Yesterday's top story in terms of news coverage was the LA area fires. I probably focused too much on the celebrity angle, but if you want a thoughtful climate-savvy, historical analysis, the wonderful Rebecca Solnit's column The chronicle of a fire foretold this morning balances empathy, science, and political strategy.
Today's top story is also well-covered by the Guardian, and it's about ice and snow: Winter storm to hit US south again, carrying in snow and freezing weather
Cities cancel flights and school in anticipation as Dallas, Texas, is expected to get a year’s worth of snow
Welcome to 2025.
Thanks for joining us here. Let's dig into 3 picks that can help you do something about all this.
-Marshall Kirkpatrick
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Today and every day, our system scans over 1,000 green tech and sustainability organizations for updates. Below, you'll find:
A Visual of the Day
A digest-style Table of Contents for 162 selected updates from around the green tech and sustainability world
(If you subscribe by email) 3 personalized selections just for you and your work
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Visual of the Day
Oil subsidies for profits from beyond "the water's edge"
This photo of oil tankers drifting in the port of Long Beach, California was used by The Climate Center to illustrate a new report they've published. Their blog post begins with this text:
"Global oil majors played a pivotal role in orchestrating a multibillion-dollar tax dodge that shields corporate profits from California taxes, according to new, in-depth historical research and analysis by The Climate Center.
"The Water’s Edge tax election, established in the state in 1986 after a decade-long fight, enables multinational corporations to avoid taxes from earnings they choose to designate as coming from beyond the 'water’s edge' of California’s borders. The report reveals how oil majors used lobbying, campaign contributions, industry association funding, and legal pressure to establish Water’s Edge, which now costs Californians more than $3 billion per year.
"As the state grapples with a $2 billion deficit expected to grow to $30 billion the following year, groups are urging lawmakers to eliminate this tax loophole for fossil fuel corporations and end additional fossil fuel subsidies in order to raise revenue and invest in climate and social programs."
Today's Updates

Table of Contents
Agriculture (8 stories) - Western Watersheds Project examines cattle impacts, while India's Odisha and Botswana's $2.1B plan tackle heat stress; Colombia's agritech sees 163 startups amid UK's £2.5bn local sourcing push
Carbon (5 stories) - Coal plants delay closures amid data center demand, while China's emissions plateau; Low Carbon and Deep Sky partner on solar-powered DAC, as ETH Zurich explores diamond-based atmospheric solutions
Circular (5 stories) - Solar panel recycling breakthrough hits 99% recovery, Zero Food Waste Coalition expands nationwide, bagasse coffee cups launch, as Ghana grapples with Global North's textile waste
Ecosystems (18 stories) - Record LA wildfires destroy Palisades homes as Yellowstone loses 50 grizzlies; NGO-protected African lands show 50% less deforestation while global freshwater species face extinction crisis
Efficiency (7 stories) - Major firms realign efficiency services: Ameresco sells AEG to ICF, B&W upgrades Asian coal plant, CLEAResult partners with Energy Trust Oregon, while heat pumps and nanodiamond textiles show breakthrough performance
Finance (7 stories) - Connecticut Green Bank's $3B milestone and African ESG summit contrast with major US banks exiting UN climate alliance; Sightline Climate tracks cleantech funding while Niue pioneers ocean conservation financing
Grid (11 stories) - Nuclear expansion targets 440 large reactors as data centers strain grids; Key Capture adds 200MW storage in Texas while EPRI explores gas microgrids; PG&E and utilities face mounting reliability pressure
Indigenous (14 stories) - Indigenous fire management networks expand globally, with prescribed burns in Montana and California, while mining threatens Indonesian communities; Ecuador and Colombia tribes advance conservation; First Nations secure clean energy funding in Western Australia
Industry (12 stories) - DOE's $136M for industrial efficiency, Shell's Rhode Island gas plant acquisition, PacificLight's $735M hydrogen plant, Leuna biorefinery launch, and Panasonic's Tesla battery supply shift highlight major facility developments amid volatile energy markets
Policy (44 stories) - Treasury finalizes clean energy tax credits and hydrogen rules while Biden bans offshore drilling; states pursue climate liability laws as Trump vows to end wind power if re-elected
Renewables (16 stories) - Major U.S. solar and wind projects advance despite Trump threats, with LONGi's perovskite standards approval, LS Power's $1.8B renewables acquisition, and record 63% German renewable generation marking sector growth; innovations include moth-inspired turbine tech and parking lot solar potential
Transport (13 stories) - Global EV momentum: Tesla leads UK December sales, Zeekr tops Chinese deliveries, U.S. hits 57 EV plants, Kia serves Australian Open, while Mexico's Olinia and Louisiana school buses advance electrification
Agriculture
Western Watersheds Project examines cattle impacts, while India's Odisha and Botswana's $2.1B plan tackle heat stress; Colombia's agritech sees 163 startups amid UK's £2.5bn local sourcing push
Enabling women farmers in Odisha to combat heat stress (CGIAR) - Women farmers in India's Odisha state are receiving vital support against heat stress, which affects them 3.7 times more severely than men due to biological and social factors.
How to Starve an Ecosystem (The Wildlife News) - Environmental group Western Watersheds Project will host a webinar exploring how cattle grazing disrupts nitrogen cycles and damages sagebrush ecosystems across the American West.
Regenerative agriculture’s biggest developments in 2024 — and what they mean for 2025 (AgFunderNews) - Despite major corporate investments and new financing programs driving regenerative agriculture's expansion in 2024, experts say consumer awareness will be crucial for continued growth in 2025.
With drought-hardy cows, Botswana prioritises adaptation in new climate plan (Climate Home News) - Botswana's latest climate strategy allocates $2.1 billion towards drought-resistant cattle and adaptation measures, highlighting the African nation's focus on resilience despite its minimal carbon footprint.
Can Colombia fulfill the promise of becoming an agrifoodtech powerhouse? (AgFunderNews) - Colombia's agrifoodtech sector boasts 163 active startups and rich biodiversity, yet struggles with a modest $40.4M in funding for 2024, highlighting both promise and hurdles in its agricultural evolution.
Food for public sector to be monitored to see how much is grown in UK (The Guardian) - Government officials will track food sourcing in public sector institutions, aiming to secure 50% from British farms in a move worth £2.5bn annually to UK agriculture.
African Youth Participate in Formation Sessions in South Africa, Ethiopia, and Mauritius (Via Campesina) - More than 1,200 young Africans gathered across three nations for intensive training on food sovereignty, agroecology, and political education in late 2024.
Catalyzing food systems transformation across Viet Nam through capacity development: training workshops in Dong Thap and Son La Provinces (CGIAR) - Local leaders from Dong Thap and Son La provinces attended workshops on implementing sustainable healthy diets as part of Vietnam's national food systems transformation plan.
Carbon
Coal plants delay closures amid data center demand, while China's emissions plateau; Low Carbon and Deep Sky partner on solar-powered DAC, as ETH Zurich explores diamond-based atmospheric solutions
Coal was on its way out. But surging electricity demand is keeping it alive — costing customers and the planet (Floodlight) - Surging data center power needs have forced 30-plus American coal plants to postpone closures, adding $5 billion in customer costs while hampering climate goals.
Have China’s Emissions Already Peaked? (Heatmap News) - China's greenhouse gas emissions showed minimal to no growth in 2023, with experts suggesting coal emissions may have reached their peak, according to a CREA report.
Low Carbon inks PPA with Canadian carbon removals developer Deep Sky (BusinessGreen) - Low Carbon will supply renewable electricity from its Lethbridge 1 solar farm to power Deep Sky's first major direct air capture plant in Alberta under a new 10-year agreement.
Stratospheric injection of solid particles could reduce climate change impacts (ETH Zurich) - Scientists report solid particles like diamond and alumina injected into Earth's stratosphere could combat climate change more safely than sulfur dioxide methods, according to research from ETH Zurich.
Turning carbon into money 🌍 (Carbon Standard Initiative) - Global experts propose new currency system that would reward worldwide carbon reduction efforts, potentially transforming how nations value environmental action.
Circular
Solar panel recycling breakthrough hits 99% recovery, Zero Food Waste Coalition expands nationwide, bagasse coffee cups launch, as Ghana grapples with Global North's textile waste
2024 Wins in Food Waste & What’s Next in 2025 (NRDC) - Food waste reduction efforts diverted 35,750 tons from landfills in 2024, as the Zero Food Waste Coalition expanded to 46 states amid new state policies.
Eco-Friendly Coffee Cups: Sustainable Solutions for Cafes and Offices (EcoSoul Home) - Plant-based coffee cups, crafted from sugarcane bagasse, decompose into nutrient-rich compost within 180 days, offering businesses an eco-friendly replacement for plastic alternatives.
First-of-its-kind automated solar panel recycling line can cleanly separate glass of bifacial modules (Renewable Energy World) - A new automated recycling line in the United States achieves 99% recovery rates for bifacial solar panels while cleanly separating glass components.
SolarPanelRecycling.com Launches Bifacial Solar Panel Recycling Line In US (SolarPanelRecycling.com) - Texas facility achieves 99% material recovery from bifacial solar panels through new recycling line, marking first such operation in United States.
The Messy Truth: Where Your Clothes Go To ‘Die’ (Atmos) - Global North's textile waste crisis devastates Ghana's Kantamanto market and beaches, where 15 million used garments arrive weekly, overwhelming local systems and threatening public health.
Ecosystems
Record LA wildfires destroy Palisades homes as Yellowstone loses 50 grizzlies; NGO-protected African lands show 50% less deforestation while global freshwater species face extinction crisis
‘A day not soon forgotten:’ The Palisades take stock after blazes rage (The Guardian) - Devastating wildfires along Los Angeles' Palisades coastline have destroyed 80% of homes in affected canyons, forcing mass evacuations along Pacific Coast Highway.
2024’s top ocean news stories (commentary) (Mongabay) - Ocean experts warn of 2024's critical marine developments, as failed plastics agreements, record-high temperatures, and Latin America's first climate refugees coincide with improved mangrove tracking and Indigenous participation.
A quarter of freshwater animals threatened with extinction, finds major new study (The Conversation) - Global research examining 23,000 freshwater species finds nearly a quarter face extinction, primarily due to pollution, dams, and water abstraction.
After a searing Amazon fire season, experts warn of more in 2025 (Mongabay) - South America's fire outbreaks hit a 14-year peak in 2024, with Brazil responsible for 54% of incidents, as scientists predict worse conditions next year amid persistent drought.
At least five dead as overwhelmed firefighters struggle to contain LA blazes (The Guardian) - Multiple wildfires fueled by strong winds have killed five people and destroyed more than 1,500 buildings across Los Angeles, forcing 130,000 residents to evacuate.
CA Forest & Fire Expert Explains January Blazes in LA (John Muir Project) - Strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions fueled Los Angeles wildfires this January, destroying more than 1,000 structures while evacuation efforts saved lives, forest experts report.
Celebrities among thousands to flee homes as Los Angeles wildfires rage (The Guardian) - Wind-driven wildfires in Los Angeles's Pacific Palisades have forced 30,000 residents, including Hollywood celebrities, to evacuate as multiple homes succumb to the flames.
Does Climate Change Make the Santa Ana Winds Worse? (Heatmap News) - Researchers warn that warming temperatures could intensify California's coastal wildfire risks by making Santa Ana winds more effective at drying vegetation during dry winters.
Dr. Chad Hanson Breaks Down Ongoing Pacific Palisades Wildfires (Forbes) - Wildfire expert Dr. Chad Hanson reports Santa Ana winds and dry conditions have fueled Pacific Palisades blazes, destroying over 1,000 structures while highlighting community-based prevention strategies.
How We’re Helping Grizzlies Come Back from the Brink (Earthjustice) - Federal wildlife officials maintain endangered species protections for Yellowstone's grizzlies after 50 bears died in 2024, marking the deadliest year on record.
How You Can Help Southern California Amidst Wildfires (Earthjustice) - Amid strong winds and climate-driven dry conditions, multiple Los Angeles wildfires have forced mass evacuations, prompting relief organizations to mobilize emergency support and seek donations.
LA fires: devastation as wildfires rip through Los Angeles – in pictures (The Guardian) - Fierce wildfires, including the Palisades and Sunset blazes, have torn through Los Angeles neighborhoods, destroying beachfront properties as firefighters battle flames amid intense windstorms.
Protect This Place: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (The Revelator) - Rare pine trees at San Diego's Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve face mounting threats, with climate change, beetles, and fungal infections causing 17% canopy loss during recent drought periods.
Report launch: Environmental impact of explosive weapons in southern Ukraine, 16 Jan (CEOBS) - New report reveals widespread environmental damage from explosive weapons across southern Ukraine, with soil and water pollution threatening communities in conflict-affected areas.
The Trouble with the Swamp (Nautilus) - Analysis of 163 films shows wetlands appear as backdrops for death and misery in half of their depictions, with only 10% portraying them positively.
Warming threatens flies more than bees, raising pollination concerns (Mongabay) - Flies lose motor function at temperatures 2.3°C lower than bees, threatening pollination for chocolate crops and high-altitude ecosystems, according to new research.
ACES Morning Birding at Hallam Lake 01/07/25 (ACES Nature) - Birders spotted 14 species during a winter session at Hallam Lake, including a rare Virginia rail, bald eagle, and American dippers hunting trout fry.
Does it work when private groups manage national parks in some of the world’s poorest countries? (Anthropocene Magazine) - NGO-managed protected areas in Sub-Saharan Africa saw 50% less deforestation than government-run sites, with notable success near population centers, a new study reveals.
Efficiency
Major firms realign efficiency services: Ameresco sells AEG to ICF, B&W upgrades Asian coal plant, CLEAResult partners with Energy Trust Oregon, while heat pumps and nanodiamond textiles show breakthrough performance
Ameresco Announces Successful Divestiture of Applied Energy Group (AEG) Business, Reinforcing Focus and Reinvesting in Core Businesses (Ameresco) - Energy firm Ameresco divests Applied Energy Group to ICF, sharpening its focus on core renewable energy and efficiency operations.
Babcock & Wilcox Secures Major Coal Power Plant Retrofit Contract in Southeast Asia (POWER) - Engineering firm Babcock & Wilcox will upgrade boiler cleaning systems at a Southeast Asian coal plant in a $13M project targeting efficiency gains and emissions cuts by 2026.
Energy Trust of Oregon awards CLEAResult 5-year building efficiency contract (Utility Dive) - Energy Trust of Oregon selects CLEAResult to manage its New Buildings program, offering $6,500 in design assistance and 60% cost coverage for energy modeling over five years.
EP:17 Rapidly Scaling a Heat Pump Business from 0 to 27 Trucks in 4 Years with Mike Missimer (Amply Energy) - Colorado HVAC veteran transforms startup into 27-truck heat pump enterprise within 4 years through system design, staff development, and customer outreach.
Heat pumps are designed to operate when it’s still cold out. Really cold out. (Acadia Center) - Heat pumps proved their mettle during Massachusetts' cold snap, operating effectively even in temperatures below zero degrees Fahrenheit.
Sweat-wicking and radiative cooling: can new fabrics make living through extreme heat more bearable? (The Guardian) - Australian scientists have engineered nanodiamond-coated cotton that keeps wearers up to 3°C cooler than standard fabric, marking a significant advance in heat-management textiles.
New Combined Cycle Power Plant in Thailand Features Doosan Škoda Power Technology (POWER) - Doosan Škoda Power's new 20-MW steam turbine at Thailand's Rayong plant is set to cut natural gas usage by 15 percent.
Finance
Connecticut Green Bank's $3B milestone and African ESG summit contrast with major US banks exiting UN climate alliance; Sightline Climate tracks cleantech funding while Niue pioneers ocean conservation financing
Connecticut Green Bank’s Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report Highlights Progress as Economic Catalyst Through Partnerships (CT Green Bank) - Connecticut's Green Bank has mobilized $3 billion in clean energy investment since 2011, leveraging $8.60 in private capital per public dollar while creating 29,000 jobs and serving 71,000 customers.
ESG and Climat Africa Summit (Energy Central) - Africa's largest sustainability conference will unite 5,000 global leaders in Nairobi next May to accelerate ESG integration across the continent's key sectors.
Friends of the Earth, Stop Formosa Plastics Coalition Fail Major Banks for Financing Big Plastic in New Scorecard (Friends of the Earth) - Twenty-nine major banks received failing marks for financing Formosa Plastics Group, which produces 3 million tons of single-use plastics yearly, according to a new environmental scorecard.
Is Cleantech Capital being Invested Wisely? (Energy Central) - Investment patterns in cleantech development show significant growth potential, with Sightline Climate's 2024 report revealing key trends across multiple funding stages.
Six big US banks quit net zero alliance before Trump inauguration (The Guardian) - Six major US banks have withdrawn from a UN climate alliance ahead of Trump's inauguration, amid mounting pressure from conservative politicians opposing environmental initiatives.
Sustainability Handbook Volume I (Energy Central) - Global publisher Elsevier releases extensive sustainability handbook detailing business practices and implementation strategies for environmental, social, and economic goals.
Want to sponsor a piece of ocean paradise? How one Pacific island’s novel response to rising seas is paying off (The Guardian) - Pacific island nation Niue has raised £3m through ocean sponsorship sales at £116 per square kilometre to protect marine life and combat climate change impacts.
Grid
Nuclear expansion targets 440 large reactors as data centers strain grids; Key Capture adds 200MW storage in Texas while EPRI explores gas microgrids; PG&E and utilities face mounting reliability pressure
9 US electric power sector issues to watch in 2025 (Utility Dive) - Surging data center demand, electrification efforts and LNG exports are driving US power sector concerns over rising prices, grid reliability and market reforms heading into 2025.
After ‘tremendous demand’, water tanks used for fighting LA wildfires ran dry early (The Guardian) - Water tanks serving Pacific Palisades emptied within hours as firefighters battling January wildfires consumed four times the normal water supply in Los Angeles.
AI’s power gridlock: A collaborative approach to data center energy challenges (Enchanted Rock) - Reports from EPRI and the Department of Energy suggest natural gas microgrids and grid-interactive tech could solve mounting power demands from AI data centers.
Bluetti has two new flagship energy storage kits for the home and beyond (The Verge) - Bluetti's latest energy storage systems deliver up to 3840W from the portable Apex 300 and 29kW from the home-install EnergyPro 6K.
For Nuclear Power, 2025 needs to be the year of making projects happen (Energy Central) - Thirty-one nations have committed to an ambitious expansion of nuclear power, aiming to build 440 large reactors and 4,000 small modular reactors to reach 1,300 GW by 2050.
Grid growth and decarbonization: An unhappy couple (Uptime Institute) - Data center expansion faces mounting pressure as wind and solar variability forces continued reliance on fossil fuels, threatening grid reliability and decarbonization goals through 2035.
Key Capture Energy Brings Two BESS Projects Online in Texas (POWER) - Energy developer Key Capture has commissioned two 100-MW battery storage facilities in Texas, leveraging tax credits to boost its nationwide storage capacity beyond 600 MW.
Legal snafu over canceled natural gas plant site ensnares Connecticut energy storage project (Renewable Energy World) - A 325-megawatt battery storage project in Connecticut has stalled after officials discovered the site's existing permit belongs to a canceled natural gas facility.
New cable failure detection technology could save offshore wind sector millions, tech firm claims (BusinessGreen) - A Scottish tech firm has developed cable failure detection technology that could save the offshore wind sector hundreds of millions in losses and insurance claims.
Reality Check: Dispatchability and Reliability Are Not the Same Thing (RMI) - Grid experts now report that reliable power systems depend on resource diversity and demand management, not just dispatchable generation, according to a comprehensive new analysis.
Data centers drive growth, risk for PG&E, Constellation, NorthWestern: BofA (Utility Dive) - Data center energy demand will drive utility valuations for PG&E, Constellation, and NorthWestern Energy in 2025, according to Bank of America analysis.
Indigenous
Indigenous fire management networks expand globally, with prescribed burns in Montana and California, while mining threatens Indonesian communities; Ecuador and Colombia tribes advance conservation; First Nations secure clean energy funding in Western Australia
A Nickel Rush Threatens Indonesia’s Last Nomadic Tribes and Its Forests, Fishermen and Farmers (InsideClimateNews) - Nickel mining for EV batteries across Indonesia's Halmahera Island has displaced indigenous O'Hongana Manyawa people and devastated forests, waterways and farmland.
Burning for Better in Southwest Montana (Fire Networks) - Montana agencies and landowners have united to conduct a 1,300-acre prescribed burn in Mill Gulch, aiming to protect sagebrush habitat and reduce wildfire threats.
Celebrating 10 Years of the Blog! (Fire Networks) - Network marks decade-long milestone with 680-plus published stories from global practitioners, researchers and indigenous communities sharing wildfire resilience strategies.
Community Weaving for Eco-Cultural Restoration: Partnering with Tribes in Lake County, CA (Fire Networks) - Local tribes and scientists unite in Lake County, California, combining traditional Pomo knowledge with modern research to protect Clear Lake's watershed and reduce wildfire risks.
Engaging Communities with Prescribed Fire: Lessons Learned from PBA Outreach in Fire-Prone Areas (Fire Networks) - Fire-prone communities in Trinity County are embracing prescribed burn initiatives through trauma-informed workshops, strategic facilitation, and sustained follow-up efforts, reports The Watershed Center.
Escape Into the Story: Three Longform Reads for Your Weekend (Fire Networks) - Interactive narratives delve into wilderness fire management, Texas wildfire resilience, and Fire Learning Network partnerships through three new StoryMaps.
HISTORIAS QUE TRANSFORMAN: EMPRENDIMIENTOS INDÍGENAS QUE DAN VIDA A LA AMAZONÍA (CONFENIAE) - Four indigenous enterprises in Ecuador's Amazon secure vital funding for sustainable ventures in guayusa farming, tourism, textiles, and organic agriculture while safeguarding ancestral traditions.
Indigenous communities come together to protect the Colombian Amazon (Mongabay) - Indigenous groups in Colombia's Putumayo region are blending ancestral practices with modern techniques to safeguard 4.3 million hectares of Amazon rainforest, despite limited resources and ongoing security challenges.
Inspired by the Amazon Pearl (Amazon Watch) - Indigenous stewards of Colombia's Amazon Pearl mark 24 years of conservation efforts, earning Congress's Simon Bolivar Order despite persistent challenges to their sustainable practices.
The Warmth That Keeps Us Coming Back (Fire Networks) - Despite mounting health risks and losses in 2024, fire leader Lenya Quinn-Davidson emphasizes the vital role of human connection and hospitality within fire management culture.
Untrammeling the Wilderness (Fire Networks) - Scientists urge federal wilderness managers to embrace prescribed and Indigenous burning practices, citing data showing 120 years of fire suppression has damaged natural ecosystems.
Voces del Fuego (Voices of Fire) (Fire Networks) - Fifty fire practitioners from 27 organizations across eight countries unite in California's first Spanish-language prescribed burn training, captured in the film "Voces del Fuego."
Western Australia Awards AUD 16 Million For Clean Energy Projects (TaiyangNews) - Western Australia has allocated AUD 16 million across seven clean energy initiatives, including First Nations solar projects, aiming to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 175,000 tons annually.
Nota de pesar pelo falecimento de Dona Antônia, liderança histórica do Quilombo Cangume (Instituto Socioambiental) - Antônia Gonçalves de Pontes, 91, a spiritual medium and land rights activist who led Quilombo Cangume, has died in São Paulo's Vale do Ribeira region.
Industry
DOE's $136M for industrial efficiency, Shell's Rhode Island gas plant acquisition, PacificLight's $735M hydrogen plant, Leuna biorefinery launch, and Panasonic's Tesla battery supply shift highlight major facility developments amid volatile energy markets
$136+ Million to Develop Transformational Technologies across America’s Most Critical Industrial Subsectors (CleanTechnica) - Federal funding of $136 million will support 66 projects developing energy-efficient technologies across industries responsible for 75% of America's industrial energy consumption.
8th Edition CEE Hydrogen Summit (#hydrogencee) (Energy Central) - Industry leaders and policymakers will gather at the CEE Hydrogen Summit in February 2025 to explore clean energy opportunities across Central and Eastern Europe.
An Energy and the Economy Forecast for 2025 (EnergyWorld) - Global economic contraction looms as crude oil consumption per person drops to 0.42 gallons, sparking predictions of elevated interest rates and industrial decline by 2025.
Dallas Fed Survey: Oil and Gas Activity Increases As Firms Display Optimism In Preparation For 2025 (Energy Central) - Oil and gas activity surged in Q4 2024, with 57% of major firms targeting carbon reductions amid industry optimism over potential Trump policies, according to the Dallas Fed survey.
FERC approves Shell purchase of 600-MW gas-fired plant in Rhode Island (Utility Dive) - Shell's acquisition of a 596-MW Rhode Island gas plant from Carlyle Group and EGCO has secured FERC approval, bolstering the company's power trading presence in New England.
How Uneconomic Coal Plants Are Taking a Toll on Our Health (RMI) - Uneconomic coal plants inflict $13-26 billion in annual health costs on US communities, dwarfing consumer electricity expenses by 13 times, with densely populated areas bearing the heaviest burden.
Inside Singapore’s $735M Hydrogen Project Backed By Billionaire Anthoni Salim – Hydrogen Fuel News (Hydrogen Fuel News) - PacificLight Power is developing a $735M hydrogen-ready power plant on Jurong Island, aiming for 30% hydrogen fuel mix when completed in 2029.
Leuna Biorefinery getting ready for start-up (UPM Biochemicals) - The world's first industrial-scale biorefinery in Leuna, Germany, is set to convert wood into renewable biochemicals for textiles, packaging and industrial uses.
Life in a Sacrifice Zone: Moms Make News (Moms Clean Air Force) - Community activists near Shell's Pennsylvania petrochemical plant report alarming red skies and unusual odors, challenging the company's economic benefits narrative amid mounting pollution fears.
US Focus On Domestic EV Battery Supply Chain Pushing Tesla to Move Supplies from China to US (CleanTechnica) - Panasonic Energy plans to shift Tesla's US battery production away from Chinese suppliers, responding to IRA regulations and looming tariff increases.
Virginia Officials Oppose Construction of Data Center Complex With Gas-Fired Power Plants (POWER) - County planners unanimously rejected Balico's $8.85 billion data center and 3,500MW gas power plant proposal amid local resistance and transparency issues in Virginia.
Spot Henry Hub natural gas prices hit a historic low in 2024 (EIA) - U.S. natural gas prices plunged to a record-low average of $2.21/MMBtu at Henry Hub in 2024, as supply outpaced demand.
Policy
Treasury finalizes clean energy tax credits and hydrogen rules while Biden bans offshore drilling; states pursue climate liability laws as Trump vows to end wind power if re-elected
‘Essential’: nearly 400 incarcerated firefighters deployed as LA battles wildfires (The Guardian) - Nearly 400 incarcerated firefighters earning between $5.80 and $10.24 daily have been deployed to combat multiple Los Angeles wildfires amid severe windstorms.
‘How long can I stay?’ Families tell of last-minute escape from California wildfire (The Guardian) - Residents of Pacific Palisades faced blocked roads and flames on both sides as they fled their homes during last-minute evacuations from California's fast-moving wildfire.
'This firestorm is the big one': LA mayor provides update on California wildfires – video (The Guardian) - Three major wildfires across Los Angeles have claimed five lives as firefighters combat blazes in Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and Sunset areas.
11 Photos From a California on Fire (Heatmap News) - Fierce Santa Ana winds and severe drought conditions sparked multiple Los Angeles wildfires this January, forcing 30,000 residents to evacuate their homes.
2024 Annual Report (Energy Central) - Clean energy businesses saw significant expansion in 2024, with increased national participation in policy development and new opportunities for small enterprises across America.
3 ways Trump’s EPA could use the language of science to weaken pollution controls (The Conversation) - Trump's EPA could alter scientific definitions to restrict health data and favor industry, potentially weakening pollution standards that protect public health.
Adaptation, Loss & Damage at COP29: Some Progress Made, Much Remains (C2ES) - Global climate negotiations in Baku yielded a $300 billion annual finance target by 2035, while advancing adaptation goals and launching the Loss and Damage Fund through World Bank operations.
Alaska sues Biden administration over oil and gas drilling leases in Arctic refuge (The Guardian) - Alaska officials claim federal limits on Arctic National Wildlife Refuge drilling violate Congress's development mandate and render exploration impossible, sparking legal action against Biden administration restrictions.
Another Arctic Lease Sale Fails (Alaska Wild) - No companies submitted bids for oil drilling rights in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, marking the second consecutive failure to open protected lands for development.
Biden Admin Pushes “Catastrophic” Ban on Offshore Drilling Leases (Energy Central) - The White House's sweeping ban on new offshore oil and gas drilling leases impacts 625 million acres of U.S. seabed across Atlantic, Pacific, and Eastern Gulf regions.
Biden administration finalizes clean electricity tax credits, says Trump should keep in place (RenewableEnergyWorld) - The White House has finalized clean electricity tax credits worth billions for post-2024 projects, while urging future administrations to preserve them for U.S. manufacturing competitiveness.
Biden Administration Issues Final Rules For Technology-Neutral Tax Credits (TaiyangNews) - The US Treasury has finalized clean energy tax credit rules that will replace traditional PTC/ITC incentives for facilities entering service after 2024.
Biden’s clean hydrogen tax credits are officially decided — for now (Canary Media) - The U.S. Treasury has finalized clean hydrogen tax credit rules with strict emissions standards, despite industry pushback and looming uncertainty over potential policy shifts in 2025.
California’s Insurance Overhaul Came Too Late (Heatmap News) - California's insurance reforms failed to prevent surging FAIR Plan enrollment, with Pacific Palisades and Altadena seeing 80% and 40% policy growth since 2020 amid recent wildfires.
Can Biden’s Ban On Federal Offshore Oil & Gas Drilling Withstand The Trump Administration? (CleanTechnica) - The Biden Administration has banned offshore oil and gas drilling across 625 million acres of US coastal waters, despite expected legal opposition from Trump supporters.
Community Wildfire Defense Grants: A Round Three Application Primer (Fire Networks) - US Forest Service launches $200 million grant program, enabling communities and Tribes to mitigate wildfire risks through February 2025.
DOE’s Community Energy Innovation Summit Shines in Chicago! (Energy Central) - Teams from underserved communities secured $2.18M in prizes at Chicago's Energy Innovation Summit, where 19 groups presented clean energy and manufacturing initiatives.
EPA directs North Carolina to control toxic 1,4-dioxane pollution (Southern Environmental Law Center) - Federal regulators ordered North Carolina to curb toxic 1,4-dioxane releases after contamination spikes affected drinking water for one million residents, prompting challenges from three cities.
How Santa Ana winds fueled the deadly fires in Southern California (The Conversation) - Fierce Santa Ana winds reaching 70 mph merged with severe drought to spark deadly Southern California fires, claiming five lives and destroying over 1,000 structures in January 2025.
In Los Angeles, Preparedness Wasn’t the Problem (Heatmap News) - Despite advance planning, extreme drought and Santa Ana winds fueled three major January wildfires across Los Angeles, destroying more than 1,000 buildings and forcing 30,000 residents to evacuate.
In Terror of Embers in Los Angeles (Heatmap News) - Fierce Santa Ana winds reaching 100mph have forced 30,000 Los Angeles residents to evacuate as multiple wildfires rage during unprecedented January drought conditions.
Interior secretary manages vast lands that all Americans share − and can sway the balance between conservation and development (The Conversation) - The U.S. Interior Secretary steers the fate of 480 million acres of federal lands while managing 70,000 employees across 11 bureaus, balancing conservation with development and tribal interests.
It’s Time to Recruit the Rich (Heatmap News) - Amid California's wildfires, wealthy Los Angeles residents' growing demand for private firefighters underscores how climate disasters affect even the richest 1% of Americans.
LA hasn't seen anything like this before: Pacific Palisades residents react to wildfires – video (The Guardian) - Thousands flee Pacific Palisades as water shortages hamper efforts to battle the worst wildfires ever recorded in Los Angeles history.
LA is on fire. How will Australia cope when bushfires hit Sydney, Melbourne or another major city? (The Conversation) - Experts warn Australian cities remain dangerously unprepared for urban bushfires like those devastating Los Angeles, as climate change heightens fire risks across metropolitan areas.
LCV Statement on Lease Sale in the Arctic Refuge Yielding No Bids (LCV) - Major oil companies snubbed today's mandated Arctic National Wildlife Refuge lease auction, marking a complete failure of Republican efforts to open the protected wilderness for drilling.
Los Angeles’ Ferocious Fires (Heatmap News) - Fierce Santa Ana winds reaching 100mph have fueled three Los Angeles wildfires, forcing 30,000 to evacuate as Governor Newsom declares emergency amid extreme drought.
MD Lawmakers Call for Passage of RENEW Act for Taxpayer Relief and Climate Protection (CCAN Action Fund) - Maryland lawmakers propose legislation requiring major fossil fuel companies to pay for climate resilience projects, shifting extreme weather costs away from taxpayers.
Moment California residents run from home as wildfires spread – video (The Guardian) - Dramatic footage shows residents running from their homes as raging wildfires force 30,000 to evacuate Los Angeles' Pacific Palisades neighborhood.
New York to make major greenhouse gas emitters pay for past pollution (Canary Media) - Major fossil fuel companies must pay New York $3 billion annually over 25 years to fund climate adaptation infrastructure under the state's newly passed Climate Change Superfund Act.
Organizing local support for clean energy projects (Volts) - A new grassroots network is helping clean energy projects secure local approval by equipping supporters with advocacy tools and organizing community presence at key government meetings.
The Growing Push to Ban Renewable Energy in Oklahoma (Heatmap News) - Anti-renewable activists gathered at Oklahoma's capitol to demand a halt on wind and solar projects, reflecting mounting opposition from the state's Republican lawmakers.
The New Age of Wildfire Is Overwhelming America’s Clean Air (Heatmap News) - Wildfire smoke has reversed decades of U.S. air quality gains, with 34% of monitoring stations surpassing PM2.5 limits from smoke in the last five years.
The Unusually Strong Force Behind the Apocalyptic Fires in Los Angeles (InsideClimateNews) - Ferocious Santa Ana winds reaching 100mph have fueled devastating January wildfires near Los Angeles, incinerating over 1,000 structures and 7,200 acres amid record-dry conditions.
Trump Vows To Crush Booming US Wind Industry, Or Maybe Just Windmills (CleanTechnica) - Former President Trump vows to terminate all wind energy development across 39 states if re-elected, threatening both offshore and onshore projects that currently boost rural economies nationwide.
U.S. Department of the Treasury Releases Final Rules for Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit (Treasury Department) - The U.S. Treasury unveiled final rules offering up to $3 per kilogram in tax credits for qualifying clean hydrogen facilities built by 2033, with amounts linked to emissions and labor standards.
U.S. Trade Lawsuit Aims to Protect Earth’s Rarest Marine Dolphin (Earthjustice) - Environmental groups sue U.S. over New Zealand seafood imports after Māui dolphin numbers plunged from 63 to 43 since 2020, threatening Earth's rarest marine mammal with extinction.
What the L.A. Fires Are Doing to the City’s Air (Heatmap News) - Smoke from Los Angeles wildfires has pushed air quality to "very unhealthy" levels exceeding 200 AQI in Pasadena and East LA as Santa Ana winds drive pollution inland.
Why Los Angeles is burning in January (Grist) - Twin wildfires near Los Angeles, propelled by 100-mph Santa Ana winds and record drought, have destroyed 1,000 structures across 10,000 acres, claiming two lives.
Wildfires bring pollution hazards for unhoused people in LA: ‘Like breathing in lead’ (The Guardian) - Amid raging wildfires, Los Angeles's 52,000 unhoused residents face severe air pollution risks with inadequate emergency shelter resources.
Wildfires have engulfed Los Angeles (Climate Desk) - Wildfires rage across Los Angeles as fire hydrants fail, prompting officials to warn residents of deteriorating conditions throughout the region.
Wind-Fueled Wildfires in L.A. (CNN Newsroom) - Wind-driven wildfires menace Los Angeles communities beyond forested regions, as officials misdirect resources toward forest management instead of urban fire protection.
Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 22 (EWG) - Environmental advocates warn that FDA's food additive oversight system contains dangerous loopholes, as California leads efforts to ban toxic chemicals from food products nationwide.
Health experts rally for ‘call to arms’ to protect children from toxic chemicals (The Guardian) - Health experts urge global reform after research shows rising childhood diseases linked to toxic chemical exposure, according to findings published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Renewables
Major U.S. solar and wind projects advance despite Trump threats, with LONGi's perovskite standards approval, LS Power's $1.8B renewables acquisition, and record 63% German renewable generation marking sector growth; innovations include moth-inspired turbine tech and parking lot solar potential
‘No new windmills’: Trump doubles down on his offshore wind stance (Renewable Energy World) - Trump's vow to block offshore wind expansion imperils $65 billion in investments and 27 GW of planned U.S. projects, threatening the sector's growth trajectory.
6th Edition Windpower Data and Digital Innovation Forum (Energy Central) - Global wind energy leaders will gather in Amsterdam next March to explore digital innovations and market trends at the 6th Edition Windpower Forum.
Avoiding Collateral Damage From Trump’s War On Wind, Small Wind Turbine Edition (CleanTechnica) - Small wind turbine manufacturers target 55% cost reductions with innovations like the PW85, despite White House opposition to wind energy development.
BLM Approves 600-MW Jove Solar Project in Arizona (POWER) - Federal officials have approved a 3,500-acre solar installation in Arizona that will rank among America's five largest when its 600-MW capacity comes online in 2027.
Car park solar panels could generate 1.3GW of 'untapped' green electricity (BusinessGreen) - Solar panels installed above half a million parking spaces across England and Scotland could generate 1.3GW of electricity, enough to power 350,000 homes, new research shows.
China Solar PV News Snippets: NEA Approves LONGi-Led Solar Standards & More (TaiyangNews) - China's National Energy Administration has approved LONGi's perovskite cell testing standards while setting a national target of 200 GW annual renewable energy consumption between 2025-2027.
Devices inspired by a moth could help protect bats from wind turbine strikes (Yale Climate Connections) - Scientists have developed ultrasonic devices, inspired by moths' natural defenses, that could reduce bat fatalities at wind farms by warning them away from turbine blades.
France Awards Over 500 MW In Technology-Neutral RE Tender (TaiyangNews) - France's latest renewable energy auction awarded 500.6 MW capacity, with solar claiming 463.7 MW at an average tariff of €80.6/MWh.
Growth of >22.5% Efficiency Band In TOP SOLAR MODULES (TaiyangNews) - Solar modules exceeding 22.5% efficiency now command 28% market share, up from 15% last year, as available products tripled from 5 to 15 units.
LONGi signs 1GW partnership with NOFAR Energy in Europe (TaiyangNews) - Chinese solar giant LONGi Solar has expanded its European supply deal with NOFAR Energy to 1GW of high-efficiency modules, up from 600MW previously agreed.
LS Power Completes Acquisition of Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.’s Large Scale Renewable Energy Business (LS Power) - LS Power's $1.8 billion acquisition of Algonquin's renewable portfolio adds 3,000 MW of operating assets and an 8,000 MW development pipeline under its new Clearlight Energy subsidiary.
Power play: The future for solar in commercial real estate (BusinessGreen) - Global warming concerns are driving a surge in rooftop solar installations across commercial real estate, with market analysts predicting significant expansion in the sector.
Renewables Supplied Two-Thirds of Germany's Power Last Year (Yale E360) - Wind and solar led Germany's surge to a record 63 percent renewable power generation in 2023, despite increased natural gas consumption following the nation's nuclear shutdown.
Silfab Solar lands multi-year partnership with Pivot Energy for commercial PV modules (Renewable Energy World) - American solar manufacturer Silfab Solar will supply 350MW of commercial PV modules to Pivot Energy for U.S. community projects, with deliveries starting Q2 2025 from its South Carolina facility.
The Energy Transition in 2025: What to Watch For (RMI) - Global clean energy adoption surged as solar costs fell to 9¢/kWh, EV batteries dropped below $100/kWh, renewable installations hit 600GW, and electric vehicle sales jumped 25%.
Why Germany needs to keep lowering its carbon footprint (DW) - Germany's renewable energy hit a historic 62.7% of electricity production in 2024, despite mounting political resistance from AfD ahead of February elections.
Transport
Global EV momentum: Tesla leads UK December sales, Zeekr tops Chinese deliveries, U.S. hits 57 EV plants, Kia serves Australian Open, while Mexico's Olinia and Louisiana school buses advance electrification
2nd Non-Road Mobile Machinery Electrification and Hybridization (Energy Central) - Global industry leaders will gather in Amsterdam next March to explore electrification solutions for non-road machinery, focusing on battery technology, motors, and charging systems.
Automakers Hit with Big Fines for Not Selling Enough Electric Cars in UK? Conflicting Reports (CleanTechnica) - UK automakers narrowly achieved compliance with the 22% EV sales requirement through credit trading, contrary to earlier reports of £15,000 penalties for missing targets.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Over $12 Million to Livingston and Jefferson Parish for Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles as Part of Investing in America Agenda (CleanTechnica) - Federal funding of $12.7 million will help Louisiana's Livingston and Jefferson parishes replace 45 diesel school buses with zero-emission vehicles and install charging infrastructure.
EVs Take 40.0% Share In The UK — ZEV Credits Changing Hands (CleanTechnica) - UK electric vehicle sales surged to 40% of December's market share, with Tesla capturing 20.9% of battery-powered sales amid automakers' push to meet zero-emission requirements.
Five ways to make aviation more sustainable right now (Climate Home News) - Aviation experts identify five immediate strategies to slash emissions through optimized flights, sustainable operations, alternative fuels, eco-friendly airports, and improved travel logistics.
India’s electric vehicle revolution: Balancing climate goals amidst a coal-heavy grid (EnergyCentral) - India aims to achieve 30% electric vehicle adoption by 2030, despite concerns over its coal-dominated power grid potentially diminishing environmental benefits.
Mexico To Build Its Own Cheap Electric Car — Forget Tesla (CleanTechnica) - Mexico partners with Olinia to produce electric cars priced between $4,400 and $7,400 ahead of the 2026 World Cup, following Tesla's exit amid US trade tensions.
Production Underway at Dozens of U.S. Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Sites after Historic Levels of Investment (EDF) - U.S. electric vehicle manufacturing has surged to 57 operational plants among 208 total facilities, drawing $197.6B in investments and creating 50,000 direct jobs, primarily in Republican-held districts.
Survey Shows Significant Differences in EV Life & Interests in China, Germany, & USA (CleanTechnica) - Chinese consumers show 27% higher intent to buy electric vehicles and 31% more interest in workplace charging than German and American drivers, according to Deloitte's 2025 Global Automotive Survey.
Zeekr Sales Increase 87% in 2024! (CleanTechnica) - Chinese automaker Zeekr outperformed rivals XPENG and NIO by delivering 222,123 electric vehicles in 2024, marking an 87% increase in sales.
Look at the underside of a log, and you’ll find my new obsession: the beautiful, bonkers world of slime moulds | Lucy Jones (The Guardian) - Scientists report that slime molds, microscopic organisms lacking brains, demonstrate problem-solving abilities and are now helping map dark matter and design efficient transport systems.
Tesla Supercharging Amenities Really Need to Be Better — Great Example (CleanTechnica) - A Tesla Supercharger station in Utah pairs 20-40 minute charging sessions with a Tesla-themed restaurant menu at Cody's Gastro Garage, setting a new standard for EV charging amenities.
Kia Is Electrifying This Australian Open (CleanTechnica) - Kia deploys 130 electric and hybrid vehicles, including EV5, EV6, and EV9 models, for transport and display at this year's Australian Open tennis tournament.s that kill 200 Americans, injure 26,000, and cause $10 billion in damage yearly.
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