News & Commentary

The Final Fifth

February 2, 2016 ExplainerUnited StatesBrian Palmer

Current regulations will achieve 80 percent of the country’s climate goal. Where will the rest come from?

The Public Transit Paradox

January 19, 2016 ExplainerUnited StatesJeff Turrentine

Gas is crazy cheap. Car sales are through the roof. So why isn’t taxpayer support for mass transit tanking?

Mo Methane, Mo Problems

January 14, 2016 ExplainerUnited StatesPerrin Ireland

When it comes to harmful greenhouse gases, methane’s some pretty potent stuff. Here’s why.

Save Our Heritage!

December 16, 2015 ExplainerUnited StatesAlisa Opar

A popular conservation program became a bargaining chip in a bid to lift the crude oil export ban.

Promises, Promises

December 15, 2015 ExplainerUnited States, InternationalBrian Palmer

Cities, states, and businesses—not just those world leaders in Paris—will save us from climate change. Here’s what they’re going to do.

Just About Everyone vs. Gina McCarthy

October 14, 2015 ExplainerUnited StatesBrian Palmer

This is who will be attacking President Obama’s Clean Power Plan in court.

The Speed Sweet Spot

August 28, 2015 ExplainerUnited StatesBrian Palmer

Not too fast, not too slow—how driving speed and free-flowing traffic can lower the carbon emissions from our tailpipes.

The Impacts of a Tar Sands Oil Spill

August 17, 2015 ExplainerCanada

Tar sands oil is harder to clean up than conventional crude. Here are the reasons why.

More for Less

August 13, 2015 ExplainerUnited StatesBrian Palmer

Understand energy efficiency, and you’ll understand how the Clean Power Plan works.

China Commits to Cleaning Up

August 13, 2015 ExplainerChinaNicole Greenfield

The planet's largest carbon emitter is taking steps to brighten their future—and the world's.

10 Threats from the Canadian Tar Sands Industry

August 13, 2015 ExplainerCanadaNicole Greenfield

At every turn, the Tar Sands Invasion would put people and the environment in harm's way.

Thanks, Chevron?

August 5, 2015 ExplainerUnited States, Washington, D.C.Brian Palmer

How a 1984 Supreme Court ruling for Big Oil could help Obama’s new plan to fight climate change.

Actually, That's Not Right

June 26, 2015 ExplainerUnited States, Washington, D.C.Jeff Turrentine

Calling the (many) bluffs of the Clean Power Plan’s coal-loving, credulity-straining opponents.

Has Oil Spill Cleanup Improved at All?

May 27, 2015 ExplainerCalifornia, WestBrian Palmer

Why are we cleaning up the Santa Barbara oil spill with shovels and buckets?

Dirty Departed

April 29, 2015 ExplainerUnited StatesBrian Palmer

Dear coal industry, stop reminiscing over outdated power plants. They’re holding you—and us—back.

The Black Death

April 20, 2015 ExplainerUnited StatesBrian Palmer

Does coal have a future in the United States?

How Much Oil?

April 10, 2015 ExplainerInternationalBrian Palmer

Experts still don’t agree on the amount of oil that gushed into the Gulf—but everyone knows it was a lot.

Offshore-Drilling Safety Gets an F

March 31, 2015 ExplainerInternationalBrian Palmer

Congress has failed to implement rules that could prevent another disaster.

You Really Fracked Up This Time, Feds

March 25, 2015 ExplainerUnited StatesBrian Palmer

Three ways the new drilling rules for federal lands fall short.

May it Sleaze the Court

March 23, 2015 ExplainerUnited StatesBrian Palmer

Utilities want the Supreme Court to reverse life-saving pollution standards on a technicality.