Subtle market tweaks can do some good to decarbonize the energy system, but for keeping fossil fuels in the ground and preventing new infrastructure, the simpler solution may just be to give ’em hell.
Methane, Fracked Gas & Climate
Methane (the main component in natural gas) is 100 times as bad for the climate as carbon dioxide over the short term. Less CO2 is emitted by natural gas than by coal when burned. But significant leakage of methane before burning makes gas a disaster for the climate, as revealed even more by recent science. Yet utilities and the gas industry are still feverishly promoting fracked gas.
NC WARN is working hard to connect the dots between climate change, methane leakage and the fracking boom that is driven by demand from the electric power industry.
Learn more about our methane work here.
Watch a 3-minute video by Cornell University’s Dr. Robert Howarth describing why natural gas is a disastrous strategy for the climate. More videos, PowerPoints and documentation here.
“Everything You Need to Know About Methane”, a primer by Earthjustice.
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The death of a pipeline — NC Policy Watch
“We hope the cancellation of the ACP will soon be followed by a move by both of these corporations to stop building gas-fired generation, and to begin replacing all existing coal and gas-fired power with the cheaper, more reliable approach: renewables matched with storage and energy-saving and balancing programs.” -Jim Warren
Self-inflicted wounds, lost economic development: What’s next for Duke Energy after the Atlantic Coast Pipeline’s demise — Charlotte Business Journal
Environmental groups cheered, some public officials expressed regret while others appear ready to simply move on as Duke Energy Corp. announced it and Dominion Energy Inc. have given up on the $8 billion Atlantic Coast Pipeline.
Statement on ACP Cancellation by Duke, Dominion — News Release from NC WARN
Jubilation! We hope the cancellation of the $8 billion Atlantic Coast fracked gas pipeline will soon be followed by a move by both of these corporations to stop building gas-fired generation, and to begin replacing all existing coal- and gas-fired power with the cheaper, more reliable approach: renewables matched with storage and energy-saving and balancing programs.
Ethics Case on NC Senate Minority Leader Blue Moves Forward — News Release from NC WARN
State ethics investigators are moving forward on a complaint by NC WARN alleging an improper relationship between Duke Energy and Senate Minority Leader Dan Blue. The 2019 complaint says Blue was lead promoter of hotly contested – and ultimately failed – legislation sought by Duke Energy while his family law firm was suing 32 landowners to make way for the proposed Atlantic Coast fracked gas Pipeline.
NEW REPORT: Former Energy Exec Warns Dominion, Duke Investors to Abandon High-risk Gas Pipeline — News Release from Friends of the Earth and NC WARN
An analysis by former energy executive Thomas Hadwin released today shows that rapidly changing energy markets, new legislation in Virginia, a surplus of gas across the region, and climate impacts of fracked gas are among the reasons Dominion Energy and Duke Energy should stop trying to build the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP).
Greenhouse emissions from gas higher than industry estimates — IEEFA Podcast
If only 3% of gas produced is leaked, gas is worse for the climate than coal. Yet it’s more than 3%. BP says it’s 3.2%. And a recent study of the Permian Basin found that 3.7% was lost in the production process. What’s this telling us? This is the gas industry’s ‘Volkswagen’ moment.
Keystone XL Ruling Has ‘Sweeping’ Impacts for Other Projects — Bloomberg
A federal court’s decision striking down a critical Keystone XL permit has broad implications beyond the embattled oil pipeline.
Methane Levels Reach an All-Time High — Scientific American
New NOAA analysis highlights an alarming trend; experts call for curbing pollution from oil and gas wells. A preliminary estimate from NOAA finds that levels of atmospheric methane, a potent heat-trapping gas, have hit an all-time high.
As the cost of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline soars, renewable energy is the better option for NC — News & Observer
The Atlantic Coast Pipeline is a long way from being constructed, but it’s already proving a leaky conduit for cash.