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Tax-Exempt Organizations in California Eligible for Federal Commercial Solar Credit Through Elective Pay

Tax-Exempt Organizations in California Eligible for Federal Commercial Solar Credit Through Elective Pay

Tax-Exempt Organizations in California Eligible for Federal Commercial Solar Credit Through Elective Pay

Beef Industry-Funded Curriculum on Cattle's Climate Impact Withdrawn After Rancher Backlash

Beef Industry-Funded Curriculum on Cattle's Climate Impact Withdrawn After Rancher Backlash

A science curriculum designed to educate high school students on the climate impact of cattle, specifically methane emissions, was removed by the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture (AFBFA) following protests from ranchers. The lesson, titled 'Methane & Cattle: A Climate Connection,' was intended for approximately 1.2 million students across over 100 school districts nationwide. Ranchers, including prominent South Dakota farmer Brett Kenzy, criticized the lesson, arguing that cows do not harm the environment. Jim Mundorf, a rancher and podcaster, further amplified the backlash through his blog, leading to widespread discontent within the farming community. Rick Henningfeld, AFBFA education director, confirmed the lesson's removal at the beef industry's annual convention, CattleCon, stating that the foundation heard the feedback and is editing the content with the hope of reintroducing it. A subsequent lesson on cattle digestion, published in July, omits any mention of methane or climate change....

D.C. Council Committee Unanimously Advances GRID Act to Address Utility Costs and Promote Clean Energy

D.C. Council Committee Unanimously Advances GRID Act to Address Utility Costs and Promote Clean Energy

The D.C. Council Committee on Transportation and the Environment has unanimously passed the GRID Act, a utility affordability bill aimed at reining in rising energy costs, strengthening oversight of utility spending and profits, and expanding local clean energy options. Introduced by Councilmember Charles Allen and co-sponsored by several other councilmembers, this legislation would mark the District's first major utility and Public Service Commission reform in 25 years. D.C. electric bills have surged by 93% in the last five years, disproportionately affecting low-income households, with a quarter of them spending at least 14% of their income on energy. The GRID Act seeks to mitigate these issues by increasing scrutiny of utility spending, mandating regular audits, implementing an 18-month pause on multiyear rate increases, and tightening regulations on utility profits. Reforming utilities' allowed return on equity alone could save ratepayers over $50 million annually, according to Public Service Commissi...

Upgrading power grids to accommodate renewable energy is a key issue at climate talks

Upgrading power grids to accommodate renewable energy is a key issue at climate talks

Outdated power grids around the world are a major hurdle in the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy

New Mexico Community Center Reduces Energy Costs and Enhances Resilience with Solar and Battery System

New Mexico Community Center Reduces Energy Costs and Enhances Resilience with Solar and Battery System

A former one-room schoolhouse in Ojo Sarco, New Mexico, now serving as a community center, has significantly upgraded its energy infrastructure by installing a 7.5-kilowatt solar array and a 10.6-kilowatt-hour battery system. This initiative, carried out by Taos-based PPC Solar, aims to lower electricity bills and ensure continuous power during outages for the rural community. According to Carol Miller, a grant writer and community center board member, the upgrade has already reduced electric costs, which is crucial for the center's shoestring operation. The community center, which provides essential services like summer meals for children, safety classes, and food-bank distributions, now also offers internet access even when the main power grid is down. The installation was provided free of charge through PPC Solar's annual nonprofit donation program, following a three-year application process. The system allows the center to maintain critical services and connectivity, benefiting the 300 residents of Ojo...

Federal Residential Solar Tax Credit Concludes for Systems Placed in Service After December 31, 2025

Federal Residential Solar Tax Credit Concludes for Systems Placed in Service After December 31, 2025

The 30% federal residential solar tax credit, a significant incentive for homeowners installing solar energy systems, has concluded for systems placed in service after December 31, 2025. This tax credit allowed homeowners to offset a portion of their federal tax liability with the cost of their solar installations. The federal solar tax credit is distinct from other solar incentives, such as state incentives, utility rebates, and renewable energy credits (RECs), which operate through separate mechanisms. For individuals purchasing solar systems with cash or a loan in 2026, the listed prices for solar installations will not include this federal tax credit, meaning the full cost will be borne by the homeowner before any state or utility incentives are applied. The tax credit could only be utilized against U.S. federal tax liability, and transfer buyers under Section 6418 were required to be U.S. taxpayers.

Issaquah, Washington, Plans Sodium-Ion Battery System for Emergency Resilience Hub

Issaquah, Washington, Plans Sodium-Ion Battery System for Emergency Resilience Hub

The city of Issaquah, Washington, is moving forward with plans to install a 60 kWh sodium-ion battery system at Pickering Barn, designated as a community resilience hub. This battery will integrate with the barn's existing 64.9 kW-DC solar array, enabling the facility to power critical loads during grid outages. Emerald Battery Labs, a Seattle-based manufacturer, is developing the battery system. The project is partially supported by a $671,000 grant from TransAlta Centralia Generation LLC. This initiative is part of a phased upgrade for Pickering Barn, which previously saw the installation of heat pumps in 2025 and the solar array in 2026. The goal is to reduce energy costs, increase renewable energy use, and provide a model for other public buildings to enhance community resilience. The battery system is currently in the design phase, with certification, permitting, procurement, installation, and commissioning still required before it becomes operational.

Wiairpack Introduces 3D Honeycomb Paper Mat for Sustainable Heavy-Duty Packaging

Wiairpack Introduces 3D Honeycomb Paper Mat for Sustainable Heavy-Duty Packaging

Wiairpack Introduces 3D Honeycomb Paper Mat for Sustainable Heavy-Duty Packaging

The Best Cell Phone Plans for Streaming: How to Get Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max for Free

The Best Cell Phone Plans for Streaming: How to Get Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max for Free

The streaming wars have found a new battleground: your phone bill. As subscription prices continue to climb, wireless carriers have begun using entertainment bundles to win over customers, offering everything from complimentary Netflix and Hulu subscriptions to discounted Disney+, HBO Max and Apple TV memberships. T-Mobile has emerged as one of the more aggressive players […]

New Study Projects Future Heatwaves to Exceed Recent Extremes in Duration, Area, and Severity

New Study Projects Future Heatwaves to Exceed Recent Extremes in Duration, Area, and Severity

A new study led by researcher Philipp Aglas-Leitner from Freie Universität Berlin, published in Nature Communications, indicates that future heatwaves are projected to be significantly more intense, longer-lasting, and cover larger geographical areas than any experienced in recent history. The research team analyzed 22 exceptional heatwaves that occurred globally between 2010 and 2023, with an in-depth focus on nine events from 2015 to 2023. These historical events were then compared against climate model projections spanning from 2020 to 2100. The study examined multiple characteristics of heatwaves, including duration, cumulative heat, median and maximum severity, and spatial extent. The findings consistently show that a substantial proportion of future heatwaves will surpass the severity and scale of recent extreme events, particularly towards the end of the 21st century. This suggests that the extreme heat experienced in recent years may only be a precursor to what is to come due to climate change.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Professor Discusses Semiconductor Manufacturing and AI's Impact

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Professor Discusses Semiconductor Manufacturing and AI's Impact

Rakesh Kumar, a professor of computer engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, recently discussed the intricate process of manufacturing modern semiconductors. His conversation highlighted the significant environmental and geopolitical implications associated with AI data centers. Kumar also addressed how the rapid evolution of AI models is fundamentally altering the future landscape of chip design. This discussion delves into the technical complexities involved in producing the advanced chips that power contemporary technology, emphasizing the scale of resources and global coordination required. The professor's insights draw from his extensive work in the field, including his book, 'The Chip Age,' which explores the history and future trajectory of semiconductors. The conversation underscores the critical role these components play in the ongoing technological revolution and the challenges inherent in their production and deployment.

Indigo Paints Targets End-November for Jodhpur Plant Startup to Boost Premium Water-Based Paint Supply

Indigo Paints Targets End-November for Jodhpur Plant Startup to Boost Premium Water-Based Paint Supply

Indigo Paints Targets End-November for Jodhpur Plant Startup to Boost Premium Water-Based Paint Supply