** A new directive that the Biden Administration quietly issued in September 2023 will accelerate the shift from the government buying fossil fuel vehicles to electric vehicles. The administration directed U.S. agencies to begin considering the social cost of greenhouse gases when making purchase decisions and implementing their budgets.
** U.S. Treasury Secretary said on Tuesday the United States has become overly dependent on China for critical supply chains, particularly in clean energy products and needs to broaden out sources of supply.
** The proposal from President Joe Biden’s administration to hike fuel economy standards through 2032 would end up costing automakers billions of dollars. It would reportedly cost General Motors about $6.5 billion and Stellantis $3 billion. Additionally, Ford would be on the hook for about $1 billion.
** Home Depot this summer announced the goal of having over 85 percent of North America’s outdoor lawn equipment run on rechargeable battery technology by 2028. The home improvement retailer has stated that it will work with manufacturers to broaden its selection of battery-powered products, replacing gas-powered options. The transition would make a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
** Ford and General Motors said around 500 more workers have been temporarily laid off due to “knock-on effects” from the ongoing strike at Detroit’s “Big Three” automakers.
** Gov. ‘ administration on Monday announced two steps to stop a controversial Saudi Arabian company from using groundwater beneath state land in western Arizona to grow and export alfalfa.
World
** From the rebel-held northwest to government-controlled areas, solar panels have become common in Syria, providing power for homes, public institutions and even camps for the displaced.
** China voiced dissatisfaction on Wednesday at a demand by the European Union to engage within a “very short” time in consultations on the bloc’s inquiry into subsidies for electric vehicles.
** The president of the upcoming COP28 climate talks told an Abu Dhabi oil conference on Monday that the fossil fuel industry would play an essential role in addressing the climate crisis.
** An $850 million road project connecting copper and cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo through Zambia to an East African port will cut more than 150 miles from the existing journey, according to the company building it.
** shamed and challenged world leaders on Wednesday to commit to binding targets to slow climate change before it’s too late, warning that God’s increasingly warming creation is fast reaching a “point of no return.”