The cold weather payment is important but needs to be made in advance of freezing temperatures.

In 2024, 91% of new large-scale renewable projects around the world made electricity for less money than any fossil-fuel option, https://www.irena.org/News/pressreleases/2025/Jul/91-Percent-of-New-Renewable-Projects-Now-Cheaper-Than-Fossil-Fuels-Alternatives. Solar power was 41% cheaper than the lowest-cost fossil fuel, and onshore wind was 53% cheaper. The technology that can lower energy bills, keep the grid stable, and create jobs is now the most affordable way to build power almost anywhere. So, here’s the big question our guest faces every day: if clean energy is this good and this affordable, why is it still so tough to get people to support it? Leah Qusba leads GoodPower, a nonprofit focused on strategic communications and research. For almost twenty years, it was known as Action for the Climate Emergency, but it changed its name during Climate Week 2025. Since Leah took over, the group has grown about ten times bigger, built a network of over 8,500 content creators who share facts about renewables, and started running live messaging tests through its Good Data Lab. The new name highlights that renewable power is good power, and the best way to win support is by showing how it affects people’s monthly bills. The decision to rebrand was based on data. Leah’s team learned that words like “climate” and “emergency” can shut down conversations in rural, conservative areas where most new wind and solar projects are built. GoodPower shifted its message to focus on jobs, community investment, and steady power bills. GoodPower also works to fight anti-renewables disinformation, which Leah says spreads fastest in the first day or two after a grid emergency. When https://www.preventionweb.net/news/winter-storm-exposed-grids-real-weakness-lots-old-poles knocked out power in more than 20 states in January, the organization had a few days’ notice and quickly got its creator network ready to “prebunk” the usual claim that renewables caused the blackouts. This strategy, based on the https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/scholcom/245/, starts with the truth, points out the false claim, and then repeats the truth to make it stick. GoodPower uses the same idea in its AI tools: CleanCast predicts where local fights over new projects might start so communities can get accurate information early, and TrueVoice spots AI-generated comments in public records. Still, Leah says the best messengers are neighbors, since people trust those who share their experiences. For instance, when Boulder City, Nevada’s Republican mayor, Joe Hardy, talks about howhttps://bouldercityreview.com/opinion/we-empower-we-enrich-90991/ helped his town’s budget, it connects with other conservative communities in a way ads can’t.GoodPower’s network of creators shares clean-energy messages through car-repair, food, and gaming videos. Leah calls this the raisin bread theory: the regular content is the bread, and the renewables message is the raisin. For communities already dealing with climate impacts, she highlights groups like https://www.extremeweathersurvivors.org/, which gives wildfire and flood survivors a way to push for policy changes from the ground up. To learn more, visit https://goodpower.org and follow https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahqusba/, where she is active and easy to reach. - Subscribe to Sustainability In Your Ear on https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/earth911-com-sustainability-in-your-ear/id1384301001?mt=2 - Follow Sustainability In Your Ear on https://www.spreaker.com/user/earth911, https://www.iheart.com/podcast/966-Earth911com-Sustain-29715785/, or https://youtube.com/@elkcreeknotes?si=OYncOJMSzZ857f4L  

Energy Secretary Chris Wright faced intense scrutiny during a series of Sunday TV interviews where his responses about gas prices and energy policy were widely criticized as inadequate and evasive. During appearances on CNN, ABC, and CBS, Wright repeatedly stumbled when asked about the ongoing surge in fuel costs, which have reached over $4.13 per gallon nationwide. When questioned by CNN's Dana Bash about whether prices would continue to rise, Wright hesitated and claimed that increased production and decreased demand would eventually lower prices. His answers were met with skepticism, as they failed to address immediate concerns about inflation and consumer impact. Wright also blamed Ukraine for record-high diesel prices, a claim that drew criticism for oversimplifying complex geopolitical factors. On CBS's 'Face the Nation,' he attributed high prices to both Russia's shifting energy role and Democratic policies, while on ABC's 'This Week,' he defended ongoing military actions against Iran despite prolonged conflict with no clear resolution. Critics argue that Wright's comments risk undermining public trust in energy policy and exacerbating political tensions. The episode highlights growing frustration with government transparency and the urgency of addressing energy affordability for American households.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright faced scrutiny during a Monday appearance on Fox News, where he defended the administration's handling of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions with Iran. Wright claimed that 30 vessels had transited the critical waterway Sunday, down from pre-war levels of 130 ships per day. When pressed by host John Roberts about when traffic would return to normal, Wright evaded the question, stating he couldn’t predict the future. However, he later admitted there was a 'disruption' in oil flow and shifted blame to the Biden administration, accusing Democrats of exacerbating energy prices through 'foolish green energy policies.' This rhetoric aligns with broader political debates over energy policy, with Wright linking high oil prices to both the Iran conflict and Democratic environmental regulations. The exchange highlights tensions between federal agencies and political opponents, as well as the role of media in amplifying such disputes. Critics argue that Wright’s comments reflect a politicized narrative rather than objective analysis, underscoring the challenges of balancing energy security with climate goals.

The article highlights the significant reliance of U.S. nuclear reactors on foreign-sourced uranium, with 93% of their supply coming from international sources in 2023. Domestic production accounts for only 7%, underscoring the nation's dependence on global markets. Fuel loading for reactors reached 41 million pounds, marking a 15% decline from 2022 levels due to fluctuating demand and supply chain dynamics. The report also notes increased uranium reserves, driven by strategic stockpiling and international agreements. Enrichment services are predominantly outsourced to foreign entities, with countries like Canada, Kazakhstan, and Australia playing key roles. Rising costs and geopolitical tensions have further complicated the supply chain, prompting discussions on energy security and diversification strategies. The findings emphasize the need for balanced policies to ensure stable uranium access while mitigating risks associated with over-reliance on external sources.

Diego Mesa Puyo has been appointed as CEO and Chair of the Global Environment Facility, bringing extensive experience in energy policy and sustainability.

Diego Mesa Puyo has been appointed as the new CEO and Chairperson of the Global Environment Facility, focusing on sustainable development and energy policies.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's chief of staff, David Carney, addressed energy policy and pipeline development during his appearance at the Calgary Stampede, emphasizing collaboration across provinces to address Canada's energy security challenges. Carney highlighted the need for infrastructure projects like pipelines to support economic growth and meet global demand, while acknowledging Alberta's frustrations with federal policies. His remarks came amid ongoing tensions over the province's potential referendum on separation from Canada, which could impact political dynamics. The event provided a platform for Carney to engage directly with Albertans, who expressed hope for progress on pipeline projects despite past delays. Critics argue that promises remain unfulfilled, while supporters view his efforts as a step toward resolving long-standing energy disputes. The discussion also touched on balancing environmental concerns with economic interests, reflecting broader national debates about resource development and climate policy.

A new study by the Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure reveals that utility return on equity (ROE) has declined over the past twenty years, challenging common perceptions regarding electricity pricing.

PJM Interconnection announces the retirement of Craig Glazer after 26 years of service, having significantly shaped energy policy and regulatory standards.

The National Taxpayers Union reveals how taxpayers can gain from data centers with better policies and investments in energy and water infrastructure.

Remix Point, Inc. has registered as an approved retailer for business storage systems under a government subsidy program, aiding energy efficiency.

The Pew Charitable Trusts has introduced a vital report detailing policy strategies to enhance the effectiveness of distributed energy resources across the U.S.

Join JPI's seminar to explore the latest trends in Japan's electricity market system, featuring insights from industry leaders and experts.

NECA leaders participated in a crucial White House roundtable to address the energy needs of the expanding data center industry and artificial intelligence.

As the demand for electricity surges, more states are adopting advanced transmission technologies to enhance their electric grids. Policymakers emphasize the need for innovation.

Join us on December 10, 2025, for a seminar on Japan's energy policy and the promising role of hydrogen in achieving decarbonization, featuring expert insights.

Join experts from the Ministry of Economy and Energy Pool Japan in a seminar on the simultaneous market and its implications for future power systems.

Join industry leaders at the inaugural NatGas Power Forum to explore opportunities and challenges in natural gas power generation for AI Data Centers.

Ramaco Resources has appointed Joseph M. Stopper as Senior VP of Planning and Analysis, enhancing its leadership team amid growing demand in critical minerals.

Join Professor Takeo Tachikawa for a deep dive into hydrogen, ammonia, and next-generation fuels shaping Japan's energy strategy in 2025.

Lawmakers from across the U.S. gathered to discuss innovative strategies for managing rising energy demands through distributed energy resources.

Join us on August 1, 2025, for an insightful seminar by Ken Ichimura, tackling the challenges and prospects of the battery business in today's power market.

Join the seminar led by Yukio Sakaguchi on June 24, 2025, to explore structural changes in US energy policy and their implications for Japan.