Sign in

Howard Crystal

@howardmc.bsky.social
1.3K followers 1.2K following 40 posts

Senior Attorney, Ctr. for Biological Diversity // Public Interest Lawyer // aka Bruce

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Jennifer Molidor @jennifermolidor.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Good news! Emergency court order halts border wall destruction of Big Bend National Park. “No administration has the right to destroy a crown-jewel national park for political theatre says Laiken Jordahl @biologicaldiversity.org "This fight is far from over." biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
Big Bend National park
06016
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Dana Drugmand @danad1012.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
UPDATE: A federal panel granted environmental groups' request for a stay, halting the data center project while the legal challenges get resolved "We’re thrilled that this data center has been stopped dead in its tracks," said @biologicaldiversity.org's Patrick Donnelly
0104
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Ann Mesnikoff @annmesnikoff.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Anyone who questions opposition to data centers should listen to this story. The owner so blithely says they’ll buy homes, as if people’s attachment to their community and home is nothing.
051
Howard Crystal @howardmc.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Roscoe says pshaw to #Caturday
0100
Howard Crystal @howardmc.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
What makes it even more appalling is that American Gas Association’s work was largely paid for by ratepayers - www.nytimes.com/2026/07/21/c...
nytimes.com
Oil Firms Knew for Decades of Methane’s Danger to Planet, Documents Suggest
The companies knew they were releasing more of the greenhouse gas than they publicly reported, according to industry files cited by the Center for Climate Integrity, an activist organization.
063
Howard Crystal @howardmc.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Facts are stubborn things: Top Science Panel Backs Research Linking Extreme Weather to Climate Change www.nytimes.com/2026/07/16/c...
nytimes.com
National Academies Report Backs Climate Change Attribution Science
Attribution science is advancing quickly, researchers said. That could support lawsuits seeking damages for severe events worsened by global warming.
030
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Ray Beckerman @raybeckerman.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
New Mexico Regulators Order Blackstone, TXNM to Reverse Illegal Stock Transaction biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
biologicaldiversity.org
New Mexico Regulators Order Blackstone, TXNM to Reverse Illegal Stock Transaction
Center for Biological Diversity: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— New Mexico’s utility regulator today found that Blackstone and TXNM Energy violated state law by completing a $400 million stock transaction without...
041
Reposted by Howard Crystal
The Santa Fe New Mexican @thenewmexican.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
NEW: New Mexico regulators on Thursday voted to order Blackstone to unwind a year-old purchase of stock from PNM and issue penalties against both companies in connection with a finding they violated state law by completing the sale without approval. sfnm.co/4p1fTGE
sfnm.co
New Mexico regulators order PNM, Blackstone to undo $400M stock sale
The ruling delivers a sharp rebuke to both Public Service Company of New Mexico and the world's largest private equity firm while Blackstone's bid to purchase the utility remains pending.
094
Howard Crystal @howardmc.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
030
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Rebecca Solnit @rebeccasolnit.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
One of the ways news media often fail us is by giving us the microscopic rather than the telescopic view. Everything I mention in this essay is well-documented, but the dots are mostly not connected to make visible this death by a thousand cuts our country is undergoing.
462370867
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Center for Biological Diversity @biologicaldiversity.org · 16/03/2026
#BigBend in West #Texas needs your help. The Dept. of Homeland Security is rapidly moving forward with plans to wall off virtually every river access point to the #NationalPark. ✨ You can help: Use the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 to urge your Congressional reps to protect Big Bend.
A picturesque view of Big Bend National Park at sunset, framed by steep canyon walls and a calm river. The sky is a blend of pink and purple hues. Text on the image reads, "No Border Wall Through Big Bend." In the corner, there is a logo for the Center for Biological Diversity.
23314
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Center for Biological Diversity @biologicaldiversity.org · 12/03/2026
UPDATE: A court just dismissed a lawsuit pushing for old-growth logging in the #Tongass National Forest 🐻🌲🎉 “This ruling is a big victory. I’m relieved the court squarely rejected the #logging industry's rash attempt to force large-scale logging,” said Marlee Goska, our #Alaska attorney.
An adult and cub brown bear look in the direction of the camera while standing on the bank of a lake or river. Behind them are tree-covered mountains.
312455
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Jeff Brady @jeffbradynews.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Utility safety concerns about plug-in solar panels prompted 5 states to delay votes on enabling legislation. Germany has 1.2 million balcony solar panels registered with no safety problems reported. Here's my @npr.org story: www.npr.org/2026/03/12/n...
npr.org
Easy-to-use solar panels are coming, but utilities are trying to delay them
Utilities are convincing lawmakers around the U.S. to delay bills that would allow people to buy solar panels, plug them into an outlet and begin generating electricity.
13356145
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Jeff Goodell @jeffgoodell.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Telling powerful human stories about the benefits of renewable energy matters. But nowhere near as much as $4 billion matters.
12617
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Sue Sturgis @suesturgis.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
"My biggest concerns are the things that you can't put a price on, which is all of our health," said nearby resident Nancy Looney. "I'm asthmatic, I know how it is not to be able to breathe. With this plant, you just never know long-term what it (air quality) could be."
independentmail.com
As Duke Energy plans expansion, neighbors fearful of air pollution
Residents near a proposed Duke Energy natural gas plant in Anderson County are voicing concerns about its health and environmental impact.
031
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Connor 🚀 @neverm0re666.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
"Blackstone has more more money than the state of New Mexico!" youtu.be/K9PH7LVkEbU?...
youtu.be
Private Equity's Ruthless Takeover Of Public Power For Data Centers
YouTube video by More Perfect Union
022
Reposted by Howard Crystal
David Dayen @ddayen.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
This is a big uh-oh for Blackstone, the world's largest private equity firm, which is trying to buy a utility company in New Mexico. It bought the shares before getting approval for the acquisition. That could derail the whole thing—if regulators follow the law. prospect.org/2026/02/19/b...
prospect.org
Consumer Advocates Could Derail Blackstone’s Utility Acquisition - The American Prospect
The private equity behemoth’s bid to acquire New Mexico’s largest electricity provider could be null and void. Will regulators be bold enough to apply the law?
412543
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Laiken Jordahl @laikenjordahl.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Trump just nominated a corporate stooge with no conservation experience to run the National Park Service. It's another huge step in this admin's plan to hand America’s most cherished public lands over to extractive industries, real estate developers & corporate interests. We're fighting back.
04634
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Energy and Policy Institute @energyandpolicy.org · 30/01/2026
New from @mlive.com: Few utility customers realize part of their bill goes toward helping pay lawyers and consultants to advocate on behalf of those utilities for *higher* rates. This is the case with DTE Energy... currently in the middle of a rate case. www.mlive.com/news/2026/01...
mlive.com
Michigan customers pay their utilities to argue for higher rates. Few realize
Some advocates, including Michigan's attorney general, say utility customers shouldn't be the only ones paying millions for attorneys and consultants who argue for higher gas and electric rates.
052
Reposted by Howard Crystal
John Walke @johndwalke.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
Now Trump EPA head, Lee Zeldin, enters the scene with rank dishonesty & theatrical indignation to dispute the NY Times' correct, accurate reporting. But I've read the EPA smoking gun document, I'm a 30+-year clean air lawyer, I understand its meaning better than Zeldin, & I have the receipts. 1/
8486231
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Brad Friedman / The BRAD BLOG @thebradblog.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
Trump to Congress, Climate, U.N., Rule of Law, World: DROP DEAD - Today's #BradCast Guest: @ajeansu.bsky.social, Sr. Attorney at Center for @biologicaldiversity.org; Also: Halligan ordered to explain herself; Fifth U.S. Attorney ruled unlawfully serving... FULL STORY, LISTEN: bradblog.com?p=15602
3117
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Laiken Jordahl @laikenjordahl.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
BREAKING: the Trump admin is green-lighting Utah's attempt to assert control over 8 million acres of public land without a vote, notice or public input. After failing to seize public lands outright, Utah is chipping away at at public land ownership at large. biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
33641
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Climate, Ecology, War & More: Dr. Glen Barry BigEarthData.ai @bigearthdata.ai · 27/12/2025
Lawsuit Challenges Trump Moves to Restart California Coastal Oil Pipeline ->Center for Biological Diversity | #Coastal #Ocean #NoDecency #Pipeline #TrumpFascism | More from Lil Dr Glen EcoChat at BigEarthData.ai
biologicaldiversity.org
Lawsuit Challenges Trump Moves to Restart California Coastal Oil Pipeline
LOS ANGELES— Conservation groups have sued the Trump administration for taking over the regulation of the Las Flores Pipeline System and rushing this week to approve Sable Offshore Corp.’s pipeline restart plan and application for an “emergency” waiver from federal...
131
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Kierán Suckling @kieransuckling.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
@biologicaldiversity.org is suing to wipe Trump's face off the America the Beautiful National Parks pass. By law, the pass must display the winning photo of a federal #PublicLands picture contest. Instead, Trump plastered his own face on it. Trump's vanity pass is not American, beautiful, or legal
12235100
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Taylor McKinnon @publiccarbon.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
The Center today released video of detonations underway in the Huachuca Mountains -- in critical habitat for endangered jaguar and Mexican spotted owl -- for a double border wall that will block wildlife (but not people) moving between the U.S. and Mexico. Link to PR, video tinyurl.com/y752jz55
063
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Center for Biological Diversity @biologicaldiversity.org · 03/12/2025
Meet Shirleen, a 900-pound #leatherback turtle and an epic traveler. Thanks to satellite tracking by the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, we now know more about where she goes. Leatherbacks are endangered – they need our help but, meanwhile, #GoShirleen! Learn more ➡️ marinelife.mapotic.com
39645
Reposted by Howard Crystal
safe-climate @safe-climate.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
Our take: More gas guzzlers. "Dan Becker, @biologicaldiversity.org said weakening the standards would extend the manufacturing of gas-powered vehicles and prevent the US from countering China’s dominance of the global electric car market." @maxinejoselow.bsky.social www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
spokesman.com
Trump expected to significantly weaken fuel economy rules
The Trump administration is poised to announce new fuel efficiency standards for automobiles in a bid to undo requirements it has assailed for driving up the cost of new cars, according to people fami...
012
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Katie Matthews, PhD @katieocean.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Yo DC peoples: Did you love the City Paper? Did you subscribe to DCist? Wanna get more of that in your life? Subscribe to @51st.news! 5 stars. Do recommend. Link: 51st.news/membership/?...
51st.news
Join The 51st
The 51st is a worker-led nonprofit news source for D.C. Our reporting is rooted in our conviction that local journalism is meant to make people’s lives better — no paywalls, ever. But that's only poss...
13013
Reposted by Howard Crystal
The 51st @51st.news · 23/11/2025
A federal judge ruled the Trump administration had “exceeded the bounds of [its] authority" in deploying the D.C. National Guard, and lacked the authority to call up out-of-state Guardsmen to patrol in D.C. What does this mean? Don't miss @maustermuhle.bsky.social's reporting:
51st.news
Federal judge: National Guard deployment in DC is ‘unlawful’
The 2,300 Guardsmen aren’t headed home just yet, though.
313341
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Center for Biological Diversity @biologicaldiversity.org · 21/11/2025
The #ESA is the world's most successful conservation law, and it's under attack again. The Trump admin. just proposed four new rules that would gut the Act and drive imperiled plants and animals closer to extinction. We have fewer than 30 days to voice our opposition loud and clear ➡️ bit.ly/3LZAGe6
14021
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Ctr4BioDiv: Climate & Energy Justice Programs @cbd-climate-energy.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
AI & data centers are getting tons of hype, but less discussed (but deeply important) are the AI boom’s dangers to our environment, health, & wallets: op-ed by Jean Su & Dr. John Fleming of @biologicaldiversity.org
commondreams.org
Behind AI Hype, Climate Consequences | Common Dreams
AI’s massive energy use is giving fossil fuels a lifeline when they should be rapidly phased out in response to the climate emergency.
042
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Democracy Now! @democracynow.org · 19/11/2025
Jean Su warns that the booming AI industry’s high resource consumption threatens the world’s climate goals, despite rosy prognoses of AI’s projected benefits.
democracynow.org
“Data Crunch”: AI Boom Threatens to Entrench Fossil Fuels and Compromise Climate Goals
A new report titled “Data Crunch: How the AI Boom Threatens to Entrench Fossil Fuels and Compromise Climate Goals” from the Center for Biological Diversity warns the booming artificial intelligence in...
914368
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Jean Su @ajeansu.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
Here at #COP30, attendees are lauding AI as an antidote to the climate crisis. While AI can deliver benefits, countries must address AI’s grave costs to our climate, water, & planet. Happy to unpack this w/ @democracynow.org @amygoodman.bsky.social www.democracynow.org/2025/11/19/j...
democracynow.org
“Data Crunch”: AI Boom Threatens to Entrench Fossil Fuels and Compromise Climate Goals
A new report titled “Data Crunch: How the AI Boom Threatens to Entrench Fossil Fuels and Compromise Climate Goals” from the Center for Biological Diversity warns the booming artificial intelligence in...
1146
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Jean Su @ajeansu.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
The #COP30 heat is on again on fossil fuels. In 2023, countries agreed to “transition away from fossil fuels,” but with no follow-up. Now all eyes are on creating a roadmap to operationalize those otherwise hollow words. In 1 week, 60+ countries have supported the idea of making a game plan.
172
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Jean Su @ajeansu.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
The UN recently created two new bodies to address AI but from an arms race and global access standpoints. It’s imperative that the UN climate body not just acknowledge the potential benefits that AI can bring (eg grid balancing), but also the vast climate, water, and economic costs.
062
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Karuna Jaggar @karunajaggar.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
The incomparable @ajeansu.bsky.social breaking down why data centers are the devastating love child of big tech and the fossil fuel industry and why COP30 must tackle the climate impacts of AI. Check out our latest report: biologicaldiversity.org/programs/cli...
013
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Jean Su @ajeansu.bsky.social · 16/11/2025
AI is an elephant in the #COP30 room. While govts have touted AI as a climate solution, they have ignored its grave costs to our climate & planet. The global climate space must address how AI data centers are the new lifeline of the fossil fuel industry. See presser👇 unfccc.int/event/center...
unfccc.int
042
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Rachel Kennerley @rjkennerley.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
"The influx of CCS lobbyists at COP30 shows how the AI industry is using the false promise of carbon capture as a lifeline for fossil fuels. AI is the love child of Big Tech and the fossil fuel industry." @ajeansu.bsky.social for @biologicaldiversity.org
1189
Reposted by Howard Crystal
John R. Platt @johnrplatt.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
We've published two articles at @therevelator.org looking back at the 50th anniversary of Edward Abbey’s The Monkey Wrench Gang. First came an essay by the real-world inspiration for one of the novel's characters, Bonnie Abbzug: therevelator.org/happy-50th-b...
therevelator.org
Happy 50th Birthday, Monkey Wrench Gang • The Revelator
Half a century after the novel’s publication, the Glen Canyon Dam still stands, now home to the world’s largest mud puddle.
163
Howard Crystal @howardmc.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
Trump’s lawyer got one thing right: if Trump can do his Tariffs, the next President can declare a Climate Emergency: heatmap.news/climate/supr...
heatmap.news
Neil Gorsuch Is Worried Tariffs Could Create a ‘Climate Emergency’
But this might all be moot thanks to the “major questions doctrine.”
060
Howard Crystal @howardmc.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
“This report shows how the U.S. is about to set off an explosion of dirty data center emissions, entrenching more fossil fuels when we need their rapid phaseout.” nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com
Report: AI Data Center Boom Threatens U.S. Climate Goals
All Other Sectors Would Need to Increase CO2 Emissions Cuts by 60%
021
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Canary Media Inc. @canarymedia.com · 23/10/2025
A utility fee is making it twice as hard for this Ohio couple to pay for their rooftop solar-plus-storage system with power cost savings. So they’re suing their municipal utility, and it may be a preview of a statewide — and nationwide — fight to come.
canarymedia.com
Why one Ohio couple is suing their city over rooftop solar fees
The city's utility says the charge is only fair to customers without solar, but the couple argues it’s an illegal penalty. The dispute echoes a nationwide…
152
Howard Crystal @howardmc.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
"The danger of AI is not that it will achieve consciousness. The end is much less flashy: [it] will increasingly overtax the grid, leaving us to cook alive in sweltering darkness. The AI hype is part of a larger, false narrative justifying fossil fuel expansion." www.thenation.com/article/envi...
thenation.com
AI Is Going to Kill Everyone You Love. The Surprise Is How.
It’s not hostile super robots you should worry about—it’s the heat they’ll generate.
06827
Howard Crystal @howardmc.bsky.social · 18/10/2025
020
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Ann Mesnikoff @annmesnikoff.bsky.social · 18/10/2025
Ready to go! #nokings
001
Reposted by Howard Crystal
Ann Mesnikoff @annmesnikoff.bsky.social · 18/10/2025
#NoKings DC
021
Howard Crystal @howardmc.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
Out with the old, in with the new - we got rid of our stinky range and love our new Copper Induction - highly recommend!
030
Reposted by Howard Crystal
David Pomerantz @davidpomerantz.bsky.social · 12/10/2025
SIGNED! 🥳🥳🥳💪💪💪 A massive victory for holding monopoly utilities accountable to their customers, and for lowering Californian utility bills. Thank you to @governor.ca.gov, @asmmarcberman.bsky.social, @senmcnerney.bsky.social, @earthjustice.org, The Utility Reform Network for all your leadership!
35114
Howard Crystal @howardmc.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
“The Republican Party has long denied the severe risks that climate change presents. Under Mr. Trump, Republicans have gone even further. They have become the party that stands in the way of lower energy prices for American households.” www.nytimes.com/2025/10/09/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | This Is Why Your Energy Bills Are Going Up
140
Reposted by Howard Crystal
UCLA Emmett Institute @uclalawemmett.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
Gov. Newsom should sign AB 1167 to keep costs down for utility ratepayers by ensuring they are not forced to subsidize utilities’ political lobbying and PR, our @denisegrab.bsky.social writes at @legal-planet.org. legal-planet.org/2025/10/08/s...
legal-planet.org
Signing AB 1167 Would be a Win for Energy Affordability  - Legal Planet
AB 1167, which seeks to protect ratepayers from subsidizing utility lobbying, still awaits Governor Newsom’s signature.
0118