Climate Change Solutions Update

Author: Eenews

Trump’s offshore wind blockade suffers a third legal blow

A federal judge in Virginia has blocked the Interior Department's order halting construction of offshore wind projects along the Eastern Seaboard, including one off the coast of Virginia, due to lack of sufficient reasoning and emerging national security concerns. The preliminary injunction allows construction to restart while litigation continues, as delays have already led to significant costs and will impact energy delivery to the region, including military facilities and data centers. Dominion, an energy company, is challenging the pause in court, but the government is withholding classified information. This decision follows similar rulings in favor of offshore wind projects in New York, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, highlighting the ongoing legal battles surrounding renewable energy development.

https://www.eenews.net/articles/trumps-offshore-wind-blockade-suffers-a-third-legal-blow/

January 17, 2026
Plug-in solar gains momentum as states confront energy costs

Several states in the U.S. are exploring legislation to support plug-in solar energy systems, also known as balcony solar, which have been successful in Germany. This green technology is being tested and certified for use in American homes, offering a cost-effective solution for rising electricity costs. The bipartisan opportunity for climate advocates in the U.S. comes at a time when subsidies for other renewable energy options have been repealed under the current administration. This shift towards plug-in solar could be a significant step towards achieving climate solutions and reducing carbon emissions.

https://www.eenews.net/articles/plug-in-solar-gains-momentum-as-states-confront-energy-costs/

January 14, 2026
Meta to support 6.6 GW of nuclear across 3 companies

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has announced plans to support the development and maintenance of 6.6 gigawatts of nuclear energy on the U.S. grid by 2035. This initiative is aimed at supplying energy to the American artificial intelligence industry, a national security priority. Meta will collaborate with companies like TerraPower and Oklo to develop advanced reactors and keep three existing nuclear plants in service. These agreements make Meta one of the largest corporate purchasers of nuclear energy in American history, with the projects expected to create thousands of jobs and accelerate new reactor technologies.

https://www.eenews.net/articles/meta-to-support-6-6-gw-of-nuclear-across-3-companies/

January 10, 2026
Hawaii to develop plan to zero out transportation emissions

Hawaii state lawmakers are working on a plan to decarbonize the state's transportation system by 2045, following a legal settlement with climate activists. The plan, published by the Hawaii Department of Transportation, outlines steps to reduce pollution, with the state Legislature set to address cost and funding issues in an upcoming meeting. Environmentalists are hopeful that Hawaii will take decisive action to prioritize greenhouse gas emission reductions, viewing this effort as a significant step towards systemic change in addressing climate change.

https://www.eenews.net/articles/hawaii-to-develop-plan-to-zero-out-transportation-emissions/

January 8, 2026
Scientists go global in attempt to better predict atmospheric rivers

The Atmospheric River Reconnaissance Program, a collaboration between NOAA and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, aims to improve forecasts and weather predictions for destructive weather events caused by atmospheric rivers on the West Coast. This global research effort will launch international campaigns to observe these events in Canada, Ireland, Hawaii, and California. Research flights will gather data to enhance understanding and prediction of atmospheric rivers, which have led to floods and fatalities. By improving forecasting capabilities, experts hope to mitigate the impact of these extreme weather events and enhance climate resilience.

https://www.eenews.net/articles/scientists-go-global-in-attempt-to-better-predict-atmospheric-rivers/

January 7, 2026
Court upholds New Jersey’s landmark environmental justice rule

In 2023, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection implemented a rule aimed at preventing pollution in low-income and communities of color, making it more difficult for industries like power plants to obtain permits in overburdened areas. Despite challenges from industrial groups claiming officials exceeded lawmakers' intent, a state appeals court upheld the rule. One contentious issue was the exclusion of job creation and economic activity as compelling public interests for developers seeking project approval. This decision highlights the ongoing efforts to prioritize environmental justice and address pollution disparities in marginalized communities.

https://www.eenews.net/articles/court-upholds-new-jerseys-landmark-environmental-justice-rule/

January 6, 2026
Washington carbon market generates billions for climate projects

Washington state's carbon market has raised $4.3 billion in revenue over the past two years, with nearly $2.8 billion allocated to climate-focused programs such as hybrid ferries and free transit rides. More than half of the funded projects benefit residents with lower incomes or who face other disadvantages, emphasizing the importance of these funds to the transportation program. The state report educates legislators and residents on how carbon market revenues fund state programs, highlighting the significant and critical role these funds play in the state budget.

https://www.eenews.net/articles/washington-carbon-market-generates-billions-for-climate-projects/

December 25, 2025
Betting on climate failure, these investors could earn billions

Solar geoengineering startups are receiving interest and support from deep-pocketed firms and corporations, which is crucial for the development of their planet-cooling systems. The urgency of the climate crisis is prompting more questions and discussions within the climate tech and venture community about solar geoengineering. This increased attention is shedding light on the potential of these startups to address the pressing need for climate solutions. Several space startups are exploring solar geoengineering solutions, such as building large sunlight deflectors and satellite mirrors to reflect sunlight away from the Earth. Companies like EarthGuard, Gama, Ethos Space, and Reflect Orbital are part of this effort, with some receiving funding from investors like Draper Associates and Possible Ventures. These initiatives aim to address the climate challenge by manipulating the amount of sunlight reaching the planet. The focus is on finding the most effective and sustainable solutions to combat rising global temperatures.

https://www.eenews.net/articles/betting-on-climate-failure-these-investors-could-earn-billions/

December 24, 2025
Colorado outlines how clean energy could benefit coal communities

A new report from Colorado's Energy Office highlights the potential for emerging clean energy technologies to benefit rural communities as the state transitions away from coal. Investments in technologies such as carbon capture, geothermal energy, and hydrogen power could help replace lost economic activity. Wind and solar paired with storage are cost-effective and grid-ready options, while hydrogen and carbon capture projects have the potential to create jobs and generate tax revenue. The report aims to guide rural areas in Colorado and beyond on how they can contribute to the clean energy transition.

https://www.eenews.net/articles/colorado-outlines-how-clean-energy-could-benefit-coal-communities/

December 23, 2025
NOAA chief plugs AI in forecasting as hurricane season wraps

NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs emphasized the use of artificial intelligence technologies to improve hurricane forecasts, with a focus on enhancing reliability and reducing risks for coastal residents. AI has been utilized to enhance storm prediction models through data mining and machine learning, incorporating billions of data points for clearer hurricane behavior forecasts. The National Hurricane Center's use of AI has resulted in successful rapid intensification forecasts and decision support for Caribbean partners, showcasing the potential of AI in advancing climate solutions for more accurate and timely predictions.

https://www.eenews.net/articles/noaa-chief-plugs-ai-in-forecasting-as-hurricane-season-wraps/

November 27, 2025