Clean energy news: May 2024
Research: Autonomous Trucks Can Reduce Emissions and Fight Climate Change
Aurora Innovation, Inc. (NASDAQ: AUR) has released a white paper indicating that autonomous trucking has the potential for significant environmental benefits. The paper finds that autonomous trucking could increase energy efficiency by up to 32% relative to traditional trucking – helping the freight and logistics industry reduce emissions, meet environmental regulatory mandates, and bring down operating costs. Read more >>
Solar power on Tribal Lands brings electrification for the first time — and possibly a new industry
SHONTO, Ariz. and DURANGO, Colo. — Although electricity has been widely available in the United States for more than half a century, on Navajo lands about 30% of families continue to live without power in their homes.
For the past two years, Fort Lewis College students have worked to reduce that number by installing solar panels and battery storage systems for families living off the grid.
Led by engineering professor Laurie Williams and Camille Keith, a native of Shonto, Arizona and engineering graduate of Fort Lewis College, 25 students recently spent their spring break powering up the community. Read more >>
Arizona senators invest in solar energy for tribes
Arizona Senators Krysten Sinema and Mark Kelly announced over $87 million in funding today for solar projects that benefit tribal homes.
The Hopi Nation, where roughly a third of houses lack access to electricity, will receive $25 million for solar systems.
Another $62 million will go to the Grid Alternatives’ Western Indigenous Network Solar for All program. It’s a nationwide program with a focus on Western states. Read more >>
US, Canadian banks back construction financing for huge Pinal County solar project
A syndicate including U.S. and Canadian banks will provide financing for the large-scale 300 megawatt Box Canyon solar power project south of Phoenix in Pinal County.
Construction on the project near Florence began in December 2023, as a joint venture between West Palm Beach, Florida-based BrightNight and Toronto-based Cordelio Power LP, which is owned by the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. The joint venture company is called BOCA BN LLC. Read more >>
Arizona receives $12.5M for 3 water infrastructure projects
Arizona will receive over $12 million in federal funding to support three water infrastructure projects.
The funding is part of the $520 million from President Joe Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, which will be distributed to 57 projects across the country. Read more >>
Quieter, cleaner electric school buses hit Phoenix streets. Why they’re good for kids
The federal government has awarded funding for 47 new electric school buses to school districts across Phoenix, replacing gas-powered buses with zero-emission models.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Martha Guzman, regional administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, introduced some of the new fleet Tuesday with a ride-along at Isaac Middle School. The school received six electric buses from the EPA’s Clean School Bus fund. Read more >>
Charting A Path to Clean, Reliable, Affordable Energy Future
Transitioning to clean energy in Arizona isn’t just about reducing greenhouse gas pollution – it’s about securing a brighter future for all. With most pollution stemming from electricity generation, the clear solution is moving away from fossil fuels. Every commitment to renewable energy paves the way for cleaner air, healthier communities, and economic growth – because every ton of emissions reduced today sets in motion a cascade of positive impacts, echoing through generations. Read more >>
Forest thinning may provide water benefits downstream
Arizona’s wildfire season has begun, as several fires are burning across the state. Long-term drought and climate change contribute to the intensity of these fires, which are often human caused.
Following a wildfire in the state’s watersheds, rainfall washes ash and debris into rivers, the reservoirs that provide water to the Valley. When a large amount of debris fills the reservoirs, it reduces the capacity for water storage and can damage water infrastructure such as dams and water treatment plants. Read more >>
Federally Funded Center Relies on UArizona Expertise to Manage Extreme Heat
A new federal initiative will rely on University of Arizona research and scholarship to help communities across the U.S. create policies and take action to mitigate and manage extreme heat. The university’s involvement in a new Center for Heat Resilient Communities, which the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced Monday, will help translate climate research into policies and guidelines. Read more >>