Reposted by Rachel I. JacobsonPM2.5 Kills ~9 Million People Each Year Worldwide @tkovach.bsky.social · 06/10/2026And that's different from tobacco company litigation how? www.axios.com/2026/10/06/s... 001
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 05/10/2026Today, in bad news for the energy transition 1. Massachusetts asks the federal government to fast-track permits for a gas line that won't even be ready until 2028 2. A Western Kentucky utility company's latest plan proposes to keep coal plants open past 2050 121
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 05/10/2026New Jersey is forced to allocate $60M to farmers who lost crops in an April freeze event. But the damage wasn't from the freeze: it was the freeze PRECEDED BY early blooming from unseasonable warmth - warmth made 2x more likely by climate change. www.newsfromthestates.com/article/bill...newsfromthestates.comBill would give $60M in state aid to NJ farmers who lost crops in April freezeNew Jersey farmers whose fruit crops were damaged or destroyed by an unexpected four-day freeze last spring could apply for grants to help them recover their losses under new legislation that would ea... 100
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Lack of AC in Texas prison amounts to violation of 8th amendment - "cruel and unusual punishment" - judge says. The question is, how will they pay for it? www.texastribune.org/2026/09/22/t...texastribune.orgTexas ordered to air condition all prisons by the end of 2029High temperatures violate the Constitution’s protection against cruel and unusual punishment, the judge ruled. Texas will appeal. 001
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 23/09/2026“The real threat to insurance and to the policyholders and members of the public who rely on it comes not from efforts to make responsible parties pay for climate harm, but from climate change itself” @cadavejones.bsky.social Why does this even need to be said? climateintegrity.org/news/view/pr...climateintegrity.orgProperty insurers side with Big Oil over everyday Americans in Supreme Court case | Center for Climate IntegrityWhile raising premiums due to climate change-related costs, insurance industry groups are backing Big Oil in their attempt to duck legal accountability 000
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 22/09/2026Louisiana says it doesn't have enough $$ for affordable housing AND fortified roofs, and the latter is the "top priority." What's really happening: The state slashed taxes and its politicians are in the pocket of the insurance industry. www.newsfromthestates.com/article/loui...newsfromthestates.comLouisiana’s affordable housing dollars redirected to storm-proof roofsLouisiana has found more money to allow homeowners to upgrade their roofs to withstand hurricanes, but it will come at the cost of affordable housing.Gov. Jeff Landry confirmed Monday that $20 million... 000
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 18/09/2026TFW claude tells you you asked a sharp question. Duh, someone's gotta hold you accountable. Oh wait... 000
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 18/09/2026i've seen several headlines of regulators in certain states granting just a fraction of what utility companies have requested. so... what's happening in the other states? where are regulators providing a high level of scrutiny, and where are they not? www.americanprogress.org/article/elec...americanprogress.orgElectric and Natural Gas Utility Rate Hikes TrackerAnalysis finds that since January 2025, more than 116 million electric utility customers and more than 59 million natural gas utility customers across 49 states and Washington, D.C., will face increas... 000
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 18/09/2026“We cannot look at the potential revenue from development without also accounting for the costs and compounding burdens that development will place on communities and water systems.”👏👏👏 www.newsfromthestates.com/article/lawm...newsfromthestates.comLawmakers told data centers could be key to improving WV water issuesA member of the Morrisey administration told lawmakers Tuesday that data centers can improve the water quality and infrastructure in West Virginia, where brown fluid, chemical smells and more have pla... 000
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 17/09/2026Note to states: cutting energy efficiency and clean energy programs is NOT how you tackle energy affordability. You know what you could try instead? Enhancing the programs designed to help people pay their bills, specifically the people who are actually struggling. www.cbpp.org/blog/to-addr...cbpp.orgTo Address High Energy Costs, States Should Increase Energy Assistance, Not Cut Climate ProgramsEveryone deserves affordable, safe energy to meet their everyday needs. But average electricity bills have risen close to 6 percent in the past 12 months. Some states made the sound choice of... 032
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 15/09/2026After 15+ years driving as little as possible I had to switch my kid to a school that's only accessible to him by car. Now that I'm in the car every day there's one though that's playing on repeat: cars should not share intersections with pedestrians. 010
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 14/09/2026When the gas industry is concerned about your data center guardrails, you know you're on to something www.energyconnects.com/news/gas-lng...energyconnects.comPennsylvania Data Center Limits Are a Threat to Gas Firms, Trade Group SaysPennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s new restrictions on data center development threaten a key source of demand growth for shale gas producers in the state, 000
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 14/09/2026Lots of urgent actions needed on energy, but keeping coal plants open isn't one of them "Our reading of the text, structure, and history leaves us unpersuaded by DOE’s sweeping conception of its 'emergency' authority," www.pbs.org/newshour/pol...pbs.orgFederal court rejects Trump administration order keeping Michigan coal plant openIn a defeat for the Trump administration, a federal court on Friday ruled that the Energy Department exceeded its authority when it forced a Michigan coal-fired power plant to stay open past its sched... 111
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 09/09/2026Friendly reminder that lots of new legal frameworks go through many rounds of challenges before taking hold. Polluters should pay - climate superfund makes sense. 010
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 09/09/2026We should be raising - and allocating - federal funding for water and environmental protection based on need and risk. Instead, lawmakers are securing earmarks for projects in their districts while lifesaving plans elsewhere languish in cuts and red tape. subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...subscriber.politicopro.comPOLITICO Pro: House Republicans eye massive water, environment earmarksThe GOP could secure the lion's share of community project funding, much of it for major water infrastructure initiatives. 000
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 07/08/2026States are under fiscal pressure, yet most funnel public $$ toward already-profitable tech companies. Heartening to see at least 25 states consider limiting data center tax breaks during 2026 sessions, and 8 succeed! Here's hoping more states follow suit in 2027. www.cbpp.org/blog/states-... 032
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 07/08/2026The IRA will have a lasting impact on the climate and energy landscape. a dose of optimism from @mtajo.bsky.social as we mark the 4th anniversary of IRA's passage 031
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 09/07/2026I shudder to think what USGCRP and NCA will look like under this man www.politico.com/news/2026/07...politico.comThe administration has a new climate change office. It’s headed by a climate critic.The office that produces the National Climate Assessment has been reconstituted, after the administration gutted it last year. 000
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 08/07/2026The July 4th Weekend heatwave, which was made 5x more likely by climate change, highlighted glaring lack of heat protections across the country www.climatecentral.org/climate-shif...climatecentral.orgClimate Shift Index Alerts | Climate CentralClimate Central issues alerts in many instances when the Climate Shift Index identifies a notable extreme weather event around the world that was made more likely by human-caused climate change. 111
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 01/07/2026I was glad to provide expert review for @nrdc.org's climate mobility report, which maps US policy to international frameworks, advocates for proactive relocation policy & highlights the need for uninterrupted housing, health, & food assistance amid climate disruption. www.nrdc.org/resources/cr...nrdc.orgFrom Crisis to OpportunityNRDC’s new report shows how to build a just framework for planned relocation in the United States. 041
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 26/06/2026Another day, another misguided blue state move to block climate progress www.newsfromthestates.com/article/mcke...newsfromthestates.comMcKee seizes veto pen to block building energy use reporting billsIn a shocking move for environmentalists, Gov. Dan McKee is exercising his veto power to block legislation requiring large buildings to report their energy use. 000
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 15/06/2026Sure, it's got data center guardrails, but requiring costly coal plants to stay online cancels out the ratepayer protection, www.canarymedia.com/articles/fos...canarymedia.comNorth Carolina bill would prop up coal until new nuclear is approvedThe Republican-backed House passed the Ratepayer Protection Act, which could rein in some data center costs but extend the life of costly old coal plants. 000
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 05/06/2026another day, another untargeted energy affordability proposal that doesn't provide meaningful relief www.newsfromthestates.com/article/econ...newsfromthestates.comEconomists say a gas tax suspension wouldn’t give Ohioans meaningful reliefAs gas prices spike, some Ohio lawmakers are floating the idea of suspending the state’s 38.5-cent-a-gallon tax. 000
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 05/06/2026another day, another harebrained scheme by the Trump administration to keep coal plants open www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trum...newsfromthestates.comTrump plan would reopen Western Maryland coal plantPresident Donald Trump (R) unveiled hundreds of millions in investments on Thursday to fortify existing coal-fired power plants, build new ones — and restart a retired coal plant in Western Maryland.T... 000
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 04/06/2026Congress’s first go at a surface transportation deal – the Build America 250 Act – deauthorizes 5 programs designed to help states repair harm to low-income communities and communities of color from dangerous infrastructure & pollution. Congress should protect & grow these programs. ⬇️ 123
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 02/06/2026“The central question is no longer whether firm renewables can compete on cost, but how quickly the structural conditions needed to realise their potential can be put in place across the diversity of markets and institutional contexts prevailing globally.” 021
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 01/06/2026"...the nation is a tinderbox, gripped by widespread drought and with a light snowpack in the mountains...upheaval in the federal wildland firefighting effort have left firefighters deeply concerned about their ability to mount an effective response." 000
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 26/05/2026Redistricting = more environmental racism. “It’s always been the polluters’ playbook to go into communities that have traditionally been underrepresented in our democracy for various reasons in order to get their plans across" - Justin Kwasa @lcv.org subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eene...subscriber.politicopro.comE&E News: Greens mobilize against redistricting blitzEnvironmentalists say new maps could disenfranchise voters in areas burdened by the impacts of pollution and climate change. 000
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 26/05/2026Quick reminder that coal stay-open orders are expensive and ineffective. Today's evidence: 3 of the facilities President Trump ordered to stay open haven't generated any power subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eene...subscriber.politicopro.comE&E News: 3 coal turbines ordered to stay open by DOE have not runEnergy Secretary Chris Wright said the retiring plants were needed to potentially save lives. None of them have generated power. 000
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 20/05/2026if only the same politicians were interested in using "sound science" in climate and energy policy.... insideclimatenews.org/news/0703202...insideclimatenews.org‘Sound Science’ Bills Limiting State Environmental Regulations Set ‘Insurmountable Burden of Proof,’ Scientists Say - Inside Climate NewsBills in four states require environmental regulations to show “direct causal link” to “manifest bodily harm,” not just increased risk of disease. Scientists say that’s all but impossible. 000
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 04/05/2026you know who seeks immunity? actors who know they're guilty. state and federal attempts to protect fossil fuel companies from legal liability for climate damages are a cry for help from a dying industry. 000
Reposted by Rachel I. JacobsonMikaela Tajo @mtajo.bsky.social · 03/04/2026 The President’s FY27 Budget guts programs that protect the environment, promote health, and reduce energy bills. Some of the most egregious cuts include eliminating LIHEAP, halving the EPA’s budget, and reprogramming billions of funds for renewable energy. More below: 155
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 06/04/2026In which among other dire consequences we lose NIACS, one of the crown jewels of applied climate science www.nytimes.com/2026/04/03/c...nytimes.comForest Service Will Close Research Stations That Study Wildfire Risk 000
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 31/03/2026Fossil fuel companies are profiting from global conflicts as people struggle to afford energy. States should pass policies to raise revenue & protect consumers before the next crisis. 🧵 theconversation.com/as-war-raise...theconversation.comAs war raises oil prices, households pay while energy companies profitRising tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran have sent oil prices surging. While households and governments face higher costs, parts of the fossil fuel industry stand to gain billions. 122
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 31/03/2026We can only call it flood resilience if it actually builds resilience for the people experiencing climate impacts. Critical coverage of climate gentrification in Atlanta by @adamlmahoney.bsky.social capitalbnews.org/atlanta-worl... 010
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 30/03/2026It was great to be on with Julianne Malveaux and @mtajo.bsky.social this morning to talk about high energy costs. wpfwfm.org/radio/progra... 🧵wpfwfm.orgArchived ShowsWashington DC, listener supported community radio station dedicated to Jazz and Justice streaming live. 121
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 25/03/2026The war in Iran is sending gasoline prices soaring. States are responding with gas tax holidays, but there are better ways to support low-income families & protect state budgets. 🧵 135
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 23/03/2026I don't want to be mad w/ a story marrying wind energy & thriving seniors, but the answer to more wind power deployment isn't local property tax abatements, & TX's booming renewables are chiefly b/c of its approach to lax local land use permitting @canarymedia.com www.canarymedia.com/articles/win...canarymedia.comHow a tiny Texas town is using wind energy to help out senior citizensA wonky tax deal with wind companies means more food and medical resources for older residents of “The Biggest Little Town in the World." 000
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 23/03/2026@sierraclub.org reports fossil plant stay-open orders have cost ratepayers $235M so far www.utilitydive.com/news/doe-202... 000
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 20/03/2026Florida reauthorized its disaster fund. Good: they need to get $ out quickly when climate change-fueled disasters happen. but the fund lapsed b/c it of misuse on immigration enforcement & they exempt immigration from emergency declaration extension oversight 🤷♀️ floridaphoenix.com/briefs/flori...floridaphoenix.comFlorida lawmakers approve recreated emergency fund — with some guardrails • Florida PhoenixFlorida lawmakers voted Friday to recreate the state’s embattled disaster response fund — with some new guardrails. 000
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 19/03/2026Utilities are making too much money. Why? They're only supposed to get a return on equity - the amount needed to attract investment on an open market. Investing in utilities is quite safe, so the rate should be low. But regulators award them much more than is needed www.volts.wtf/p/are-utilit...volts.wtfAre utilities making too much money?Joe Daniel on why trimming utility profits is good governance. 020
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 19/03/2026Coal stay-open orders trample state authority and cost ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars... and counting. Meanwhile, many of the plants that have been forced to stay open aren't even supplying any power to the grid. www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trum...newsfromthestates.comTrump is forcing coal plants to stay open. It could cost customers billions.In an unprecedented use of federal authority, President Donald Trump’s administration has invoked emergency powers to force a series of retiring coal plants to stay open.Utilities, states and grid ope... 033
Reposted by Rachel I. JacobsonWesley Tharpe @wesleytharpe.bsky.social · 02/03/2026New report: States & localities in '26 are facing a one-two punch—fallout from harmful federal actions on one hand & regressive state policies on the other. The path forward? Protecting & raising revenues to mitigate harm & build forward. Here’s how: www.cbpp.org/research/sta...cbpp.orgSound State Revenue Choices Essential to Counteract Harmful Policies and Build ForwardLast summer’s harmful Republican megabill paired enormous tax breaks for wealthy households and corporations with historically deep cuts that will take away people’s vital health care and food assista... 155
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 06/03/2026think of everything Pennsylvania could fund with a real severance tax... penncapital-star.com/education/st...penncapital-star.comState House Democrats: Pa. needs to prioritize universal pre-K • Pennsylvania Capital-StarOnly one state in the country offers universal pre-K, despite the touted benefits. What would it take for Pennsylvania to do so? 000
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 05/03/2026Pros and cons to linking carbon markets, but overall bigger is better. Regardless of the program type, no state should be taking this revenue raiser off the table. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/03/05/w...washingtonstatestandard.comWA takes another step to link its carbon market with California and Quebec • Washington State StandardBoth supporters and critics of Washington’s cap-and-trade program say combining markets would benefit the state. 000
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 04/03/2026There's a lot happening in the Missouri energy system. Thanks @kbianews.bsky.social for the great coverage www.kbia.org/kbia-news/20...kbia.orgHigher electricity bills driving inflation, consumer frustrationExperts say electricity is the new eggs as rising utility costs get political. 110
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 02/03/2026In addition to raising household energy costs, Senate buget committee shows the harmful Republican megabill adds $3.5B/year in new fossil fuel subsidies, on top of the $31B/year the industry already gets www.budget.senate.gov/ranking-memb...budget.senate.govNew Report Reveals How Much Republicans’ Big Oil Donors Will Benefit From the Big, Ugly Betrayal Law | U.S. Senate Committee On The BudgetThe Official U.S. Senate Committee On The Budget 020
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 02/03/2026heartening, but a carrot-only approach isn't going to get the job done. www.canarymedia.com/articles/ene...canarymedia.comHow Oregon is building back smarter after wildfireAfter a destructive fire, residents faced the task of rebuilding. Thanks to state incentives, the new homes are more energy efficient and resilient to… 000
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 25/02/2026the disaster relief fund had more than $7 billion in available funding as of January. That means FEMA will continue to respond to active disasters and emergencies that present immediate threats to life and safety (including "cleaning up snow") www.msn.com/en-us/news/u...msn.comMSN 212
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 25/02/2026Data centers building their own power plants won't bring residential electricity prices down - it'll skip oversight and regulations and remove opportunities to invest in critical public infrastructure 100