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Major Utilities in the Nation Fall Behind in Phasing Out Fossil Fuels

The Sierra Club’s “Dirty Truth” report reveals most utilities fall short on climate goals, with Ohio's FirstEnergy scoring an F.
Photo by Keith Srakocic/AP

The Sierra Club’s “Dirty Truth” report found that most aren’t taking action on their climate goals

Photo by Keith Srakocic/AP

Ohio has become the center of a major corruption scandal in the energy sector. FirstEnergy, an Akron-based utility giant, lobbied for a state bailout to support its failing coal and nuclear plants. In 2019, the company funneled $60 million in campaign donations to aid the passage of House Bill 6, which weakened renewable energy standards and granted up to $1 billion in subsidies to FirstEnergy, burdening ratepayers.

After settling with Ohio, FirstEnergy still faces the fallout of the scandal, including rising utility bills. Despite promoting a net-zero emissions goal by 2050 and offering electric vehicle rebates, its West Virginia utility, Mon Power, has no plans to close its 3,200 MW coal plants.

“There is a fundamental mistrust there,” said Neil Waggoner, Midwest Beyond Coal campaign manager, highlighting similar issues in Illinois and Florida.

FirstEnergy is one of many companies included in the Sierra Club’s The Dirty Truth report. This annual analysis examines whether major utilities are aligning their net-zero emissions goals with actions like retiring coal by 2030, halting new gas plants by 2035, and expanding renewable energy by 2035.

This year’s report awarded these utilities a collective D for clean energy progress. Both Mon Power and FirstEnergy scored an F, while only six companies received an A. Overall, the utilities are set to replace only half of their fossil fuel generation with clean energy by 2035, despite the Biden administration’s target of 100% renewable energy by that year.

While scores have improved since 2021, lead analyst Cara Fogler noted that utilities should be performing better. The report’s “generous” rating system was designed to encourage progress, yet improvements have been slow.

The Inflation Reduction Act, a $370 billion climate policy passed in 2022, aimed to aid utilities in reducing clean energy costs. Yet, not all utilities are leveraging these funds. Some, like Florida Power and Light (FPL), which scored a B, plan to refund customers due to savings from the Act.

However, many utilities have not announced plans to use IRA funding, costing customers opportunities for cheaper clean energy, as noted by analyst Noah Ver Beek.

Investing in renewables isn’t the sole solution; reducing fossil fuel use is equally crucial. Duke Energy Florida plans to refund customers but has no intention of retiring its coal capacity or halting new gas plant construction, earning it an F.

The U.S. and other world leaders pledged to close coal plants by the early 2030s, a critical target for limiting global warming. Utilities lagging in coal retirements can’t be high performers, according to Fogler.

The Dirty Truth report highlighted promising policies from top utilities. More lower-scoring utilities are setting climate goals, while higher scorers are utilizing IRA incentives.

“We aim to push utilities to lead in planning and fully replace retiring coal with clean energy,” Fogler stated.

Original Story at www.sierraclub.org

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Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024