches 40% of electricity demand as countries like Iceland lead transition through diverse clean power sources despite varying geological advantages.

• Clever new technique turns falling rain into renewable energy (Anthropocene) - Scientists develop device converting falling raindrops into electricity through tiny tubes, generating enough power for 12 LED lights.

• Innovation Continues to Drive Growth in Solar Power Sector (POWER Magazine) - Solar power sector sees continued growth through technological innovations including AI robots, weather monitoring systems, and enhanced tracking platforms despite market challenges.

• Microsoft Signs 335 MW Wind Power Purchase Agreement in West Virginia (ESGToday) - Microsoft signs major 335MW wind power agreement with Clearway for West Virginia's Mount Storm facility, supporting tech giant's 2030 zero-carbon energy goals.

• Colorado’s rural electric co-ops are determined to go green (High Country News) - Colorado rural electric co-ops push ahead with renewable energy plans despite federal funding uncertainty under Trump administration, with $800 million in grants at stake.

• How old is that sheep? Edify floats another solar and battery project amid reports it is fishing for buyers (RenewEconomy) - Edify Energy proposes new 90MW solar farm with battery storage in NSW while reportedly seeking buyers, with plans to incorporate sheep grazing under panels.

• ElectroRoute and Low Carbon agree balancing PPAs for 140MW of UK solar projects (BusinessGreen) - ElectroRoute and Low Carbon sign balancing PPAs for 140MW of UK solar projects capable of powering 50,000 homes annually.

• Stonepeak Acquires $340 Million Stake in U.S. Solar Portfolio from Repsol (ESG Today) - Investment firm Stonepeak acquires 46.3% stake in 777MW US solar and storage portfolio from Repsol for $340 million.

Transport

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Certificates, Kofa, Roam, Exeter Airport, Volkswagen ID.3 GTX, BYD Seagull in Brazil, Dow & Jaguar TCS Racing, Waymo & Toyota Autonomous Vehicles.

• Clearing the Air: How a Buyers Alliance Is Creating Clean Jet Fuel (RMI) - Corporate buyers alliance launches sustainable aviation fuel certificate system to accelerate clean jet fuel adoption and reduce aviation emissions.

• More Good Electric 2- & 3-Wheeler News From East & West Africa (CleanTechnica) - African electric mobility startups secure major funding and expand operations, with Ghana's Kofa raising $8.1M and Kenya's Roam launching new regional hubs for electric motorcycles.

• UK's first hydrogen-fuelled live aircraft turnaround at Exeter Airport (Energy Central) - Exeter Airport demonstrates UK's first multi-vehicle hydrogen-powered aircraft ground operations, using green hydrogen for baggage tugs and support equipment.

• Massachusetts should uphold the state’s clean car rules, advocates say (Canary Media) - Over 60 environmental and business groups urge Massachusetts governor to maintain state's electric vehicle sales requirements despite automaker pressure and recent delays in heavy-duty vehicle regulations.

• 1 Millionth Electric Vehicle Rolls off the Production Line at the Volkswagen Plant in Zwickau (CleanTechnica) - Volkswagen's Zwickau plant reaches milestone of 1 million electric vehicles produced since 2019, with ID.3 GTX marking the achievement.

• BYD Seagull to Start Production in Brazil Next June (CleanTechnica) - BYD to begin production of Seagull electric city car in Brazil's Camaçarí plant this June, aiming for 150,000 annual units with potential regional exports.

• Dow’s Collaboration With Jaguar TCS Racing At Miami E-Prix — A Focus On Thermal Management (CleanTechnica) - Dow partners with Jaguar TCS Racing to develop thermal management innovations for Formula E vehicles, focusing on heat regulation technology that could improve electric vehicle efficiency and range.

• Waymo & Toyota May Collaborate On Autonomous Cars (CleanTechnica) - Waymo and Toyota sign preliminary agreement to explore development of autonomous vehicle platform for robotaxis and potential consumer vehicles.

• Toyota & Waymo Outline Strategic Partnership to Advance Autonomous Driving Deployment (CleanTechnica) - Toyota and Waymo form strategic partnership to develop autonomous driving technology and integrate Waymo's systems into Toyota's personally owned vehicles.

• Ever wonder what it’s like to work at Ampersand Energy ⚡ (Ampersand Energy) - Software engineering team develops mobile apps and battery monitoring systems for electric mobility solutions in Rwanda and Kenya.