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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 World Resources Institute criticizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposal to repeal the Clean Power Plan, which aimed to reduce power plant carbon emissions by 32 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. The organization argues that the repeal disregards the U.S. obligation to mitigate global climate impacts and falsely suggests that such a move would revive the coal industry, which is declining due to the lower cost of natural gas and renewable energy.

The document details how coal mining in Indonesia, particularly in Kalimantan, leads to mass deforestation, water contamination, and health issues such as lung problems from coal dust. It highlights the struggle of communities in villages like Tamiang Layang and Gunung Karasik, who face violence and police pressure while demanding the revocation of mining permits. The text notes a contradiction between the Indonesian government's goal to produce an additional 35,000 MW of energy from coal and its Paris Agreement pledge to reduce emissions by 29% by 2030.

RMI implemented a parking cash-out program at its Boulder Commons North office, allowing employees to choose between a parking spot or cash to support alternative commuting. During a three-month pilot, 64% of employees opted for the cash-out, with 60% of those switching from single-occupancy vehicles to biking, walking, or busing. This shift is estimated to avoid 950 single-occupancy vehicle miles and 415 kg of carbon emissions weekly. The program leverages a 'green-lease' structure that decouples parking costs from rent, demonstrating that transportation demand management can provide cost savings for employers and developers even in smaller urban settings.

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 examines the Clean Power Plan, a 2015 EPA rule aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants. It argues that compliance costs are now lower than the EPA's initial Regulatory Impact Analysis suggested due to changes in the electric sector and findings from independent analyses.

The report finds that while a majority of US registered voters believe global warming is happening and human-caused, there is a significant political divide, particularly with conservative Republicans. Despite these divisions, there is broad cross-party support for various clean energy policies, such as renewable energy research and tax rebates for energy-efficient vehicles. However, support for more restrictive measures, like carbon taxes or strict emission limits on coal plants, is lower among conservative Republicans. The report also notes a gap between voters' willingness to advocate for climate policy and their actual engagement in such activities.

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 examines the role of microgrids in the global energy transition, highlighting how falling costs of solar and wind energy enable these small networks to provide reliable, low-carbon power. It compares connected microgrids, which can operate independently during outages, with isolated microgrids, such as those in the Caribbean, which must be self-sufficient. The text emphasizes that both types face similar challenges in balancing variable renewables with firm energy sources and suggests that knowledge sharing, particularly from island nations leading in renewable integration, can accelerate the global transition.

The United States Climate Alliance, formed on June 1, 2017, is a bipartisan group of 13 states and one territory committed to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 26-28 percent from 2005 levels by 2025. This effort is part of a broader movement including the Mayors National Climate Action Agenda, the "We Are Still In" coalition, and the Under2 MOU, all aimed at filling the policy void created by the Trump Administration's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. These subnational actors seek to maintain targets such as keeping global warming below 2 degrees Celsius and achieving 100 percent renewable power in some cities, though they face challenges regarding funding and the lack of a federal mandate.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) implements minimum efficiency standards for over 60 categories of residential and commercial products to reduce energy waste and carbon emissions. These standards, supported by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, have resulted in billions of dollars in consumer savings and significant greenhouse gas reductions. While federal mandates provide a baseline, voluntary programs like ENERGY STAR and state-level regulations, such as those in California, further drive efficiency. The document highlights the transition to LED lighting and the emergence of 'smart' technologies and net-zero buildings as key drivers for future energy reductions in the building sector.

The document discusses Brazil's strategy to meet its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) goals by expanding its biofuel market. It highlights a study conducted in Rio de Janeiro showing that the increase in flex-car adoption—which reached 94% of new car registrations in 2008—reduces retail prices for both ethanol and gasoline. The study finds that a 10-percentage point increase in flex-car market share lowered ethanol prices by approximately eight cents of Brazilian reais and reduced gasoline margins by two cents, benefiting consumers who do not own flex-fuel vehicles.

The document details how the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) uses the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 to mandate minimum efficiency standards for over 60 product categories. It highlights the economic and environmental benefits of these standards, including billions in consumer savings and significant reductions in carbon emissions. The text also discusses voluntary programs like ENERGY STAR, the impact of LED lighting, and the potential for future standards targeting electronic 'plug load' and smart building technologies.

The U.S. Climate Alliance, formed in June 2017, consists of 13 states and one territory committed to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 26-28 percent from 2005 levels by 2025. This bipartisan effort is complemented by city-led initiatives like the Mayors National Climate Action Agenda and the 'We Are Still In' coalition, which includes businesses and universities. These subnational actors aim to maintain U.S. alignment with the Paris Agreement's goal of keeping global warming below 2 degrees Celsius, despite the lack of federal mandate or funding.

The document identifies key barriers to the adoption of off-grid solar lighting in India, including kerosene subsidies, non-market-based promotion policies, financing bottlenecks, and poor quality assurance. It argues that transitioning from kerosene to solar can provide significant health, educational, and environmental benefits while saving the Government of India approximately INR 600 per household annually.

EcoPost, founded by Lorna Rutto in 2009, converts discarded plastic from Nairobi's streets into durable building materials, reducing the demand for timber and mitigating deforestation. The company employs approximately 250 plant workers and 2,000 casual collectors, providing health benefits and salaries above the national average.

The report finds that while coal may appear cheaper on a per-unit basis when considering only generation costs and subsidies, its "true cost" is significantly higher than that of renewable energy once environmental and health externalities are included. In 2015, subsidies to coal were estimated at USD 644 million, nearly five times the USD 133 million provided to renewables. The authors argue that Indonesia's energy policy should shift toward increasing the share of renewable energy and reducing coal to lower the long-term cost to society.

The Door-to-Downtown (d2d) pilot in Boulder, Colorado, tested a public-private partnership to shift residents and visitors from personal vehicles to shared mobility services. By offering a $5 discount on inbound trips, the program attracted 5,400 registrants and generated nearly 2,500 trips, primarily peaking on Fridays. The pilot demonstrated that MaaS can alleviate downtown parking pressure and provide a scalable model for future electric and autonomous vehicle integration to meet carbon reduction goals.

India can reduce its passenger road-based energy demand by 64% and carbon emissions by 37% by 2030 by adopting a 'transformative' mobility paradigm. This approach emphasizes a shift from private vehicle ownership to a system based on shared, electric, and connected services. The report outlines a three-phased implementation strategy (2017–2032) focusing on system integration, shared infrastructure, and scaled manufacturing. Key recommendations include establishing a central data sharing institution, implementing 'feebates' and ZEV credits, and developing standardized swappable batteries for 2- and 3-wheelers. The proposed 'change model' utilizes a national learning platform and regional 'lighthouse' change labs to scale economically viable solutions from the state to the national level.

The report examines the potential for electric vehicles to act as flexible loads to balance electricity supply and demand, particularly to mitigate the 'duck curve' caused by high solar penetration. It analyzes technical barriers, utility roles, and rate designs, concluding that managed charging can reduce system costs and emissions if aligned with clean energy availability.