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The document examines the risks associated with neonicotinoids, a class of systemic insecticides. It highlights their negative impacts on pollinators, soil organisms, and aquatic ecosystems, while questioning their actual economic value to farmers. It specifically critiques the Canadian regulatory process for being slow and fragmented.

The report details how neonicotinoids contaminate plants, soil, and water, leading to the decline of pollinators and other essential invertebrates. It argues that these chemicals provide marginal economic benefits while posing significant risks to ecosystem services, and criticizes the Canadian regulatory system for its slow re-evaluation process and historical use of conditional registrations.

The 2018 Plowprint Report by WWF International documents the conversion of grasslands to cropland in the Great Plains and Northern Great Plains (NGP). While overall conversion decreased in 2017, South Dakota experienced an increase in grassland loss. The report highlights the ecological and financial risks of plowing marginal soils, which leads to soil erosion and expensive water treatment for downstream communities. It urges the US government to use the 2018 Farm Bill to strengthen conservation programs like the Sodsaver policy, CRP, and EQIP to protect remaining intact grasslands.

The report argues that electric orchard tractors are well-suited for the low-speed, high-torque requirements of South African horticultural farms, particularly in the citrus industry. It estimates a potential market of 1,480 electric tractors by 2030, which could save up to 5,200 tonnes of CO2 annually if powered by renewable energy. While initial capital costs are higher than diesel alternatives, the report identifies a payback period of less than six years due to lower fuel and maintenance costs. It further proposes a local manufacturing model developed by Nelson Mandela University, suggesting that producing 300 units annually by Year 5 could create 53 direct jobs.

The report argues that solar thermal technology is an ideal fit for South Africa's food and beverage industries, where up to 77% of energy use is for heating, mostly below 250°C. While the current local industry is dominated by domestic water heaters, there is a significant opportunity to scale industrial applications. The report estimates that replacing non-coal fuels with solar thermal could save 158,685 tonnes of CO2e per annum, while replacing coal could save 942,556 tonnes. Financial viability is high for replacing fuels other than coal, with potential Internal Rates of Return above 10% over 20 years. However, barriers include a lack of sustained demand, a skills gap in industrial design, and limited familiarity among financial institutions.

The report argues that redirecting surplus food—edible food that is not 'true waste'—can alleviate hunger for 13 million South Africans while providing cost savings and tax benefits to food firms. It highlights that 95% of food waste in South Africa occurs before the consumption stage, with agricultural production (26%), processing/packaging (25%), post-harvest handling (24%), and distribution/retail (20%) being the primary sources. The document details the environmental impact, noting that Food Forward's donation of 4,400 tonnes of food in 2017/8 avoided 17,400 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. It identifies barriers such as liability concerns and date labelling, while proposing solutions like 'Good Samaritan' legislation and the use of technology platforms like FoodShare to coordinate logistics.

The Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation and Earthjustice are opposing Calpine Corp.'s request to build the 275-megawatt Mission Rock Energy Center on the banks of the Santa Clara River (Utom). The project is criticized for threatening a sacred Chumash site, endangering species like the southwestern willow flycatcher and Bell's vireo, and adding significant pollution to Santa Paula, a community already struggling with air quality standards. The authors argue the plant is unnecessary and contradicts California's transition toward clean energy.

The document provides a comprehensive overview of the coal industry in the United States, detailing the transition from underground to surface mining and the shift toward low-sulfur coal. It highlights the severe ecological damage caused by mountaintop removal and the public health risks associated with coal combustion, including the emission of sulfur dioxide, mercury, and carbon dioxide. The guide also discusses the economic decline of coal due to the rise of natural gas and renewables, while noting the energy-intensive nature of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.

The review finds that the IWUL was issued based on inadequate specialist studies that failed to identify all potential impacts, particularly regarding groundwater-wetland interlinkages and post-closure mine water decant. It argues that the license conditions are too general and fail to incorporate specific mitigation measures. Additionally, the document assesses the socio-economic landscape of the project area, highlighting the vulnerability of farm tenants and the need for comprehensive skills development and resettlement plans to mitigate negative social impacts.

The Thabametsi Power Company (Pty) Ltd is applying for a Water Use License for a 630 MW coal-fired power plant near Lephalale, Limpopo. The project will use dry-cooled Circulating Fluidised Bed technology to achieve zero liquid effluent discharge. Water will be sourced via a permanent transfer of 720,000 m3/annum from Exxaro Coal (Pty) Ltd's existing allocation. The application covers several water uses under the National Water Act, including taking and storing water, altering watercourses, and disposing of waste. While the project is expected to create 14,348 jobs and support local industry, it faces challenges regarding water scarcity in the Mokolo Dam catchment and potential groundwater pollution from ash dumps and coal stockpiles. Mitigation measures include HDPE liners for pollution control dams and a comprehensive groundwater monitoring program.

Mighty Earth and a coalition of environmental groups support the reduction of US biodiesel mandates, arguing that the fuel is not 'green' because it relies on virgin vegetable oils that drive deforestation in Latin America and Southeast Asia. The document highlights that biodiesel production contributes to carbon emissions and water pollution, such as the Gulf of Mexico's Dead Zone. While the EPA initially sought input on reducing mandates, the document notes that President Trump later intervened to reverse this course due to pressure from agricultural lobbying groups.

The report examines biomass co-firing across Europe, noting that in Finland, Denmark, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, biomass is often used alongside fossil fuels. It argues that subsidies for co-firing can hinder the phase-out of coal and peat, specifically citing cases in Finland and the Netherlands where financial support may extend the lifetimes of fossil-fuel plants.

The report concludes that the Highveld Priority Area (HPA) has failed to improve air quality over the decade since its 2007 declaration. Despite the 2012 air quality management plan, ambient air quality remains out of compliance with health-based standards, largely due to industrial non-compliance and government failure in monitoring and enforcement. The authors highlight a deterioration in the monitoring network, inadequate dust control for mining, and a lack of resources and skilled staff within local municipalities. The report specifically criticizes the National Air Quality Officer for granting compliance postponements to major polluters Eskom and Sasol, arguing that this has hindered pollution reduction and violated the constitutional rights of residents.

The document examines the 'true cost' of coal-fired power in Central Java, Indonesia, contrasting the financial and social costs of planned coal expansion against the potential of renewable energy. It argues that current capacity plans may lead to unnecessary overcapacity and that the inclusion of health and climate externalities makes renewables a cheaper alternative.

The Union of Concerned Scientists argues that New Mexico should strengthen its renewable portfolio standard (RPS) to 80 percent by 2040 to ensure a cost-effective transition from coal to clean energy. Modeling shows that renewables are the most economically favorable choice, offering significant capital investment, job growth, and public health benefits without substantially increasing consumer electricity costs. The report warns against utility plans to overinvest in natural gas, which could lead to stranded assets and higher climate risks.

The report argues that reintegrating livestock into diversified cropping systems can improve farmer profits and reduce environmental degradation. Using economic and environmental modeling, it demonstrates that transitioning from corn-soy monocultures to perennial pastures and complex rotations can sequester soil carbon, reduce synthetic fertilizer and fuel use, and lower water footprints. However, the author notes that these systems typically produce less beef per acre, suggesting that the greatest benefits occur when improved management is paired with a reduction in overall beef consumption. The report concludes with policy recommendations for the USDA and Congress to incentivize regenerative practices through conservation programs, crop insurance reform, and increased agroecological research.

A coalition of indigenous groups and conservation organizations petitions the U.S. government under the Pelly Amendment to investigate six mining projects in British Columbia (Tulsequah Chief, Red Chris, Schaft Creek, Galore Creek, KSM, and Brucejack). The petitioners argue these mines threaten woodland caribou, grizzly bears, and Pacific salmonids through habitat destruction, toxic pollution, and increased traffic on Highway 37. They specifically highlight the risk of acid mine drainage and tailings dam failures, citing the 2014 Mount Polley disaster. The petition requests a referral to the International Joint Commission to address these transboundary threats to Southeast Alaska's ecosystems and economies.

The document highlights how Hurricanes Irma and Harvey triggered toxic spills and explosions at industrial sites and Superfund locations in Texas and Florida. It specifically cites the Arkema chemical plant explosion and benzene contamination in Houston's Manchester neighborhood. The text argues that these disasters are exacerbated by the Trump administration's delays of the Financial Assurance Rule and the Chemical Disaster Rule, as well as insufficient federal regulation of coal ash ponds. It emphasizes that low-income communities and communities of color bear a disproportionate burden of these environmental hazards.

The fact sheet argues that extending the one-pound Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver to fuels above E10 would enable the year-round sale of E15, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and consumer costs without compromising air quality. It details how current RVP regulations inadvertently block E15 sales in summer, causing retail costs and consumer losses, while noting that E15 is compatible with nearly 90% of current U.S. vehicles.

The document argues that federal fuel economy and emissions standards set by the EPA and NHTSA provide significant financial and environmental benefits to Alabama. It claims that by 2030, the average Alabama household will be $2,650 richer due to gas savings, and the state has already saved $600 million. Environmentally, the standards eliminate emissions equivalent to twice those required to provide electricity to Mobile. The report also links these standards to broader national gains, including an expected increase in GDP by up to $30 billion and the creation of 650,000 full-time jobs by 2030.