By Stephen Wright, Gulf States Renewable Energy Industries Association

Originally published on Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL)

As we've reported in the past, in 2020 Louisiana's Governor kicked off a Climate Initiatives Task Force along with clear goals for reducing emissions to "net zero" across Louisiana over the coming three decades. The 23 full Task Force members represent the decision-making body; their work is divided across 6 Committees and 4 Advisory Groups, each composed of both task force members and additional relevant expertise. A full list of all Task Force Committee, and Advisory group members can be found here.

Much of the Task Force represents the interests of the "incumbent" power: oil and gas trade groups, manufacturing and business interests, and utilities, while a smaller portion of members represent environmental justice advocates, clean energy experts, and equity-focused allies.  In order to ensure the work of this Task Force and climate efforts to come  are informed by real Louisianans, we are working with organizations across the state to support public input and engagement. We know that climate action must be equitable, otherwise we will only double down on Louisiana's social and environmental injustices.

The Alliance is part of the region-wide people-powered effort called "Gulf South for A Green New Deal", which is a collaborative of grassroots organizations across the five states across the Gulf of Mexico. Louisiana's efforts are focusing on the Climate Task Force, and also improving fair housing and the development of renewable energy across the state.

Over the next year, we are meeting regularly with anyone who is interested in building a people-centered set of recommendations to the task force and various agencies. Join us won't you!?

Let us know if you want in.

Article by Duncan Campbell
Originally published on Scale Microgrid Solutions
​February 17, 2021

In six months we’ve seen two black swan weather events cause an energy crisis. As we reckon with the systems engineering impact of extreme weather, energy resilience will undoubtedly emerge as an essential underpinning of our future grid. 

The first of these events was in August of 2020. A multi-state heat wave led to blackouts in California when the power system operator couldn’t secure adequate generation to meet immense air conditioning loads.

The second event is happening as we speak. A massive winter storm is delivering crushingly low temperatures across much of the US. Texas, most of which currently does not have power, is being hit the hardest, not necessarily in absolute temperature, but relative to their typical winters. ​

Article by Martin Farrer and agencies 
Originally published on The Guardian
February 17, 2021

Article by Cassandra Jeffery, M. V. Ramana
Originally published on the Bulletin
February 12, 2021

Obituary from Nola.com Obituaries

Karen made notable contributions as an officer in the League of Women Voters and cofounder of the Alliance for Affordable Energy. Propelled by a strong sense of civic duty and the common good, Karen advocated for the rights of utility customers and promoted energy efficiency and progressive energy policies in New Orleans and across the country.

Desiring to be closer to family, she moved to St. Augustine in 2015 and became actively involved in the lives of her grandchildren. Karen touched many lives, as evident in the vast variety of friends she made. Her bright spirit lit up every room she walked into. Karen's family will host a Zoom-assisted celebration of her life in February. Anyone who knew Karen and is interested may contact a member of the family.
​

We are grateful for Karen's vision, leadership and commitment to the Alliance.
​
If you would like to make a donation to Karen Wimpelberg's special memorial fund ​please use the button below. Karen’s mentorship was vital to so many in keeping the mission of the Alliance going. Therefore we will direct any donated funds to support our internship program to maintain that spirit.

​In New Orleans,  at least part of the bill spike is due to the Fuel Adjustment Charge more than doubling, plus the charge for the new gas plant, all on top of the higher usage from the cold and being home due to Covid. Entergy sent a letter to the City Council back on December 18th (attached), to let them know about some of these changes, as they are required to alert the Council if the fuel charge has a significant increase. 

The Fuel Adjustment Charge gives us insight into the bill impact when power plants are down and gas costs spike. This charge (also called a Fuel and Purchased Power rider on bills) is based on what was happening in energy markets two months prior and it is always on this two month lag. 

Back in November 2020 (think way back!) three things happened that all impact this one line item. 

The Dirty Truth About Utility Climate Pledges
​Report by Sierra Club, John Romankiewicz, Cara Bottorff, Leah C. Stokes
January 25, 2021 ​

​Interview by Jennifer Crockett
Article originally published on WDSU News
​January 24, 2021

Check out Jennifer Crockett's interview with our Executive Director Logan Burke & click "Read More" 
​​to learn more about what's causing these bill increases

By Peter-Raymond Graffeo, Alliance for Affordable Energy

Article by George Harvey
Originally published on Clean Technica
​December 31, 2020

Before we allow small modular reactors, mini reactors on barges, reactors for making hydrogen, reactors to be set up on the Moon, or just about any nuclear reactors to be built, we should get an explanation from the nuclear industry of why some of its calculations have been so bad. I am talking about numbers that are so bad, off by an order of magnitude, that they are functionally deceptive. And if they are not intentionally deceptive, that is not an excuse. They fool people into thinking things are true when they are not, and they are very much to the advantage of the nuclear industry.

Article by Alanna Ketler 
Originally published by Collective Education
February 6, 2020

Looking for a New Year's Resolution that's good for you and the environment? Well look no further.  If you could power your entire home with 60 minutes of cycling, would you do it? 

Imagine if your morning workout could power your home for the entire day, all the way until your next morning workout. Well, you may not have to imagine, as this technology exists now. Manoj Bhargava has invented a new exercise bike that can power some homes for 24 hours after use for only sixty minutes per day.

This invention was a part of a new initiative to bring electricity to places that undergo frequent power outages or may only have access to power for a few hours during the day. In our modern age, going without electricity can really separate a person from the rest of the world. Bhargava’s mission is to bridge the gap for those who suffer from poverty and make it easier for them to access the same information as the rest of the world, potentially giving them more opportunities in life.

Article by Halle Parker
Originally published on Nola.com
December 27, 2020

​With climate change high on President-elect Joe Biden's agenda, one might think local environmentalists would have high hopes for U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond’s ascent to the role of key White House adviser.

But the leaders of local environmental and citizen groups have tempered expectations, saying Richmond has been largely absent from conversations between activists and industry in his own district during his decade in Congress. Still, they're ready to give him the benefit of the doubt, for the time being, at least.

In the coming weeks, Richmond is expected to step down from his congressional seat — which includes most of New Orleans, part of Baton Rouge and some of the areas in between — to lead the Biden administration’s Office of Public Engagement.

As the lone Democrat in Louisiana's eight-member delegation, he has worked with his Republican colleagues on legislation surrounding flood insurance and coastal restoration funding. But he hasn't highlighted concerns about pollution or environmental racism, issues that matter greatly to some of his constituents.

They're hopeful, though, that Richmond's new perch will allow him to provide more vocal support and fill his seat with someone who will be a better advocate in environmental battles happening in the River Parishes.
​

Study by Natalie Mims Frick, Sean Murphy, Chandler Miller, Greg Leventis, Kristina Hamachi LaCommare, Charles A Goldman, Lisa C Schwartz
Article originally published by the Electricity Markets & Policy Department at Berkeley Lab
​December 16 2020

Net-metering is a credit that people with solar panels get from their utility company for producing clean energy and delivering it to the grid. In September of 2019 the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) voted to end net metering for Louisianans, outside of New Orleans, in favor of 2-channel billing. Changes went into effect January 1, 2020, with a 15 year grandfathering clause. Unfortunately, these policy changes will work in favor of utilities rather than Louisiana customers as they will significantly reduce "the amount of savings your solar system will provide you." 

​Learn more about what these changes mean for you, your utility bill, and the future of net metering in this interesting article by Catherine Lane, originally published on Solar Reviews!