Safety has traditionally been the key question when discussing the realities of nuclear power. But in assessing the future of the nuclear industry amid debates over its potential to help tackle the climate crisis, the latest entry in our “2020 Journalists’ Guide to Energy & the Environment” reports that there may be an equally pressing concern.
A young journalist looking for a quick report found himself instead on a five-month odyssey to cover the hidden dangers of abandoned mining sites in the Southwest — then picked up a Society of Environmental Journalists’ student award in the aftermath. How this student’s persistence paid off, in the latest EJ Academy.
"The Department of Energy will begin producing documents related to Ukraine by January 28 following an agreement with watchdog group American Oversight, according to a joint filing in a Washington, DC, federal court Monday."
"DOJ attorneys describe working with industry lawyers as a ‘team,’ raising questions about whether government was representing the American people."
"The oil and gas industry is fighting back: It's throwing in big bucks to counter attacks from Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren that it's contributing to climate change."
"California's largest electric utility took the unprecedented step of shutting off power to millions of customers beginning last October. ... Now a renewable energy microgrid on a tiny California Native American reservation is proving to be one solution to this ongoing problem."
"The Energy Department set new efficiency standards Friday for big equipment, such as commercial boilers and portable air conditioners, after trying to block them for nearly three years."
"Federal authorities suggested the environmental impact of a proposed liquefied natural gas terminal and pipeline in southern Oregon would be minimal, saying the contentious project wouldn’t jeopardize protected species or adversely change their critical habitat."
"WildEarth Guardians and Physicians for Social Responsibility are renewing calls for a federal judge to throw out oil and gas leases issued by the Bureau of Land Management under the Obama administration."
"House Democrats outlined their vision for sweeping climate legislation Wednesday, offering a first look at a bill that would push the U.S. to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050."
