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The Great Lakes region—comprising Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—is positioned to drive US aviation fuel targets due to its strong industrial networks and feedstock availability. While the region possesses significant strengths in ethanol supply chains and logistics, a policy gap analysis reveals that no state currently has a comprehensive, coordinated approach to SAF demand and supply. The brief argues that leveraging existing infrastructure, such as the O'Hare International Airport hub and the St. Lawrence Seaway, alongside federal incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act, can catalyze a regional bioeconomy and reduce aviation emissions.

The report argues that private equity firms have consolidated the disaster restoration market, leading to a decline in workplace standards and community protections. It details systemic wage theft, numerous OSHA safety violations—particularly regarding asbestos—and the paradox of firms profiting from disaster cleanup while owning high-emitting fossil fuel assets. The document calls for legislative action, such as the Climate Resilience Workforce Act, and stricter labor standards for private equity owners.

The report identifies 19 private equity firms investing in 35 oil and gas companies that have received federal drilling permits since 2017. It estimates that U.S. taxpayers could face up to $384 million in cleanup costs for nearly 2,700 wells operated by these private-equity-backed companies across eight states, with Colorado and New Mexico facing the highest liabilities. The authors argue that the private equity business model—characterized by high leverage and quick exits—combined with outdated federal bonding requirements (averaging only $2,122 per well) and bankruptcy laws, allows firms to externalize environmental costs. The document also highlights 'greenwashing' strategies, such as the promotion of 'certified gas,' used to maintain investor support despite ongoing fossil fuel expansion.

The policy brief advocates for linking the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs with clean transportation corridors for heavy-duty trucking and marine shipping. It argues that while hubs provide localized production, corridors act as 'spokes' that expand the market beyond industrial off-takers and improve the economic viability of zero-carbon fuels. The author suggests that coordinating these programs will create a synergistic ecosystem, reduce conventional air pollutants in environmental justice communities, and position the U.S. as an exporter of low-emissions ammonia.

RMI organized Solarize cohorts in 2021 and 2022 involving 27 U.S. cities to make rooftop solar more accessible to low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities. By combining bulk purchasing discounts with grants and community partnerships, the program helped nearly 1,200 households install over 10 MW of residential solar, with 40% of participants from LMI or BIPOC communities. These installations are projected to save households over $8 million and avoid 106,000 tons of CO2 emissions over 25 years.

The document details the presence of 88 coal ash dumpsites within two miles of the Great Lakes, consisting of 34 federally regulated and at least 54 unregulated legacy ponds and landfills. It highlights widespread groundwater contamination at these sites, noting that 91% of coal plants nationwide pollute groundwater above federal health standards. The report calls for the EPA to strengthen the 2015 Coal Ash Rule to eliminate exemptions for legacy sites and prohibit the use of coal ash as fill.

The World Resources Institute analyzes CEJST 1.0, finding that while it identifies more disadvantaged populations than the beta version, it lacks a mechanism to prioritize communities facing multiple overlapping burdens. The analysis reveals that non-white populations are disproportionately exposed to higher cumulative burdens, yet the tool treats all disadvantaged communities as equal for funding purposes. The authors recommend incorporating cumulative burden metrics, adjusting low-income eligibility for severely burdened areas, and establishing a rigorous monitoring framework for the Justice40 Initiative.

A coalition of environmental justice organizations argues that the EPA's proposed regulations for the oil and gas sector must be strengthened to protect Black, Latine, tribal, and low-income communities. The commenters detail how these groups suffer disproportionate health risks from air and water pollution, economic burdens from orphaned wells and property devaluation, and heightened climate vulnerability. They recommend specific policy enhancements, including stricter leak detection and repair (LDAR) requirements, the elimination of routine flaring, and more robust community monitoring and well-closure mandates.

As of September 2022, there are 13,053 committed electric school buses in the US, spanning 483 school districts across 39 states. California leads adoption, and the largest funding source is California's Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Program. While adoption is high in areas with significant air pollution and among communities of color, the highest number of buses are concentrated in districts with the lowest percentages of low-income households.

The document presents data from a 2019 nationwide survey and several state-level polls showing that a majority of US voters believe oil and gas companies should pay for climate change damages. It highlights that support for suing these companies and requiring them to cover costs often increases after respondents are informed about the industry's history of deception.

The report documents 203 incidents of anti-drag mobilization in the US, noting an increase in activity in early 2023 compared to late 2022. It identifies a diverse coalition of actors—including the Proud Boys, parents' rights groups, and anti-vaccine activists—who employ tactics such as doxxing, vandalism, and the 'groomer' narrative to intimidate performers and venues. The analysis highlights the real-world consequences of this hate, including the cancellation of events and the financial distress of small businesses.

The report argues that while the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) significantly advances U.S. climate goals, it is insufficient on its own to meet the 2030 NDC. Using the Energy Policy Simulator (EPS), the authors propose a comprehensive set of additional federal, state, and local policies across the electricity, industry, transportation, and building sectors. The electricity sector is identified as the primary driver for 2030 reductions due to its ability to decarbonize faster than sectors limited by slow stock turnover. Proposed measures include a nationwide 80 percent clean electricity standard, stricter tailpipe emissions standards, and the electrification of industrial and building heating. The report estimates that this combined policy pathway would create 2.7 million additional jobs, grow GDP by $700 billion, and avoid 3,900 premature deaths by 2030.

A 50-state survey by Global Energy Monitor reveals that major U.S. corporations in the tech, banking, and insurance sectors frequently employ lobbyists who also represent fossil fuel interests. This creates a paradox where companies with public net-zero pledges provide political cover and credibility to lobbyists promoting continued fossil fuel dependence. The report highlights specific companies—such as Amazon, State Farm, and Bank of America—and notes that weak state disclosure laws and the absence of a national database hinder accountability.

The report finds that strong methane standards in the U.S. oil and gas sector would create significant employment without negatively impacting drilling activity. The CATF 65% plan is projected to create nearly 220,000 total jobs (including 64,000 direct jobs), while the EPA proposal would create 92,000 total jobs (including 27,000 direct jobs). These jobs span manufacturing, installation, and ongoing operations and maintenance, with a significant portion being non-offshorable and potentially unionized.

A September 2022 report by GreenLatinos based on a Consumer Reports survey finds high interest in electric vehicles (EVs) across all US racial demographics, with communities of color showing equal or greater interest than white consumers. However, systemic barriers—including lack of home charging access for renters in multi-unit dwellings, concerns over maintenance costs among Black and Latino respondents, and a lack of firsthand experience—hinder adoption. The report recommends targeted incentives for used EVs, expanded public and workplace charging infrastructure, and culturally relevant community outreach to accelerate equitable electrification.

A September 2022 report by GreenLatinos, based on a Consumer Reports survey, finds high interest in electric vehicles across all US racial and ethnic groups, including marginalized communities. However, adoption is hindered by systemic barriers. While white and Asian respondents are more concerned with the initial purchase price, Black and Latino respondents are more concerned with maintenance and repair costs. Charging infrastructure is a universal concern, but marginalized groups face greater challenges due to higher rates of renting or living in multi-family housing, and they express higher concerns regarding personal safety at public charging stations. The report emphasizes that personal experience with EVs strongly correlates with purchase intent and recommends targeted financial incentives, expanded public charging, and culturally relevant community outreach to bridge the adoption gap.

The 2022 Private Equity Climate Risks Scorecard evaluates eight major private equity firms, finding that most maintain significant fossil fuel holdings and lack transparency. The Carlyle Group ranked lowest (F), while TPG earned a B due to a smaller fossil fuel portfolio. The report advocates for five primary demands, including alignment with 1.5°C warming targets and full disclosure of emissions and fossil fuel exposure.

The report examines the intersection of the U.S. nursing shortage and private equity's expansion into travel nursing. It argues that while the pandemic exacerbated staffing issues, structural problems and profit-seeking by hospitals created a vulnerability that travel nursing agencies and private equity firms have exploited. The document details how private equity firms use leveraged buyouts and dividend recapitalizations to extract value from staffing agencies, while agencies have seen profit margins grow from 15% in 2019 to 62% in 2022. It also covers legislative efforts to address price gouging and the push for mandated staffing ratios.

The Private Equity Climate Risks Scorecard 2022 evaluates eight major private equity firms on their fossil fuel exposure, downstream emissions, and alignment with science-based climate targets. The analysis finds that most of these firms maintain significant fossil fuel holdings and lack transparency, with The Carlyle Group ranking lowest (F) and TPG Capital ranking highest (B). The report argues that private equity firms often acquire polluting assets shed by public markets, thereby increasing climate and financial risks while operating with minimal regulatory oversight. It concludes with five primary demands for the industry, including aligning with 1.5°C warming targets and disclosing full fossil fuel exposure.

A September 2022 report by the Union of Concerned Scientists based on a Consumer Reports survey finds high interest in electric vehicles (EVs) across all racial and ethnic groups in the US, despite current adoption disparities. The report identifies that while charging logistics and cost are universal barriers, the specific nature of these concerns varies: Black and Latino respondents are more concerned with maintenance and repair costs and personal safety at charging stations, while white and Asian American respondents prioritize purchase price. The study emphasizes a strong correlation between firsthand EV experience and purchase intent, noting that systemic housing disparities (such as higher rates of renting or multi-unit dwellings among Black and Latino populations) limit access to affordable home charging. Policy recommendations include expanding used EV incentives, improving public and workplace charging infrastructure, and implementing culturally relevant community outreach.