In 2023, Texas added more new renewable energy than any other state, while in 2024, more Texans voted for Trump than any other state. illustrating the puzzling politics of renewable energy. Whether economic liberalism vs. environmentalism, climate change skepticism,  or simply the polarization that turns almost every issue into us vs. them, Republicans have never embraced renewables. Hence the trepidation […]

As concerns about climate change and carbon emissions intensify, the aviation industry has been seeking sustainable alternatives to traditional jet fuels. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), produced from renewable resources like waste oils, agricultural residues, and algae, is a far eco-friendlier choice for powering aircraft. Sustainable Aviation Fuel, often referred to as bio-jet fuel, is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional aviation […]

The environmental consequences of carbon emissions have made active carbon removal (ACR) a Federally tax-privileged investment.  Is this plus other Federal and State policies and incentives, and improving technology, enough to overcome ACR’s cost and technical challenges? What is Active Carbon Removal? Active carbon removal captures and stores human-generated carbon dioxide emissions. Because carbon levels will continue to rise for […]

Transportation produces a quarter of total US emissions, mostly from cars and light trucks, with the rest heavy transport like trucks, ships and jets.  Electrification of light vehicles is well underway and accelerating, but it isn’t and may never be viable for heavy ones. Biomass-derived alternatives like Sustainable Aviation Fuel significantly reduce carbon emissions but aren’t available in close to […]

While aviation is a relatively small carbon emitter, it’s a visible one.  In climate change parlance, aviation is “hard to abate”— meaning few (really no) current technological or operational carbon mitigation options. Yet 107 countries including the USA are committed to net-zero air travel by 2050 as part the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme […]

Carbon pathway.  With Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) incentives, organizations with sustainability plans and carbon pathways will likely find new and more attractive ways to achieve those targets. Thus, a refreshed cost-benefit analysis of carbon reduction efforts under the new incentive frameworks is necessary to properly evaluate costs, technology needs and the options for achieving goals.  e Revenue growth opportunities.  Decarbonization […]

BlackRock Inc.  sent a letter to 19 state attorneys general saying climate change is a top concern for its clients and a key risk in financial decisions:  “Investors and companies that take a forward-looking position with respect to climate risk and its implications for the energy transition will generate better long-term financial outcomes,” Dalia Blass, BlackRock’s head of external affairs, […]

Just pre-Covid, the California Energy Commission granted Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) the first exemption to the state’s Title 24 mandate. Now, all new homes require rooftop solar (unless it’s cost-prohibitive) or alternative compliance via approved community-solar SMUD ignited intense opposition–dozens of objectors stretched out CEC’s November public comment meeting well into the night–by proposing alternative compliance by modifying a […]

Electric aircraft will someday transform travel but won’t replace jetliners anytime soon — if ever. While electricity powers new urban mobility products, jets will increasingly rely on Sustainable Aviation Fuel, a drop-in substitute for JetA. For the long-term, the major air-framers and engine manufacturers are focused on hydrogen. Indeed, hydrogen combustion has already fueled aircraft: in 1988, the experimental Tupolev Tu-155. […]

Electric aircraft will someday transform travel but won’t replace jetliners anytime soon — if ever. While electricity powers new urban mobility products, jets will increasingly rely on Sustainable Aviation Fuel, a drop-in substitute for JetA. For the long-term, the major air-framers and engine manufacturers are focused on hydrogen. Indeed, hydrogen combustion has already fueled aircraft: in 1988, the experimental Tupolev Tu-155. […]