Mary Landers
@currentlymary.bsky.social
Environment reporter for www.thecurrentga.org
Reposted by Mary Landers
Georgia utility regulator just quit her utility regulating job and is now a data center lobbyist
www.citybiz.co/article/9023...
www.citybiz.co/article/9023...
DC BLOX Names Tricia Pridemore EVP of Energy, Regulatory and Policy
DC BLOX has appointed Tricia Pridemore executive vice president of energy, regulatory and policy, adding a former Georgia utility regulator... Read More
www.citybiz.co
September 15, 2026 at 11:38 PM
Georgia utility regulator just quit her utility regulating job and is now a data center lobbyist
www.citybiz.co/article/9023...
www.citybiz.co/article/9023...
Reposted by Mary Landers
I resigned from ExxonMobil today. I spent the last three years doing fossil fuel extraction research at both BP and ExxonMobil. Neither company is acting responsibly. They are racing to maximize extraction while the window to act closes, and gambling with our lives. More below.
September 12, 2026 at 1:14 PM
I resigned from ExxonMobil today. I spent the last three years doing fossil fuel extraction research at both BP and ExxonMobil. Neither company is acting responsibly. They are racing to maximize extraction while the window to act closes, and gambling with our lives. More below.
Reposted by Mary Landers
As heat waves scorched Europe and North America this summer, nuclear and fossil fuel plants closed down ... but solar and batteries kept the lights on. Read on!
Powering through the heat | Talking Climate with Katharine Hayhoe
Green energy keeps the lights on, heat impacts on children, and how to Play it Cool Europe endured a succession of scorching heat waves this
www.patreon.com
September 10, 2026 at 3:15 PM
As heat waves scorched Europe and North America this summer, nuclear and fossil fuel plants closed down ... but solar and batteries kept the lights on. Read on!
Reposted by Mary Landers
I, the only data reporter at the Charlotte Observer, am among the McClatchy layoffs in the bloodbath today. The HR person asked me not to talk about it! AMA.
Anyway, here’s a link to one of my most important stories this year.
www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/a...
Anyway, here’s a link to one of my most important stories this year.
www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/a...
A Black teen found hanged near Charlotte church was a suicide, police say. Questions remain
In May, 16-year-old Juliana Nzita was found dead in a Charlotte churchyard. CMPD called it a suicide. Her family isn’t so sure.
www.charlotteobserver.com
September 10, 2026 at 3:32 PM
I, the only data reporter at the Charlotte Observer, am among the McClatchy layoffs in the bloodbath today. The HR person asked me not to talk about it! AMA.
Anyway, here’s a link to one of my most important stories this year.
www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/a...
Anyway, here’s a link to one of my most important stories this year.
www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/a...
Reposted by Mary Landers
@grayflood.bsky.social: We need to replace our current approach to addressing cost-shifting by data centers–bespoke BYOG contracts and large load tariffs with their "myopic calculation of cost-causation"—with a federal data center excise tax & general fund transfers paid into a Grid Trust Fund.
Grayson Flood | Governing the Grid
The data center boom has exposed decades of deferred choices about who plans and finances America’s electricity infrastructure
phenomenalworld.org
September 5, 2026 at 2:03 PM
@grayflood.bsky.social: We need to replace our current approach to addressing cost-shifting by data centers–bespoke BYOG contracts and large load tariffs with their "myopic calculation of cost-causation"—with a federal data center excise tax & general fund transfers paid into a Grid Trust Fund.
Reposted by Mary Landers
GA residents are grappling w the likely impacts of OpenAI's proposed data center outside Savannah. USC's Sanders: there's "no free lunch" with the proposed closed loop cooling system. It would use less water, but the big fans that eject heat from the buildings would use "a lot" of electricity.
How much water will Effingham's OpenAI data center need? A lot – but not on site. - The Current
Reducing the water use on site at the proposed OpenAI data center will drive up its power-related water consumption offsite, experts say.
thecurrentga.org
September 4, 2026 at 12:36 PM
GA residents are grappling w the likely impacts of OpenAI's proposed data center outside Savannah. USC's Sanders: there's "no free lunch" with the proposed closed loop cooling system. It would use less water, but the big fans that eject heat from the buildings would use "a lot" of electricity.
Reposted by Mary Landers
Former federal prosecutor takes on …
Effingham county zoning case
#gapol via The Current GA
thecurrentga.org/2026/09/03/c...
Effingham county zoning case
#gapol via The Current GA
thecurrentga.org/2026/09/03/c...
Citizen-led lawsuit challenges zoning for OpenAI Georgia data center - The Current
A new lawsuit asks court to declare that data center zoning at OpenAI site is invalid.
thecurrentga.org
September 3, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Former federal prosecutor takes on …
Effingham county zoning case
#gapol via The Current GA
thecurrentga.org/2026/09/03/c...
Effingham county zoning case
#gapol via The Current GA
thecurrentga.org/2026/09/03/c...
Reposted by Mary Landers
There’s no free lunch, scientist tells @currentlymary.bsky.social
You still need a lot of water to *power* a data center.
re: OpenAi in effingham county Georgia #gapol
thecurrentga.org/2026/09/01/h...
You still need a lot of water to *power* a data center.
re: OpenAi in effingham county Georgia #gapol
thecurrentga.org/2026/09/01/h...
How much water will Effingham's OpenAI data center need? A lot – but not on site. - The Current
Reducing the water use on site at the proposed OpenAI data center will drive up its power-related water consumption offsite, experts say.
thecurrentga.org
September 1, 2026 at 9:18 PM
There’s no free lunch, scientist tells @currentlymary.bsky.social
You still need a lot of water to *power* a data center.
re: OpenAi in effingham county Georgia #gapol
thecurrentga.org/2026/09/01/h...
You still need a lot of water to *power* a data center.
re: OpenAi in effingham county Georgia #gapol
thecurrentga.org/2026/09/01/h...
Reposted by Mary Landers
Huge California win for plug in solar, so many thanks to all who fought for it, including my Third Act Cali colleagues. Oh, and sponsor Scott Wiener!
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
California Becomes Latest State to Approve Plug-in Solar
States across the country are letting residents install small solar systems without utility permission.
www.bloomberg.com
August 26, 2026 at 12:55 AM
Huge California win for plug in solar, so many thanks to all who fought for it, including my Third Act Cali colleagues. Oh, and sponsor Scott Wiener!
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Mary Landers
If you mess with Georgia politics, you sit through a lot of people saying agriculture is Georgia’s No 1 industry
Ok that’s nowhere near true
#gapol
thecurrentga.org/2026/08/22/h...
Ok that’s nowhere near true
#gapol
thecurrentga.org/2026/08/22/h...
How Georgia farms' fame (and favor) outpace their place in the economy - The Current
Some of Georgia’s elected leaders repeat that agriculture is the Peach State’s No. 1 industry. But that’s not what the numbers say.
thecurrentga.org
August 22, 2026 at 6:29 PM
If you mess with Georgia politics, you sit through a lot of people saying agriculture is Georgia’s No 1 industry
Ok that’s nowhere near true
#gapol
thecurrentga.org/2026/08/22/h...
Ok that’s nowhere near true
#gapol
thecurrentga.org/2026/08/22/h...
In 2018, Stan Wise quit the PSC and Tricia Pridemore was appointed to his spot. Now Pridemore is quitting this elected position early and who do think Gov. Kemp appointed to complete her term? Stan Wise! thecurrentga.org/2026/08/21/p...
Pridemore to resign from Georgia Public Service Commission - The Current
Georgia Public Service Commissioner Tricia Pridemore announced her resignation effective Sept. 4, leaving her seat open for Governor Brian Kemp to fill until the winner of the upcoming November electi...
thecurrentga.org
August 22, 2026 at 12:09 AM
In 2018, Stan Wise quit the PSC and Tricia Pridemore was appointed to his spot. Now Pridemore is quitting this elected position early and who do think Gov. Kemp appointed to complete her term? Stan Wise! thecurrentga.org/2026/08/21/p...
Reposted by Mary Landers
Lake Mead lowest ever.
Siberia hits 90. Vienna 105.
Northwest on fire.
Ocean heat record.
Nothing to see here folks.
Siberia hits 90. Vienna 105.
Northwest on fire.
Ocean heat record.
Nothing to see here folks.
Lake Mead, the nation’s biggest reservoir, hits lowest level on record
The milestone is yet another sign of the escalating water crisis on the Colorado River, which scientists say is worsened by climate change.
www.washingtonpost.com
August 11, 2026 at 7:20 PM
Lake Mead lowest ever.
Siberia hits 90. Vienna 105.
Northwest on fire.
Ocean heat record.
Nothing to see here folks.
Siberia hits 90. Vienna 105.
Northwest on fire.
Ocean heat record.
Nothing to see here folks.
Reposted by Mary Landers
#gapol New large Georgia campaign finance filing:
$5,000.0
from Google Client Services LLC
to Georgia Republican Party, Inc.
on 06-18-2026
Source: Ga Ethics Commission: https://peachfile.ethics.ga.gov/public/cf/contribution
$5,000.0
from Google Client Services LLC
to Georgia Republican Party, Inc.
on 06-18-2026
Source: Ga Ethics Commission: https://peachfile.ethics.ga.gov/public/cf/contribution
August 8, 2026 at 5:00 PM
#gapol New large Georgia campaign finance filing:
$5,000.0
from Google Client Services LLC
to Georgia Republican Party, Inc.
on 06-18-2026
Source: Ga Ethics Commission: https://peachfile.ethics.ga.gov/public/cf/contribution
$5,000.0
from Google Client Services LLC
to Georgia Republican Party, Inc.
on 06-18-2026
Source: Ga Ethics Commission: https://peachfile.ethics.ga.gov/public/cf/contribution
Reposted by Mary Landers
#gapol New large Georgia campaign finance filing:
$75,000.0
from GEORGIA POWER COMPANY
to Georgia House Republican Trust, Inc.
on 06-16-2026
Source: Ga Ethics Commission: https://peachfile.ethics.ga.gov/public/cf/contribution
$75,000.0
from GEORGIA POWER COMPANY
to Georgia House Republican Trust, Inc.
on 06-16-2026
Source: Ga Ethics Commission: https://peachfile.ethics.ga.gov/public/cf/contribution
August 8, 2026 at 5:03 PM
#gapol New large Georgia campaign finance filing:
$75,000.0
from GEORGIA POWER COMPANY
to Georgia House Republican Trust, Inc.
on 06-16-2026
Source: Ga Ethics Commission: https://peachfile.ethics.ga.gov/public/cf/contribution
$75,000.0
from GEORGIA POWER COMPANY
to Georgia House Republican Trust, Inc.
on 06-16-2026
Source: Ga Ethics Commission: https://peachfile.ethics.ga.gov/public/cf/contribution
Reposted by Mary Landers
Not sure if everyone appreciates the difference. Rooftop solar hardwires into your main panel via a dedicated breaker, so it requires a permit, an installer, an electrician, and a utility agreement. Balcony solar just plugs into a wall outlet, sharing an existing circuit with no permits or rewiring.
A new deal on balcony solar just dropped in the US
Plug-in panels can lower your bills. To boost the American market for the tech, nonprofit Bright Saver is selling kits with no markup, starting at around…
www.canarymedia.com
August 4, 2026 at 7:11 PM
Not sure if everyone appreciates the difference. Rooftop solar hardwires into your main panel via a dedicated breaker, so it requires a permit, an installer, an electrician, and a utility agreement. Balcony solar just plugs into a wall outlet, sharing an existing circuit with no permits or rewiring.
A good boy aerates the fish pond.
August 4, 2026 at 12:59 AM
A good boy aerates the fish pond.
Reposted by Mary Landers
For the first time on record, solar generated more electricity than coal across the entire U.S. - despite active federal policy pushing the other direction. Read more at the link below!
The great solar-coal flip | Talking Climate with Katharine Hayhoe
Solar passes coal, super El Niño looms, and show your warming stripes Coal built the Industrial Revolution - now wind and solar are beating
www.patreon.com
June 24, 2026 at 8:20 PM
For the first time on record, solar generated more electricity than coal across the entire U.S. - despite active federal policy pushing the other direction. Read more at the link below!
Reposted by Mary Landers
Good news!
‘Plug-in’ solar panels costing just hundreds of pounds are poised to go on sale within months after a review found they were safe to use in the UK
archive.is/eZ8Q8
‘Plug-in’ solar panels costing just hundreds of pounds are poised to go on sale within months after a review found they were safe to use in the UK
archive.is/eZ8Q8
June 22, 2026 at 10:57 AM
Good news!
‘Plug-in’ solar panels costing just hundreds of pounds are poised to go on sale within months after a review found they were safe to use in the UK
archive.is/eZ8Q8
‘Plug-in’ solar panels costing just hundreds of pounds are poised to go on sale within months after a review found they were safe to use in the UK
archive.is/eZ8Q8
Reposted by Mary Landers
The Current GA collects Georgia public records so readers understand how elected officials work – and who they meet.
Now updated through February #gapol
thecurrentga.org/2025/09/05/w...
Now updated through February #gapol
thecurrentga.org/2025/09/05/w...
What does Gov. Brian Kemp do each day? Here's his calendar. - The Current
Read the schedules and meetings on Governor Brian Kemp's schedules, obtained through the Georgia Open Records Act.
thecurrentga.org
June 3, 2026 at 7:39 PM
Reposted by Mary Landers
Future historian department:
-Front page of today's NYT reports creation of world's first trillionaire.
-Lead op-ed of same NYT is about worst-ever Ebola outbreak, which *this VERY SAME trillionaire* enabled, with his "chainsaw" destruction of US public health in the world.
The book writes itself
-Front page of today's NYT reports creation of world's first trillionaire.
-Lead op-ed of same NYT is about worst-ever Ebola outbreak, which *this VERY SAME trillionaire* enabled, with his "chainsaw" destruction of US public health in the world.
The book writes itself
June 13, 2026 at 11:23 PM
Future historian department:
-Front page of today's NYT reports creation of world's first trillionaire.
-Lead op-ed of same NYT is about worst-ever Ebola outbreak, which *this VERY SAME trillionaire* enabled, with his "chainsaw" destruction of US public health in the world.
The book writes itself
-Front page of today's NYT reports creation of world's first trillionaire.
-Lead op-ed of same NYT is about worst-ever Ebola outbreak, which *this VERY SAME trillionaire* enabled, with his "chainsaw" destruction of US public health in the world.
The book writes itself
Reposted by Mary Landers
Reposted by Mary Landers
"France passed a single law and instantly unlocked 11 gigawatts of #solarenergy — without using new land. In 2023, France's government mandated solar canopies over all car parks larger than 80 spaces. The scale was enormous: There are 400,000 parking areas across France #ActOnClimate #Renewables
June 6, 2026 at 4:48 PM
"France passed a single law and instantly unlocked 11 gigawatts of #solarenergy — without using new land. In 2023, France's government mandated solar canopies over all car parks larger than 80 spaces. The scale was enormous: There are 400,000 parking areas across France #ActOnClimate #Renewables
Reposted by Mary Landers
I’m a climate scientist. Let me fix this headline.
“Nearly a century ago, scientists showed that burning fossil fuels warms the planet.
Today, we know human emissions account for over 100% of the warming.
Yet dark money and disinformation still work to keep Americans addicted to fossil fuels.”
“Nearly a century ago, scientists showed that burning fossil fuels warms the planet.
Today, we know human emissions account for over 100% of the warming.
Yet dark money and disinformation still work to keep Americans addicted to fossil fuels.”
Scientists have reached a consensus that human behavior is a big driver of climate change—but Americans aren't buying it.
Most Americans Aren't Convinced Humans Are Causing Climate Change, New Data Shows
Scientists have reached a consensus that human behavior is a big driver of climate change—but Americans aren't buying it.
www.forbes.com
May 30, 2026 at 2:04 PM
I’m a climate scientist. Let me fix this headline.
“Nearly a century ago, scientists showed that burning fossil fuels warms the planet.
Today, we know human emissions account for over 100% of the warming.
Yet dark money and disinformation still work to keep Americans addicted to fossil fuels.”
“Nearly a century ago, scientists showed that burning fossil fuels warms the planet.
Today, we know human emissions account for over 100% of the warming.
Yet dark money and disinformation still work to keep Americans addicted to fossil fuels.”
Reposted by Mary Landers
Cannot 👏 emphasize 👏 this 👏 enough
stop writing articles about extreme heat using fun summer imagery challenge: impossible (apparently)
apnews.com/article/euro...
apnews.com/article/euro...
Exceptionally early heat wave shatters records and brings deaths in Europe
A spring heat wave is scorching parts of Western Europe, breaking temperature records and triggering government warnings.
apnews.com
May 26, 2026 at 6:25 PM
Cannot 👏 emphasize 👏 this 👏 enough
Reposted by Mary Landers
Something that's rare?
Major fossil fuel producers - including Nigeria, Canada and Australia - getting together to find concrete ways to transition away from fossil fuels.
That's what's happening with more than 50 countries gathered in Santa Marta Colombia right now.
📻🎧 only on @npr.org ⬇️ 🇨🇴🇳🇬🇨🇦🇦🇺+🌏
Major fossil fuel producers - including Nigeria, Canada and Australia - getting together to find concrete ways to transition away from fossil fuels.
That's what's happening with more than 50 countries gathered in Santa Marta Colombia right now.
📻🎧 only on @npr.org ⬇️ 🇨🇴🇳🇬🇨🇦🇦🇺+🌏
Could this conference be a 'turning point' for the world's use of fossil fuels?
Against the backdrop of an energy crisis and a warming planet, more than 50 countries have come to Santa Marta, Colombia, to discuss concrete ways to phase out oil, gas and coal.
www.npr.org
April 29, 2026 at 4:13 PM
Something that's rare?
Major fossil fuel producers - including Nigeria, Canada and Australia - getting together to find concrete ways to transition away from fossil fuels.
That's what's happening with more than 50 countries gathered in Santa Marta Colombia right now.
📻🎧 only on @npr.org ⬇️ 🇨🇴🇳🇬🇨🇦🇦🇺+🌏
Major fossil fuel producers - including Nigeria, Canada and Australia - getting together to find concrete ways to transition away from fossil fuels.
That's what's happening with more than 50 countries gathered in Santa Marta Colombia right now.
📻🎧 only on @npr.org ⬇️ 🇨🇴🇳🇬🇨🇦🇦🇺+🌏