Fossil Fuels

New Jersey to Consider Charging Fossil Fuel Companies for Pollution
A proposed law would make companies liable for damages caused by burning fossil fuels.

Addressing Orphan Wells for Environmental Justice
Remediating and repurposing some orphan oil and gas wells into parks can turn environmental hazards into community assets, promoting health, environmental justice, and accessible green space for underserved areas.

Biden Administration Moves to Protect Alaskan Refuge From Drilling
The administration is taking quick action to cement some of Biden’s key environmental accomplishments before the new Trump administration takes the reins.

Providence Could Ban New Gas Stations
The city could prohibit the construction of new fueling stations within city limits to discourage driving and pave the way for more renewable transportation infrastructure.

California Law Affirms Local Power Over Oil Extraction
A new law strengthens local governments’ ability to regulate and limit fossil fuel production in their jurisdictions.

Governor Newsom Signs Bills to Restrict Oil and Gas Operations Near Communities
The signed legislation grants local communities more authority to restrict oil and gas operations near sensitive areas and address the environmental risks of idle wells, while also ensuring the permanent shutdown of low-production wells.

Judge Sides With Oil Companies Over LA Drilling Ban
The decision invalidates a law that would have eliminated oil drilling in the city over the next 20 years. A proposed state law could still let cities regulate extraction.

Texas Earthquakes Linked to Fracking
A new study reveals earthquakes that began at shallower depths than previously thought are associated with wastewater disposal sites from fracking operations.

High Ozone Levels Threaten New Mexico Oil Town
The small community of Loving, New Mexico has higher ozone levels than dense cities like Los Angeles.

California Could Extend Oil Well Monitoring Deadlines
Legislators are considering extending the deadline for new oil well safety regulations by up to 54 months, sparking controversy over whether the delay benefits the oil industry at the expense of public health.

States Claim Highway Expansions Reduce Emissions
The argument is being used to channel climate funding to projects that expand automobile infrastructure, according to an analysis from Transportation for America.

$127 Million Allocated to Clean Up Orphaned Wells in Five States
The funding will be used to plug orphaned oil and gas wells, addressing environmental hazards, creating jobs, and advancing environmental justice as part of a larger effort funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Vermont Climate Impact Fee Heads to Governor’s Desk
Inspired by the EPA’s superfund cleanup program, the bill aims to hold companies responsible for contributing to climate change and its harmful impacts.

New Colorado Fossil Fuel Fee Will Fund Transit
Lawmakers say the agreement prevents a drawn-out legislative battle and establishes a new source of transit funding.

Federal Rule Raises Cost for Oil and Gas Extraction on Public Lands
An update to federal regulations raises minimum bonding to limit orphaned wells and ensure cleanup costs are covered — but it still may not be enough to mitigate the damages caused by oil and gas drilling.

Report: 15 Percent of Americans Deny Climate Change
A new study affirms other research showing that a small but vocal minority of Americans don’t believe climate change exists.

Texas Grid Holds Up to Freezing Temperatures
Efforts made to prepare the state’s infrastructure for winter storms after 2021’s disastrous freeze are paying off.

How Did the US Fare on its 2023 Climate Goals?
Climate experts are divided on how much progress the nation made.

The Year in Good Climate News
Despite the ups and downs, there are reasons to feel optimistic.

Seattle Passes Building Emissions Law
The law calls for buildings larger than 20,000 square feet to eliminate fossil fuels by 2050.
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