How the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ positions US energy to be more costly for consumers and the climate

Some technologies could rapidly cut emissions, while others do little to fight climate change. The House bill favors the latter while nixing support for the former.

Daniel Cohan, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University • conversation
June 10, 2025 ~10 min

Alaska, rich in petroleum, faces an energy shortage

Alaska produces a lot of crude oil, but many of the state’s utilities, businesses and homes run on natural gas, which is in dwindling supply near population centers.

Brett Watson, Assistant Professor of Applied and Natural Resource Economics, University of Alaska Anchorage • conversation
April 24, 2025 ~10 min


White House plans for Alaskan oil and gas face some hurdles – including from Trump and the petroleum industry

Donald Trump says he is a big fan of oil and gas. His actions may not be of great interest to the industry. And the results may not be what he says he wants.

Scott L. Montgomery, Lecturer in International Studies, University of Washington • conversation
April 11, 2025 ~10 min

The US energy market has its troubles, though it may not be a ‘national emergency’

The US produces more oil today than any other country, and there is no clear emergency on the scale of the energy crises of the 1970s. But there are some causes for concern.

Seth Blumsack, Professor of Energy and Environmental Economics and International Affairs, Penn State • conversation
March 5, 2025 ~10 min

How gas keeps the UK’s electricity bills so high – despite lots of cheap wind power

For now, gas power is still needed to fill in the gaps when renewables can’t cover demand.

Michael Tamvakis, Professor of Commodity Economics and Finance, City St George's, University of London • conversation
March 3, 2025 ~6 min

Countries spend huge sums on fossil fuel subsidies – why they’re so hard to eliminate

Countries have promised to reduce their fossil fuel subsidies to fight climate change, but it’s harder to do than it looks. An energy law expert explains the challenges.

Bruce Huber, Professor of Law, University of Notre Dame • conversation
Nov. 12, 2024 ~9 min

Oil and gas communities are a blind spot in America’s climate and economic policies

Limiting damage from climate change means cutting fossil fuel use. Many towns that rely heavily on oil and gas production aren’t prepared for that future, as a former White House advisor explains.

Noah Kaufman, Senior Research Scholar in Climate Economics, Columbia University • conversation
Sept. 5, 2024 ~9 min

More climate-warming methane leaks into the atmosphere than ever gets reported – here’s how satellites can find the leaks and avoid wasting a valuable resource

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that can leak from oil and gas wells, pipelines and landfills. Satellites can spot the releases fast enough to get them fixed and help protect the climate.

Riley Duren, Research Scientist, University of Arizona • conversation
April 16, 2024 ~9 min


How federal tax dollars meant to fight climate change could end up boosting Louisiana’s fossil fuel production

Carbon capture is turning the oil and gas industry into a critical player for mitigating climate change – while its products continue to heat up the planet.

Ned Randolph, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Communications, Tulane University • conversation
April 1, 2024 ~10 min

Biden’s ‘hard look’ at liquefied natural gas exports raises a critical question: How does natural gas fit with US climate goals?

The US, a minor liquefied natural gas supplier a decade ago, now is the world’s top source. That’s good for energy security, but bad for Earth’s climate. An energy scholar explains the trade-offs.

Emily Grubert, Associate Professor of Sustainable Energy Policy, University of Notre Dame • conversation
Feb. 7, 2024 ~8 min

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