Search Climate Insights Directory

This report by the World Resources Institute (WRI) analyzes the adoption of electric school buses (ESBs) in the United States as of June 2023. It tracks the number of committed vehicles, the impact of federal and state funding, and the distribution of these buses across different demographics and environmental conditions, highlighting a trend toward more equitable deployment in low-income and high-pollution areas.

This case study by RMI examines the Mississippi Clean Hydrogen Hub (MCHH), developed in collaboration with Hy Stor Energy, to demonstrate how large-scale geological storage of green hydrogen can enhance energy security and resiliency for the United States and its international partners. The document details how the MCHH can provide a secure, zero-carbon energy supply to critical industrial sectors, reduce dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets and imported commodities, and support strategic trade partners in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

The 2022 Climate, Environmental, and Energy Congressional Hearings Tracker is a fact sheet by the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) that lists hearings held by various U.S. House and Senate committees during 2022. The document serves as a comprehensive index of legislative inquiries into climate change, energy transition, environmental protection, and infrastructure implementation.

This report provides engineering and design best practices to improve the resilience of rooftop solar PV systems against hurricane-force winds, primarily in the Caribbean. Based on an analysis of failures from 2017-2019, it identifies top-down clip failure and joint loosening as primary root causes of system collapse. Key recommendations include using vibration-resistant fasteners, avoiding ballasted-only systems in favor of mechanical attachments, and ensuring modules are not installed over roof edges or in high-pressure 'Zone 3' areas. Implementing these measures is estimated to increase EPC costs by roughly 5%.

A statement by CIEL President Carroll Muffett regarding the announcement of a Climate Action Coalition by US Attorneys General and their investigations into fossil fuel companies, specifically Exxon, for climate deception and fraud.

This 1998 report by the Rocky Mountain Institute examines water-saving technologies and practices for residential use, moving beyond the 1992 National Plumbing Standards to explore high-efficiency fixtures, graywater and rainwater systems, and sustainable landscaping.

The World Resources Institute (WRI) developed a dataset of U.S. school bus fleets by requesting records from state governments between March and November 2022. Covering 46 states and the District of Columbia, the data includes fuel types, model years, and seating capacities to help plan for electrification and grid upgrades. The dataset excludes four states (Colorado, Hawaii, Louisiana, and New Hampshire) and all U.S. territories.

This report by the World Resources Institute (WRI), updated April 26, 2023, tracks the adoption of electric school buses (ESBs) in the United States. Based on data through December 31, 2022, it highlights a rapid increase in 'committed' buses—those awarded, ordered, delivered, or operating—driven largely by the EPA's Clean School Bus Rebate Program. The report analyzes the geographic distribution of these buses, the impact of funding sources, the types of buses being adopted, and the equity of distribution across low-income and minority communities.

As of October 2024, the U.S. has 12,241 electric school bus commitments, with nearly 5,000 already in operation. Adoption is heavily driven by the EPA's Clean School Bus Program, which has prioritized high-poverty, rural, and tribal districts. While California remains the leader in total buses, adoption is increasing across the Midwest and New England. The report highlights that 62% of committed buses are in districts with the highest shares of low-income households and 85% are in districts with the highest percentages of people of color.