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Forced Electrification Will Cost New York Families Billions and Put Grid Reliability at Risk, Consumer and Business Groups Warn NYC

New York City Manhattan at Night

NEW YORK – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading North American energy and environmental advocate for families and businesses, and the Northeast Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (NEHPBA), today testified during a public hearing of the New York City Council Committee on Environmental Protection about a suite of bills seeking to forcibly electrify existing buildings and phase out appliances like gas stoves.

CEA New York Executive Director Wendy Hijos testified how such measures will increase energy costs sharply, when New York families and small businesses are already struggling with higher energy prices. The hearing comes amid a federal government forecast that winter heating costs will rise. CEA estimates that households across the nation will pay at least $13.6 billion more just to stay warm this winter.

“CEA issued an analysis that found that a natural gas ban could cost upwards of $35,000 for a homeowner. That size financial burden would be ruinous for a family, small business or those living on fixed incomes, and any proposed government programs to cover these tremendous burdens would cost taxpayers again. In addition, activists trying to force electrification of ‘everything’ onto consumers and communities are quick to obscure the real costs, which will run into the billions to create the necessary transmission and other infrastructure,” Hijos testified.

Banning natural gas would also ignore the extraordinary emissions reductions New York has achieved through greater use of the fuel.

Hijos added: “As the Committee considers its legislative agenda today, it is important to highlight New York’s incredible environmental progress while natural gas use and infrastructure have expanded across the state. According to state data, total emissions from electricity generation fell 42% while natural gas-fired generation increased more than 150% from 1990 to 2015. Additionally, the Department of Energy reports that New York’s energy-related carbon dioxide emissions decreased a remarkable 18% from 1990 to 2018.”

“As a recent study from Columbia University noted, ‘investing more in the domestic natural gas pipeline network could help the U.S. reach net-zero emission goals more quickly and cheaply…Fortifying and upgrading the system could prepare the existing infrastructure to transport zero-carbon fuels as they become available and, in the meantime, reduce harmful methane leaks from natural gas.’”

Commenting on how electrifying everything is a proven risk to home heating and cooking during extreme weather events, Northeast Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association Executive Director Karen Arpino said: “New York households need diverse energy choices to maintain financial stability, and to protect families from outages during major winter storms. An over-reliance on electric power for heating and cooking exposes households to higher risks when major weather events knock out the grid. Every year we see people placed in real danger because their heating system is reliant solely on electricity. It’s not just a matter of preference. It’s a matter of good energy policy, household safety and preparedness.”

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.

Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org

Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale a Small Step in the Right Direction for Families Struggling with Rising Energy Prices

Offshore oil rig at sunset

Energy and Environment Advocate Says More is Needed

Washington, D.C. – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading U.S. energy and environmental advocate for families and businesses, is pleased the Biden Administration has followed a federal court order to hold Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale 257 today, the first offshore oil and gas lease sale since the Biden Administration paused the leasing program in January. CEA Federal Affairs Advisor Michael Zehr provided the following statement prior to the sale:

“We are glad the Administration is moving forward with today’s lease sale for the Gulf of Mexico. With the overwhelming response from industry to this overdue opportunity, today’s sale is a positive step in the right direction for families who are struggling to afford surging gasoline prices and in some cases, having to make the hard decision between fuel or food.”

“The U.S. Census Bureau’s recent survey of households found almost 29% of families said they had to reduce or go without basic household necessities, such as medicine or food, to pay an energy bill. And forecasted increases in the price of natural gas, propane and heating oil through March will cost American consumers at least $13.6 billion more in energy bills just to stay warm this winter.”

“Against that background, it is essential we remember that U.S.-produced energy is held to the most rigorous environmental standards in the world. Not using our own resources to the fullest, while asking other countries with lower environmental standards to increase production, is counterintuitive to meeting our global climate goals.”

“As we continue to expand the use of renewable energy and improve efficiency, traditional energy from federal lands and waters remains critical to America’s ability to serve growing energy needs. We are showing we can progress toward our net zero goals while continuing to utilize all our energy resources. We hope the Administration will recognize the enormous benefits that a competitive, consistent federal leasing program brings to our environmental goals and our ability to keep energy prices affordable. We look forward to working to ensure continued lease sales in the Gulf in 2022 and 2023 that meet strong environmental standards while delivering safe, affordable and reliable energy to all Americans.”

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.

Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Should Make Domestic Energy Production Priority To Address Surging Energy Prices

Man Flying American Flag

Washington, D.C. – Senate Energy and Natural Resources held a full committee hearing today to examine the causes, outlook and implications of international and domestic energy price trends. Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) Federal Affairs Adviser Michael Zehr issued the following statement in response:

“We thank Sens. Joe Manchin and John Barrasso for their bipartisan efforts to ensure Americans do not unduly suffer from the highest gasoline prices in more than seven years, as families – particularly those barely getting by – curtail trips and make hard choices between fuel and food. The pain at the pump is real.”

“As we enter the winter season, families across the country are expected to pay at least $13.6 billion more just to stay warm and be comfortable at home. Already, the U.S. Energy Information Administration has forecasted that slightly colder winter weather could lead to 30% increases in natural gas prices, 54% spikes for propane and a 43% surge in heating oil prices from October-March.”

“With surging inflation, the last thing Americans need is policies that disadvantage U.S. energy production, make everyday energy more expensive and show the folly of relying on foreign producers like OPEC. While it is clear the President cannot control every factor that leads to higher prices, he can control the signals he sends to our domestic energy companies – like the resounding ones we heard on the Keystone XL pipeline and the federal oil and gas leasing pause. At a time when the U.S. leads the world in environmentally responsible energy production, these crippling price spikes should be avoidable.”

“We urge all senators and elected leaders to make U.S. energy production a priority – from both renewable and traditional sources – to ensure reliable, affordable energy for American families and businesses; and to ensure we achieve our global climate goals. We can and must continue to progress toward our net-zero goals while we meet our energy needs.”

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.

Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org

CEA’s Top 5 Favorite Energy Stories This Week – November 12

Surging gas prices have many consumers pinching pennies and, unfortunately, costs aren’t expected to get any better as we enter the holiday travel and gift-giving season. A new report by CEA calculates just how much more consumers will have to pay for gasoline this winter.

Thankfully, things are looking up for Midwesterners on the energy infrastructure side, after a spokesperson for the White House clarified this week that the Biden Administration is not looking to shut down the Line 5 pipeline. While this is a relief to many during the current energy crisis we’re facing, Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer continues to oppose the project, despite the costs savings, jobs and environmental safety assurances the pipeline will provide.

On Wednesday, the U.S. and China unveiled a bilateral agreement to reduce emissions and slow global warming. The two countries will establish a working group to increase action in the remainder of this decade. The working group will meet in the first half of next year.

For more of our favorite energy stories this week, check out our top five picks below!

Researchers in a medical laboratory

5A new way to harness energy from ammonia

A research team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has identified a new way to convert ammonia to nitrogen gas through a process that could be a step toward ammonia replacing carbon-based fuels. The discovery of this technique uses a metal catalyst and releases, rather than requires, energy. The Brighter Side reports that the metal complex can also be recycled and used repeatedly creating a much cleaner process than using carbon-based fuels.

Albuquerque New Mexico skyline, mountains, and clouds

4Reducing costs through the reinvention of CO2 capture

Direct air capture is technology designed to suck CO2 from the atmosphere and could be a critical tool in fighting climate change. However, direct air capture is currently too expensive to be a valuable tool. Fast Company reports that one startup wants to help bring costs down by changing a key material used in the technology that’s much cheaper than the raw materials used in other methods.

Tidal Power Generation

3Tidal power is making waves in electricity generation

As the world looks to curb climate change and reduce fossil fuel emissions, some companies are focusing on tidal waves as a relatively untapped but vast and abundant source of energy. CNN Business reports that two firms are working to harness ocean currents in different ways to try to generate reliable clean energy.

South Carolina Myrtle Beach

2New solar technology serves as a source of fresh water

One of the most popular and simple ways of desalination is the distillation of water with the help of solar energy. Power engineers at Ural Federal University have developed a new desalination technology that will significantly reduce the cost of desalination and quadruple the volume of production. The Brighter Side reports that the new technology’s simple design and low cost could be helpful in countries with high solar energy potential and a shortage of fresh water.

Flying in an airplane

1The path to zero-emission air travel

Airlines are investing heavily in ‘sustainable aviation fuel’ — kerosene mixed with renewables and waste — to cut levels of carbon dioxide and in recent years, the focus has increasingly switched to hydrogen as a more efficient alternative. National Geographic reports that one company in the UK has been working on sustainable aviation technology and is developing a hydrogen-electric propulsion system that can power a far larger 19-seater plane.

CEA Pleased Biden Administration Won’t Shut Down Line 5; Urges Gov. Whitmer to Put People, Environment Over Political Posturing

Detroit Skyline Aerial View With Lighthouse, Marina, and River

Lansing, Michigan – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading energy and environmental advocate for families and businesses, applauds the Biden Administration for clarifying its position on the Line 5 pipeline this week, when a White House spokesperson said that shutting it down “…is something that we’re not going to do.”

Despite the Biden Administration’s tacit endorsement of the need for environmentally enhanced energy infrastructure like the Line 5 Tunnel Project, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer continues to belabor the issue, wasting more and more tax dollars with lawsuits against the existing pipeline and pointless administrative delays on the replacement project. In addition to harming families in her state, her actions appear to violate a bilateral treaty with Canada, our largest trading partner and closest ally.

“The Biden Administration has done the right thing for the environment and the economy by explicitly stating it will not shut down the existing Line 5 pipeline, which would cause at least $20.8 billion in economic losses across four states,” CEA Midwest Director Chris Ventura said.

“Perhaps the Administration, unlike Gov. Whitmer, has taken heed of the fact that inflation is at its highest in over 30 years, gasoline hasn’t cost this much in over seven years and the federal government has forecast much higher energy bills this winter. CEA expects Americans to pay at least $13.6 billion more for their winter utility bills. That will strain the finances of many Michiganders, especially those living in poverty and seniors on fixed incomes.”

“Line 5 carries propane, which heats three-fourths of the homes in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the price of which is expected to rise 54% this winter. Gov. Whitmer cannot unilaterally negate that crucial energy supply at the expense of families, small businesses and farmers and expect voters to forget that at the ballot box.”

“If environmental safety is her goal, her idea to transport the propane Line 5 supplies by truck or rail is statistically riskier. Federal government data shows pipelines are the safest way to move energy, with a 99.9999% safety record.”

“It’s time for Governor Whitmer to stop her pointless animosity toward this infrastructure and the citizens of her state. It’s the federal government’s job to meet its obligations under the treaty, which explicitly prevents state officials from needlessly interfering with the existing pipeline’s operation.

“The Biden Administration isn’t shutting the pipeline down. Let’s prioritize people and our environment over political posturing. Let’s generate jobs, deliver affordable and reliable energy, and keep meeting our shared environmental goals.”

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.

Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org

CEA Report: Surging Gas Prices Leave Consumers Pinching Pennies

Gas station fuel pump octane

WASHINGTON, D.C. – American families can expect to pay more to visit their loved ones this holiday season while also shelling out more for everything from food to toys due directly to increased fuel costs. A new report by Consumer Energy Alliance calculates just how much more consumers will have to pay for gasoline this winter. That includes price increases which translate into more costly goods and services, which hurts families, businesses and individuals – especially those on low and fixed incomes — who are already pinching pennies.

During these tough times, this new report helps to remind us how energy policies have ripple effects across our economy and real implications for real people. The average price of gasoline – slowly rising each week – is the highest it has been since October 2014. The average price to fill a typical vehicle costs consumers about $17 more than it did a year ago – up to $715 a year. That means less discretionary income and less savings for those who have little to save already – and less by the day with inflation climbing and food prices rising.

These price spikes continue to guzzle up more of American families’ monthly budgets and increase the costs of other consumer goods. A U.S. Census Bureau survey found that 29% of Americans surveyed had to reduce or forego expenses for basic household necessities to pay an energy bill in the last year. That survey was conducted before gasoline prices began rising at historic rates; meaning the amount of Americans going without basic necessities to pay higher energy bills will only continue to rise as prices trend upward.

“Energy touches every aspect of our lives and is woven into the fabric of our economy, so it is essential we have energy policies that reduce the cost burden for people,” CEA President David Holt said. “Balanced energy policies that utilize our abundant oil and natural gas resources, produced under the strictest environmental safety standards in the world that help advance our environmental goals while meeting our energy needs, are the easiest, most reliable way to lessen the cost burden on consumers, manufacturers, truckers and farmers. Done right, good policies can help us meet our increasing demand for energy while achieving our global environmental goals.  This should not be a choice between working toward net zero emissions and delivering safe, affordable, reliable energy to people’s homes.”

Highlights from the report:

  • As of Nov. 1, 2021, regular gasoline averaged $3.39 a gallon – up more than $1.27 from a year ago. Diesel prices climbed from $2.37 to $3.72 a gallon during the same period.
  • The average price of gasoline – which is slowly rising each week – is the highest it has been since October 2014.
  • The average price at the pump to fill a typical vehicle costs consumers about $17 more than it did a year ago – up to $715 a year.
  • The average price to fill up a semi-truck costs truck drivers more than $357 than it did a year ago – up to almost $7,650 per year. These price increases are passed to consumers in the form of higher costs for goods and services.
  • Along with its world leadership in renewable energy growth and environmental stewardship, the U.S. has abundant oil and gas resources including an estimated 214 billion barrels of recoverable oil resources, and 2,867 trillion cubic feet of technically recoverable resources of dry natural gas. Utilizing these resources while managing our environmental progress would allow us to meet consumer and commercial demand, and decrease gasoline prices significantly.

To view the report, click here.

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.

Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org

Create the Eco-Friendly Version of Yourself with These Reusable Basics

Brushing Teeth with a Bamboo Toothbrush

You’ve probably heard ways to reduce your impact on the planet by swapping out plastic straws for metal straws, bringing a tote bag with you to your weekly grocery store trip, and by using reusable Keurig pods instead of single serve pods to name a few. But have you considered ditching your dryer sheets for dryer balls or using beeswax paper instead of plastic wrap?

It’s been noted that people around the world are suffering from what the American Psychological Association and a climate nonprofit group called ecoAmerica coined as “eco-anxiety,” a term describing as they say is defined by “chronic fear of environmental doom.” However, with humans the biggest contributors to climate change, taking personal accountability is the first step in doing our part as individuals. Just like every vote matters, so does every action you take to reduce your environmental footprint.

Taking one step at a time towards a more sustainable lifestyle is as easy as exchanging out some of the products in your house. The easiest things to swap out are paper and plastic products that are not recyclable. Other than food waste, plastic and paper products make up most of our municipal solid waste annually, according to the EPA.

Maybe you’re not ready to jump all the way into a zero-waste lifestyle, but you’re looking to get started. Here are some reusable basics you can try out to take steps to a more sustainable you!

Abolish Your Paper Towel Addiction

For how convenient paper towels are, their environmental impact is much less so. Every day we use paper towels to clean up our messes, spilling more waste into landfills. As trash piles up, becoming more compressed, it starves the landfill of oxygen. So much of what we throw away, including paper towels, ends up breaking down through a bacterial process, which generates methane – a gas twenty-three times more potent than carbon dioxide.

Paper waste takes the top spot for the largest amount of municipal waste, according to the EPA. Although paper towels can be compostable, there is a better alternative to replace them in your home. One average, households purchase roughly two hundred dollars’ worth of paper towels every year. By converting to paperless paper towels, or reusable paper towels, you help to reduce your carbon footprint while increasing your cost savings. Try out these bamboo paperless-paper towels or these zero-waste towels for a pop of color!

Solving the Plastic Crisis One Fork at a Time

Any meal, including the one you have on the go, can be sustainable with a set of reusable silverware! Another big contributor to single-use plastic waste is individual plastic utensils. Every day, more than 100 million plastic utensils are used in the United States alone. From eating out to families using plastic utensils at home, “we don’t stop to think about this wasteful behavior,” says Habits of Waste founder, Shelia Morovati.

Their group created the #CUTOUTCUTLERY campaign, which encourages companies (specifically food delivery services) to change their habit of using single-use plastic cutlery to reduce the 40 billion plastic utensils thrown away each year. Plus, reusable cutlery is not hard to come by and it’s more affordable then you would think. Americans have been crowned the disposable kings, but this royal reign doesn’t have to be forever.

Have a Ball with Dryer Balls

How about ditching dryer sheets for dryer balls instead? They are great for reducing drying time and are cost effective! Dryer balls came onto the scene around 2014, and are a great sustainable alternative to dryer sheets that only have a life cycle of one wash. Dryer balls can also last up to 1,000 loads. Can’t live without the scent that dryer sheets provide? Just add 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil to your dryer balls and repeat as necessary. What’s the best part of dryer balls you ask? Well, after your dryer balls have come to the end of their useful life you can toss them into your compost bin. Less drying time equals less energy used!

Achieve Your Sustainable Smile

Keep up with your pearly whites in an eco-friendly way by swapping out your plastic toothbrush for a zero-waste toothbrush! The average person uses 300 toothbrushes in their lifetime, and the life cycle of a toothbrush, as we can see in this video, never really ends. Bamboo toothbrushes are a popular, eco-friendly oral hygiene option, and are even compostable when you are ready to swap out for a new one. Some of the benefits of bamboo tooth brushes is that they are sustainably sourced and regenerative. Bamboo plants are among the most sustainable product materials we can use, and they even aide in carbon absorption. Electric tooth brush lovers, we’ve got your back. If you already have Phillips Sonicare® toothbrush this compatible bamboo toothbrush head gives you the added edge of sustainability!

Committed to making the switch but don’t know what to do with your used plastic oral hygiene products? Check out the Oral Care Recycling Program and the Electric Toothbrush Recycling Program by TerraCycle in partnership with Colgate®.

Protect Our Planet and Your Snacks

Much like other single-use plastic, sandwich bags are some of the most popular products that we throw out after eating our snacks and meals. This convenience is second-nature to most of us who usually don’t think to using each bag more than once. Companies like Ziploc® are trying to change that by creating containers that can be used multiple times, and bags that can be recycled with plastic grocery bags and much more.

Since paper and plastic are more likely to end up in our landfills, reusable sandwich and snack bags are a great sustainable alternative, and are already beloved by many eco-friendly families. Toss in your favorite fruit, pretzel sticks, or PB+J for a sustainable snack that you can use time and time again!

Wipe Away the Guilt of Waste off Your Face

It’s no secret that the beauty industry contributes massively to the amount of waste on our planet, creating everyday waste-making habits in our daily routine. Do you use disposable makeup wipes or cotton balls? Synthetic woven fibers do not allow cotton rounds to fully biodegrade, thus adding to your households’ amount of waste. According to the World Wildlife Federation (WWF), the amount of water needed to produce one kilogram of cotton, which is over a pack of cotton rounds, is the same amount of water one person could drink over three years. So if you’re using these forms of makeup removers, it’s time to ditch them for reusable cotton rounds to wipe off your glam.

Reusable cotton rounds are made from reusable materials like bamboo or plant based fibers. They’re hygienic as well as soft to the touch and come with a shelf life of 5 years. These reusable rounds come with laundry bags so you can toss them in with your dirty clothes. The best part is, if they are well taken care of, reusable cotton rounds can reduce your ecological footprint with each use – saving roughly 3,650 cotton balls or 1,825 wipes!

Food Wrap’s Bad Rap

Plastic wrap is a common product used in every household, but is it essential? More than 40% of all plastic made is used for packaging, with 8.8 million tons of plastic entering our oceans each year, including our beloved plastic wrap. At home, plastic products can nearly always be swapped out for a reusable alternative, and plastic wrap is no different. A few popular eco-friendly alternatives include beeswax wrap, silicone food wraps (for food and container specific lids), or even cheesecloth. If you’re a real go-getter, you can make your own reusable food wrap. The possibilities are endless when you’re looking to sustainably save your leftovers!

These are just a few ways you can ease your eco-anxiety, and there is no time like the present to make these easy switches at home! The EPA says it best: The easiest way to reduce waste is to not create it. Although there are companies looking to harvest waste for energy, we know that we’ll never alleviate all of our waste. However, we could do better on how much we toss out. You will not only benefit yourself, but also the world around you by choosing sustainable products. Swap out for some of these reusable basics, and say hello to a more eco-friendly you!

CEA’s Top 5 Favorite Energy Stories This Week – November 5

This week’s headlines are filled with stories about energy prices spiking right as winter creeps in and how these higher prices have buyers looking to developing nations for oil and natural gas. Why? Demand for energy is rising faster than the supply of fuel and the economic slowdown caused by the pandemic prompted oil and gas companies to scale back production.

Meanwhile, the Biden Administration this week unveiled its strategy for achieving “net-zero” greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 — under which the country would try to eliminate or offset all of its emissions. And the U.S. has rejoined a group of countries pushing for higher targets at the COP26 U.N. climate talks.

And speaking of reducing emissions, energy-efficient lighting choices are abound these days, whether online or at your local hardware store. Replacing your old lighting with newer, more energy-efficient alternatives could not only increase energy efficiency in your home or office, but also save you money.

Check out the top five favorite stories in energy this week below!

Family riding bikes in the woods

5Meet the electric bike that runs on hydrogen

The world’s first hydrogen powered cargo bike requires no heavy batteries, can charge in 10 minutes and run for about 90 miles. Yanko Design reports that the bike uses a proprietary energy storage system to convert electricity from solar panels using an electrolyzer that divides water into hydrogen and oxygen, and relocates them to a storage system with a metal alloy to produce hydrogen.

Building Under Construction with Crane

4The electric generator strong enough to power a construction site

A new battery-powered generator is being deployed at construction sites across Singapore and Hong Kong in an effort to replace diesel-powered generators needed to power them. Forbes reports that the generator is 32 times quieter than diesel generators and can help reduce carbon emissions at construction sites by up to 85%.

Solar panel installation on roof

3New materials could make solar panels more affordable

While the cost of solar panels has dropped by 90% in the past decade, they have yet to become so affordable that the average family can afford to install them on their home. Free Think shares how manufacturers are working to replace silicon with perovskite, a cheaper alternative that could make solar panels a fraction of the price they are currently, while still maintaining efficiency.

2The solar powered ironing cart that’s winning global respect

A 15-year-old from southern India has developed a solar powered ironing cart after learning that local vendors were using old-fashioned ironing boxes that ran on charcoal. The Brighter Side explains how this young innovator developed her idea and prototype utilizing an abundantly available source of energy in her region: the sun.

Airplane landing

1Could an aluminum powered airliner be the future of aviation?

An electric 100-seat regional airliner could enter the transportation scene as early as 2026. New Atlas reports the plane will either run on green hydrogen or an aluminum fuel cell with a fossil-fueled range extender to extend flight range.

Amid High Gas Prices and Looming Shortages, U.S. Climate Leadership Must Showcase America’s Environmentally Superior Energy

American oil refinery

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As world leaders meet in Glasgow this week for the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26) to discuss achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement and reducing global emissions, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) President David Holt provided the following statement:

“At a time of high gas prices and impending energy shortages, U.S. leadership should focus on steps to promote American energy security while emphasizing our world-leading and under-reported record of reducing emissions by more than any other nation attending COP26. Despite what many activists claim, the U.S. has already achieved record GHG emission reductions through our environmentally superior energy production and comprehensive environmental standards.”

“It would be environmentally and economically irresponsible for the Biden Administration to hobble American energy production and forfeit American leadership on sustainable energy development to foreign producers with inferior climate records. The United States leads the world in real emissions reductions, and expanded U.S. energy development will be essential to any efforts by the international community to meaningfully address global climate change.

“In short, energy produced in the United States is the cleanest in the world.  When 52% of urban CO2 emissions come from 25 cities – 23 are in China and none here – it’s time for other nations to do their part.”

“These global considerations are occurring while Americans expect to pay at least $13.6 billion more for their winter utility bills. Making promises in Glasgow that hurt America’s energy and economic security and keep prices higher for people in poverty or living on fixed incomes could not come at a worse time with gasoline prices at 7-year highs and the price of oil in the mid-$80s.”

“Efforts to restrict domestic energy development and increase taxes and fees on U.S. energy production in the partisan reconciliation bill will harm our economy, environment and consumers while returning the U.S. to a dangerous dependency on the Middle East.”

“We urge our leaders to remember the global environmental implications of choosing foreign production over American energy.”

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.

Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org

Supply Chain Issues Will Snowball into the Holidays

Supply Chain

The day after Thanksgiving marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. Although this may be every shopaholic’s favorite time of year, beware of the snowballing supply chain issues that will leave your pockets jingle jangling all the way through the busiest gift-giving time of the year.

While retailers stock up their shelves before the rush of Black Friday, numerous factories and manufacturing plants cannot secure the products and supplies they need to re-stock their shelves. Electronics and automakers will be the most affected by the supply chain crisis, which will likely result in extremely low inventory. Fallouts from the supply chain dilemma are already noticeable, and Americans are already getting a jump-start on their holiday shopping.

As many as 54% of all U.S. adults reported an item they wanted was out of stock in stores or online. Millennials and Gen Z-ers are currently the most affected with 72% of both generations reporting a hot-ticket holiday gift item out of stock. The Great Resignation has also added to the supply chain conundrum, with 4.3 million people quitting their jobs in August alone leaving fewer employees in critical jobs. With supply chain disruptions worldwide, lack of containers, congested ports, a shortage of truck drivers, and surging energy prices it should come as no surprise to consumers.

Amazon and its Prime shipping feature that allows customers to receive their items within two days of purchase haven’t helped. The demand for eCommerce shops to ship items quicker than ever before has created an increased amount of pressure on shipping and logistics companies worldwide. All of the major carriers like USPS, UPS, FedEx are experiencing the same headaches and can’t guarantee specific delivery times, so shopping ahead and adjusting expectations is a MUST.

The National Retail Federation estimates shoppers will spend an average of $997.73 on gifts and holiday items this year. Costs are snowballing with each link of the supply chain adding another layer of costs. Consumer prices have increased 5.4% over the past year and retailers will face an additional $223 billion in inflation costs this holiday season. Most holiday shoppers this season are cutting back on spending money on frivolous gifts and are starting to shop now due to inflated prices.

But these aren’t the only thing falling short this holiday season…

We’re sure you’ve noticed that gas prices have increased 57% since last year. If there was a Grinch, it would be in the form of gas prices this holiday season. Gasoline prices have hit a steep 3.40 a gallon, and diesel prices are not much further behind. While the trucking industry has come under fire for a lack of truck drivers and overwhelming diesel prices, their businesses are exuding supply and demand. Americans should take note because the truck driver shortage isn’t going to get any better. The quit rate of workers in the transportation industry went up 3.7% in August 2021 alone and has steadily increased in the past three months. Trucking is what makes the world go-’round, especially during the winter months, and without enough drivers, you can kiss expedited shipping goodbye. That is – unless you want to pay handsomely for it.

This image was captured on 10/29/21 from AAA: https://gasprices.aaa.com/state-gas-price-averages/

The heat is on all over the place, and Americans are feeling it. Mostly in their wallets as they bundle up in the upcoming winter months. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates each household’s utility bills will be 30% higher than last year, totaling 13.6 billion more in utility bills this winter for people across the country. All of the increased prices make you want to stay home and avoid going out, especially if the cost to fill up your gas tank is almost $20 more. However, staying in could be just as expensive with the average price of beer jumping 70% due to an aluminum shortage.

Supply chain flurries have already begun, and the forecast concludes that we shouldn’t expect to see an end soon. Be sure to take into account delayed shipping time, lack of manufactured products, and inflated prices this holiday season, or else you may be caught in a financial blizzard. With electricity, heating, and gasoline prices continuing to increase we may all very well find ourselves asking Santa for lower prices on our Christmas lists instead of an air fryer.

Don’t let the most wonderful time of the year turn you into a Scrooge, think smart this holiday season and think ahead.

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