Energy & Environment
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Energy & Environment
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New York turns up the heat on gas ban debate |
New York’s approval this week of a ban on natural gas in new buildings is a big win for climate activists and could heat up discussions of the issue nationwide. |
© Davide Bonaldo/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images |
New York is now the first state that has passed a law to ban gas appliances in new buildings, though it may not be the last.
Meanwhile, Washington state already has building codes that restrict the use of gas heating in new apartment and commercial buildings.
Supporters of such policies say the historic step by New York, which approved the ban as part of a larger budget bill, gives them momentum. “What we’re seeing is that this is very momentum-based,” said Panama Bartholomy, executive director of the Building Decarbonization Coalition.
He said New York’s law could spark additional action from both states and in the private sector.
Amy Turner, a senior fellow at Columbia Law School, specifically pointed to Massachusetts, which currently has a pilot program in place under which 10 cities and towns are banning fossil fuels in new buildings, as another state that could take up the mantle.
Keep an eye on TheHill.com this weekend for the full story. |
Welcome to The Hill’s Energy & Environment newsletter, we’re Rachel Frazin and Zack Budryk — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains.
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How policy will affect the energy and environment sectors now and in the future: |
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Around 1,500 American Indian and Alaska Native persons have been reported missing to the National Crime Information Center, according to the U.S. Department of Interior’s Office of Justice Services. Approximately 2,700 cases of murder and non-negligent homicide offenses have been reported to the government’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program … |
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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Serpent-like deep-sea fish with protruding fangs, bulging eyes and scaleless, slithery bodies are washing up along Oregon beaches — and biologists aren’t sure why … |
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KEY WEST, Fla. (WFLA) — Archaeologists have found the remains of a 19th-century quarantine hospital on what was once an above-sea island in the Florida Keys, according to the National Park Service. |
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Branch out with a different read from The Hill: |
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The Supreme Court’s conservative majority may soon have a chance to dramatically limit the power of federal regulators. In recent years, the justices’ high-profile cases have been on the front lines of the culture wars as they decided issues like guns, abortion and religion. For the high court’s next term, however, administrative law is shaping up to be a focal point. |
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News we’ve flagged from other outlets touching on energy issues, the environment and other topics: |
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In ‘Cancer Alley’, US chemical giants mount campaign against grassroots organizers (Floodlight/The Guardian)
Massive fire reported at Texas industrial plant (The Houston Chronicle)
Ocean temperatures are off the charts right now, and scientists are alarmed (CNN)
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Upcoming news themes and events we’re watching: |
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On Wednesday: The House Energy and Commerce Committee will hold a hearing on the EPA’s budget. The House Oversight Committee will hear from state attorneys general on ESG. Officials will the Energy Department will testify before the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee on the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and CHIPS bill.
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On Thursday: The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will examine permitting reform for energy and mineral projects. The House Energy and Commerce Committee will hold a hearing on the Energy Department’s budget.
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Two key stories on The Hill right now: |
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Former President Trump aide Kellyanne Conway on Friday defended payments she reportedly made to Virginia “Ginni” Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, at the behest of a conservative judicial activist. Read more |
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Story at a glance Kettering Fairmont High School in Kettering, Ohio, made history by crowning two LGBTQ+ students, seniors Dai’sean Conley and Rosie Green, as prom king and queen. Conley and Green were chosen for the honor by their peers at school. Most are supportive, but some, Conley said, were unhappy with the outcome of the vote. Despite some complaints, the Kettering City School’s Board of Education has no intention of taking any action. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – Kettering Fairmont High School in Kettering, Ohio, made history by crowning two LGBTQ+ students, seniors Dai’sean Conley and Rosie Green, as prom king and queen. Read more |
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You’re all caught up. See you next week! |
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