In the face of surging energy costs and environmental challenges, states across America are taking significant steps to transition to renewable energy and implement affordability measures. Meanwhile, federal actions under the Trump administration continue to spark debate as they aim to roll back environmental protections.
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QUOTES OF THE WEEK:
“The Trump administration’s orders represent yet another policy intended to take our nation backwards by undoing years of progress states have made toward clean, renewable energy sources — regardless of the impact on ratepayers and the environment.”
— Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul on the Department of Energy’s orders to keep two Indiana coal plants in operation.
“Trump’s budget has one message for the Americans struggling with skyrocketing costs: he doesn’t care.”
— Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (NY) on Trump’s proposed 2027 fiscal budget.
“This backdoor deal to cancel these projects will undeniably have negative economic, environmental, and national security impacts for which this administration must answer.”
— House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (CA-02) and House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (MD-08) in a letter regarding Trump’s $1 billion deal with TotalEnergies.
TOP NEWS IN ENERGY AFFORDABILITY
STATE NEWS
NEW YORK APPROVES WIND AND SOLAR PROJECTS: The New York State Department of Public Service has given the green light to the Agricola Wind and Flat Creek Solar projects. These initiatives will power 55,000 homes, create jobs, and significantly reduce carbon emissions.
NYLCV TAKE: New York LCV President Julie Tighe remarked on the importance of these projects for New York’s clean energy future.
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATORS PASS ENERGY AFFORDABILITY BILLS: In an effort to tackle high energy rates, California lawmakers are pushing forward a series of bills targeting data centers and utility costs.
DOMINION ENERGY REQUESTS RATE HIKE IN SOUTH CAROLINA: Dominion Energy seeks a 12.7% rate increase in South Carolina, prompting protests from customers.
CVSC TAKE: Conservation Voters of South Carolina Vice President John Brooker commented on the growing energy demands driven by data centers.
MARYLAND HOUSE AND SENATE DEBATE UTILITY RELIEF ACT: In Maryland, legislators are negotiating the Utility RELIEF Act to address high utility bills and data center demands.
MDLCV TAKE: Maryland LCV Executive Director Kim Coble emphasized the need for affordability and clean energy solutions.
NATIONAL NEWS
LCV LAUNCHES ENERGY BILLS RELIEF ACT AD CAMPAIGN: LCV is running a substantial ad campaign across 22 districts to support the Energy Bills Relief Act, advocating for clean energy and accountability.
OUR TAKE: LCV Senior Vice President Sara Chieffo praised the Democratic efforts to address energy costs.
CLIMATE ATTACKS FROM THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION
EPA PROPOSES WEAKENING COAL POLLUTION REGULATIONS: The EPA under Trump has proposed a rollback of coal ash regulations, potentially impacting communities’ water quality.
OUR TAKE: LCV Advocate Lizzy Duncan urged the administration to reconsider this proposal to protect public health.
CHACO CANYON PROTECTIONS UNDER THREAT: Efforts to reduce protections around Chaco Culture National Historical Park are underway, opening the area to potential oil and gas development.
TRUMP’S BUDGET PROPOSES CUTS TO INTERIOR DEPARTMENT, EPA: The proposed 2027 budget includes significant cuts to the Interior Department and EPA, sparking concerns over environmental oversight.
ICYMI: STATE NEWS
CLEAN ENERGY CANDIDATES SECURE VICTORY IN ARIZONA: In the Salt River Project election in Arizona, clean energy advocates won, indicating a shift towards more sustainable energy policies.
CHISPA ARIZONA TAKE: Chispa Arizona Executive Director Vianey Olivarría celebrated the election results as a victory for environmental accountability.
WISCONSIN CONSERVATION VOTERS CELEBRATES ENVIRONMENT AND DEMOCRACY WINS: Wisconsin Conservation Voters are celebrating key victories, including Judge Chris Taylor’s election and the signing of bills addressing PFAS contamination.
WCV TAKE: Executive Director Kerry Schumann highlighted these wins as crucial for environmental and democratic processes.
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATORS PASS CLIMATE RESILIENCE BILL: A new bill aims to strengthen homes in Mississippi against natural disasters through a grant program.
INDIANA ADVOCATES PUSH FOR “GREEN STEEL”: Efforts are underway in Indiana to transition to greener steel production, potentially saving jobs and reducing healthcare costs.
ICV TAKE: Indiana Conservation Voters emphasized the economic and health benefits of this transition.
COLORADO LEGISLATORS PASS MOBILE HOME PARK WATER QUALITY BILL: Legislation in Colorado aims to improve water quality in mobile home parks.
CONSERVATION COLORADO TAKE: Conservation Colorado hailed the move as a step towards ensuring clean water for all.
OKLAHOMA TO PROTECT HOMES FROM OIL WASTE CONTAMINATION: Oklahoma’s new bill addresses oil and brine contamination in homes, offering financial support for affected properties.
MAINE TAKES STEPS TO HOLD FOSSIL FUEL INDUSTRY ACCOUNTABLE: Maine’s legislative efforts focus on studying the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions, laying the groundwork for a climate superfund.
MCV TAKE: Maine Conservation Voters Legislative Director Sarah Woodbury expressed the importance of holding fossil fuel companies accountable.
ICYMI: NATIONAL NEWS
REGULATORS SEEK PUBLIC COMMENTS ON PIPELINE PROPOSAL: Feedback is being collected for the Bridger Pipeline project, raising environmental concerns due to the owner’s spill history.
REPUBLICANS PUSH TO SHIELD FOSSIL FUEL COMPANIES FROM LAWSUITS: Republican lawmakers are seeking to protect fossil fuel companies from climate change-related lawsuits.
NEW ON THE POWER SOURCE BLOG AND SOCIALS:
ON THE BLOG: Stay tuned for exciting new content coming to The Power Source Blog!
ON OUR SOCIALS: Trump and Republicans are focused on the wrong priorities. Proposing deep budget cuts to environmental protections while our energy costs skyrocket and pushing the SAVE Act 2.0 that would disenfranchise millions of voters, including America’s favorite superhero. It’s a pattern of putting profits over people, but we’re fighting for a future that’s affordable and fair for everyone.
COMING UP:
APRIL 20-26: DC Climate Week.
APRIL 22: Earth Day.
MAY 5: Indiana statewide primary election.
MAY 5: Ohio statewide primarily election.
Original Story at www.lcv.org