E&E News provides essential energy and environment news for professionals.
New EPA Methane Rule Will Slash Emissions from Oil and Gas
At the COP28 climate meeting, the EPA announced the final version of a rule that aims to deeply cut methane emissions by requiring equipment upgrades and regular leak inspections
Your Guide to the COP28 Climate Meeting in Dubai
The COP28 climate summit in Dubai has begun. Here’s how to understand the negotiations and squabbles about money and the “phaseout” versus “phasedown” of fossil fuels
Doubling Energy-Efficiency Gains Is Necessary to Meet Climate Goals
Countries need to double their energy-efficiency gains to achieve the emissions reductions required to meet the goals of the 2015 Paris climate agreement, a new report finds
Commercial Airliner Is First to Cross Atlantic with Biofuel Power
Virgin Atlantic flew the first large commercial jet to traverse the Atlantic with 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel
Coal Power Kills a ‘Staggering’ Number of Americans
An estimated 460,000 deaths in the U.S. were attributable to coal-fired power plant pollution between 1999 and 2020, new research finds
Could Tougher Building Codes Fix Climate Change?
States that adopt updated building codes also could see big savings in energy bills
U.S. Targets Methane Emissions in New Batch of Rules
The Biden administration is poised to release rules and guidance to curb emissions of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas
U.S. Carbon Emissions Set to Fall Again, a Key Sign of Progress
A projected drop in U.S. greenhouse gas emissions—one of the largest of the past decade—is still not enough to meet the country’s commitments under the Paris climate accord
The State of the Planet in 10 Numbers
Here is a snapshot of the warming world, from sea-level rise to fossil fuel subsidies to renewable energy growth
Net-Zero Emissions Would Save 32,000 Lives and $1 Trillion in the U.S. Alone
The U.S. will see “fewer emergency room visits, fewer asthma attacks” and will save money if it cuts carbon emissions, a new Union of Concerned Scientists analysis says
U.S. and China Reach New Climate Agreement
China and the U.S. agreed to new greenhouse gas reduction commitments ahead of upcoming climate talks, but the relationship between the world’s top two emitters remains “challenging”
Climate Changes Threatens Every Facet of U.S. Society, Federal Report Warns
The new U.S. National Climate Assessment details how climate change will alter nearly every aspect of American life—and how the U.S. can help avoid “potentially catastrophic outcomes”
First-Ever Flood Forecasting Maps Show Houses and Roads at Risk
The National Weather Service has launched the first flood forecasting system with precise, real-time data showing spots that are at imminent risk of inundation
U.S. Hits Carbon Tech Milestone with First Direct-Air Capture Facility
A new facility will suck carbon dioxide from the air, showcasing the potential of a nascent industry that some say is crucial to fighting climate change
Climate Change Has Worsened Drought in the Fertile Crescent
Rising temperatures are increasing the likelihood of severe drought in Syria, Iraq and Iran
State Election Results Bring Clean Energy Consequences
The outcomes of state elections this week may mean more natural gas plants in Texas, greater use of climate law funds in Kentucky and the continuation of the status quo in Maine and Mississippi
Electric Vehicles Might Not Yet Have Replaced as Much Car Mileage as Hoped
Without policies to promote electric vehicle purchases and build up charging infrastructure, such vehicles might produce fewer emissions reductions than hoped
New Climate Compensation Agreement Raises International Tensions
A U.S. push for voluntary payments in high-stakes negotiations over a global fund for climate disasters has raised tensions ahead of the upcoming COP28 climate summit
Earth Reacts to Greenhouse Gases More Strongly Than We Thought
Climate scientists, including pioneer James Hansen, are pinning down a fundamental factor that drives how hot Earth will get
Rich Countries Owe More Than Ever in Climate Adaptation Funding
Rich nations haven’t met their promises to provide aid to developing countries to adapt to climate extremes, the U.N. says in a new report
Dangerous ‘Fill and Build’ Floodplain Policy Should Be Scrapped, Experts Say
A FEMA advisory council says a program that allows developers to elevate homes on fill dirt is environmentally harmful and can increase flood risks for nearby homes
Heart Attacks and Strokes Will Rise with Extreme Heat
The number of fatal heart attacks, strokes and arrhythmias could triple for older and Black adults as extreme heat increases with global warming
‘Air-Conditioning’ Rivers and Streams Could Save Overheated Fish
Warming waters pose a danger to Atlantic salmon. A new effort aims to lower the temperature in waterways used by the fish to spawn
Experts Urge Dramatic Shift on Flood Insurance
Millions more people in the U.S. may be required to buy flood insurance based on the recommendation of an expert panel at a time when climate-driven floods are becoming increasingly common