Soil Culture Solutions, a Florida biotech company, is awaiting USDA approval for their genetically engineered rootstock designed to grow citrus trees resistant to citrus greening disease. Using CRISPR technology, Soilcea has developed a rootstock that can alter plant genes to combat diseases, potentially saving Florida's citrus industry and preventing the spread of the disease to other states. If approved by APHIS, this innovative solution could provide a sustainable and effective method for addressing the threat to citrus crops posed by citrus greening disease.
Author: Eenews
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Illinois coalition proposes ambitious data center regulations
Illinois lawmakers and environmental groups are working on legislation, known as the "POWER Act," to regulate data centers and require them to supply their own clean energy. The measure, supported by the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, aims to protect consumers from grid investments and help the state eliminate power sector carbon emissions. Data centers would need to submit clean energy plans and obtain at least 80 percent of their noninterruptible power supply from renewables, batteries, and demand reduction. This proposal is a significant step towards achieving a more sustainable energy system and reducing the carbon footprint of data centers in Illinois.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/illinois-coalition-proposes-ambitious-data-center-regulations/
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Startup plans to develop long-lasting nuclear batteries
Project Omega, in partnership with the Department of Energy, is developing a technology to recycle spent nuclear fuel into batteries that convert radiation into electricity, offering longer lifespans compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is testing this technology to showcase the use of spent nuclear fuel in nuclear power systems, aiming to change the perception of nuclear waste into a valuable national resource. This innovative approach could potentially provide a sustainable solution for managing spent nuclear fuel while generating clean energy.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/startup-plans-to-develop-long-lasting-nuclear-batteries/
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Bill targets oil refineries’ use of ‘exceptionally hazardous chemical’
California Rep. Maxine Waters has introduced a bill to ban oil refineries from using hydrofluoric acid in gasoline production due to its high toxicity, giving existing plants five years to find alternatives. The chemical is exceptionally hazardous and could cause mass casualties in the event of an accident, with violators facing fines of up to $37,500 per infraction. With approximately 40 refineries currently using hydrofluoric acid, over 14 million people are at risk, especially those in communities burdened by environmental issues. The legislation was prompted by a 2015 refinery explosion in Torrance, California, highlighting the urgent need for safer alternatives in the industry.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/bill-targets-oil-refineries-use-of-exceptionally-hazardous-chemical/
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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/
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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/
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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/
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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/
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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.
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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/