by Emily Atkin, Heated Highlights The Democratic National Committee (DNC) removed language from their platform that called for the end of fossil fuel subsidies and tax breaks, citing its inclusion as an “error” During an amendment process of the party platform, the DNC voted to add in the elimination of subsidies and tax breaks this … Read more
by Karen L. Jones, California Health Report Highlights According to the California Department of Public Health, the death rate due to chronic lower respiratory disease is 12 times higher in the San Joaquin Valley compared to the rest of the state and 14 times higher than the national rate The intense pollution in the region … Read more
by Emily Holden, The Guardian Highlights The gas industry has been orchestrating efforts to push against any climate policy that threatens their business models through coalition building, hiring lobbying firms, social media strategy, and op-eds Though natural gas is touted as a safe resource, the extraction and transportation of the gas leaks methane, which is … Read more
by Phil Willon, The Los Angeles Times Highlights Assembley Bill 345, legislation that would have mandated setbacks of oil drilling sites from homes, schools, and other community dwellings, was voted down 5-4 The bill would have also required the Department of Conservation to create an environmental justice progam where residents near drilling sites could voice their … Read more
by Chris Flood and Attracta Mooney, Financial Times Highlights Multibillion-dollar Nordic asset manager, Storebrand, has dropped ExxonMobile, Chevron, Southern Company, BASF, and Rio Tinto from its portfolio after these companies lobbyed against stricter environmental standards Investors of oil companies and other industries that deal with fossil fuels are pushing these companies to lobby against climate-related standards Jan … Read more
by David Roberts, Vox Highlights A new initiative, Rewiring America founded by Saul Griffith, asserts that rapid decarbonization through electrification would create 15 million to 20 million jobs in the next decade and that it’s possible to eliminate 70 percent to 80 percent of US carbon emissions by 2035 through rapid deployment of existing electrification … Read more
by Justin Gerdes, Greentech Media Highlights Realizing that Massachusetts will not meet its emissions reduction targets if the state continues to use natural gas, the Department of Public Utilities is investigating the future of natural gas companies at the request of State Attorney General Maura Healey Electrification of buildings, energy efficiency, and geothermal network applications … Read more
by Alexandria Herr, Grist Highlights Public Accountability Initiative and LittleSis released a new report detailing how oil companies fund police foundations across the country These foundations are non-profits that raise money to buy weapons, equipment, and surveillance technology for police departments Some fossil fuel companies have also supported legislation that would criminalize protesting pipelines Big … Read more
by Steve Horn, The Real News Highlights California Governor Gavin Newsom approved two rounds drilling permits for Chevron this summer, furthering criticism from environmental groups Since lifting the moratorium on fracking, Governor Newsom has approved 36 new fracking permits in Lost Hills to Aera Energy, a company he has close ties with Chevron was given … Read more
by Julia Kane, Inside Climate News Highlights In the Central Valley of California, exhaust from semi-trucks, oil and gas fumes, plus pesticides from the agricultural sector are trapped in the valley, creating mass pollution that creates severe health problems Health effects include asthma, respiratory illnesses, preterm birth, low birth weight, and cancer Pollution caused by … Read more
