Ray Long’s Post

Last session Minnesota lawmakers set big picture energy and climate goals, this year lawmakers and stakeholders focused on how to get them done. Implementation details are the hardest part and often don't give us splashy headlines and bumper sticker slogans, but they are critical to success. Thank you Alyssa Eilers and Brian Halloran for representing Center for Energy and Environment and making sure that we get the details right. And thank you to our many partner organizations and lawmakers for supporting practical, thoughtful policy changes to advance the clean energy transition in our state! Read this great blog by Alyssa Eilers to learn more some of the great policies passed in 2024.

New York joins Massachusetts in leading the country on transitioning utility infrastructure away from outdated fossil gas dependence! California, birthplace of efficiency standards, air quality protections, and setting the global stage on climate change mitigation, is steadily losing ground when it comes to aligning utility investment with climate targets. With this recent commitment from Governor Hochul, New York will be looking at reforming the utility obligation to serve which will allow utilities to limit investment in fossil gas infrastructure that takes us further away from meeting our decarbonization targets. Every investment today in gas pipelines commits ratepayers to 50-60 year investments - investments that will become stranded assets when we achieve our zero-carbon energy system goals. Responsible utility investment involves building for tomorrow, not for yesterday. Congrats to my colleagues in New York, especially our NY Director Lisa Dix, for the tireless work that led to this important milestone. https://lnkd.in/gTwHMWhT

In the almost two years since the #InflationReductionAct was signed into law on August 16, 2022, companies have announced or advanced 646 new #cleanenergy projects, creating 334,565 new jobs and driving $372 billion in new investments across 47 states and Puerto Rico. That's the latest from Climate Power's August Clean Energy Boom report, released today. Plans include 183 new #battery manufacturing sites, 155 new or expanded #electricvehicle manufacturing facilities, and 185 #solar and #wind manufacturing plants. The majority of projects are in five states —Michigan, Texas, Georgia, California, and South Carolina. As BCSE works with industry leaders and policymakers to advance the clean energy transition, ensuring the efficient and effective implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is a top priority. Dive into Climate Power's report for the latest data on IRA progress: https://lnkd.in/e9dMTjZf

A great listen, especially in the context of HVDC, considering the UK’s current HVDC supply chains cannot meet the growing demand for cable from the UK, even based on current renewable deployment rates and grid reinforcement plans. XLCC was created to address this bottleneck in the HVDC cable supply.  As such, we are looking to supply across the sector, to help accelerate the net zero transition.

Climate journalism at its best Accurate Readable Actionable

The answer is not as complex as some might think it is. California is organizing its power sector around decarbonization objectives rather than prioritizing reliability at the most affordable cost for ratepayers. In the process they're sacrificing both reliability and affordability. And contrary to the quote below, this is not due to "what climate change is doing to us" nor is it "due to what California is trying to do to reduce climate change". California cannot unilaterally reduce climate change, nor can the U.S. Even if the U.S. and California decarbonized, which California is demonstrating cannot be done reliably and affordably, the upward trajectory of global carbon emissions will continue--with the U.S. or without the U.S. U.S. energy policy should prioritize energy security, national security, and economic security--and that begins with prioritizing reliability in the power grid. Reliable energy resources and reliable energy technologies. Pragmatism and reality over ideology and false pretenses. Excerpt from WSJ Article “California is sort of the cutting edge” in terms of rising power rates...“It’s primarily due to what climate change is doing to us, and particularly wildfires. But it’s also due to what California is trying to do to reduce climate change.” https://lnkd.in/eG6tHF5E

Really great article in a pro-environmental state on the complex local issues and concerns regarding more development of wind energy. From nesting to aerial fire fighting, arguments suggest that there is no clear path forward and that consensus is hard to find. https://lnkd.in/gHhsdSHR

Did you know B.C. is a North American clean energy leader? https://lnkd.in/dSukZh2u These economic opportunities and benefits have—& can continue—to accrue thanks in no small part to B.C.'s climate policy leadership. https://lnkd.in/dMtAcp38 This is your regular reminder that elections matter. #bcpoli h/t Clean Energy Canada & Canadian Climate Institute / Institut climatique du Canada

This is interesting because on one hand, the Energy Permitting Reform Act could accelerate our transition to clean energy, but also raises questions about the balance between oversight and autonomy in grid development. https://lnkd.in/gP6YMN6x

Regulators in #Massachusetts just put the state on a path to full decarbonization. #Energystorage — and specifically long duration energy storage — will have to be a critical component of any solution for the state’s grid. Find out more about the companies making the energy transition possible here: https://lnkd.in/eCQJkJ7a