Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that the total carbon emissions of the transportation sector is now greater than the carbon emissions of energy utilities.
"For the first time since 1979, America’s cars, trucks, and airplanes emit more carbon dioxide than its power plants do," according to an article by Brad Plumer.
Plumer is sharing analysis by Sam Omri, executive director of the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago, using data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration's "Monthly Energy Review" from May 2016 [pdf].
Plumer's post also digs into why energy utilities have been easier to clean up than the transportation sector—namely, that coal was easier to transition from for utilities than oil has been for cars, trucks, and planes. The article provides a lot more detail about the size and scope of the remaining challenges facing the transportation sector in reducing carbon emissions.
FULL STORY: Power plants are no longer America’s biggest climate problem. Transportation is.
Large Michigan Utility to Go Coal-Free by 2050
Apparently Michigan's largest electricity supplier did not receive the Trump memo that the Clean Power Plan will be rolled back as they are proceeding on a plan that will achieve even higher carbon emission reductions.
Oil and Coal Will Continue To Be Energy Mainstays
Unless international carbon-capping treaties are implemented, fossil fuel consumption (with their greenhouse gas emissions) will increase 50% by 2030, largely resulting from growth in energy consumption in China and other developing nations.
Texas Court Vacates Federal Emissions Rule
The decision vacates a USDOT rule that would have required states to establish emission reduction plans.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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