Three Jurisdictions, One Carbon Price: Inside the Washington-California-Québec Cap-and-Trade Linkage 
Energy / Environment

Three Jurisdictions, One Carbon Price: Inside the Washington-California-Québec Cap-and-Trade Linkage 

On June 25, 2026, officials from Washington, California, and Québec signed an agreement to merge their cap-and-trade systems. Once linkage takes effect, which is expected in 2027, the shared carbon market will cover roughly 75 percent of greenhouse gas emissions of two large U.S. states and one Canadian province. Continue reading →

California’s “Radical” Climate Program: Examining Challenges to the Cap-and-Trade System 
Economy / Energy / Environment

California’s “Radical” Climate Program: Examining Challenges to the Cap-and-Trade System 

On September 19, California Governor Gavin Newsom approved a bill renewing California’s cap-and-trade program until 2045. This renewal comes despite hostility toward state-level clean energy programs from the Trump administration, notably President Trump’s executive order that specifically criticized California’s cap-and-trade program.  Continue reading →

The Tech Industry’s Transition to 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy
Energy / Environment / Technology

The Tech Industry’s Transition to 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy

Executive Summary Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasing the technology sector’s electricity demand, with data center energy use projected to more than double by 2030. This limits tech companies’ ability to meet renewable energy targets that were originally pledged in a less energy-intensive market. Google and Microsoft have implemented 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy (CFE) in their facilities, … Continue reading →

America / Economy / Energy / Environment

Confronting the Concerns Surrounding Green Hydrogen

Introduction Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and has the potential to reduce anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and decarbonize our planet. What makes hydrogen vital is its capability to be a clean, safe and flexible energy carrier. Additionally, when combusted to generate heat or electricity, it produces water. These characteristics make it … Continue reading →

Energy / Environment / Politics

Righting the Wrong, Pipeline Edition: The Case Against the Tar Sands of Canada

The Keystone XL pipeline is in the spotlight once again after President Biden revoked the pipeline’s presidential permit by signing an executive order halting the construction of the pipeline that would carry 830,000 barrels of oil per day from Alberta, Canada to Steele City, Nebraska, where it would join an existing pipeline that would transport … Continue reading →

China / Economy / Energy / Environment / Politics / Trade

China and Latin America: forging new economic ties in United States backyard.

China experienced explosive economic growth in the past few decades that helped it rise to the position of the second-largest economy in the world. It now aims to transform itself from a regional to a global hegemon, effectively challenging the US in its backyard, Latin America. The country’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) facilitated its … Continue reading →

Potential Benefits and Costs of US Backed Nuclear Power Plants Abroad
China / Energy / Environment / Foreign Policy / National Security

Potential Benefits and Costs of US Backed Nuclear Power Plants Abroad

Last month the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced its reversal of a legacy policy that banned the financing of nuclear power projects abroad[1]. The decision, currently in the public notice and comment period, was lauded as a victory by the energy, environmental, and national security spheres[2][3] but raises several concerns around carbon emissions, … Continue reading →

Improving Island Resiliency: Incorporating Microgrids as part of the RICANstruction Process.
America / Communications / Energy / Environment / Politics

Improving Island Resiliency: Incorporating Microgrids as part of the RICANstruction Process.

This might very well be the busiest year of the Atlantic hurricane season, and with two months left the Americas shudder at the thought of what next, who’s next, and when. Three major hurricanes—Harvey, Irma, and most recently Maria—all made landfall roughly one week apart, and caused widespread devastation across several U.S. cities and total … Continue reading →

Why Energy Efficiency is Key to Fulfilling the Paris Goals
Economy / Energy / Environment / Politics

Why Energy Efficiency is Key to Fulfilling the Paris Goals

Energy efficiency — the ugly ducking in an industry full of shiny solar panels and soaring wind turbines — may be the smart, business friendly path to mitigating climate shifts, regardless of political detours.  The Paris Agreement, the most drastic global climate action plan, officially entered into force in early November, confirming 94 countries’ pledges to … Continue reading →