Last fall's Republican victories might mean that state legislatures will turn back the clock on laws requiring renewable energy.
According to an article by Elizabeth Daigneau, "in the wake of a Republican wave in several states in November, attacks on renewable energy standards may resurface in Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio, to name a few."
Daigneau lays out the case made by either side of the issue and examines the political situation in Kansas, specifically, where a bill to repeal the state's 2009 renewable portfolio standard (RPS) was narrowly defeated in the Kansas House two years ago. However, with five new seats in the same body of the state legislature, Republicans are mobilizing to try to rescind the RPS again.
The actions come despite the overwhelming popularity of the state's RPS, according to at least one poll. "A poll commissioned last year by the pro-renewable Climate + Energy Project in Kansas found that among Kansas voters, 73 percent of Republicans, 75 percent of independents and 82 percent of Democrats support the 2009 RPS law," reports Daigneau.
FULL STORY: Republican Wave Boosts Anti-Renewable Energy Efforts -- Again
Shuttering a Large Coal Plant: A Tale of Two States
Environmentalists in California are upset that Los Angeles will build a new 840-megawatt natural gas plant to replace a 1,800-megawatt coal plant. The coal plant has been crucial to the economic development of Millard County, Utah.
The Ohio 'Clean Air' Energy Bill Cuts Out Wind and Solar Credits
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Mixed Results on Renewable Energy Initiatives
Two western states had very similar renewable energy initiatives on the ballot sponsored by NextGen America requiring utilities to get 50 percent of electricity by 2030. It passed in Nevada but was rejected in Arizona.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
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Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
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Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
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