I don't know why anything is shocking anymore, but the top story today in sustainability today is undoubtedly the FBI and EPA's move against recipients of EPA grants to respond to climate change. Memeorandum has a good cluster of coverage as more comes online.
Here's what's happening, why, and what it could mean:
The New Republic writes: "The FBI is moving to criminalize groups like Habitat for Humanity for receiving grants from the Environmental Protection Agency under the Biden administration. Citibank revealed in a court filing Wednesday that it was told to freeze the groups’ bank accounts at the FBI’s request." ABC News: "Environmental Protection Agency staff members across the country have been told by supervisors they are prohibited from communicating with grantee partners they are supposed to supervise and monitor."
TechCrunch: "The funds were disbursed as part of the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which was created by the Inflation Reduction Act, a law passed by Congress in 2022. Of that, the EPA received $14 billion for a National Clean Investment Fund, which provides grants to green banks." Grist: "A funding delay of a few months could kneecap or even collapse the green bank program. Even if Climate United and its fellow grantees succeed in getting their money, the Trump administration’s vendetta against the program could hamper private interest in future solar farms and energy projects." Which was a key part of what all this was supposed to do - incentivize follow-on private investment. This is the kind of dirty pool that can be expected by bad faith adversaries over at least the next four years.
And now, our daily summaries of 200 selected updates from around the world of green tech and sustainability. Let's go!
Today's Updates
Table of Contents
Agriculture (6 stories) - Innovative breeding technologies, solar integration, and conservation efforts drive sustainable agricultural transformation across Madagascar, Turkey, and global food systems
Carbon (12 stories) - Colorado's Carbon Management Roadmap Drives Innovation, with Capture6, CommuniTree, and DOE Insights Advancing Decarbonization Amid Global Climate Challenges
Circular (2 stories) - LanzaTech and LEGO drive circular innovation with CO2-derived textiles and renewable brick materials
Ecosystems (18 stories) - Sea level rise, wildlife conservation challenges, and regenerative ecosystem strategies highlight critical climate impacts on biodiversity and habitat resilience across global landscapes
Efficiency (4 stories) - AI sensors boost pollution tracking, Siemens-UEL river heat pump advances, ACEEE proposes heat pump rates, data centers target infrastructure efficiency
Finance (3 stories) - Green investment shifts: BNP's €800M platform, EPA funding tensions, and Breakthrough Energy's policy pivot
Grid (15 stories) - Battery Storage Surge and AI-Driven Grid Optimization: Siemens Energy, Jinko ESS, and Sungrow Lead Renewable Energy Integration Efforts
Indigenous (7 stories) - Indigenous climate resilience, land rights, and media empowerment across the Americas, from Nicaragua to Hawaii and Brazil
Industry (13 stories) - Green hydrogen deals, nuclear expansion, and innovative decarbonization technologies drive industrial sustainability, with TotalEnergies, RWE, Fabrum, and tech giants leading transformative energy solutions.
Policy (82 stories) - EPA Deregulation and Environmental Justice Rollbacks Threaten Climate Protections Amid Policy Battles
Renewables (22 stories) - Global solar innovation drives market expansion: JA Solar, AIKO, and LONGi lead technological advancements in n-type modules, while Voltalia, Rio Tinto, and NextEnergy Capital secure major renewable energy projects across multiple continents.
Transport (16 stories) - Electric vehicle expansion accelerates globally, with VinFast, Toyota, and Tesla driving market growth, while innovative charging solutions from Australia and hydrogen transit experiments reshape transportation's green transition.
Agriculture
Innovative breeding technologies, solar integration, and conservation efforts drive sustainable agricultural transformation across Madagascar, Turkey, and global food systems
Diversifying rice-based systems to enhance household nutrition, food security and women empowerment (CGIAR) - Madagascar project diversifies rice-based farming systems to combat malnutrition, empower women, and enhance food security through climate-resilient agricultural innovations.
NYBG will host the Secretariat of the Food Plant Global Conservation Consortium (NYBG) - New York Botanical Garden to lead global Food Plant Conservation Consortium, enhancing food plant diversity preservation and research worldwide.
Astronergy Turkey Factory Manufactured Panels Energize Local 7.3MW Agri-Solar Plant (TaiyangNews) - Astronergy supplies high-efficiency solar modules for 7.3MW agri-solar plant in Turkey, enabling sustainable energy integration with agricultural production.
She Trusted the Government’s Promise to Help Farmers. Then Trump Stepped In. (Earthjustice) - Trump administration freezes Inflation Reduction Act funding, leaving farmers like Laura Beth Resnick without promised solar panel reimbursements.
🎥Ohalo CEO on ‘boosted’ breeding: ‘Yields are through the roof’ (AgFunderNews) - Ohalo's revolutionary 'boosted breeding' technology promises to dramatically increase crop yields by ensuring offspring inherit entire parental genomes, potentially transforming agricultural breeding across multiple crop types.
Strengthening Breeding Pipelines: Insights from the AVISA Project at CIMMYT’s Science and Innovation Week (CGIAR) - Gates Foundation expert highlights network-based breeding, AI, and gene editing as transformative approaches to accelerate crop improvement in sub-Saharan Africa.
Carbon
Colorado's Carbon Management Roadmap Drives Innovation, with Capture6, CommuniTree, and DOE Insights Advancing Decarbonization Amid Global Climate Challenges
Colorado's carbon management roadmap, advancing Hispanic representation in energy, and more! (Better Energy) - Colorado releases comprehensive Carbon Management Roadmap to advance state decarbonization efforts and climate action strategies.
Capture6 Raises $27.5 Million to Advance Water Recovery and Carbon Removal Tech (ESG Today) - Capture6 secures $27.5 million to develop innovative water treatment and carbon removal technology that simultaneously addresses freshwater scarcity and CO2 reduction.
CommuniTree 2024: Advancing forest restoration for the carbon market 2.0 (Taking Root) - CommuniTree expands forest restoration in Nicaragua, planting 1.9 million trees across 1,417 hectares despite voluntary carbon market challenges.
The Carbon Copy: A co-founder's takeaways from DOE (Carbon180) - Carbon removal expert Noah Deich shares 10 key insights from his transformative tenure as DOE Deputy Assistant Secretary for Carbon Management.
Why It’s Time the Climate Movement Repaired Its Relationship With Carbon (Atmos) - Paul Hawken argues the climate crisis stems from humanity's severed relationship with carbon's natural flow, advocating for a holistic understanding of carbon as the element of life.
The UK’s gamble on solar geoengineering is like using aspirin for cancer | Raymond Pierrehumbert and Michael Mann (Guardian) - UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency plans controversial solar geoengineering field trials, raising significant scientific and ethical concerns about climate intervention.
EcoVadis Launches Carbon Data Exchange to Enable Scope 3 Emissions Data Collection (ESG Today) - EcoVadis launches Carbon Data Network to help companies access primary Scope 3 emissions data from suppliers more efficiently.
February 2025: Earth’s 3rd-warmest February on record (Yale Climate Connections) - February 2025 ranks as Earth's third-warmest February on record, with global temperatures 1.49°C above preindustrial levels and Arctic sea ice reaching its lowest February extent.
Accurate & Scalable Methane Emissions Inventories | Pete Roos | Bridger Photonics (Bridger Photonics) - Advanced LiDAR technology enables precise methane emissions detection and reduction for oil and gas industry, achieving an average 18% annual emissions reduction.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in En ROADS (En-ROADS) - Carbon capture and storage (CCS) shows minimal climate impact despite potential industry growth, with negligible temperature reduction and complex economic trade-offs.
Direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS) in En ROADS (En-ROADS) - Direct air carbon capture technology could remove up to one gigaton of CO2 annually by 2080, with growth heavily dependent on technological progress and cost reduction assumptions.
Analysis: UK emissions fall 3.6% in 2024 as coal use drops to lowest since 1666 (Carbon Brief) - UK greenhouse gas emissions fall 3.6% in 2024, reaching lowest level since 1872 due to coal phase-out and electric vehicle adoption.
Circular
LanzaTech and LEGO drive circular innovation with CO2-derived textiles and renewable brick materials
Kathmandu unveils outdoor clothing range made from recycled CO2 (BusinessGreen) - Kathmandu launches innovative outdoor clothing line using CO2 emissions and recycled car tyres through partnership with LanzaTech.
LEGO Group Nearly Triples Renewable Materials in Bricks in 2024 (ESG Today) - LEGO Group accelerates sustainability by nearly tripling renewable materials in bricks to 33% in 2024, targeting 100% sustainable materials by 2032.
Ecosystems
Sea level rise, wildlife conservation challenges, and regenerative ecosystem strategies highlight critical climate impacts on biodiversity and habitat resilience across global landscapes
In This Storied Egyptian City, Rising Seas are Causing Buildings to Crumble (Yale E360) - Alexandria's historic buildings crumble as rising sea levels and climate change erode coastal foundations, threatening over 7,000 structures.
When planting trees to slow climate change, don’t plant the same tree all the time (Anthropocene Magazine) - Planting diverse tree species in reforestation efforts can increase carbon storage by 36% compared to monoculture forests.
How Will Your Garden Grow? New Books to Inspire Your Home Gardening, Landscaping, and Community Green Spaces (The Revelator) - New gardening books offer practical, inspiring guides for creating sustainable, climate-resilient, and ecologically-friendly home and community green spaces.
Northern California Condor Dies in Wild (Yurok Tribe) - Young Northern California condor dies from lead poisoning, highlighting critical threat to endangered species from lead ammunition.
Restoring Iberia’s Landscapes (REVOLVE) - Iberian communities in Spain and Portugal are pioneering regenerative agriculture, landscape restoration, and climate adaptation strategies to combat desertification, wildfires, and rural depopulation.
2024 was worst year for British bumblebees: Report (Mongabay) - British bumblebee populations plummeted by nearly 25% in 2024, marking the worst year on record due to wet and cold spring weather disrupting critical colony establishment.
Plastic pollution leaves seabirds with brain damage similar to Alzheimer’s, study shows (Guardian) - Seabird chicks suffer brain damage similar to Alzheimer's from plastic ingestion, revealing severe neurological impacts of marine pollution.
Asian elephants fall victim to poor development policies in Bangladesh (Mongabay) - Bangladesh's critical Asian elephant population faces severe threats from unplanned infrastructure and border fencing, leading to escalating human-wildlife conflicts.
How North Sea tanker collision could affect one of Britain’s most important coastlines (The Conversation) - North Sea tanker collision threatens critical marine ecosystem and fishing grounds off Yorkshire coast with potential jet fuel contamination.
The wildlife all around us is doing fascinating things. Are you noticing? (Grist) - Biologist Thor Hanson encourages urban dwellers to observe local wildlife closely, revealing fascinating behaviors and contributing to scientific research through citizen science platforms.
Atmospheric river to wallop California as study finds storms getting worse (Guardian) - Powerful atmospheric river storm threatens California with heavy rain, flooding, and increased severity linked to climate change.
Dead and dying Port Pirie birds and bats exposed to lead at 3,000 times acceptable levels (Guardian) - Port Pirie wildlife exposed to catastrophic lead levels, with birds and bats found dead at 3,000 times acceptable toxicity, amid EPA's limited investigation.
Forest management ambitions in Brazilian Amazon aim to make up for lost time (Mongabay) - Brazil aims to quadruple Amazon forest management concessions by 2026 to combat illegal logging and promote sustainable timber extraction.
How climate change affects rain and floods (ScienceDaily) - Climate change intensifies short-term precipitation events by 15%, with significant implications for local flooding risks across different timescales.
A tale of two cities: What drove 2024’s Valencia and Porto Alegre floods? (Mongabay) - Catastrophic 2024 floods in Valencia, Spain, and Porto Alegre, Brazil, reveal complex climate crisis driven by deforestation, urban development, and carbon emissions, challenging simplistic carbon-reduction strategies.
Cutting ‘boots-on-the-ground, getting-it-done stuff’ could harm the West’s fish and wildlife for decades (HCN) - Proposed budget cuts to U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Research Units could permanently damage wildlife research and conservation efforts across Western states.
Fishing cat home range far bigger than previously thought, Nepal study suggests (Mongabay) - GPS-collaring study in Nepal reveals fishing cats have significantly larger home ranges than previously thought, challenging assumptions about their habitat use.
Whale songs rise and fall with food supply, study finds. (Mongabay) - Whale songs fluctuate in frequency directly correlating with marine food supply abundance, revealing potential communication and energy conservation strategies.
Efficiency
AI sensors boost pollution tracking, Siemens-UEL river heat pump advances, ACEEE proposes heat pump rates, data centers target infrastructure efficiency
How AI is making affordable air pollution sensors more accurate (The Conversation) - AI-powered low-cost sensors can now improve air pollution monitoring accuracy by up to 67%, enabling more precise and affordable local air quality tracking.
University of East London to heat campus buildings using water from River Thames (BusinessGreen) - University of East London partners with Siemens to install innovative water source heat pump drawing thermal energy from River Thames to heat campus buildings.
Utilities should consider heat pump-specific rates to encourage adoption: ACEEE (Utility Dive) - ACEEE recommends heat pump-specific electricity rates with winter discounts to incentivize adoption and manage home heating costs.
IT efficiency: an untapped power resource (Uptime Institute) - Data centers can mitigate projected energy demand growth by prioritizing IT infrastructure efficiency and software optimization alongside electricity supply expansion.
Finance
Green investment shifts: BNP's €800M platform, EPA funding tensions, and Breakthrough Energy's policy pivot
BNP Paribas AM Establishes €800 Million Venture and Impact Platform (ESG Today) - BNP Paribas Asset Management launches €800 million Venture and Impact platform to drive innovation and sustainable investment across ecological transition and technology sectors.
How Citibank got caught in a $20B climate fight (Grist) - Citibank caught in political crossfire over $20B EPA green bank funding amid Trump administration's attempts to freeze climate investment program.
The Bill Gates Era of Climate Giving Has Ended (Heatmap News) - Bill Gates' Breakthrough Energy closes policy and advocacy office, signaling a potential retreat from climate philanthropy.
Grid
Battery Storage Surge and AI-Driven Grid Optimization: Siemens Energy, Jinko ESS, and Sungrow Lead Renewable Energy Integration Efforts
U.S. Battery Capacity Increased 66% in 2024 (CleanTechnica) - U.S. battery storage capacity surged 66% in 2024, reaching 26 gigawatts with 10.4 GW added, positioning batteries as the second-largest new generating capacity after solar.
Jinko ESS delivers SunTera Systems for D-BESS 84MWh Utility Energy Storage Project (TaiyangNews) - Jinko ESS delivers 28 SunTera energy storage systems for 84MWh utility-scale project in Australia, marking a significant milestone in energy storage deployment.
Time-based rates convince Chicago-area residents to shift electricity use (Canary Media) - ComEd's voluntary time-of-use electricity rates incentivize Chicago-area residents to shift energy consumption, potentially saving money and reducing grid strain.
Are we in an AI-energy bubble? (Latitude Media) - AI infrastructure expansion faces potential bubble risks due to energy market constraints, speculative investments, and utility regulatory challenges.
Making the most out of the grid we’ve got: Siemens Energy dives into digitalization with AI, dynamic line ratings, and grid-enhancing tech (Renewable Energy World) - Siemens Energy leverages AI, sensors, and dynamic line ratings to digitalize and optimize grid efficiency, enabling up to 15% more power transmission with minimal infrastructure investment.
INTERSOLAR EUROPE: THE TIME FOR HYBRID POWER PLANTS HAS COME (TaiyangNews) - Hybrid power plants combining solar, wind, and storage are emerging as a cost-effective and grid-stabilizing solution for renewable energy integration.
LiveEO | Meet us at the Future of Utilities: Energy Transition Summit 2025 (LiveEO) - Satellite-powered vegetation management solution Treeline aims to enhance grid resilience and prevent power disruptions at Future of Utilities: Energy Transition Summit 2025.
First Deployment of the Sungrow PowerTitan 2.0 BESS in Finland (TaiyangNews) - Sungrow deploys advanced PowerTitan 2.0 liquid-cooled energy storage system in Finland's 50MW Kalanti BESS project, enhancing grid stability and renewable energy integration.
Huge eight-hour battery project, one of biggest in Australia, locks in supplier (RenewEconomy) - Ark Energy secures Hanwha Energy to supply massive 275 MW, 2,200 MWh eight-hour battery project in New South Wales, targeting 2027 commercial operations.
A $5B loan guarantee for a long-range transmission project may be Elon Musk’s next target (Renewable Energy World) - Missouri Attorney General challenges $5B federal loan guarantee for Grain Belt Express transmission project, citing land use concerns.
Who is paying for all that data center power? (Volts) - Data centers' massive electricity demand threatens to entrench utility monopolies and derail power sector reforms through costly infrastructure expansion and special contracts.
ComEd launching rate program to shave peak demand (Canary Media) - ComEd launches voluntary time-of-use electricity rate program that reduces peak grid demand by incentivizing off-peak energy consumption.
Ontario suspends tariff on electricity exports to US (Utility Dive) - Ontario suspends 25% electricity export tariff to US after diplomatic negotiations with Trump administration.
Beating China on AI requires all available grid solutions (Utility Dive) - U.S. must rapidly expand transmission infrastructure and deploy grid-enhancing technologies to support AI data centers and compete with China's energy development.
National Grid’s Jesse Harvey on harnessing the next wave of smart meters: AMI 2.0 (Renewable Energy World) - National Grid executive Jesse Harvey discusses advancing smart meter technology (AMI 2.0) to transform utility-customer energy data interactions.
Indigenous
Indigenous climate resilience, land rights, and media empowerment across the Americas, from Nicaragua to Hawaii and Brazil
The Power of the SE Indigenous Coalition Environmental Conference (7 Directions of Service) - Southeast Indigenous Coalition convenes environmental conference to advance traditional ecological knowledge and community-driven conservation strategies.
Uprooted: How Back-to-Back Hurricanes Displaced One Family From Nicaragua to the U.S. (Moms Clean Air Force) - Indigenous Nicaraguan family forced to migrate after devastating hurricanes and government oppression, highlighting climate-driven displacement.
In Pieces (Places Journal) - Hawaiian family navigates complex land inheritance of a tiny, inaccessible 0.05-acre kuleana property with deep historical roots in land privatization and Indigenous dispossession.
Resiliencia Energética y Empoderamiento Comunitario en Puerto Rico (IREC) - Puerto Rican communities build solar-powered resilience centers to provide critical electricity and community support during extreme weather events.
Brazil’s crackdown on illegal mining in Munduruku Indigenous land sees success, but fears remain (Mongabay) - Brazil's government successfully reduces illegal mining in Munduruku Indigenous territory through coordinated security operation, but concerns remain about potential miner return.
Join us on 4/9! Share Your Story with the Media (Cultural Survival) - Indigenous media training webinar aims to empower leaders in effectively communicating their stories to journalists.
Money Management and Homeownership with the First Nations Market Housing Fund (NFN) - First Nations Market Housing Fund offers personalized financial counseling to help members improve credit, budgeting, and mortgage qualification skills.
Industry
Green hydrogen deals, nuclear expansion, and innovative decarbonization technologies drive industrial sustainability, with TotalEnergies, RWE, Fabrum, and tech giants leading transformative energy solutions.
TotalEnergies, RWE Sign 15-Year Green Hydrogen Deal to Decarbonize Refineries (ESG Today) - TotalEnergies and RWE sign 15-year green hydrogen supply deal to decarbonize Leuna refinery, preventing 300,000 tons of CO2 emissions.
Fabrum and Sumitomo partner to expand liquid hydrogen technology access to industry (Energy Central) - Fabrum and Sumitomo collaborate to expand liquid hydrogen technology for decarbonizing heavy transport and aviation through flexible, portable liquefier solutions.
A Green Hydrogen Twofer: Waste Management Plus Animal Feed (CleanTechnica) - Singaporean researchers develop solar-powered method to convert municipal wastewater sludge into green hydrogen and animal feed protein, offering a sustainable waste management solution.
Elio is hiring big - join us on our journey! (Elio) - Sustainability-focused pharma startup seeks pharma scientists, data scientists, and software engineers to develop innovative climate-impact reduction software.
Producing Affordable Hydrogen by Tripling Down With the House’s Money. (Energy Central) - Innovative deep-ocean hydrogen production method could overcome efficiency losses and reduce costs by leveraging ocean thermal energy and high-pressure electrolysis.
Long term PPA | Green Hydrogen, TotalEnergies RWE (Energy Central) - RWE and TotalEnergies sign long-term green hydrogen PPA to reduce 300,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually at Leuna refinery through 300 MW electrolysis plant.
Tech and Industry Giants Pledge to Triple Global Nuclear Power by 2050 (POWER) - Tech and industry giants pledge collective support to triple global nuclear power capacity by 2050, signaling major cross-sector commitment to clean energy transformation.
Fueling Knowledge: LSU’s ties to oil and gas stretch back to the 1930s (Floodlight) - Louisiana State University's deep-rooted financial and research partnerships with the oil and gas industry span nearly a century, from campus oil wells to multimillion-dollar corporate donations.
Electric Hydrogen’s bet on supersized electrolyzers (Latitude Media) - Electric Hydrogen bets on 100-megawatt electrolyzers to drive down green hydrogen production costs amid market skepticism.
What will it take for Holtec to put small nuclear reactors at Palisades? (Latitude Media) - Holtec plans to restart Palisades nuclear plant and add small modular reactors, navigating complex licensing and funding challenges with federal and state support.
Northvolt Files for Bankruptcy (ESG Today) - European battery manufacturer Northvolt files for bankruptcy after strategic challenges in EV market slowdown and production difficulties.
The great ‘knowledge transfer’: ABB eyes AI to help address workforce challenges (RenewableEnergyWorld) - ABB leverages AI to facilitate critical knowledge transfer between experienced and junior energy workforce professionals.
Robots everywhere: the exciting possibilities of human-robot collaboration (Emerald.vc) - Mantis Robotics develops innovative collaborative robots that balance safety and productivity through advanced spatial intelligence technologies.
Policy
EPA Deregulation and Environmental Justice Rollbacks Threaten Climate Protections Amid Policy Battles
Decision to Close EPA’s Environmental Justice Offices a Danger to Americans’ Health and Safety (Friends of the Earth) - EPA plans to close environmental justice offices, threatening health protections for marginalized communities.
ICYMI: Trump Administration Dismantles EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (LCV) - Trump administration eliminates EPA's Office of Environmental Justice and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, undermining environmental protection for vulnerable communities.
New York State Senate Includes Climate Resilient New York Act in the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget (EDF) - New York State Senate proposes Climate Resilience Act to establish statewide strategy for addressing climate-driven natural disasters and extreme weather impacts.
Trump Administration to Close EPA’s Environmental Justice Offices (EDF) - Trump Administration plans to dismantle EPA's environmental justice offices, potentially leaving vulnerable communities unprotected from pollution.
Trump Administration Unleashes Horrific Roll Back of Bedrock EPA Standards (LCV) - Trump EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin rolls back 31 environmental protection rules, prioritizing fossil fuel industry profits over public health and clean energy.
North Carolina bill would slash carbon reduction goals and saddle customers with more utility costs (SELC) - North Carolina Senate bill threatens carbon reduction goals and enables utility cost recovery without sufficient customer protections.
How countries define climate action in Paris Agreement pledges – and why a standard format could help assess outcomes (The Conversation) - Computational linguistics analysis reveals stark differences in how countries define climate action through Paris Agreement pledges, highlighting global inequities in approach and commitment.
UNDRR welcomes Fijian Broadcasting Corporation disaster resilience plan (UNDRR) - Fijian Broadcasting Corporation launches pioneering disaster resilience plan to ensure continuous media operations during emergencies.
Export-Import Bank Set to Approve Disastrous Mozambique LNG (Friends of the Earth) - US Export-Import Bank poised to approve $4.7 billion LNG project in Mozambique despite severe human rights concerns and environmental risks.
Cropped 12 March 2025: Trump and timber; Food fights; Peru’s peatlands (Carbon Brief) - Trump signs executive orders to increase timber production in national forests, sparking environmental concerns and potential legal challenges.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin Makes Water Policy Announcement (EPA) - Administrator Lee Zeldin announces new Waters of the United States rule simplifying federal water regulation based on Supreme Court's Sackett decision, aiming to provide clarity for farmers and landowners.
EPA Administrator Zeldin’s Plan Will Increase Pollution in Daily Lives (EDF) - EPA Administrator Zeldin proposes sweeping rollback of environmental protections, threatening public health and increasing pollution across multiple sectors.
Clean Energy Business Industry Voices Strong Support for Pathways Initiative (Advanced Energy United) - Clean energy businesses strongly support California's Pathways Initiative to create a regional energy organization that will improve grid reliability, lower costs, and accelerate clean energy deployment.
Scaling Local Climate Action Part Two: Shaping State Decisions Through Peer Networks (Better Energy) - Great Plains Institute demonstrates how peer learning networks enable local governments to effectively shape state climate and energy policy through collaborative engagement.
Tracking the Oregon 2025 Bills (SOCAN) - Oregon climate advocacy group monitors over 70 bills in 2025 legislative session to advance climate solutions and oppose nuclear facility construction.
Restarting Dirty Coal Plants Will Mean More Pollution, Health Harms, Higher Costs for Americans (EDF) - Restarting old coal plants threatens public health, raises electricity costs, and contradicts clean energy progress.
New Jerseyans’ Pocketbooks Need These Electric Incentives (NRDC) - New Jersey bill S249/A4844 proposes electric appliance incentives to lower energy costs and reduce building emissions through strategic electrification.
The government's climate plans are still ambitious and on-track, so why is Labour making so much anti-green noise? | Richard Power Sayeed (Guardian) - Labour's climate strategy remains committed to long-term green goals despite apparent anti-green rhetoric and tactical political posturing.
Storm-raising, witches and the new conspiracist threat to weather research (Guardian) - Conspiracy theories about weather manipulation threaten legitimate meteorological research through proposed state laws banning atmospheric experiments.
US Wants To Restart Shuttered Coal-Fired Generating Stations (CleanTechnica) - US Energy Secretary proposes restarting shuttered coal-fired power plants, sparking controversy over climate and energy policy.
California’s utility bill crisis is clear to all. The solution, not so much. (Canary Media) - California's utility bills are skyrocketing due to grid investments, wildfire mitigation, and record utility profits, prompting legislative efforts to control rate increases.
Clean air rules boost US health and the economy − charts show what EPA’s new deregulation plans ignore (The Conversation) - EPA's proposed deregulation overlooks decades of evidence showing clean air rules significantly boost US health and economic prosperity.
Statement on EPA’s Action on NCIF (CT Green Bank) - EPA's unexpected action threatens Connecticut's clean energy momentum and $3 billion investment model for green infrastructure.
Federal Budget Glossary: As a Potential Government Shutdown Looms, Key Terms to Make Sense of the Chaos in Congress (LCV) - Congressional budget process faces potential shutdown as extreme Republicans threaten critical government programs and services.
Megawatts and Malaise (Energy Central) - President Carter's transformative energy policies shaped America's approach to conservation, national security, and renewable energy development during the late 1970s energy crisis.
March/April response: Deaconesses Demand Justice (UWFaith) - United Methodist deaconesses in the Philippines lead grassroots movement demanding justice for victims of extrajudicial killings during Duterte's drug war.
EPA’s Reckless Move to Halt Clean Energy Grants (NRDC) - EPA halts $20 billion clean energy grants, threatening investments in low-income and rural communities.
Statement in Response to the NY State Legislative One-House Budgets (BDC) - New York legislative budgets propose NY HEAT Act and thermal energy network investments to lower energy costs and advance clean energy transition.
Colorado Bill to Encourage Cleaner Construction Enters First Committee Hearing (NRDC) - Colorado proposes innovative bill to reduce construction sector's embodied carbon emissions through financial incentives and tax credits.
New York approved a major gas pipeline expansion. What does it mean for its climate goals? (Grist) - New York approves major gas pipeline expansion, potentially undermining state climate goals despite environmental concerns.
The end of capitalism – or the end of civilisation? The choice could be that stark (The Conversation) - Capitalism's unsustainable growth model threatens civilization's survival, demanding radical economic transformation to prevent environmental collapse.
Supreme Court declines to hear Republicans’ ‘Hail Mary’ effort to block climate lawsuits (Grist) - Supreme Court refuses to block state-level climate lawsuits against fossil fuel companies, allowing legal challenges to proceed in state courts.
US energy industry’s climate retreat is putting profits over people, advocates say (Guardian) - US energy industry abandons climate pledges at CERAWeek, prioritizing fossil fuel profits over environmental commitments.
Trump admin says it’s ‘terminated’ $20B green bank in latest escalation (Canary Media) - Trump administration attempts to terminate $20B green bank program, citing unsubstantiated fraud claims and blocking nonprofits from accessing clean energy funding.
Rich nations ignore polluting past to claim climate plans are 1.5C-compatible (Climate Change News) - Wealthy nations claim climate plans are 1.5C-compatible while ignoring their disproportionate historical emissions and responsibility.
Ella Confió en la Promesa del Gobierno De Ayudar a Los Agricultores. Hasta Que Intervino Trump. (Earthjustice) - Trump administration freezes critical Inflation Reduction Act funding, disrupting solar panel grants and financial support for small farmers and clean energy projects.
Trump’s EPA Set to Undo Limits on Power Plant Emissions (Power Mag) - Trump's EPA plans to roll back power plant emissions regulations, signaling a major shift towards deregulation and supporting fossil fuel industries.
The EPA’s $20 Billion Climate Grants Have Been Terminated (Heatmap News) - EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin terminates $20 billion in climate and clean energy grants, sparking legal challenges and congressional investigation.
‘The most consequential day of deregulation in U.S. history’ – EPA terminates Biden-era climate grants worth $20 billion (Renewable Energy World) - EPA terminates $20 billion Biden-era climate grants, citing potential fraud and conflicts of interest.
California will not achieve its climate goals without incentivizing more rooftop solar installations and redesigning electric rates to accelerate electrification (Energy Central) - California must incentivize rooftop solar and redesign electric rates to achieve climate goals and accelerate electrification.
What the NOAA Layoffs Are Doing to Climate Science (Heatmap News) - NOAA faces devastating layoffs that threaten climate science data collection, institutional knowledge, and future research capabilities under Trump administration's targeted reduction.
Trump’s ‘drill, baby, drill’ agenda could keep the world hooked on oil and gas (Guardian) - Trump's aggressive 'drill, baby, drill' policy aims to perpetuate global fossil fuel dependency through international energy deals and rollbacks of climate regulations.
Trump officials to reconsider whether greenhouse gases cause harm amid climate rollbacks (Guardian) - Trump EPA plans to reconsider landmark greenhouse gas endangerment finding, potentially unraveling climate regulations.
How Trump Has All But Halted Offshore Wind (Heatmap News) - Trump administration systematically obstructs offshore wind development through aggressive permitting barriers and political interference.
Only 5% of deforesters in Brazil’s Amazon fully paid fines, report finds (Mongabay) - Only 5% of deforesters in Brazil's Amazon have paid court-ordered environmental fines, revealing systemic enforcement challenges.
EPA Sides With Polluters in Stunning Surrender (NRDC) - EPA dramatically rolls back environmental protections, cancels clean energy contracts, and weakens pollution standards across multiple sectors.
Gas appliances suffer setback in Washington state (Utility Dive) - Washington state court ruling upholds strict energy regulations, making gas appliance installation more challenging for builders.
Regulatory safety nets not fit for purpose as energy consumers fall victim to rapacious utilities (RenewEconomy) - Australian energy regulators propose electricity price increases up to 9% for vulnerable consumers on default market offers, sparking concerns about consumer protection.
EPA Moves To Further Cut Clean Water Act, Threatening Water Supplies for Millions (NRDC) - EPA proposes extreme interpretation of Supreme Court ruling that could strip Clean Water Act protections, endangering water supplies for millions of Americans.
Trump EPA Shutters Environmental Justice Offices, Cancels Grants (NRDC) - Trump EPA eliminates environmental justice grants and offices, potentially exposing vulnerable communities to increased pollution risks.
The Biomass Fight: From Local to Global (Dogwood Alliance) - Environmental justice advocates challenge biomass industry's harmful practices in Southeast U.S., demanding policy changes and community protection.
CJA Weighs in on the Cost of House Republican’s Disastrous Continuing Resolution and the Continued Undermining of Environmental Justice (Climate Justice Alliance) - House Republicans' proposed budget cuts threaten environmental justice protections and frontline communities' well-being.
SELC statement on EPA, Army Corps guidance on wetlands under Clean Water Act (SELC) - EPA and Army Corps issue guidance narrowing federal wetlands protections, potentially increasing environmental and community risks.
Indonesian fishers file historic human trafficking lawsuit against major US seafood company (Greenpeace) - Indonesian fishers file landmark human trafficking lawsuit against Bumble Bee Foods, alleging forced labor and systemic abuse in US seafood supply chain.
Greenlining in the Trump 2.0 Era: The Path Ahead (Greenlining) - Advocacy organization outlines strategic resistance and community empowerment approach in response to perceived hostile federal policies targeting marginalized communities.
Flicker of hope as LNP allows first of four frozen wind projects to seek planning approval (RenewEconomy) - Queensland LNP government allows first frozen wind project to resume planning, signaling potential shift in renewable energy approach.
European Commission Consultation On Clean Industrial Deal Framework (TaiyangNews) - EU launches public consultation on new state aid framework to support clean technology manufacturing and renewable energy projects until 2030.
‘Weathering’ Expert Arline Geronimus Reflects on Climate Change and Health Inequities (Inside Climate News) - Expert Arline Geronimus reveals how climate change intensifies 'weathering' - chronic stress that disproportionately impacts marginalized communities' health and longevity.
Announcing Climate Creators to Watch List 2025 (Pique Action and Harvard Chan C-CHANGE unveil 2025 Climate Creators Watch List, highlighting diverse social media content creators driving climate action and solutions. CATEGORIZED) - #N/A
Navigating the Omnibus Proposal: What corporate climate leaders need to know (Optera) - EU's Omnibus Proposal significantly reduces corporate sustainability reporting requirements while maintaining focus on large companies' climate disclosure obligations.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin Launches the Greatest Day of Deregulation in American History (EPA) - Administrator announces massive deregulation across environmental protections, targeting climate rules, emissions standards, and federal environmental policies.
Attend the next Teach Climate Network Workshop on March 19! (Climate Generation) - Educators invited to explore climate optimism and constructive future-building strategies through innovative workshop on March 19.
We’re Hiring: Director of Operations & Finance (NHM) - Nonprofit arts and activism organization seeks detail-oriented Operations & Finance Director to manage complex projects and support social justice initiatives.
US Interior Secretary suggests Biden stole trillions by halting offshore drilling without mentioning Trump’s offshore wind moratorium (Renewable Energy World) - US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum accuses Biden of stealing trillions by halting offshore drilling while ignoring Trump's previous offshore wind moratorium.
Make Hamantaschen with Sai! | Dayenu (Dayenu) - Climate activists draw parallels between Purim's Haman and fossil fuel industry, using hamantaschen baking as a metaphor for collective resistance.
EPA Moves to Abdicate its Responsibilities with Health and Climate Rollbacks (NRDC) - EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin proposes repealing 31 environmental standards, potentially increasing pollution and health risks across multiple industries.
Trump Administration Launches All-Out Assault on Environmental Protection (Inside Climate News) - Trump EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin launches unprecedented deregulation effort, targeting 31 environmental protections across air, water, and climate policy.
How can I think of the planet when I can’t even afford the rent? (Greenpeace) - Economic struggles and climate action are interconnected, with systemic inequalities preventing individuals from prioritizing environmental concerns.
EPA Moves to Slash Protections for U.S. Waterways (LCV) - EPA initiates rulemaking process to further restrict Clean Water Act protections, potentially undermining safeguards for wetlands and water resources.
N.C. lawmakers fast-track plan to cancel emission reductions (Canary Media) - North Carolina Republican lawmakers propose bill to eliminate state's 70% emissions reduction goal, potentially allowing Duke Energy to prioritize fossil fuels over renewable energy.
Climate tech that could get a Trump bump (Cipher) - Trump administration likely to boost clean technologies aligned with fossil fuel expertise like geothermal, carbon capture, and nuclear while criticizing traditional renewables.
Washington’s cap-and-invest program remains strong as first auction of the year delivers essential funds for communities in the Evergreen state (EDF) - Washington's cap-and-invest program successfully sells out auction, generating $230 million for climate initiatives and demonstrating policy resilience.
Virginia Judge Pauses State’s Return To RGGI During Youngkin’s Appeal (Inside Climate News) - Virginia judge temporarily halts state's return to RGGI carbon market during Governor Youngkin's ongoing legal appeal.
Countdown to COP30: This is our chance to bend the curve toward 2030 targets (EDF) - COP30 in Brazil offers critical opportunity to transform climate action through multilateralism, Indigenous leadership, and implementation-focused strategies toward 2030 emissions targets.
Exclusively For EC: A LANDSCAPE IN FLUX: IRA, 2025 BUDGET BATTLE, AND GLOBAL POLITICS CROSSROADS... (Energy Central) - Trump's 2025 budget battle threatens Inflation Reduction Act amid complex political landscape of global energy transitions and Republican Party divisions.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin Announces the Cancellation of 8 Biden EPA “Gold Bars” Grants (EPA) - Administrator Lee Zeldin cancels eight controversial Biden-era EPA grants citing potential fraud, waste, and misalignment with agency priorities.
Green bank grants terminated (Canary Media) - EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin terminates $20 billion in green bank grants, alleging fraud and sparking potential legal battles.
Workshop: How to engage your team this Earth Month (Greenplaces) - Expert workshop reveals strategic approaches for motivating and engaging corporate teams in sustainability initiatives during Earth Month.
Building Meaningful Connections: 3 Questions with Tofu Community Manager, PJ Forgione (Alder & Co.) - Tofu Community Manager PJ Forgione shares insights on building meaningful digital communities through two-way dialogue, shared passion, and adaptive engagement strategies.
'The benefits are some way off': Energy industry urges government to accelerate work to deliver promised bill savings (BusinessGreen) - Energy industry demands government accelerate work on promised bill savings and emissions reduction reforms.
Answers to common questions about the EU omnibus proposal (Watershed) - EU's omnibus proposal seeks to simplify CSRD reporting requirements, potentially reducing data points and aligning with global standards while delaying implementation timelines.
What are disinfection byproducts? (EWG) - Drinking water disinfection creates potentially harmful byproducts linked to cancer and pregnancy risks, with over 600 types of contaminants identified.
Renewables
Global solar innovation drives market expansion: JA Solar, AIKO, and LONGi lead technological advancements in n-type modules, while Voltalia, Rio Tinto, and NextEnergy Capital secure major renewable energy projects across multiple continents.
JA Solar Strengthens Market Position in Mexico with 260MW Distribution Agreement (TaiyangNews) - JA Solar expands Mexican solar market with 260MW module distribution agreement through Exel Solar, leveraging advanced DeepBlue 4.0 Pro n-type TOPCon technology.
Reverion Receives €19.5 Million in Funding from the European Innovation Fund (InnovFund) (Reverion) - German clean-tech startup secures €19.5M EU funding to scale reversible biogas power plant production, targeting 80% efficiency and negative emissions.
DAS ECO PV Scenario Solutions Power a Greener Planet on Tree Planting Day (TaiyangNews) - DAS Solar transforms desert landscapes into sustainable energy ecosystems through innovative PV technologies that simultaneously generate clean electricity and restore ecological balance.
Israel Easing Rules For Rooftop Solar & Energy Storage Facilities (Taiyangnews) - Israel simplifies building permit regulations to accelerate rooftop solar and energy storage adoption, targeting 100,000 new systems by 2030.
AESOLAR Achieves Breakthrough with High-Performance Alpine Series Under Extreme Hail Test (TaiyangNews) - AESOLAR develops Alpine Series solar modules with unprecedented 40mm hailstone resistance, exceeding international durability standards through advanced materials and rigorous testing.
Advanced Solar Technologies Drive Changes In Module Materials (TaiyangNews) - Solar industry shifts from supply shortages to overcapacity, driving material innovations in backsheets and encapsulants amid rapid cell technology evolution.
Voltalia Secures PSA For 526 MW Hybrid RE Project In Uzbekistan (TaiyangNews) - Voltalia secures 526 MW hybrid renewable energy project in Uzbekistan, combining solar, wind, and battery storage to support country's clean energy transition.
China Solar PV News Snippets: AIKO Wins 1 GW Utility-Scale BC Module Bid & More (Taiyangnews) - AIKO secures 1 GW utility-scale solar module contract with China Datang, highlighting n-type back-contact technology's growing market acceptance.
DMEGC Releases 2024 Annual Report: Revenue of €2.4 Billion with Slight Profit Growth (TaiyangNews) - DMEGC reports €2.4 billion revenue in 2024, achieving 73% PV shipment growth and maintaining profitability amid industry challenges.
Astronergy Secures Gigawatt-Scale Deals with State-Owned Energy Leaders (TaiyangNews) - Astronergy secures gigawatt-scale solar module contracts with Chinese state-owned energy leaders CTG and CDC, highlighting n-type module technological superiority.
Vast Energy secures $180m grant for first-of-a-kind solar thermal hub at Port Augusta (RenewEconomy) - Vast Solar secures $180m government grant to develop Australia's first large-scale solar thermal power plant with eight-hour storage at Port Augusta.
Darway Coast, All On, GEAPP, others announce the completion of 500KW Solar Mini Grid Project in Ibaragun Community (All On) - Darway Coast and partners launch 500KW solar mini-grid in Ibaragun community, enhancing energy access and sustainability in rural Nigeria.
Value Leadership! Hi-MO 9's power generation demonstration in Hainan achieves a gain of over 30% (TaiyangNews) - LONGi's Hi-MO 9 solar modules demonstrate over 30% power generation gains in Hainan demonstration project across various shading and environmental conditions.
Corporate Buyers Sign Deals With Texas Solar Energy Projects (Power Mag) - Corporate technology giants Cisco, Biogen, IDEXX, and Waters sign virtual power purchase agreements for 172 MW of Texas solar energy projects.
Africa Installed 2.4 GW New Solar PV Capacity In 2024 (TaiyangNews) - Africa installed 2.4 GW of solar PV capacity in 2024, marking a 22% decline from 2023, with South Africa and Egypt leading installations despite financing challenges.
Rio Tinto signs massive solar and battery deal to help secure future of smelters and refineries (RenewEconomy) - Rio Tinto secures massive solar and battery deal to power aluminium operations with renewable, reliable, and lower-carbon energy.
Solar smashes US records with 50 GW added in one year, as Trump’s energy secretary gushes about gas (RenewEconomy) - US solar capacity surges to record 50 GW in 2024, accounting for 66% of new electricity generation amid domestic manufacturing growth and policy support.
AIKO Secures 1GW N-Type ABC Bid in China Datang’s PV Procurement Framework (TaiyangNews) - AIKO secures landmark 1GW N-Type ABC solar module bid in China Datang's 2025-2026 procurement framework, signaling industry shift towards high-efficiency solar technology.
Trinasolar Vertex S+ 500W+ modules cut BOS by 2.27% and LCOE by 4.24%, DNV test shows (TaiyangNews) - DNV testing reveals Trinasolar's 500W+ solar modules can reduce balance of system costs by 2.27% and levelized energy costs by 4.24%.
The Only 100% Bankable Module Manufacturer! JinkoSolar Ranks No.1 in Bloomberg BNEF Bankability Report (TaiyangNews) - JinkoSolar achieves 100% bankability in Bloomberg BNEF survey, becoming the top solar module manufacturer globally for tenth consecutive year.
NextEnergy Raises $950 Million for Newbuild Solar Fund (ESG Today) - NextEnergy Capital secures £733 million for UK solar and energy storage fund targeting over 1GW capacity.
TaiyangNews Market Survey On Backsheets & Encapsulation Materials 2024-25 (TaiyangNews) - Comprehensive market survey reveals critical shifts in solar module backsheets and encapsulation materials, highlighting technological adaptations and market challenges in 2024-2025.
Transport
Electric vehicle expansion accelerates globally, with VinFast, Toyota, and Tesla driving market growth, while innovative charging solutions from Australia and hydrogen transit experiments reshape transportation's green transition.
25 New Electric School Buses Unveiled At Compton, California School District (CleanTechnica) - Compton Unified School District introduces 25 electric school buses, replacing diesel vehicles to reduce air pollution and improve student health.
Vermont resident quits traveling by plane (Yale Climate Connections) - Vermont resident Dan Castrigano eliminates air travel to reduce personal carbon emissions and set environmental example for his family.
VinFast Ships 2,500 Electric Vehicles to Indonesia (CleanTechnica) - VinFast ships 2,500 electric vehicles to Indonesia, marking its largest delivery and strategic expansion in Southeast Asian market.
Can Thailand Lead ASEAN in EV Adoption? (CleanTechnica) - Thailand emerges as ASEAN's EV leader, with Chinese brands dominating market and significant government support driving electric vehicle adoption and infrastructure development.
MPs raise alarm over EV charge point postcode lottery (BusinessGreen) - UK Public Accounts Committee warns uneven electric vehicle charging infrastructure could significantly hinder nationwide EV adoption.
94% of EV Owners Likely to Consider Purchasing Another One (CleanTechnica) - J.D. Power study reveals 94% of electric vehicle owners likely to repurchase EVs, with mass-market models showing highest quality and satisfaction.
The Silver Lining of Elon Musk’s Self-Sabotage (Heatmap) - Tesla's pivotal role in EV adoption is now overshadowed by Elon Musk's political alignment, potentially undermining the electric vehicle revolution he helped create.
Why Hydrogen Electric Bus Programs Totally Confuse Me (CleanTechnica) - Hydrogen bus programs persist despite overwhelming evidence of high costs and technical failures, confounding industry experts.
Shocker: Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act Led To A Lot More EV Sales (CleanTechnica) - Inflation Reduction Act significantly boosted US electric vehicle sales, with over half of buyers citing tax credits as a key purchase driver.
Toyota EVs Tromp On Tesla’s Toes In Europe (CleanTechnica) - Toyota launches three new electric vehicles in Europe, challenging Tesla's market position with stylish and practical EV models.
Canadian Pacific Kansas City Deploys First Hydrogen Locomotive for Mainline Service (Energy Central) - Canadian Pacific Kansas City launches first hydrogen locomotive for mainline service, marking a significant step towards zero-emission rail transportation.
This startup’s EV chargers mount to utility poles for recharging in dense urban areas (Renewable Energy World) - Australian startup EVX develops utility pole-mounted EV chargers to enable convenient urban electric vehicle charging in space-constrained residential areas.
Debunking The Myth: Hydrogen Fuel Cells Aren’t More Efficient Than Alternatives (CleanTechnica) - Hydrogen fuel cells are significantly less efficient than direct electrification, losing up to 70% of input energy across production, storage, and conversion stages.
Hot Deal: Get The Yadea Innovator Foldable E-Bike For Just $625! (CleanTechnica) - Yadea's foldable e-bike offers urban commuters a high-performance, compact electric bicycle at a steep 75% discount for just $624.99.
Musk Wants To Double Tesla Production In US While Analysts Predict Lower Numbers (CleanTechnica) - Elon Musk aims to double Tesla's US vehicle production within two years despite analyst predictions of lower sales and global market challenges.
Waymo Grows Again, Extending into Mountain View, Los Altos, Palo Alto, & Sunnyvale (CleanTechnica) - Waymo launches robotaxi services in Silicon Valley's birthplace, expanding into Mountain View, Los Altos, Palo Alto, and Sunnyvale.
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