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The document is a formal statement by a coalition of state attorneys general and local officials opposing federal legislation that would shield fossil fuel companies from state-level lawsuits regarding climate deception and consumer protection violations.

The report analyzes the environmental, health, and economic impacts of medium- and heavy-duty vehicle (MHDV) pollution in the US and advocates for an accelerated transition to battery-electric trucks. It highlights that while MHDVs make up a small fraction of road vehicles, they contribute a disproportionate share of NOx, PM2.5, and greenhouse gas emissions. The document argues that battery-electric vehicles (BETs) are technically and economically superior to hydrogen fuel-cell alternatives for most duty cycles. It details the role of state policies like California's Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation and federal investments from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in driving adoption. The report concludes with recommendations for expanding charging infrastructure, implementing indirect source rules for warehouses, and maintaining high-road labor standards during the transition.

Climate Central analyzed the urban heat island (UHI) index across 65 major U.S. cities, finding that 68% of the 50 million residents in these cities live in areas where the built environment increases temperatures by 8°F or more. The study identifies albedo, green space, and population density as the primary drivers of this effect. It also highlights a link between historical redlining and current heat disparities, noting that in 84% of 179 analyzed cities, historically redlined areas experience hotter summers than non-redlined areas.

The document describes a six-step process to calculate the Urban Heat Island (UHI) index for U.S. cities by overlaying city boundaries, census tracts, and Land Cover Zone (LCZ) maps. The methodology involves calculating the percentage of various LCZ types within each tract and applying temperature parameters based on impervious cover, permeable surfaces, building height, albedo, and population density. City-wide values are then determined by summing the population in census tracts that exceed specific UHII temperature thresholds.

The document examines the dual role of U.S. ports as both victims of climate change (facing sea level rise and extreme storms) and contributors to it through significant greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions. It details mitigation strategies such as electrification of machinery, shore powering for berthed ships, and the adoption of renewable energy. It also discusses adaptation measures, contrasting 'gray infrastructure' like seawalls with nature-based solutions such as mangrove restoration and living shorelines. The brief highlights specific initiatives at ports in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Savannah, Miami, and others, while noting the role of EPA programs and international certifications in driving sustainability.

The document examines the dual role of U.S. ports as both significant emitters of greenhouse gases and vulnerable infrastructure facing climate threats like sea level rise. It details mitigation strategies, including electrification of machinery and shore powering for ships, and adaptation methods, such as nature-based shoreline protection and improved stormwater management. The brief highlights specific initiatives at ports in California, Georgia, and Florida, while noting the importance of federal resources like the EPA Ports Initiative in supporting these transitions.

Attorneys General from Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia have urged US Attorney General Merrick Garland to withdraw or reverse Department of Justice (DOJ) amicus briefs filed during the previous administration. These briefs supported fossil fuel defendants in climate litigation, arguing that state-law claims were preempted by federal law or should be removed to federal court. The signers argue these positions undermine efforts to hold companies accountable for a "decades-long deception campaign" regarding climate dangers and contradict President Biden's pledge to support plaintiff-driven climate litigation.

A survey of 5,131 U.S. adults found that a majority of Americans believe fossil fuel companies are responsible for global warming damages and should bear the costs of these damages rather than taxpayers. Specifically, 57% of respondents attribute a moderate to great deal of responsibility to these companies, and 50% support local officials filing liability lawsuits against them. The data indicates widespread distrust of fossil fuel companies, with 66% of participants expressing distrust.

The Union of Concerned Scientists finds that PM2.5 pollution from cars, trucks, and buses in California is inequitably distributed, with African American, Latino, and Asian residents, as well as low-income households, facing significantly higher exposure than white and wealthier residents. The analysis identifies Southern California, particularly Los Angeles County, as having the highest average exposure, and estimates that on-road transportation leads to approximately 3,100 premature deaths annually in the state.

The report finds that building electrification is generally cost-effective for new construction and for customers switching from propane or heating oil, but often more expensive for existing natural gas customers at current prices. It argues that electrification reduces carbon emissions in most US regions, except those heavily dependent on coal, though this is expected to change as coal plants retire. The authors emphasize that demand flexibility—shifting energy use to low-cost or high-renewable periods—can further improve economics and grid integration. Key recommendations include prioritizing the electrification of oil and propane homes, stopping the expansion of natural gas infrastructure, and updating energy efficiency standards to account for total energy reduction across fuels.

The report argues that targeting rental properties for energy efficiency is a high-impact strategy for cities to meet climate goals, as rentals often suffer from a 'split incentive' where owners do not pay utility bills. Using Boulder's 'SmartRegs' program as a model, the document outlines a seven-step roadmap for other cities: determining fit, analyzing impact, consulting stakeholders, developing financing, implementing measurement tools, establishing compliance, and creating disclosure frameworks. RMI's analysis of five US cities suggests that MESR policies could significantly reduce carbon emissions at a relatively low cost to municipal governments.

The document describes Exxon's legal strategy of initiating discovery processes in Texas against public officials and attorneys from California and Massachusetts. The author characterizes these actions as intimidation tactics designed to disrupt lawsuits filed by California jurisdictions against fossil fuel producers for their role in the climate crisis. It highlights previous failed attempts by Exxon to claim a conspiracy involving NGOs and prosecutors in New York and Massachusetts, and argues that the company is attempting to use municipal bond disclosures to allege fraud against the cities suing it.

The report argues that California's public infrastructure is deteriorating and based on outdated historical climate data, making it vulnerable to a 'new normal' of extreme heat, sea level rise, wildfires, and erratic precipitation. It proposes a 'climate-smart' framework based on rigorous science, equitable outcomes, financial transparency, and holistic planning. Key barriers identified include outdated design codes, a lack of actionable climate data for engineers, and systemic underinvestment in underserved communities. The author recommends updating state standards, establishing a centralized coordinating center for climate information, and adopting innovative financing mechanisms like resilience bonds to protect critical services and vulnerable populations.

The document details the positive outcomes of institutional food procurement policies, showing that local sourcing increases regional economic output and job creation. It highlights environmental benefits, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and water use through meat reduction, and projects significant health improvements—including lower sodium intake and reduced risks of type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer—for students and adults in Los Angeles County. Additionally, it analyzes the increasing availability of antibiotic-free chicken in the US supply chain and compares the cost of procuring such meat against the high medical costs of treating antibiotic-resistant infections.

The report argues that electrifying heavy-duty vehicles in California can significantly reduce hazardous air pollutants and global warming emissions while creating economic opportunities. It finds that battery and fuel cell electric buses have substantially lower life cycle emissions than diesel or CNG alternatives. The authors highlight that low-income communities and people of color are disproportionately exposed to heavy-duty vehicle pollution. While the sector offers growth in manufacturing, infrastructure, and maintenance, the report emphasizes the need for targeted electrical skills training to make these jobs accessible to underserved populations.

The document argues that strengthening local food systems increases resilience to climate-driven supply shocks. It recommends that cities protect agricultural land through zoning and greenbelts, embrace soil-free technologies like vertical farming, and promote redundancy through municipal composting and diversified water sources. It also suggests supporting the 'cottage food industry' and community food centres to enhance local resourcefulness and food security.

The document lists various training initiatives in California aimed at supporting the transition to electric buses and trucks. It details government programs like the California Energy Commission's ARFVTP, community college initiatives such as the Alternative Transportation and Renewable Energy Program, and nonprofit efforts like the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program, focusing on workforce development, technical certification, and job placement in the clean energy sector.

The report analyzes the US electric vehicle (EV) market as of 2016, finding that while cumulative sales were nearing 500,000, progress among automakers is uneven. BMW, General Motors, Nissan, and Tesla are identified as leaders, while Honda, Toyota, and Fiat Chrysler are characterized as laggards. A significant disparity in vehicle availability exists between California and the rest of the US, largely attributed to California's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) program. The authors argue that limited model availability and poor dealership inventory outside California hinder the national transition to electric transportation.

Earthjustice, representing several environmental and community groups, opposes the proposed Oakland Bulk and Oversized Terminal's (OBOT) plan to export coal. The letter contends that coal shipment was never part of the original environmental reviews or development agreements, poses severe health risks through coal dust emissions, and lacks sufficient regulatory protections. It argues that the City of Oakland has the legal authority to prohibit coal exports to protect public health and safety without hindering the broader economic development of the former Army Base.

The report argues that the proposed Oakland Bulk and Oversized Terminal (OBOT) poses significant risks to public health, water security, and local ecosystems, particularly if used to export coal. The author highlights that current design plans are conceptual and lack enforceable controls for dust and emissions. Key concerns include the consumption of 79.2 million gallons of water annually for dust control during a record drought, the release of up to 18,300 tons of coal dust per year within California from uncovered rail cars, and increased cancer risks from diesel particulate matter in West Oakland. Additionally, the report notes that the project's scale would cause significant traffic congestion at 55 at-grade rail crossings and create substantial noise pollution. The author concludes that these impacts were not addressed in the project's CEQA review.