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3 years ago

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climate

The Los Angeles City Council has voted 12-0 to ban new oil wells within the city, and to phase out all current oil wells within 20 years or less.

Los Angeles may not be famous nationally for oil, as that industry is typically associated with other states, and California is thought to be an environmental leader. While the state does push forward environmental policy, there is actually a long history of oil production in Southern California, with the state at one point making up 38% of the entire US national supply of oil largely due to production from these fields in LA.

But California’s oil industry has been in decline from its early dominance. As the state moves away from fossil fuels (and other states don’t), tens of thousands of wells have gone idle statewide and the companies operating them often do not have the money to close them down properly, leaving to a potential multibillion-dollar problem for the state going forward.

The oil fields in LA are often situated directly in dense areas of the city, with consequent health effects on the populations which live nearest to them. And importantly, these areas of the city tend to have higher concentrations of black and brown residents, meaning the negative health effects of oil drilling are felt in a racially disproportionate manner.

Beyond the global climate and air pollution effects of burning oil, oil drilling has negative local effects on human health. It causes cancer, liver damage, immunodeficiency, neurological problems, respiratory issues, birth defects, and the list goes on.

LA county’s oil wells have been called the largest system of urban oil production in the country due to their proximity to dense housing. Currently, there are 26 oil and gas fields and 5,000 wells in the city, not all of which are active, and two drill sites on city-owned properties. The highest concentration of them are in the Harbor region, near the port of Long Beach.

The push to ban these wells was largely led by local political groups Stand Together Against Neighborhood Drilling, East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice, and Communities for a Better Environment. They have been working for decades to stop oil drilling in the city.

Los Angeles city’s new move not only bans new oil wells, but also directs all oil companies operating in the city to plan to shut down in a maximum of 20 years. Beyond that, the city will conduct their own studies to determine whether individual companies operating in the city can recoup their investments in less than 20 years. If they can, they may be forced to shut down even sooner.

The vote was opposed by the California Independent Petroleum Association, which represents independent oil and gas producers in California and threatened to explore legal avenues to block the move. They incorrectly claimed that oil production does not have detrimental health effects, even though it does.

They also suggested that this would result in increased imports of oil into Los Angeles and therefore more associated pollution from oil tankers in the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Finally, they pointed to a 2020 study by a consulting group which claimed that the oil industry is responsible for $250 million in tax revenue for the city. This number represents about 2% of LA’s budget, or about as much as the city spends annually on public parks.

Electrek’s Take

Well, this is just great news that we hope to see in more places as soon as possible. And on the same day as the first ban on natural gas by a county on the US East Coast. Let’s hope this momentum goes somewhere.

I’ve seen and driven past these oil fields many times, and they sure do contribute to a sense of blight in the city. In fact, when I went up to test drive the electric Arcimoto FUV at a nice urban park, we didn’t realize this park was right next to a massive oil field. Which led to an ironic juxtaposition in the background of one of our rolling shots:

But that’s just aesthetics. The real issue here is the health of the residents. And while it will take a while for that to turn around, the earlier we start the better.

In particular, the fact that the city will conduct independent studies to determine how long it will take companies to recoup investments is hilarious to me. I love the idea that the city will shut down wells as soon as they become profitable.

Of course, I’d rather they shut them down immediately and let the oil companies lose money, as they deserve to for harming people and lying for so long, but at least it’s one step better than letting them continue to profit for decades.

The oil companies’ objections to this are also ridiculous, as most oil industry statements are. First they start with a lie stating that oil drilling doesn’t harm human health, as we’re used to hearing from them.

But then they turn around and claim that shutting down oil production will actually be bad for the environment, because then Los Angeles will have to import more oil from dirty polluting oil tankers. So… you’re saying oil is the problem then? Well, good point! Maybe we should shut it down then! Thank you California Independent Petroleum Association, good suggestion!

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Environment

This 50% recycled glass solar panel performs like brand new

Published

13 hours ago

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August 2, 2025

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This 50% recycled glass solar panel performs like brand new

recycled glass solar panel
Photo: SOLARCYCLE

Solar panel recycler SOLARCYCLE and Arizona State University just proved that solar panels made with recycled glass work just as well as new ones.

In a new collaboration with Arizona State’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, the solar recycling company created a prototype solar panel – what they call a “mini module”– using 50% recycled glass pulled from end-of-life solar panels. The mini module matched the performance of panels made entirely with new materials.

The research was led by Dr. Zachary Holman, Arizona State’s vice dean for research and innovation, and his team. Researcher Kate Fisher built and tested two sets of panels: one using only new glass, and the other using a 50/50 mix of new and recycled glass cullet. The recycled material came from panels processed using SOLARCYCLE’s technology.

Using industry-standard power conversion efficiency tests, the results were clear: There was no statistically significant difference in how the two types of panels performed.

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“This is exactly the kind of result we hope for when industry and academia collaborate,” said Holman. “Together, we proved that you don’t have to sacrifice performance to build solar panels more sustainably.”

This isn’t just a one-off science experiment. SOLARCYCLE says the recycled-glass panel is part of a bigger plan to make solar manufacturing more circular – and less wasteful. The company plans to build a solar glass factory in Cedartown, Georgia, next to its existing recycling factory. It’ll be the first in the world to use recycled cullet like this at commercial scale.

“By proving we can manufacture new solar panels using recycled materials that produce at peak performance levels, we’re taking a major step toward making the solar industry more sustainable, scalable, and self-reliant,” said SOLARCYCLE’s CTO and co-founder, Pablo Dias.

Read more: SOLARCYCLE’s new plant will recycle 25% of all US end-of-life solar panels in 2030

The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

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Environment

EcoFlow TRAIL power stations launch from $113, Exclusive Bluetti Apex 300 savings (up to $3,150 off), Lectric Back to School Sale, more

Published

17 hours ago

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August 1, 2025

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EcoFlow TRAIL power stations launch from 3, Exclusive Bluetti Apex 300 savings (up to ,150 off), Lectric Back to School Sale, more

We’re closing this week’s Green Deals coverage with some major launches and one of our favorite e-bike brand’s next big sale, starting with the launch of EcoFlow’s new TRAIL 200 DC 60,000mAh and TRAIL 300 DC 90,000mAh power stations, along with plenty of bundle options and some extra savings – all starting from $113. Following right behind it is the exclusive early-bird savings (up to $3,150) on Bluetti’s new Apex 300 Versatile Power Station and bundles that start from $1,439, as well as Lectric’s Back to School Sale that is taking up to $654 off e-bike bundles, with many seeing increased packages, like the XP Lite 2.0 Long-Range e-bikes that are getting $365 in free gear starting from $999. We also have Greenworks’ Pro-grade 2,700 PSI electric pressure washer back at its 2025 low, as well as Worx’s 20V PowerShare 10-inch cordless chainsaw, and more waiting for you below. Plus, all the hangover savings at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s exclusive new ENGWE Engine Pro 2.0 folding e-bike low price, Anker’s eufy SoloCam S220 solar security camera savings, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

EcoFlow launches new TRAIL 60,000mAh and 90,000mAh power stations with bundles, free gear, and extra savings from $113

EcoFlow is launching its newest and most compact series of power stations with some significant savings, starting with the TRAIL 200 DC 60,000mAh Portable Power Station at $113.05 shipped, after using the code 25EFTRAFF at checkout for an additional 5% off, while the TRAIL 300 DC 90,000mAh Portable Power Station is at $151.05 shipped, after using the same promo code – and both are also getting a free RAPID 30W GaN Charger ($26 value) along with the purchase. These two new personal backup power solutions will go for $200 and $250 at full price, getting cut down to $119 and $159 in initial discounts, but you’ll also be shedding an extra $6 and $8 thanks to the bonus savings code – for combined $113 and $125 markdowns (including the free chargers) that set the bar for future discounts. Head below to learn more and browse all the bundle offers.

These new EcoFlow TRAIL 200 DC and 300 DC power stations are the brand’s most compact backup power solutions to date, rivaling Anker’s PowerCore Reserve/C200 DC/C300 DC stations in their portability and performance. The 200 DC model weighs in at four pounds and sports a 60,000mAh LiFePO4 battery, while the 300 DC is under six pounds, sitting higher at a 90,000mAh LiFePO4 capacity. You’ll get up to 220W and 300W output power with these units, with the 200 DC providing two 12W USB-A ports, a 140W USB-C port, and a 100W USB-C port, while the 300 DC has the same USB-A ports but two 140W USB-C ports and a 120W car outlet.

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The EcoFlow TRAIL DC power stations come with loads of protection measures against overvoltage, overloading, short circuiting, various temperature spikes or drops, overcurrent, and more. There are also built-in woven handles that make carrying them all the easier, though with their small designs, they can also easily stow away inside your bag. You can charge both via a standard wall outlet at up to 200W or 280W speeds, with the 300 DC bringing a 110W max solar input into the mix for solar charging.

***Note: The extra savings has not been factored into any of the prices below, so be sure to use the code 25EFTRAFF at checkout for an additional 5% off your order. All the following offers also come with a free RAPID 30W GaN Charger too!

EcoFlow TRAIL power station launch offers:

Bluetti Apex 300 versatile power station

Score up to $3,150 in exclusive savings on Bluetti’s new Apex 300 versatile power station and bundles starting from $1,439

Bluetti is officially launching its new Apex 300 Versatile Power Station along with several bundle options at up to $2,600 off in initial early-bird discounts alongside an exclusive 10% bonus savings for our readers. Things start with the lone Apex 300 Power Station at $1,439.10 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5TOYS10F at checkout for an additional 10% off your order. This new backup power unit will normally fetch $2,399 at full price once the early-bird savings ends, but you can take advantage of these first-time savings now to score a $960 markdown that sets the bar for future discounts in the future. Head below to get the rundown on this station’s capabilities and check out the many bundle offers also available.

If you want to learn more about this all-new power station’s monstrous capabilities and the many bundle offers we’re seeing during this launch, be sure to check out our original coverage of these exclusive deals here.

lectric xp lite 2.0 e-bike

Head back to school on Lectric’s XP Lite 2.0 folding e-bikes with $365 in free gear from $999, more bundles up to $654 off

Lectric has launched its Back to School Sale that is offering up to $654 in free gear accompanying e-bike purchases, with a bunch of models seeing increased bundle sizes this time around – plus some select accessory savings too. One such model is the XP Lite 2.0 Long-Range e-bikes that are all coming with $365 in free gear at $999 shipped, while the XP Lite 2.0 JW Long-Range e-bike gets the same bundle at $1,099 shipped. You’d normally have to pay $1,364 and $1,464, respectively for these same packages at full price, but as you’re likely aware by now, the savings come in the form of the bundled gear rather than actual price cuts on the bikes themselves. We’ve been seeing these models getting much smaller bundles between $100 and $200 over the last few months, but now they’re increasing in size just in time for students prepping for their upcoming class commutes. Head below for more on these and the other deals during this sale.

If you want to learn more about these lightweight models or the other e-bike bundle deals, be sure to check out our original coverage of this sale here.

greenworks pro 2,700 PSI electric pressure washer stands in driveway in front of garage door

Get 2,700 PSI power through this Greenworks Pro-grade electric pressure washer + foam cannon at $360

Amazon is bringing back the best pricing of 2025 on the Greenworks Pro 2,700 PSI Electric Pressure Washer with Foam Cannon at $359.99 shipped. This particular model with the added foam cannon bundle isn’t available directly from the brand’s website, with it normally fetching $450 at full price. In 2025 we’ve seen three previous discounts to this same repeating rate, with today’s deal following suit for a fourth-time opportunity, giving you a 20% markdown for $90 in savings at the second-best price we have tracked – $45 above the all-time low last spotted during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.

If you want to learn more about this electric pressure washer, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

man cutting log with Worx 20V PowerShare 10-inch cordless chainsaw

Worx’s 6.2-pound 20V PowerShare 10-inch cordless chainsaw returns to annual $100 low, more from $158

Amazon is returning the best 2025 pricing on the Worx 20V PowerShare 10-inch Cordless Chainsaw for $99.99 shipped. It’s coming down off its usual $120 price tag, and is currently going for as much directly from the brand’s website. It was priced down to $104 during Prime Day, with that rate beaten out here today as the best price we have tracked in 2025 – landing it just $11 above the all-time low that we haven’t seen in quite some time. Head below to learn more about this model and its pole saw bundle counterpart option.

If you want to learn more about this model or its pole/chainsaw upgrade package, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

Best Summer EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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Environment

Trump just killed all offshore wind zones as US power needs surge

Published

17 hours ago

on

August 1, 2025

By

Trump just killed all offshore wind zones as US power needs surge

Trump offshore wind zones
Photo: Avangrid

Trump’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is rescinding every single Wind Energy Area (WEA) in US federal waters, wiping out over 3.5 million acres of zones once earmarked for offshore wind development.

This masochistic move is part of Trump’s January 2025 executive order halting all offshore wind leasing and ordering a review of wind permitting. It follows a new directive from his Interior Department — “Ending Preferential Treatment for Unreliable, Foreign-Controlled Energy Sources.”

This is pure propaganda politics, not energy policy.

Trump has spent years spreading lies about offshore wind farms, from calling them “bird graveyards” to wrongly blaming them for whale deaths. Now his administration is taking a wrecking ball to one of the country’s most promising clean energy industries – just as the aging US grid faces unprecedented strain from climate change, EV adoption, and the explosion of data centers that demand massive electricity.

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Offshore wind is not unreliable. It’s already producing clean power for homes and businesses all over the world, including the US. In fact, many of the world’s most successful offshore wind developers — including European firms — have decades of experience building turbines in deep waters and tough weather. These companies work hand-in-hand with US firms, bringing expertise and creating good-paying American jobs, from manufacturing to port construction to long-term operations and maintenance.

The government’s rollback affects critical areas for future wind projects in the Gulf of Maine, New York Bight, Central Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, California, and Oregon. By removing these designated offshore zones, Trump’s BOEM is essentially canceling the roadmap for the US’s offshore wind future – one that would have powered millions of homes, stabilized energy costs, and brought climate benefits when we need them most.

Jason Walsh, executive director of the BlueGreen Alliance, released a statement in response to this destructive decision:

Donald Trump should support the country’s progress and do everything he can to foster more resources for the people. Instead, he is trying to wipe an entire sector of the energy industry off the board at a time when our electric grid is overburdened and electric bills are rising. Attacking offshore wind will put America behind its foreign competitors, kill jobs, and weaken our energy sector.

This isn’t just an energy issue – it’s a jobs issue, a climate issue, and a national competitiveness issue. At a time when we need more power on the grid, more affordable energy, and more tools to fight climate change, the Trump administration is deliberately dismantling a homegrown solution. We will all pay for it with our wallets, and our kids will pay with their futures. Europe and China’s offshore wind industries are leaving the US in the dust.

Read more: Trump blocked wind projects, and now 17 states and DC are suing

The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

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