Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Solar  -  March 1, 2025

Weekend Reads: Nothing is Stopping Texas Solar; A Carbon Capture Discovery

It's the weekend! Kick back and catch up with these must-read articles from around the web:

Texas lawmakers scramble to stop solar energy but it just keeps coming (CleanTechnica)  Last year was another banner year for solar energy in Texas, and 2025 is heading for more of the same despite the persistent threat of anti-renewable legislation. Texas lawmakers tried to pass another anti-renewable bill in the last session and failed. For reasons best known only to themselves, now they are back at it again for another try.

Mapping the Path to Industrial Decarbonization (RMI)  Heavy industry and transport are responsible for nearly 30 percent of global carbon emissions, which is why bringing clean solutions to these industries is a must if we are to avoid the worst effects of climate change. 

Energy + Environment Politics + Justice State government Federal funds for decarbonization aren’t guaranteed anymore. Don’t worry, Rhode Island has a Plan B (Rhode Island Current)  The climate change council voted earlier this month to set up a contingency plan in case the federal funds again become inaccessible. If needed, the council agreed to repurpose $225,000 of state revenue through a regional carbon cap-and-trade program to keep paying its consultant. 

North Carolina study finds surging AI industry could be powered without new gas infrastructure (Port City Daily)  The state’s monopoly utility cites surging demand from data centers in North Carolina as a top reason for its multi-billion investment in new gas plants and pipelines projected to spike ratepayer bills in coming years. But a new Duke University study casts doubt on the need for expansive new infrastructure to fuel the AI-boom. 

Clever chemistry can make rocks absorb CO2 much more quickly (NewScientist)  Spreading crushed rocks on fields can absorb CO2 from the air. Now chemists have devised a way to turbocharge this process by creating more reactive minerals.

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