Between 2005 and 2023, U.S. carbon dioxide emissions fell by 20%, with per capita emissions dropping by 30%. All states saw declines, led by Maryland at 49%. Emissions declined again in 2024 but are expected to rise in 2025 as energy demand from AI data centers and electrification grows. Meanwhile, global climate politics show mounting …
News Tag: Institute for Energy Research
Media Misleads the Public on Wind and Solar Power’s Cost and Environmental Impacts
A recent survey shows that Americans want a stronger power grid and affordable, clean energy, but the reality of wind and solar is more complex. These technologies require carbon-intensive materials like steel, cement, and plastics, have shorter lifespans than fossil fuel or nuclear plants, and create significant disposal challenges. Media narratives often label them as …
As Renewable Energy Increases in the Generation Mix, Power Outages Grow
Texas and California lead the nation in power outages and in wind and solar generation. Since 2019, there have been 263 power outages across Texas–more than any other state–each lasting an average of 160 minutes and impacting an estimated average of 172,000 Texans. From 2019 to 2023, California had 221 power outages, ranking second, and …
