Newsweek
"California Will Face 'Years' of Recovery From Historic Storms, Mayor Warns"
Story by Matthew Impelli
6 FEBRUARY 2024
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria warned on Monday that parts of California could be facing "years" of recovery from a series of historic storms that resulted in flooding and widespread damage.
"This is not a day or a week-long thing," Gloria said while on CNN's News Central.
"This is a weeks, months, even years recovery."
"That's why we've put out the call for assistance."
"We are not used to this kind of rain in San Diego, we're used to perfect weather and so this is really complicating our response efforts," Gloria added.
The context:
On Monday, the National Weather Service (NWS) in San Diego warned of severe rainfall and widespread flooding in different parts of the city.
"Rain totals have increased for northern areas, where locally catastrophic and life-threatening flooding is expected for Orange County, western parts of the Inland Empire, and SBD Mtn coastal slopes," NWS San Diego wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
In an update on Monday morning, NWS San Diego said rainfall amounts could reach 14 inches in some areas of Southern California and noted that "locally catastrophic flash and urban flooding impacts are possible across Los Angeles."
"Powerful, damaging onshore winds shift to Southern California tonight."
"Further power outages and downed trees are likely."
"Potentially damaging high surf is expected for the Central and Southern California coasts through Monday," the update added.
What we know:
On Sunday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a state of emergency for several counties, including San Diego.
"The emergency proclamation includes provisions authorizing a California National Guard response if tasked, facilitating unemployment benefits for impacted residents, and making it easier for out-of-state contractors and utilities to repair storm damage," Newsom's office said.
Newsweek was directed to Newsom's announcement on Sunday after reaching out to his office for comment.
Views:
The NWS in Los Angeles also issued warnings to residents for flooding and rainfall.
"EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION UNFOLDING IN THE HOLLYWOOD HILLS AREA AND AROUND THE SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS," NWS Los Angeles said in a post on X.
"Life-threatening landslides and additional flash-flooding expected overnight tonight."
"Avoid travel if at all possible."
The NWS in San Diego also warned of an atmospheric river causing the storms.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines an atmospheric river as "like rivers in the sky," that "transport most of the water vapor outside of the tropics."
"When the atmospheric rivers make landfall, they often release this water vapor in the form of rain or snow," the NOAA states.
What's next:
Officials across California have encouraged residents to avoid travel if possible amid the storms and to follow evacuation alerts when necessary.
"With severe weather still lingering across the state @CAL_OES encourages Californians to stay off the roads if possible."
"If you must drive, visit QuickMap.dot.ca.gov for the latest road conditions," California's Office of Emergency Services wrote on X.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topst ... 18ec&ei=38
THE ENVIRONMENT
Re: THE ENVIRONMENT
FOX News
"Biden's latest climate rules crack down on manufacturing, ignoring industry warnings of economic devastation"
Story by Thomas Catenacci
8 FEBRUARY 2024
The Biden administration finalized regulations severely tightening restrictions on fine particulate matter that the manufacturing and energy sectors are legally allowed to emit, an action that industry said would have devastating economic consequences.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled the regulations Wednesday morning in a joint announcement with environmental activists, saying limiting particulate matter known as PM2.5 or soot would have health benefits for Americans nationwide.
The rulemaking lowers the annual PM2.5 standard from a level of 12 micrograms per cubic meter to a level of 9 micrograms per cubic meter.
"Today's action is a critical step forward that will better protect workers, families and communities from the dangerous and costly impacts of fine particle pollution," EPA Administrator Michael Regan told reporters in a call.
"The science is clear."
"Soot pollution is one of the most dangerous forms of air pollution and is linked to a range of serious and potentially deadly illnesses, including asthma and heart attacks."
"The stronger standard is designed to ensure clear, routine pathways for industry to continue to upgrade and build while maintaining cleaner, healthier air," Regan continued.
"We know that cleaner air and a strong and bustling economy go hand in hand."
According to EPA, the regulations will prevent up to 4,500 premature deaths and 290,000 lost workdays while yielding up to $46 billion in net health benefits by 2032.
And the agency further estimated that, for every $1 spent complying with the PM2.5 regulations, there could be up to $77 in human health benefits by 2032.
And the agency noted that as PM2.5 concentrations have decreased 42% since 2000, the U.S. gross domestic product has increased 52%.
"The Biden administration is taking life-saving action to protect people and rein in deadly pollution," said Abigail Dillen, the president of the left-wing eco group Earthjustice.
"This federal standard will ensure that states respond to the ongoing public health and environmental justice crisis, saving thousands of lives and avoiding 800,000 asthma symptom cases every year."
However, industry associations such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and American Petroleum Institute (API) have warned of the potentially wide-ranging impacts of more restrictive particulate matter restrictions.
In a September letter to Regan, those groups and 30 other industry associations said the regulations could lead to onerous permitting requirements that would "freeze manufacturing and supply chain investments."
They also pointed to a May 2023 study conducted by Oxford Economics and commissioned by NAM that concluded more restrictive PM2.5 regulations would threaten between $162.4 and $197.4 billion of economic activity while putting 852,100 to 973,900 current jobs at risk.
"Tightening the NAAQS PM2.5 standard will grind permits to a halt for a large portion of our country," Marty Durbin, the senior vice president for policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said Wednesday.
"EPA’s new rule is expected to put 569 counties out of compliance and push many others close to the limit, which threatens economic growth."
"Compliance with the new standard will be very difficult because 84% of emissions now come from non-industrial sources like wildfires and road dust that are costly and hard to control," he continued.
"While EPA states there are exemptions for wildfires, 70% of those requests haven’t been granted in the past, and the process for seeking one is time-consuming and difficult for states to manage."
Durbin added that EPA should have maintained the previous standard of 12 micrograms per cubic meter and focused its attention instead on reducing non-industrial emissions.
The regulations Wednesday, he said, punish counties and the private sector "for situations largely out of their control."
The regulations, meanwhile, will make the U.S. PM2.5 standards among the world's most burdensome.
While Australia and Canada have annual standards lower than 9 micrograms per cubic meter, Japan has a standard of 15 micrograms per cubic meter, and the U.K. and European Union both have a standard of 20 micrograms per cubic meter.
China and India have annual standards of 35 micrograms per cubic meter or greater.
"Protecting public health and the environment is a top priority for our industry, and America has seen significant air quality improvements and reduced emissions over the past decades under the existing EPA standards," said API Vice President of Downstream Policy Will Hupman.
"Yet, today’s announcement is the latest in a growing list of short-sighted policy actions that have no scientific basis and prioritize foreign energy and manufacturing from unstable regions of the world over American jobs, manufacturing, and national security," Hupman continued.
"As we review the final standard, we will consider all our options."
Additionally, Democrats such as Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly have each expressed concern about tighter PM2.5 standards since EPA first proposed the regulations early last year.
Both governors recently penned letters to President Biden, warning of the negative consequences of rapidly implementing the regulations without a "glide path."
"Although particulate matter in the air is a recognized health concern for our citizens, a sharp reduction in the standard without a sufficient glide path or compliance window for regulatory agencies and affected industries may result in significant implementation challenges and a negative impact on industry and future job growth in our state," Kelly wrote to Biden on Jan. 31.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics ... 9f86&ei=24
"Biden's latest climate rules crack down on manufacturing, ignoring industry warnings of economic devastation"
Story by Thomas Catenacci
8 FEBRUARY 2024
The Biden administration finalized regulations severely tightening restrictions on fine particulate matter that the manufacturing and energy sectors are legally allowed to emit, an action that industry said would have devastating economic consequences.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled the regulations Wednesday morning in a joint announcement with environmental activists, saying limiting particulate matter known as PM2.5 or soot would have health benefits for Americans nationwide.
The rulemaking lowers the annual PM2.5 standard from a level of 12 micrograms per cubic meter to a level of 9 micrograms per cubic meter.
"Today's action is a critical step forward that will better protect workers, families and communities from the dangerous and costly impacts of fine particle pollution," EPA Administrator Michael Regan told reporters in a call.
"The science is clear."
"Soot pollution is one of the most dangerous forms of air pollution and is linked to a range of serious and potentially deadly illnesses, including asthma and heart attacks."
"The stronger standard is designed to ensure clear, routine pathways for industry to continue to upgrade and build while maintaining cleaner, healthier air," Regan continued.
"We know that cleaner air and a strong and bustling economy go hand in hand."
According to EPA, the regulations will prevent up to 4,500 premature deaths and 290,000 lost workdays while yielding up to $46 billion in net health benefits by 2032.
And the agency further estimated that, for every $1 spent complying with the PM2.5 regulations, there could be up to $77 in human health benefits by 2032.
And the agency noted that as PM2.5 concentrations have decreased 42% since 2000, the U.S. gross domestic product has increased 52%.
"The Biden administration is taking life-saving action to protect people and rein in deadly pollution," said Abigail Dillen, the president of the left-wing eco group Earthjustice.
"This federal standard will ensure that states respond to the ongoing public health and environmental justice crisis, saving thousands of lives and avoiding 800,000 asthma symptom cases every year."
However, industry associations such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and American Petroleum Institute (API) have warned of the potentially wide-ranging impacts of more restrictive particulate matter restrictions.
In a September letter to Regan, those groups and 30 other industry associations said the regulations could lead to onerous permitting requirements that would "freeze manufacturing and supply chain investments."
They also pointed to a May 2023 study conducted by Oxford Economics and commissioned by NAM that concluded more restrictive PM2.5 regulations would threaten between $162.4 and $197.4 billion of economic activity while putting 852,100 to 973,900 current jobs at risk.
"Tightening the NAAQS PM2.5 standard will grind permits to a halt for a large portion of our country," Marty Durbin, the senior vice president for policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said Wednesday.
"EPA’s new rule is expected to put 569 counties out of compliance and push many others close to the limit, which threatens economic growth."
"Compliance with the new standard will be very difficult because 84% of emissions now come from non-industrial sources like wildfires and road dust that are costly and hard to control," he continued.
"While EPA states there are exemptions for wildfires, 70% of those requests haven’t been granted in the past, and the process for seeking one is time-consuming and difficult for states to manage."
Durbin added that EPA should have maintained the previous standard of 12 micrograms per cubic meter and focused its attention instead on reducing non-industrial emissions.
The regulations Wednesday, he said, punish counties and the private sector "for situations largely out of their control."
The regulations, meanwhile, will make the U.S. PM2.5 standards among the world's most burdensome.
While Australia and Canada have annual standards lower than 9 micrograms per cubic meter, Japan has a standard of 15 micrograms per cubic meter, and the U.K. and European Union both have a standard of 20 micrograms per cubic meter.
China and India have annual standards of 35 micrograms per cubic meter or greater.
"Protecting public health and the environment is a top priority for our industry, and America has seen significant air quality improvements and reduced emissions over the past decades under the existing EPA standards," said API Vice President of Downstream Policy Will Hupman.
"Yet, today’s announcement is the latest in a growing list of short-sighted policy actions that have no scientific basis and prioritize foreign energy and manufacturing from unstable regions of the world over American jobs, manufacturing, and national security," Hupman continued.
"As we review the final standard, we will consider all our options."
Additionally, Democrats such as Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly have each expressed concern about tighter PM2.5 standards since EPA first proposed the regulations early last year.
Both governors recently penned letters to President Biden, warning of the negative consequences of rapidly implementing the regulations without a "glide path."
"Although particulate matter in the air is a recognized health concern for our citizens, a sharp reduction in the standard without a sufficient glide path or compliance window for regulatory agencies and affected industries may result in significant implementation challenges and a negative impact on industry and future job growth in our state," Kelly wrote to Biden on Jan. 31.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics ... 9f86&ei=24
Re: THE ENVIRONMENT
REUTERS
"Carbon capture tech a 'complete falsehood', says Fortescue Metals chairman"
By Julia Payne
February 13, 2024
PARIS, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Carbon capture is not a solution for the energy transition and political leaders need to provide real, non-greenwashed, commitments to encourage investment, Andrew Forrest, executive chairman of Fortescue Metals, said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the 50th anniversary meeting of the International Energy Agency, Australian billionaire Forrest said the investment community needs a level-playing field and honest answers from political leaders on phasing out fossil fuels in order to invest.
"There's a simple question from business leaders...when do we stop burning fossil fuels?" Forrest said at the Paris conference.
"If you want to drive capital...we must have clear and obvious disincentives for what is doing harm and clear incentives for what is doing good."
Countries including the U.S. have rolled out public subsidies for carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects as part of their incentives to push the green energy transition.
CCS technologies capture carbon dioxide emissions, often from a source like a factory smoke stack, to prevent them from being released into the atmosphere.
The captured CO2 can then be stored permanently underground, or repurposed in industrial processes that use CO2.
Oil demand growth is not set to peak until the end of this decade at the earliest and Forrest said carbon capture was not a viable solution.
"We're going to keep burning fossil fuels and somehow magically get rid of the carbon down into the ground where there is no proof that it will stay there, but heaps of proof that it fails," Forrest told the conference.
"I say for policy makers everywhere do not be the next idiot waiting for the old lie to be trotted out and say I believe in carbon sequestration."
"It has only failed for 75 years..."
"It's a complete falsehood."
Australia's Fortescue is a major iron ore producer, which is used in steel-making and it announced a new project last year to produce green steel on a commercial scale.
Iron and steel-making account for a major share of global heavy industry emissions, and its trade has become source of contention between the United States and the EU, which have so far failed to negotiate a "green steel" trade deal.
Reporting by Julia Payne; Editing by Sharon Singleton
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy ... 024-02-13/
"Carbon capture tech a 'complete falsehood', says Fortescue Metals chairman"
By Julia Payne
February 13, 2024
PARIS, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Carbon capture is not a solution for the energy transition and political leaders need to provide real, non-greenwashed, commitments to encourage investment, Andrew Forrest, executive chairman of Fortescue Metals, said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the 50th anniversary meeting of the International Energy Agency, Australian billionaire Forrest said the investment community needs a level-playing field and honest answers from political leaders on phasing out fossil fuels in order to invest.
"There's a simple question from business leaders...when do we stop burning fossil fuels?" Forrest said at the Paris conference.
"If you want to drive capital...we must have clear and obvious disincentives for what is doing harm and clear incentives for what is doing good."
Countries including the U.S. have rolled out public subsidies for carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects as part of their incentives to push the green energy transition.
CCS technologies capture carbon dioxide emissions, often from a source like a factory smoke stack, to prevent them from being released into the atmosphere.
The captured CO2 can then be stored permanently underground, or repurposed in industrial processes that use CO2.
Oil demand growth is not set to peak until the end of this decade at the earliest and Forrest said carbon capture was not a viable solution.
"We're going to keep burning fossil fuels and somehow magically get rid of the carbon down into the ground where there is no proof that it will stay there, but heaps of proof that it fails," Forrest told the conference.
"I say for policy makers everywhere do not be the next idiot waiting for the old lie to be trotted out and say I believe in carbon sequestration."
"It has only failed for 75 years..."
"It's a complete falsehood."
Australia's Fortescue is a major iron ore producer, which is used in steel-making and it announced a new project last year to produce green steel on a commercial scale.
Iron and steel-making account for a major share of global heavy industry emissions, and its trade has become source of contention between the United States and the EU, which have so far failed to negotiate a "green steel" trade deal.
Reporting by Julia Payne; Editing by Sharon Singleton
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy ... 024-02-13/
Re: THE ENVIRONMENT
Reuters
"French recycling plant on fire housing 900 tonnes of lithium batteries"
Story by Reuters
18 FEBRUARY 2024
PARIS (Reuters) - Some 900 tonnes of lithium batteries were on fire at a battery recycling plant in southern France, authorities said on Sunday, sending a cloud of thick black smoke into the sky above the site.
The fire broke out on Saturday in a warehouse owned by French recycling group SNAM in Viviez, north of Toulouse, local councillor Pascal Mazet said in a statement on X.
Lithium batteries are vital in electrical devices from phones to electric cars, but contain combustible materials which, combined with the energy they store, can make them vulnerable to catching fire when exposed to heat - a potential danger given the toxic materials their burning can emit.
In January 2023, a large fire broke out in a Normandy warehouse storing car components and thousands of lithium batteries, which was brought under control without causing any casualties.
Firefighters said there were no indications of the release of dangerous air pollution.
French media showed thick smoke over the Viviez site and newspaper Le Monde reported that up to 70 firefighters were battling to get the fire under control.
Charles Giusti, a local official in the Aveyron prefecture which includes Viviez, said on BFM television there was no danger to people living nearby.
The prefecture said in a statement overnight that while the fire was under control, it was burning slowly and was expected to last for several hours.
SNAM did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A security note for the site warns that in case of a major fire, products present there were likely to result in the emission of cadmium through fumes.
Cadmium is highly toxic and dangerous to the environment, but the note said that considering the environment of the factory and the behaviour of toxic fumes, these should not pose an immediate health risk to residents.
(Reporting by Geert De Clercq; Editing by David Holmes)
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/fr ... ae03&ei=21
"French recycling plant on fire housing 900 tonnes of lithium batteries"
Story by Reuters
18 FEBRUARY 2024
PARIS (Reuters) - Some 900 tonnes of lithium batteries were on fire at a battery recycling plant in southern France, authorities said on Sunday, sending a cloud of thick black smoke into the sky above the site.
The fire broke out on Saturday in a warehouse owned by French recycling group SNAM in Viviez, north of Toulouse, local councillor Pascal Mazet said in a statement on X.
Lithium batteries are vital in electrical devices from phones to electric cars, but contain combustible materials which, combined with the energy they store, can make them vulnerable to catching fire when exposed to heat - a potential danger given the toxic materials their burning can emit.
In January 2023, a large fire broke out in a Normandy warehouse storing car components and thousands of lithium batteries, which was brought under control without causing any casualties.
Firefighters said there were no indications of the release of dangerous air pollution.
French media showed thick smoke over the Viviez site and newspaper Le Monde reported that up to 70 firefighters were battling to get the fire under control.
Charles Giusti, a local official in the Aveyron prefecture which includes Viviez, said on BFM television there was no danger to people living nearby.
The prefecture said in a statement overnight that while the fire was under control, it was burning slowly and was expected to last for several hours.
SNAM did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A security note for the site warns that in case of a major fire, products present there were likely to result in the emission of cadmium through fumes.
Cadmium is highly toxic and dangerous to the environment, but the note said that considering the environment of the factory and the behaviour of toxic fumes, these should not pose an immediate health risk to residents.
(Reporting by Geert De Clercq; Editing by David Holmes)
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/fr ... ae03&ei=21
Re: THE ENVIRONMENT
The New York Post
"Hochul gives businesses and shoppers the cold shoulder with her green refrigerator scheme"
Opinion by Post Editorial Board
24 FEBRUARY 2024
As it builds, Gov. Hochul’s extreme green agenda is wreaking ever more havoc on New Yorkers’ lives: Now they’re coming for your refrigerator.
The Department of Environmental Conservation wants to phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), used in refrigerators and air conditioners, a mandate that will stick businesses with hefty upgrade costs that they’ll have to pass on to consumers.
Grocers, obviously, will get hit, so expect food prices to keep rising on top of what record inflation’s already done.
Hochul seems to have learned nothing from the backlash to her war on gas stoves last year.
Part of the drive to drastically slash New York’s carbon emissions, the DEC proposal goes far beyond current federal requirements of an 85% reduction in use of HFCs by 2036: New York’s rule would kick in much sooner, requiring some new businesses to install HFCs-free refrigerators as soon as next year, while ordering pricey retrofitting by 2029 and replacements for businesses with large equipment by 2035.
As Democratic Assemblyman Bill Conrad pointed out, the costs could sink grocery stores in already underserved neighborhoods, creating food deserts.
It’ll add to housing costs, too: New refrigeration-utilizing air conditioning and heat pumps must be HFC-free in residences by 2028.
So the scheme’s hardest-hit victims will be businesses (which Hochul claims she wants to keep in New York) and lower-income consumers.
This all fits into New York’s “act now, think later” green agenda.
The state is trying to strong-arm New Yorkers into going electric — banning the sale of non-electric cars by 2035; outlawing gas stoves and heating in new buildings (and eventually, older ones).
Meanwhile, it’s also reducing electricity from carbon-based fuels even as its plans for power from alternative energy, like off-shore wind and solar, simply will not meet the current demand for electricity, much less the increase needed for electric heat etc.
Since alternate fuels are still more expensive than natural gas, New Yorkers who already pay above the national average for electricity will pay even more (on utility bills, or via taxes to cover state subsidies for wind etc.), even as the risk of brownouts and blackouts soars.
Is it any wonder why the Empire State continues to hemorrhage residents?
Whether it’s effectively ensuring that food prices will rise or sabotaging access to reliable, fossil-fuel energy, every time Hochul bows to the green radicals, regular New Yorkers take a hit to their quality of life (and wallets).
https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topst ... b5a2&ei=31
"Hochul gives businesses and shoppers the cold shoulder with her green refrigerator scheme"
Opinion by Post Editorial Board
24 FEBRUARY 2024
As it builds, Gov. Hochul’s extreme green agenda is wreaking ever more havoc on New Yorkers’ lives: Now they’re coming for your refrigerator.
The Department of Environmental Conservation wants to phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), used in refrigerators and air conditioners, a mandate that will stick businesses with hefty upgrade costs that they’ll have to pass on to consumers.
Grocers, obviously, will get hit, so expect food prices to keep rising on top of what record inflation’s already done.
Hochul seems to have learned nothing from the backlash to her war on gas stoves last year.
Part of the drive to drastically slash New York’s carbon emissions, the DEC proposal goes far beyond current federal requirements of an 85% reduction in use of HFCs by 2036: New York’s rule would kick in much sooner, requiring some new businesses to install HFCs-free refrigerators as soon as next year, while ordering pricey retrofitting by 2029 and replacements for businesses with large equipment by 2035.
As Democratic Assemblyman Bill Conrad pointed out, the costs could sink grocery stores in already underserved neighborhoods, creating food deserts.
It’ll add to housing costs, too: New refrigeration-utilizing air conditioning and heat pumps must be HFC-free in residences by 2028.
So the scheme’s hardest-hit victims will be businesses (which Hochul claims she wants to keep in New York) and lower-income consumers.
This all fits into New York’s “act now, think later” green agenda.
The state is trying to strong-arm New Yorkers into going electric — banning the sale of non-electric cars by 2035; outlawing gas stoves and heating in new buildings (and eventually, older ones).
Meanwhile, it’s also reducing electricity from carbon-based fuels even as its plans for power from alternative energy, like off-shore wind and solar, simply will not meet the current demand for electricity, much less the increase needed for electric heat etc.
Since alternate fuels are still more expensive than natural gas, New Yorkers who already pay above the national average for electricity will pay even more (on utility bills, or via taxes to cover state subsidies for wind etc.), even as the risk of brownouts and blackouts soars.
Is it any wonder why the Empire State continues to hemorrhage residents?
Whether it’s effectively ensuring that food prices will rise or sabotaging access to reliable, fossil-fuel energy, every time Hochul bows to the green radicals, regular New Yorkers take a hit to their quality of life (and wallets).
https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topst ... b5a2&ei=31
Re: THE ENVIRONMENT
REUTERS
"Hydrogen industry pleads for easier path to US tax credits"
By Valerie Volcovici
March 27, 2024
WASHINGTON, March 27 (Reuters) - Some companies planning to use new U.S. tax credits to deploy hydrogen projects urged the Treasury Department this week to ease proposed environmental requirements, warning that they could hinder the nascent industry’s takeoff.
Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service hosted hearings this week on the guidance they released in December governing implementation of the Clean Hydrogen Production, or 45V, tax credit, one of the most lucrative incentives in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
The credit would create a 10-year incentive for clean hydrogen production of up to $3.00/kilogram.
The credit has been at the center of heavy lobbying by industry groups seeking to build projects, as well as environmental advocates worried that a proliferation of hydrogen projects will backfire by boosting energy demand and raising greenhouse gas emissions.
The Treasury's proposal would require hydrogen producers seeking the 45v credits to prove they have used clean electricity that has been recently built and sourced from the same region as the project.
They would also need to show that the power was generated around the same time that the hydrogen was produced.
Australian firm Fortescue said the requirements would hurt a project it is pursuing the Pacific Northwest, which won Energy Department support last year.
“This investment would not qualify for the tax credit, because we plan to use a mix of surplus hydropower and other renewables," Fortescue North America CEO Andrew Vesey told the hearing.
Frank Wolak, president of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association industry group, said the requirements had cooled investor interest in hydrogen projects.
The lobby group asked that projects launched before the guidance is finalized be exempted.
Dorothy Davidson, CEO of the DOE-backed Midwest hydrogen hub, asked Treasury to allow projects to source at least 10% of their power from pre-existing zero-carbon sources like nuclear, and also permit the use of renewable natural gas from farms and landfills.
The Midwest hub project relies on existing nuclear energy and natural gas.
Meanwhile, some green hydrogen companies and a number of NGOs urged the IRS to keep the requirements in place.
"Weak section 45V rules would undermine both the achievement of the Biden Administration’s climate goals and the credibility of the hydrogen industry," said Claire Behar, chief commercial officer of Hy Stor, a green hydrogen firm with a project in Mississippi.
Reporting by Valerie Volcovici; Editing by Nick Zieminski
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/ ... 024-03-27/
"Hydrogen industry pleads for easier path to US tax credits"
By Valerie Volcovici
March 27, 2024
WASHINGTON, March 27 (Reuters) - Some companies planning to use new U.S. tax credits to deploy hydrogen projects urged the Treasury Department this week to ease proposed environmental requirements, warning that they could hinder the nascent industry’s takeoff.
Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service hosted hearings this week on the guidance they released in December governing implementation of the Clean Hydrogen Production, or 45V, tax credit, one of the most lucrative incentives in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
The credit would create a 10-year incentive for clean hydrogen production of up to $3.00/kilogram.
The credit has been at the center of heavy lobbying by industry groups seeking to build projects, as well as environmental advocates worried that a proliferation of hydrogen projects will backfire by boosting energy demand and raising greenhouse gas emissions.
The Treasury's proposal would require hydrogen producers seeking the 45v credits to prove they have used clean electricity that has been recently built and sourced from the same region as the project.
They would also need to show that the power was generated around the same time that the hydrogen was produced.
Australian firm Fortescue said the requirements would hurt a project it is pursuing the Pacific Northwest, which won Energy Department support last year.
“This investment would not qualify for the tax credit, because we plan to use a mix of surplus hydropower and other renewables," Fortescue North America CEO Andrew Vesey told the hearing.
Frank Wolak, president of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association industry group, said the requirements had cooled investor interest in hydrogen projects.
The lobby group asked that projects launched before the guidance is finalized be exempted.
Dorothy Davidson, CEO of the DOE-backed Midwest hydrogen hub, asked Treasury to allow projects to source at least 10% of their power from pre-existing zero-carbon sources like nuclear, and also permit the use of renewable natural gas from farms and landfills.
The Midwest hub project relies on existing nuclear energy and natural gas.
Meanwhile, some green hydrogen companies and a number of NGOs urged the IRS to keep the requirements in place.
"Weak section 45V rules would undermine both the achievement of the Biden Administration’s climate goals and the credibility of the hydrogen industry," said Claire Behar, chief commercial officer of Hy Stor, a green hydrogen firm with a project in Mississippi.
Reporting by Valerie Volcovici; Editing by Nick Zieminski
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/ ... 024-03-27/
Re: THE ENVIRONMENT
REUTERS
"Dubai faces massive clean up after deluge swamps glitzy desert city"
By Reuters
April 19, 2024
Summary
* Vehicles submerged in water on roads abandoned
* Flooded roads bring Dubai to near standstill
* Airport operations remain disrupted
DUBAI, April 18 (Reuters) - Dubai, a city in the desert proud of its modern gloss, faced the towering task on Thursday of clearing its waterclogged roads and drying out flooded homes two days after a record storm saw a year's rain fall in a day.
Dubai International Airport, a major travel hub, struggled to clear a backlog of flights and many roads were still flooded in the aftermath of Tuesday's deluge.
The rains were the heaviest experienced by the United Arab Emirates in the 75 years that records have been kept.
They brought much of the country to a standstill and caused significant damage.
Flooding trapped residents in traffic, offices and homes.
Many reported leaks at their homes, while footage circulated on social media showed malls overrun with water pouring from roofs.
In Dubai, the UAE's most populous emirate, traffic remained disrupted even as public transportation services resumed.
Street closures, detours and partially submerged roads caused heavy congestion, with some cars driving towards oncoming traffic in effort to avoid flooded areas.
A highway through Dubai was reduced to a single lane in one direction, while the main road that connects Dubai with the capital Abu Dhabi was partially closed in both directions.
"This was like nothing else."
"It was like an alien invasion," Jonathan Richards, a Dubai resident from Britain told Reuters.
"I woke up the other morning to people in kayaks with pet dogs, pet cats, suitcases all outside my house."
Another resident, Rinku Makhecha, said the rain swamped her freshly renovated house she moved into two weeks ago.
"My entire living room is just like ... all my furniture is floating right now," she said.
Vehicles, including buses, were abandoned on streets and some could be seen submerged in water.
In Abu Dhabi, some supermarkets and restaurants faced product shortages, unable to receive deliveries from Dubai.
Dubai airport had yet to resume normal operation after the storm flooded taxiways, forcing flight diversions, delays and cancellations.
Dubai Airports Chief Operating Officer Majed Al Joker told Al Arabiya TV he expected Dubai International Airport to reach 60-70% capacity by the end of Thursday and full operational capacity within 24 hours.
The airport struggled to get food to stranded passengers with nearby roads flooded and overcrowding limited access to those who had confirmed bookings.
RETURNING SUPPLIES
The storm, which hit neighbouring Oman on Sunday, pounded the UAE on Tuesday, with 20 reported dead in Oman and one in the UAE.
While some roadways into hard-hit communities remain flooded, delivery services across Dubai, whose residents are used to ordering everything at the click of a mouse, slowly began returning to the streets.
Rains are rare in the UAE and elsewhere on the Arabian Peninsula, which is typically known for its dry desert climate.
Summer air temperatures can soar above 50 degrees Celsius.
Following Tuesday's events, questions were raised whether cloud seeding, a process that the UAE frequently conducts, could have caused the heavy rains.
But climate experts blame global warming for such extreme weather events.
Researchers anticipate that climate change will lead to heightened temperatures, increased humidity and a greater risk of flooding in parts of the Gulf region.
Countries like the UAE where there is a lack of drainage infrastructure to cope with heavy rains can suffer the most.
A UAE government agency that oversees cloud seeding - a process of manipulating clouds to increase rainfall - denied conducting any such operations before the storm.
President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said in a statement he had ordered authorities to assess the damage and provide support to families impacted by the storm.
Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum said on X that the safety of citizens, residents and visitors was the utmost priority.
"At a meeting with government officials in Dubai, we set directives to prepare comprehensive plans in response to natural crises' such as the unexpected current weather conditions," he said.
Reporting by Alexander Cornwell, Federico Maccioni, Yousef Saba, Abir Ahmar and Amr Alfiky; Editing by Maha El Dahan, Tom Hogue, Angus MacSwan, Tomasz Janowski and David Evans
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-ea ... 1e2c1e3a35
"Dubai faces massive clean up after deluge swamps glitzy desert city"
By Reuters
April 19, 2024
Summary
* Vehicles submerged in water on roads abandoned
* Flooded roads bring Dubai to near standstill
* Airport operations remain disrupted
DUBAI, April 18 (Reuters) - Dubai, a city in the desert proud of its modern gloss, faced the towering task on Thursday of clearing its waterclogged roads and drying out flooded homes two days after a record storm saw a year's rain fall in a day.
Dubai International Airport, a major travel hub, struggled to clear a backlog of flights and many roads were still flooded in the aftermath of Tuesday's deluge.
The rains were the heaviest experienced by the United Arab Emirates in the 75 years that records have been kept.
They brought much of the country to a standstill and caused significant damage.
Flooding trapped residents in traffic, offices and homes.
Many reported leaks at their homes, while footage circulated on social media showed malls overrun with water pouring from roofs.
In Dubai, the UAE's most populous emirate, traffic remained disrupted even as public transportation services resumed.
Street closures, detours and partially submerged roads caused heavy congestion, with some cars driving towards oncoming traffic in effort to avoid flooded areas.
A highway through Dubai was reduced to a single lane in one direction, while the main road that connects Dubai with the capital Abu Dhabi was partially closed in both directions.
"This was like nothing else."
"It was like an alien invasion," Jonathan Richards, a Dubai resident from Britain told Reuters.
"I woke up the other morning to people in kayaks with pet dogs, pet cats, suitcases all outside my house."
Another resident, Rinku Makhecha, said the rain swamped her freshly renovated house she moved into two weeks ago.
"My entire living room is just like ... all my furniture is floating right now," she said.
Vehicles, including buses, were abandoned on streets and some could be seen submerged in water.
In Abu Dhabi, some supermarkets and restaurants faced product shortages, unable to receive deliveries from Dubai.
Dubai airport had yet to resume normal operation after the storm flooded taxiways, forcing flight diversions, delays and cancellations.
Dubai Airports Chief Operating Officer Majed Al Joker told Al Arabiya TV he expected Dubai International Airport to reach 60-70% capacity by the end of Thursday and full operational capacity within 24 hours.
The airport struggled to get food to stranded passengers with nearby roads flooded and overcrowding limited access to those who had confirmed bookings.
RETURNING SUPPLIES
The storm, which hit neighbouring Oman on Sunday, pounded the UAE on Tuesday, with 20 reported dead in Oman and one in the UAE.
While some roadways into hard-hit communities remain flooded, delivery services across Dubai, whose residents are used to ordering everything at the click of a mouse, slowly began returning to the streets.
Rains are rare in the UAE and elsewhere on the Arabian Peninsula, which is typically known for its dry desert climate.
Summer air temperatures can soar above 50 degrees Celsius.
Following Tuesday's events, questions were raised whether cloud seeding, a process that the UAE frequently conducts, could have caused the heavy rains.
But climate experts blame global warming for such extreme weather events.
Researchers anticipate that climate change will lead to heightened temperatures, increased humidity and a greater risk of flooding in parts of the Gulf region.
Countries like the UAE where there is a lack of drainage infrastructure to cope with heavy rains can suffer the most.
A UAE government agency that oversees cloud seeding - a process of manipulating clouds to increase rainfall - denied conducting any such operations before the storm.
President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said in a statement he had ordered authorities to assess the damage and provide support to families impacted by the storm.
Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum said on X that the safety of citizens, residents and visitors was the utmost priority.
"At a meeting with government officials in Dubai, we set directives to prepare comprehensive plans in response to natural crises' such as the unexpected current weather conditions," he said.
Reporting by Alexander Cornwell, Federico Maccioni, Yousef Saba, Abir Ahmar and Amr Alfiky; Editing by Maha El Dahan, Tom Hogue, Angus MacSwan, Tomasz Janowski and David Evans
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-ea ... 1e2c1e3a35