PSE Healthy Energy

The United States relies on more than 1,000 natural gas- and oil-fired peaker power plants across the country. Our recently refreshed peaker plant analysis explores where replacing aging peaker power plants with #cleanenergy and battery storage is not only viable, but can result in the greatest benefits for the grid and nearby communities. Access data on peaker plants across nine U.S. states with our updated interactive tools: https://lnkd.in/gvDm7Rv9??? ?

NEW: Whether homes will continue to burn gas or transition to electricity to power appliances is the source of heated debate in many cities. Our Executive Director, Seth B.C. Shonkoff, PhD, MPH, explains why these policies matter for the climate and public health. Research by PSE Healthy Energy scientists has found that the gas used in homes throughout North America contains a range of hazardous air pollutants, including the carcinogen benzene. In the city of Vancouver, gas samples contained nearly twice as much benzene as other cities tested, resulting in potential exposures that are nearly double Canada’s proposed limit. While Vancouver may have regulated gas heat in new buildings primarily as a climate policy, the science is clear that it’s also a health decision. Read the full op-ed here: https://bit.ly/3UQQpxM

Did you know that methane is often emitted alongside hazardous pollutants like benzene—a known carcinogen? This means sources of #methane emissions may pose risks for public health, as well as the climate. Our Methane + Health Initiative is focused on advancing scientific research on methane sources throughout society to support comprehensive, science-based solutions. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gdZ-ddDD?

We're #hiring for a Development Manager to join our dynamic, fast-paced team! You'll oversee the entire lifecycle of development projects, ensuring organizational alignment and guiding team members towards ambitious fundraising goals. Apply today: https://lnkd.in/gGZceq8w

What’s the cost of a power outage? It depends how you do the math. Historically, power outage impacts have been determined using economic factors such as income and property values. Yet research suggests these calculations consistently underestimate the impacts of power outages on low-income and disadvantaged households. A new report from PSE Healthy Energy proposes a fresh approach. By modifying equity-focused metrics—such as energy affordability ratios, energy burdens, and energy affordability gaps—to include resilience considerations, policymakers can target resilience, efficiency, and affordability investments in at-need communities, ensuring more equity and energy resilience over time.?https://lnkd.in/ghC3Z-yR

Our scientists are in Montreal this week at the International Society of Exposure Science's #ISES2024! If you're attending, swing by Thursday's Exposure Assessment symposium to learn how we're leveraging satellite ?? data to model potential air quality impacts and health and safety risks of #methane super emitters. Staying home? Learn more about this research through our Methane + Health Initiative: https://lnkd.in/gdZ-ddDD

Are you attending American Public Health Association's Annual Meeting in Minneapolis? Join PSE Healthy Energy, RMI, American Lung Association, Public Health Law Center, and Green & Healthy Homes Initiative for a session exploring the current state of research, innovations, and community-driven solutions to promote healthier living environments.? https://lnkd.in/gJtdZT3S #publichealth

We're #hiring for a Staff Accountant. This role will support our Director of Finance and serve as the first point of contact for PSE Healthy Energy staff, including providing general financial assistance, information, and training. This position is fully remote. Apply today!

For decades, Kern County has been the epicenter of California’s oil and gas industry. To help community members better understand how emissions from oil and gas affect air quality, PSE Healthy Energy partnered with the Central California Environmental Justice Network for a pilot project to survey air pollution. PSE scientists installed state-of-the-art air quality monitors into the back of a Rivian, allowing them to take mobile air quality measurements. The team then traced the #climate-pollutant methane and a range of volatile organic compounds throughout Kern County, following a map of known oil and gas wells created by the team at CCEJN. Learn more about this work in our latest blog: https://lnkd.in/gPnxDCdq

Thanks to everyone who joined us at Climate Week for the Emerging Methane Solutions panel. And a special thanks to Emily Pontecorvo from Heatmap News for moderating a great discussion! We're looking forward to working with Carbon Mapper, Global Methane Hub, and other innovators delivering new state-of-the-art #methane data to advance the science and solutions needed to protect the climate, air quality, and human health. #ClimateWeekNYC