To effectively address climate change, cutting emissions and actively removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere are necessary. The US has made progress in this area, but challenges remain, including a small and concentrated market for carbon removal. A three-part policy framework called the "Demand Triangle" is proposed to address these challenges, including public procurement, shifting costs to industrial emitters, and leveling the playing field with trade policy. This framework aims to support the growth of a successful carbon removal industry while limiting consumer exposure to price increases, ultimately leading to the US leading a global carbon removal industry worth up to $1 trillion by 2050. The section discusses the importance of finding solutions that benefit the climate, industry, and communities most affected by climate change, emphasizing the need for action to address the consequences of inaction.
Tag: US
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Assessing Elon Musk’s massive 100 GW solar ambitions
Elon Musk's ambitious plan for Tesla to build 100 GW of annual PV manufacturing capacity in the US, double the current capacity, highlights the potential for the company to lead in renewable energy solutions. Despite challenges such as significant investment, expertise, and space requirements, Tesla's track record of rapid factory construction and cash reserves position it as a strong candidate for success. By importing Chinese-built equipment and navigating interconnection processes with local utilities, Tesla aims to meet the increasing demand for renewable energy in the country. The plan could also impact the workforce and international trade policies in the solar manufacturing industry, providing a larger market for domestic companies like Tesla. Overall, Tesla's goal of expanding solar manufacturing capacity showcases its potential to drive new power generation and grid-scale battery storage in the US.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/27/assessing-elon-musks-massive-100-gw-solar-ambitions/
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Earth.org Debunks Clean Energy Myths
Large corporations and the current US government are spreading false information to attack renewable energy, electric vehicles, and progressive values, claiming they are costly and unreliable. However, recent data shows that renewables are cheaper, with the shift saving $467 billion in global fuel expenditures in 2024. The cost of solar and wind is zero, making them a more sustainable and cost-effective option compared to fossil fuels. Additionally, new sodium-ion batteries for energy storage are reducing costs, with the US projected to add 24 gigawatts of utility scale storage in 2026. Renewable energy is surpassing coal as the world's largest electricity source, creating more jobs and having a smaller environmental footprint. Despite disinformation, a calm and rational presentation of facts is key to changing minds and driving the transition to clean energy.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/23/earth-org-debunks-clean-energy-myths/
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Press Release: Fashion brands urge governments to fix the economics of resale and repair
Nearly 70 fashion and textile organizations, including big names like H&M Group and Zalando, are urging governments in the EU, US, and Canada to implement policy changes to incentivize circular fashion business models. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation report shows that targeted changes could significantly increase profit margins for resale and repair, with the goal of making circular fashion more economically viable and accessible to consumers. The statement calls for reduced VAT, lower labor taxes, and Extended Producer Responsibility to fund infrastructure for collecting and sorting clothing at scale. The foundation aims to accelerate the transition to a circular economy by 2030 in the areas of fashion and textiles, critical minerals, and plastics and packaging, ultimately reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
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The energy transition has a rare earth problem: These startups are solving it
The Advanced Electric Machines (AEM) plant in northeastern England and Silicon Valley startup Conifer are leading the way in developing rare earth-free electric motors for electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce supply chain risks and environmental harm associated with rare earth mining. Niron Magnetics is also working on iron-based magnets to decrease manufacturing costs and dependency on Chinese rare earth supplies, with support from major automotive companies and Western governments. The US, Canada, and the European Union are investing in subsidies and research to mine and produce rare earth materials, while also exploring recycling and alternative materials to create a circular supply chain that reduces costs and environmental impact in the production of motors and other technologies.
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Construction starts on US’ first utility-scale advanced NPP
TerraPower is constructing the Natrium plant, Kemmerer Unit 1, the first utility-scale advanced nuclear power plant in the US, featuring a sodium-cooled fast reactor with an integrated molten salt-based energy storage system for increased energy output as needed. Part of the US Department of Energy's Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, the Natrium plant aims to serve as a blueprint for future plants globally, providing steady base output and quick ramp-up during peak demand, offering a unique and innovative addition to America's energy infrastructure.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/construction-starts-on-us-first-utility-scale-advanced-npp/
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USGS launches nationwide water availability tool
The USGS has developed a new tool to assess water availability in communities across the US, taking into account the impacts of climate change, suburban growth, farming, and data centers. By combining data from stream monitoring, satellite observations, and climate modeling, the tool provides detailed information on water supply and demand in 80,000 watersheds. This information can help decision-makers understand regional imbalances between supply and demand, which may lead to water challenges affecting millions of Americans. The tool aids in effective water planning by identifying whether challenges stem from limited natural water supply, high demand, or both.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/usgs-launches-nationwide-water-availability-tool/
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Beyond Meat joins the Exponential Roadmap Initiative’s Climate Solutions Cluster
Beyond Meat's Beyond Burger® IV and Beyond Steak® Tips have been recognized as qualifying climate solutions by the Exponential Roadmap Initiative (ERI) for their significantly lower emissions compared to conventional options. The Beyond Burger® IV has a 70% lower carbon footprint than the US-average beef patty, while the Beyond Steak® Tips have a 65% lower carbon footprint. Shifting diets towards plant-based alternatives can help reduce emissions from the food system and support a more resilient food system, as plant-based foods generally require fewer resources and can reduce emissions, land use, and water consumption associated with food production.
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What If The US Redirected The Money From The Iran War To Clean Energy?
The section discusses the potential benefits of redirecting $200 billion from the Iran War efforts towards clean energy projects in the US, emphasizing the importance of investing in renewables for energy security, economic stability, and reduced emissions. It contrasts wasteful war spending with the potential for a Just Transition to clean energy, decentralized grids, and incentives for electric vehicles. The article also highlights the low operating costs and stability of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, stressing the need for government intervention in funding research and innovation for electrification. Innovations in the EV battery sector, shared charging hubs for heavy-duty trucks, and submersible hydropower in the Great Lakes region are discussed as key solutions for climate action, along with grid enhancements and free training for clean energy installers. The focus is on the importance of shifting towards a clean energy paradigm for a more sustainable and secure future, showcasing the positive trend towards sustainable energy solutions in the US.
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Solar For The Win! Energy From The Sun Is Setting Records Worldwide
Solar energy has the potential to meet the world's entire energy demand by covering less than 1% of the Earth's surface with solar panels, providing free fuel once installed. The growth of solar energy worldwide could meet over 20% of the world's energy demand by 2030, with countries like China, the European Union, the US, and others making significant strides in solar energy capacity. Solar energy costs are decreasing, making it the cheapest form of electricity in many regions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. A successful solar project in San Diego showcased the financial savings and sustainability benefits of solar power, highlighting its potential to promote growth and support climate solutions.