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President Biden has set the ambitious, important climate goal of achieving net zero emissions from the nation’s electric power sector by 2035.  Already, natural gas has played a key role in lowering U.S. carbon dioxide emissions in the past 15 years, in part by displacing higher emitting coal. But gas, which still provides more than a third of America’s electricity, must play an even greater part in America’s decarbonization plans going forward. Right now, gas uniquely supports the expansion of renewable energy by providing an instantly dispatchable source of electricity. Unlike coal and nuclear plants, natural gas power plants turn on and off within minutes, allowing the grid to quickly match supply and demand even when the wind isn’t blowing and the sun isn’t shining. As a U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory report has noted, this unique flexibility of natural gas generation thereby facilitates the steady expansion of renewables. Yet as we move toward … [Read more...] about Natural gas and America’s clean energy transition

For her studies in quieting wind turbines and making other forms of renewable energy more competitive, a University of California-Merced student from Germany has been awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford University in the U.K. In October, Selina Brinkmann will start four years of study, all expenses paid, courtesy of the Rhodes program that awards a mere 102 scholarships each year to academically outstanding applicants around the world. Brinkmann told VOA she is passionate about renewable energy and has focused her research on desalinating farm wastewater in the agriculturally lush Central Valley of California. The valley produces half of all fruits and vegetables in the U.S., but requires massive irrigation, some of which requires desalination. “I'm working on the third alternative, which will allow them to reuse the wet content of their drainage water — the water, because that's valuable, especially here because it's so dry — while also not having any … [Read more...] about New Rhodes Scholar Hopes to Advance Renewable Energy

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Service cuts impacted all branches of the Long Island Rail Road on Monday. Transit officials said with low ridership, it’s a move to save money. But as CBS2’s Natalie Duddridge reported, commuters were not impressed. READ MORE: MTA, NYC’s Hospitality Industry Expecting Help From COVID Relief Bill Passed By Senate “This is too many people on a train. People were standing, and they were all over you. It was really bad,” one rider said. Pictures showed commuters packed near the doorway on the 6:09 train from Mineola to Penn Station . Another showed riders standing all down the aisle. Nateshia Tria, who is a nurse, said she was worried about COVID-19 the entire ride. “I actually almost had a panic attack because it was so crowded,” she said. “I figured they are cutting costs, but it’s so risky, because a lot of the population still hasn’t been vaccinated.” LIRR officials said train schedules are being scaled back due to low ridership. … [Read more...] about Long Island Rail Road Riders Face Crowded Trains On First Day Of Service Cuts

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is investigating the presence of toxic chemicals in pesticides, which may be coming from their plastic containers, it said on Friday. The agency said in a statement that its testing showed that the chemicals, belonging to a family of substances called PFAS, were “most likely formed” by a reaction while fluorine was being put into the containers, and then “leached into the pesticide product.” The agency said it was still early in its investigation, and that it will use “all available regulatory and non-regulatory tools to determine the scope of this emerging issue.” ADVERTISEMENT The EPA said that it is “actively working” with the Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and industry and trade organizations to “raise awareness” of the issue. “The Biden-Harris Administration’s focus on developing and using the best available science will guide our decision-making, strengthen our work with stakeholders, … [Read more...] about EPA investigates toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in pesticides

Republican Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced Friday the state would be ending occupancy limits for businesses while social distancing and mask wearing will remain in place. Following a seven week decline in coronavirus cases combined with the distribution of more than two million coronavirus vaccines, Ducey’s executive order will end occupancy percentage limits for businesses like restaurants, gyms, theaters, water parks, bowling alleys and bars that offer dine in services. The order also prohibits local authorities from implementing “extreme measures that shut down businesses.” “We’ve learned a lot over the past year,” Ducey said in a statement . “Our businesses have done an excellent job at responding to this pandemic in a safe and responsible way. We will always admire the sacrifice they and their employees have made and their vigilance to protect against the virus.” (RELATED: ‘Neanderthal Thinking’: Biden, White House Bash State Governors For Ending Mask Mandates) … [Read more...] about Arizona Governor Lifts Capacity Limits, Other COVID-19 Restrictions