Data shows surprising shift at power plants across the US — here's what's happening
As of March, American power plants had released over 300 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere — the most over a two-month period since 2019. Reuters chalked up this surge to rising natural gas prices and, consequently, increased dependence on coal for power generation.
The energy derived from burning dirty fuels — coal, oil, and natural gas — releases carbon dioxide and other gases that contribute to the changing climate by trapping heat within our atmosphere.
Of the three, the Energy Information Administration considers natural gas the cleanest, though even gas-burning still makes up about 35% of the carbon pollution from power plants. Typically, power plants split their energy sources between coal and natural gas.
The recent surge in carbon emissions can be attributed to a nationwide shift toward coal over gas as a result of rising gas prices. The MIT Climate Portal indicates that coal's higher carbon content makes the coal-burning process more emission-heavy than burning oil or natural gas.
"Higher coal use and lower gas generation indicates that power producers would rather raise emissions than incur a financial hit from higher gas costs," Reuters stated.
The United States is no stranger to rising global temperatures. Since 1979, the Environmental Protection Agency has recorded an increase of 0.3-0.5 degrees Fahrenheit per decade, and 2024 proved to be the warmest year worldwide. Especially once the demand for air conditioning kicks in, per Reuters, we can expect another spike in carbon pollution if power plants continue to rely on coal-burning for electricity.
The increase in Earth-warming gases from the burning of coal, gas, and oil has had catastrophic effects, from exacerbating extreme weather events to putting the global food supply at risk. If carbon dioxide continues to clog up our atmosphere, we can expect further rises in food and insurance costs in addition to the continued loss of natural biodiversity.
The EPA in 2024 implemented new regulations for power plants that could decrease carbon dioxide emissions by 68 to 390 million metric tons by 2040, according to a report by Resources for the Future.
The regulations may compel power plants to switch to more eco-conscious means of electricity production but may also lead to rising electricity prices.
Individuals can collectively help fight the climbing cost of electricity by reducing demand. In lieu of expensive energy plans, you can opt for solar panels and use efficient appliances such as a heat pump to keep your bills and usage low.
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Newsweek
30 minutes ago
- Newsweek
How Could Strait of Hormuz Closure Impact Americans?
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Iranian lawmakers have voted to support closing the Strait of Hormuz—a vital route for global oil and gas shipments—in response to U.S. airstrikes on three of the country's nuclear sites on Saturday, a move that if agreed upon by the Supreme Leader, could disrupt energy markets and drive up prices worldwide and stateside. Why It Matters Following U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, Isfahan, Fordow, and Natanz, the world waits as Iran considers its response. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow, yet incredibly strategic waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. At its narrowest point, the strait is about 21 miles wide, with two shipping lanes that are 2 miles wide in each direction. 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While the EIA estimates that a large majority, around 80 percent, of the oil-based product moving through the Strait go to Asian markets, around 2 million barrels a day end up in the U.S. Stena Impero being seized and detained between July 19 and July 21, 2019 in Bandar Abbas, Iran as it passed through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital regional shipping channel. Stena Impero being seized and detained between July 19 and July 21, 2019 in Bandar Abbas, Iran as it passed through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital regional shipping channel. Tasnim/Getty Images If the Iranian government following the lead of the parliament, decides to close the Strait, Asian markets are expected to be most hit, but American markets will be too. Despite influence over the Strait, Iran doesn't supply the most oil that transports through it, Saudi Arabia does. Some experts have said that if Iran were to cut off access to the Strait, it could spike oil prices by 30 to 50 percent immediately, with gas prices likewise rising. "Oil prices would likely double, to well above $100. The extent to which that price shock would be sustainable is unclear," Marko Papic, chief strategist at BCA Research, told Newsweek in an email Sunday. He also noted that due to the overwhelming pressure campaign the country would face over its closure "the price shock would be of limited duration." "However," he continued, "it could impact confidence domestically, impact capex [capital expenditure] intentions by corporates, and thus trickle into the animal spirits [psychological factors that influence economic behavior] that affects not just stocks, but also the labor market." 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Miami Herald
37 minutes ago
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Trump's Iran strike could boost — or ruin — his troubled presidency
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San Francisco Chronicle
an hour ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Sierra Leone's President Bio to be the next ECOWAS chairman with region in turmoil
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