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Articles by Jeff Deyette
States March toward 100% Clean Energy--Who’s Next?
Jeff Deyette, director of state policy & analysis, Clean Energy | August 28, 2019, 10:32 am EDT This post is a part of a series on Clean Energy Momentum One year ago this week, the California legislature passed landmark legislation committing the state’s power providers to supplying 60% of their electricity from renewable energy by 2030 and setting a target of 100% clean, or carbon-free, power by mid century.
States March toward 100% Clean Energy--Who’s Next?
UPDATE: The map of state 100% targets has been updated since the original posting to clarify that it includes both mandatory requirements as well as goals. One year ago this week, the California legislature passed landmark legislation committing the state’s power providers to supplying 60% of their electricity from renewable energy by 2030 and setting a target of 100% clean, or carbon-free, power by mid century.
Year in Review: 9 Clean Energy Transition Stories from 2018
Jeff Deyette, director of state policy & analysis, Clean Energy | December 27, 2018, 10:30 am EST This post is a part of a series on Clean Energy Momentum Despite the Trump Administration’s ongoing attempts to prop up coal and undermine renewables—at FERC, EPA, and through tariffs and the budget process—2018 should instead be remembered for the surge in momentum toward a clean energy economy.
Year in Review: 9 Clean Energy Transition Stories from 2018
Despite the Trump Administration’s ongoing attempts to prop up coal and undermine renewables—at FERC, EPA, and through tariffs and the budget process—2018 should instead be remembered for the surge in momentum toward a clean energy economy. Here are nine storylines that caught my attention this past year and help illustrate the unstoppable advancement of renewable energy and other modern grid technologies.
A Stealth Move to Undermine Science at the US Department of Agriculture
In its latest scheme to undermine science, the Trump administration is brazenly trying to—pun intended—farm out to the hinterlands the most important research arms of the Department of Agriculture.
Which Parks and Rec Character is FirstEnergy?
FirstEnergy at it again, begging this administration for a handout. FirstEnergy is a large, investor-owned, electric utility that operates in 13 different states. It operated a competitive generation subsidiary, First Energy Solutions (which is currently bankrupt). Recently it announced its intentions to retire two coal-fired power plants, observers believe this was just an attempt to garner support to get bailed out.
Forensics, Justice, and the Case for Science-Based Decision Making
This post is a part of a series on Science For Justice Forensic science—and the language forensic scientists use to talk about their findings–has real-world impacts, sometimes life-or-death impacts, for real people. If the criminal justice system is going to really serve the cause of justice, it needs to be informed by the best available science.
Ørsted, Deepwater Wind: Are Offshore Wind Mergers Good for Us?
This post is a part of a series on Clean Energy Momentum Last week saw offshore wind giant Ørsted complete its acquisition of local star Deepwater Wind. Is that a good thing? The players and the scorecard The $510-million deal brings together two important players in the offshore wind space. Rhode Island-based Deepwater holds the distinction of being the developer of the first offshore wind project in the Americas, the Block Island Wind Farm in Rhode Island waters.
The Voters have Spoken: Time for Checks and Balances to Make a Comeback
The election is all but over, and the result is a divided Congress. Take a deep breath, scientists, and remember that divided government in these United States is what our Constitution was designed for. A guiding principle was one of checks and balances – a check on dominance of one point of view and balance in the resulting policies for the people.
Forget the Trump Bailout-Here’s a Real Solution for Nuclear and the Climate
This post is a part of a series on The Nuclear Power Dilemma The Trump Administration’s proposal to bail out uneconomic coal and nuclear power plants is a bad idea predicated on a made-up problem. The real crisis we face is the climate crisis, as the recent IPCC report highlighted in stark terms last month. We must steeply reduce CO2 emissions over the next decade and beyond or we will lock in warming that will have disastrous consequences for people around the word.
On Veterans Day, Why Aren’t Congress and the USDA Looking Out for Those Who Served?
This Veterans Day is particularly significant, marking the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. Though US veterans from that long-ago war are gone, some 20 million of their brethren are with us today. Our culture honors them at sporting events and other public venues, but we also have an ugly history of mistreating those who served—from returning Vietnam vets being spat upon to mismanaged healthcare programs and corruption at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
No, Natural Gas Power Plants Are Not Clean
You may have heard that natural gas is “clean.” Compared to coal, natural gas produces less global warming emissions and air pollution. But coal is just about the dirtiest way to produce electricity, so almost anything will seem cleaner in comparison. The fact of the matter is that natural gas power plants still produce a significant amount of air pollution, and that’s a problem.
Can the EPA Protect Us from Ozone and Particulate Pollution Without Its Experts? What to Watch
This week, the EPA announced that its Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) alone would be reviewing upcoming ozone and particulate matter reviews. On October 10, the EPA nixed its ozone and particulate matter review panels—breaking with EPA’s use of expert science advisers for ambient air quality decisions since the 1970s and consistent with this administration’s trend of abandoning science advice.
After Pittsburgh, Thousand Oaks, Will New Congress Push for Gun Safety Research?
The night after mid-term elections, our nation suffered another gruesome tragedy at the hands of an armed gunman, and I’m still ready for Congress to demand a science-based conversation on gun violence. Last night in Thousand Oaks, California, 12 people- including the gunman and an officer- were left dead and at least 10 others injured at a popular college bar. It is believed that several survivors of last year’s mass shooting at a Las Vegas music festival were present.
What the New UCS Report on Nuclear Plants Means for Illinois
Today UCS released a new report entitled The Nuclear Power Dilemma that examines the economic viability and performance of most of the 60 nuclear power plants operating in the United States as of July 2018. The report also analyzes what electric generating resources are likely to replace these nuclear plants if some of them were to abruptly retire from service. So what did the report find and what does it mean for a state with so much nuclear power like Illinois?
Natural Gas is Undermining Pennsylvania’s Nuclear Plants-And That’s Bad News for the Climate
Today the Union of Concerned Scientists released a report that assesses the economic viability and safety records of nuclear power plants in the United States. The report asks what happens to carbon emissions if a significant number of those plants were to retire abruptly—given their high risk of being replaced by natural gas and coal—and seeks to inform both state and federal policy makers about how to address the issue.
Carbon Pricing is Key to Economic Viability of Xcel’s Nuclear Power Plants in Minnesota
The 671 MW Monticello Nuclear Generating Station is located along the Mississippi River 40 miles northwest of the Twin Cities and provides about 10 percent of Xcel’s electricity in the Upper Midwest. The 671 MW Monticello Nuclear Generating Station is located along the Mississippi River 40 miles northwest of the Twin Cities and provides about 10 percent of Xcel’s electricity in the Upper Midwest.
Even in a Carbon-Constrained World, FirstEnergy’s Nuclear Bailout Proposal in Ohio Must Be Rejected
A new report, The Nuclear Power Dilemma, released today by my UCS colleagues, finds that more than one-third of the nation’s nuclear power fleet – that provides more than 20 percent of the country’s nuclear power – are uneconomic or slated to retire over the next decade primarily due to economic, safety, and performance reasons. Two of the uneconomic plants—Davis-Besse and Perry—are in Ohio and owned by Akron-based FirstEnergy Corp.
Even in a Carbon-Constrained World, FirstEnergy’s Nuclear Bailout Proposal in Ohio Must Be Rejected
A new report, The Nuclear Power Dilemma, released today by my UCS colleagues, finds that more than one-third of the nation’s nuclear power fleet – that provides more than 20 percent of the country’s nuclear power – are uneconomic or slated to retire over the next decade primarily due to economic, safety, and performance reasons. Two of the uneconomic plants—Davis-Besse and Perry—are in Ohio and owned by Akron-based FirstEnergy Corp.
Climate Changes Health: The Backstory is the Front Story
12 years. That’s how long scientists say we have to reduce greenhouse gas emissions substantially to heed off the global catastrophic effects of climate change. As such, climate change is arguably the greatest public health threat of our times as it already contributes to increased trauma, morbidity, and mortality from extreme weather events and displacement. Often missing from this conversation is a dialogue on climate justice.
The Elections, and What They Mean for Climate, Energy, and Science
If you are like me, you arrived a bit blurry-eyed to the office this morning after staying up watching election results last night. You’ve undoubtedly already heard and read commentary on what this election means for the country, but may be wondering what the outcome means for climate, security, energy, and science policy. I sat down with my colleague, Alden Meyer, UCS Director of Strategy and Policy, and put our usual water-cooler deconstruction on paper.
Your Guide to Tuesday’s Transformation of Democracy
Update 11/5: The post has been updated to change the title. Democracy in America will be transformed Tuesday night, for better or worse. Or both.
Arizona and Renewables: 7 Reasons to Vote Yes on Prop. 127
When Arizonans go to the polls tomorrow they’ll have a tremendous opportunity to take control of their energy future and put the state on the path to a much cleaner, healthier, more affordable power supply. Proposition 127 requires the state’s largest utilities to obtain at least half of their electricity from renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and small-scale hydropower, by 2030. Here are 7 great reasons to vote Yes.
Arizona and Renewables: 7 Reasons to Vote Yes on Prop. 127
When Arizonans go to the polls tomorrow they’ll have a tremendous opportunity to take control of their energy future and put the state on the path to a much cleaner, healthier, more affordable power supply. Proposition 127 requires the state’s largest utilities to obtain at least half of their electricity from renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and small-scale hydropower, by 2030. Here are 7 great reasons to vote Yes.
Despite Trump Roadblocks, Full Steam Ahead for Clean Energy Transition
California recently adopted legislation that puts them on the path to source all of their electricity from solar, wind, and other clean energy technologies by 2045. California recently adopted legislation that puts them on the path to source all of their electricity from solar, wind, and other clean energy technologies by 2045.
Despite Trump Roadblocks, Full Steam Ahead for Clean Energy Transition
With today’s public hearing on the EPA’s wretched and dangerous ‘plan’ for regulating power plant carbon emissions, the Trump administration is continuing its assault on clean energy, public health, and the climate. Whether withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement or bailing out uneconomic coal plants at the behest of his fossil fuel cronies, President Trump desperately wants to reverse progress on the transition to a low-carbon economy.
As Coal Stumbles, Wind Power Takes Off in Wyoming
After several years of mostly sitting on the sidelines, Wyoming is re-entering the wind power race in a big way. Rocky Mountain Power recently announced plans to invest $3.5 billion in new wind and transmission over the next three years. This development—combined with the long-awaited start of construction on what could be the nation’s largest wind project—will put Wyoming among the wind power leaders in the region.
As Coal Stumbles, Wind Power Takes Off in Wyoming
After a long hiatus, the wind power industry is poised to grow significantly in Wyoming over the next several years. After a long hiatus, the wind power industry is poised to grow significantly in Wyoming over the next several years. Photo: Flickr, Wyoming_Jackrabbit After several years of mostly sitting on the sidelines, Wyoming is re-entering the wind power race in a big way.
Despite Trump’s Climate Rollbacks, Renewables Charging Full Steam Ahead
President Trump’s recent Executive Order on Energy Independence is a cynical and dangerous assault on common sense policies to address climate change. His efforts will put Americans in harm’s way, and we must resist the president’s anti-science agenda at every turn. One of those turns is in our nation’s power sector, where the transition away from coal and toward cleaner, lower-carbon energy resources is well underway.
Despite Trump’s Climate Rollbacks, Renewables Charging Full Steam Ahead
Renewable energy resources are growing at record levels in the United States, providing consumers with reliable and affordable power while helping to curb carbon emissions. In 2016, more solar PV was installed than any other energy source. Photo: andreas160578/CC0 Public Domain Renewable energy resources are growing at record levels in the United States, providing consumers with reliable and affordable power while helping to curb carbon emissions.
Will New Mexico Join the Next Generation of Clean Energy Leaders?
More and more states across the country are redefining what it means to be a clean energy leader by doubling down on their commitments to deploy solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources. Now the New Mexico legislature wants to add their state to the growing list. Recently introduced legislation would increase New Mexico’s successful renewable electricity standard (RES) from its current level of 20 percent by 2020 to 80 percent by 2040.
Will New Mexico Join the Next Generation of Clean Energy Leaders?
More and more states across the country are redefining what it means to be a clean energy leader by doubling down on their commitments to deploy solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources. Now the New Mexico legislature wants to add their state to the growing list. Recently introduced legislation would increase New Mexico’s successful renewable electricity standard (RES) from its current level of 20 percent by 2020 to 80 percent by 2040.
Community Solar: Making Solar Accessible without Rooftops
Community solar is a powerful and effective tool for increasing access to the solar revolution. That’s one of the key takeaways from research recently completed by UCS’s 2016 Schneider Fellow, Thazin. For nearly 15 years, UCS has participated in Stanford University’s Schneider Fellowship Program, which pairs talented students with national nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to work on issues in support of sustainable energy.
Community Solar: Making Solar Accessible without Rooftops
Community solar is a powerful and effective tool for increasing access to the solar revolution. That’s one of the key takeaways from research recently completed by UCS’s 2016 Schneider Fellow, Thazin. For nearly 15 years, UCS has participated in Stanford University’s Schneider Fellowship Program, which pairs talented students with national nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to work on issues in support of sustainable energy.
House Science Committee Chairman Lamar Smith Defends ExxonMobil, Subpoenas Union of Concerned Scientists: An FAQ
Today House Science Committee Chairman Lamar Smith sent congressional subpoenas to several attorneys general and nonprofit organizations—including the Union of Concerned Scientists—demanding access to correspondence among these groups and between these groups and the attorneys general offices. This is the first Congress in which the House Science Committee Chair has universal subpoena power, meaning that he/she does not need to work with or even inform the minority party before issuing subpoenas.
A Powerful 1-2 Punch: Renewable Energy Tax Credits and the Clean Power Plan
The clean energy transition is well underway in the United States, but strong policies are needed to keep the momentum going. Today the Union of Concerned Scientists is releasing a new analysis showing how two federal measures—the recently extended wind and solar tax credits and the Clean Power Plan—can work together to provide a powerful and affordable boost for clean energy while helping to cut power sector carbon emissions.
A Powerful 1-2 Punch: Renewable Energy Tax Credits and the Clean Power Plan
The clean energy transition is well underway in the United States, but strong policies are needed to keep the momentum going. Today the Union of Concerned Scientists is releasing a new analysis showing how two federal measures—the recently extended wind and solar tax credits and the Clean Power Plan—can work together to provide a powerful and affordable boost for clean energy while helping to cut power sector carbon emissions.
Peabody Energy’s Bankruptcy Filing: Top 4 Things You Should Know
Update (June 13, 2016): Bankruptcy filings of Peabody Energy, the world’s largest investor-owned coal company, reveal extensive funding of climate deception through trade groups, lobbyists, think tanks, and supposedly independent scientists. Peabody Energy, the world’s largest private-sector coal company, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy today. Here are four things you should know about the company’s remarkable collapse and the broader implications for transitioning to a clean energy economy.
How the Clean Power Plan Can Accelerate Renewable Energy and Efficiency
Momentum toward a clean energy economy is gaining steam all across the United States. New wind and solar development outpaced fossil fuels in 2015 for the second straight year, and both technologies are on track to reach new heights this year. Meanwhile, power generation at U.S. coal plants in 2015 was at its lowest levels than any year since 1984. Now, a new UCS analysis highlights how the Clean Power Plan can help states accelerate this transition to an affordable and low-carbon economy.
New Analysis Shows the Benefits of a Clean Energy Future in New Mexico
New Mexico’s Governor Martinez has yet to state publicly whether she’ll join at least 16 other states in continuing to plan for compliance with the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, despite the recent Supreme Court stay. The governor should forge ahead with the planning process and work with the legislature, state agencies, and utilities to expand on commitments to invest in renewables and efficiency.
How the Clean Power Plan Can Accelerate Renewable Energy and Efficiency
Momentum toward a clean energy economy is gaining steam all across the United States. New wind and solar development outpaced fossil fuels in 2015 for the second straight year, and both technologies are on track to reach new heights this year. Meanwhile, power generation at U.S. coal plants in 2015 was at its lowest levels than any year since 1984. Now, a new UCS analysis highlights how the Clean Power Plan can help states accelerate this transition to an affordable and low-carbon economy.
New Analysis Shows the Benefits of a Clean Energy Future in New Mexico
New Mexico’s Governor Martinez has yet to state publicly whether she’ll join at least 16 other states in continuing to plan for compliance with the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, despite the recent Supreme Court stay. The governor should forge ahead with the planning process and work with the legislature, state agencies, and utilities to expand on commitments to invest in renewables and efficiency.
Oregon Aims to Set New Precedent for Clean Energy Leadership
If Oregon’s utilities and clean energy advocates have their way, the state will soon be rapidly accelerating its transition toward a clean energy economy. This month, the Oregon legislature is considering HB 4036, a comprehensive plan crafted by a broad set of stakeholders that would double the state’s commitment to renewable energy, lock in cost-effective efficiency investments, and completely phase out the use of coal as an electricity source.
Oregon Aims to Set New Precedent for Clean Energy Leadership
If Oregon’s utilities and clean energy advocates have their way, the state will soon be rapidly accelerating its transition toward a clean energy economy. This month, the Oregon legislature is considering HB 4036, a comprehensive plan crafted by a broad set of stakeholders that would double the state’s commitment to renewable energy, lock in cost-effective efficiency investments, and completely phase out the use of coal as an electricity source.
New Report Documents the Overwhelming Benefits of Renewable Energy Standards
An exciting study released today from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) finds that state-level renewable electricity standards (RES) are helping to substantially improve public health and the environment, create jobs, and protect consumers. This first-of-its-kind comprehensive national assessment confirms what clean energy advocates have argued for years: the benefits from investing in renewable energy far outweigh the costs.
9 Signs from 2015 that the Clean Energy Transition is Accelerating
The ink is dry on the historic global climate agreement signed in Paris earlier this month, and now the really hard work must begin: achieving the promised long-term emission reductions that will help keep global average temperature increases below 2 degrees Celsius. In the near term, the U.S. has committed to economy-wide emissions reductions of 26–28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025; and the nation’s electricity sector needs to play a major role in accomplishing that goal.
9 Signs from 2015 that the Clean Energy Transition is Accelerating
The ink is dry on the historic global climate agreement signed in Paris earlier this month, and now the really hard work must begin: achieving the promised long-term emission reductions that will help keep global average temperature increases below 2 degrees Celsius. In the near term, the U.S. has committed to economy-wide emissions reductions of 26–28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025; and the nation’s electricity sector needs to play a major role in accomplishing that goal.
Why Climate Finance Matters to Real People
We humans are used to the climate of the places where we live, regardless of how extreme they may be. I witnessed this first-hand during my time in Churchill with Polar Bears International, just a few weeks before COP21. While we were there to track the bears, I found that locals were waiting just as impatiently for the water to freeze and snow to fall, so they could head out to their cabins and trap lines. For all who live in the Arctic, life begins in the winter.
New State Energy Plan Provides a Road Map for Strong Clean Power Plan Compliance in Missouri
Today, the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) is releasing a comprehensive State Energy Plan that lays out a clear pathway for the Show-Me state to accelerate its transition away from coal and toward cleaner, more local power supplies. The plan—ordered by Governor Nixon—has been a year and a half in the making and benefited from a robust public stakeholder process.
New State Energy Plan Provides a Road Map for Strong Clean Power Plan Compliance in Missouri
Today, the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) is releasing a comprehensive State Energy Plan that lays out a clear pathway for the Show-Me state to accelerate its transition away from coal and toward cleaner, more local power supplies. The plan—ordered by Governor Nixon—has been a year and a half in the making and benefited from a robust public stakeholder process.
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