Groups of US city mayors and representatives from state governments announced a delegation of officials who will attend climate talks for the US today, as the lack of a real US federal government with any interest in solving problems for Americans has led to lower, subnational representatives having to step up and do their job for them.
These groups all have different focuses and membership, but share the common thread that all of them consist of subnational US representatives who want to solve the problem of climate change. They include representatives from governments of all sizes – as small as, say, McCall, Idaho (population 3,686); to as large as California, the 4th largest economy in the world.
The groups announced a delegation that will attend several global climate events in the coming weeks, including the the UNFCCC June Climate Meetings in Bonn (June 16-26), London Climate Action Week (June 21-29), and a Paris Agreement 10-year anniversary event on June 23. Delegation members include:
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Laura Tierney, Vice President of International Programs, Business Council for Sustainable Energy
Mayor Kate Gallego, Climate Mayors Chair, C40 Steering Committee and Phoenix Mayor
Secretary Yana Garcia, California Environmental Protection Agency
Secretary Serena McIlwain, Maryland Department of the Environment
Elizabeth Lien, Program Director for America Is All In
Kate Wright, Executive Director, Climate Mayors
Nathan Hultman, Director of the Center for Global Sustainability
The delegation will work to showcase that, despite the backpedaling we see regarding US federal climate action, states and cities are ready to pick up the slack until US leadership returns.
Today’s move became necessary only due to the lack of a real US federal government that wants to work on solving the largest problem in human history.
Climate change is the biggest problem that humanity has ever caused for itself, and will take a concerted effort of people all over the globe to solve. Over the last century (and particularly over the last 30 years, where humanity emitted more than half of all-time global emissions), humans have collectively put significant effort into ignoring the environmental destruction we are causing, and so will need to reverse that damage with a global effort.
Currently, the atmosphere is at 430ppm CO2, while the safe historical level is around 350ppm. In order to get us back to a reasonable level, humanity needs to not only stop polluting, but also remove about a trillion tons of CO2 from the atmosphere. The more we pollute now, the more we’ll have to remove later, at much greater cost – so nothing is “too fast” as far as pollution reductions are concerned. Implementing drastic pollution reductions today will only save effort and misery for humanity in the long term.
This is a tall order, so cooperation from the world’s largest governments is necessary. To this end, the UN and other intergovernmental organizations host regular climate talks for countries to negotiate how we’re going to fix this problem in an equitable and efficient manner.
Like the last time a former reality TV host squatted in the White House (after receiving 3 million fewer votes than his opponent), it’s expected that the US federal government won’t be engaging in much climate diplomacy during the next 4 years, which are crucial to solving this immediate problem. In fact, that stint is what led to the formation of some of today’s groups in the first place.
That same former reality TV host (now also a convicted felon who further attempted an insurrection to overthrow a legitimate election, thus disqualifying him from holding office per the US Constitution) unfortunately stumbled into the White House again, after receiving more votes than his opponent for the first time, despite that US law barring him from running in the first place.
So, in their absence, states and mayors are having to step up.
Besides, in many parts of the world, climate action has been driven by cities. For example, several European cities have instituted low-emissions zones or congestion charges to reduce car dependency and pollution in the places most populated by people. These moves have worked to reduce pollution, and the US has seen success with a similar idea in NYC too.
However, despite that the majority of the world’s population now lives in cities, the problem of climate change is global and doesn’t just affect people where population density is the highest, but everywhere around the globe. For this reason, we need cooperation at the highest level – and a competent delegation from the federal government of the world’s largest historical emitter would be a nice thing to have, instead of relying on the mayor of the aforementioned McCall, Idaho to shoulder the burden (thank you, Mr. Giles, for your service).
Another thing the US government might destroy is the rooftop solar credit. That means you could have only until the end of this year to install rooftop solar on your home, before republicans raise the cost of doing so by an average of ~$10,000. So if you want to go solar, get started now, because these things take time and the system needs to be active before you file for the credit.
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Several European countries including Germany, Italy, Greece, the Netherlands and France have announced new LNG projects or the expansion to existing ones in response to shutdown of Russian gas pipelines.
Michael Sohn | Afp | Getty Images
So I’m sure you would have all seen U.S. President Donald Trump this week urged the European Union to impose tariffs of up to 100% on India and China to stop them buying cheap Russian oil.
A move that the U.S. administration said it would also match in an approach designed to ratchet up pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to talk seriously about peace in Ukraine.
This makes sense in many ways, as we all know – stop the flow of oil money, increase economic problems for Putin and force him to the peace table.
So far, so good…. and yet the accusations of double standards soon started flying out of New Delhi and elsewhere, and it’s fair to say India and other buyers of Russian commodities have a fair point.
Part of the problem is having the adequate supply of infrastructure to bring other kinds of energy sources into Europe, according to Italgas CEO Paolo Gallo.
And Italy is a “clear example [of] how we were able to significantly, massively reduce the importation of Russia, of Russian gas. But that is thanks to our speed to Eni, but thanks to our infrastructure. If we didn’t have the infrastructure, we couldn’t have switched from Russia to other source of LNG,” Gallo told me on Thursday.
Italy’s been going strong at building out its LNG infrastructure to reduce its dependency on Russian gas. Now, a big part in that effort’s come from energy firm Eni, in which the Italian government has a major share.
Let me remind you that Europe still imports vast quantities of Russian commodities, including liquified natural gas. In fact, Europe is still the biggest buyer of Russian LNG on the world market.
Yes, three years into the war and Europe is still buying 51% of Russian LNG!
And before we start pointing the finger at the usual recalcitrant EU suspects, let us remember that it’s not Slovakia or Hungary who are the biggest single country importers. No, this falls squarely on the shoulders of countries like France, Spain and Netherlands.
Astounded, confused disappointed? Well wait for this bit.
Despite promising to cut out all Russian LNG from the EU by the end of 2027, in the first six months of 2025 Europe grew — yes, grew — it’s hiked Russian LNG imports from 3.47 billion euros ($4 billion) to 4.48 billion euros’ worth.
As for the bloc’s bilateral trade with Russia? It was hitting 67.5 billion euros last year. You had imports from the region at 35.9 billion euros, properly dominated by fuel and mining products, and then you had EU exports to Russia not that far behind at 31.5 billion euros in 2024.
Double standards, hypocrisy, economic reality? I’ll let you make up your mind.
US EV sales set yet another record in August, with 146,332 EVs sold, according to the latest numbers from Cox Automotive’s Kelley Blue Book.
That gave EV sales in August a 9.9% share of total new car sales, up from 9.1% in July and the highest yet. With the federal EV tax credit set to expire on September 30, analysts say Q3 2025 is shaping up to be the strongest quarter for EV sales in US history. The current record holder is Q4 2024, when 365,824 EVs were sold.
Prices ticked higher, too. The average transaction price (ATP) for an EV in August was $57,245, 3.1% more than July’s revised lower ATP of $55,562. Year-over-year, though, EV prices were basically flat, down just 0.1%. The wave of EV sales also helped push up the overall market’s ATP.
Incentives, while not as high as July’s record, remained hefty. EV buyers received discounts averaging over $9,000 in August, equal to 16% of ATP. That’s more than double the incentive rate in the overall auto market and up from 13.6% a year ago.
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Tesla, still the US EV sales leader by far, is under pressure. Its ATP rose 2.9% in August to $54,468, which was still down 5.5% year-over-year. Tesla sales dropped 6.7% year-over-year, and the company’s share of the US EV market slid to 38% – its lowest point ever.
Stephanie Valdez Streaty, senior analyst at Cox Automotive, said, “The one constant in the automotive business is that fresh product sells well. While Tesla’s Model Y update has slowed the company’s sales decline, it’s not getting easier for the EV pioneer because the market is now flooded with all-new, fresh EVs from mainstream competitors – consumers have more choice than ever. The current surge in EV sales is being driven by product innovation, motivated dealers, and an urgency ahead of the IRA tax credit phase-out.”
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.
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Anker’s SOLIX Fan Fest Sale increases savings on power stations as high as 63% with deals starting from $120
Anker has launched its SOLIX Fan Fest Sale running through September 21, with up to 63% discounts on its massive power station and accessory lineup – which is an increase from the brand’s Labor Day event. Alongside the low prices we spotted on the EverFrost 2 electric coolers, as well as the launch deals on the new C1000 Gen 2 station, we also noticed the brand’s other recent release, the SOLIX F3000 Portable Power Station dropping to $1,649 shipped during this sale, which sits $1 under Amazon’s pricing. It fetches $2,599 at full price, with discounts having mostly gone as low as $1,699, unless the sales offered bonus savings that saw the cost drop to $1,614 or the one-time $1,599 rate we saw during Prime Day. The deal here is the third-best we have tracked, saving you $950 off the going rate and bringing you one of the latest, upgraded backup power solutions from the Anker flag.
Unlike the new C1000 Gen 2 station, which is a more compact backup option, Anker’s SOLIX F3000 power station brings a whole lot more punch to its game, as it starts with a 3,072Wh LiFePO4 battery capacity that can expand up to 24kWh with investments into the compatible expansion batteries (bundles available below). There are 11 output ports to connect devices/appliances (including a TT-30R AC port for RV backup), which will receive up to 3,600W of power that can be doubled to 7,200W when two stations are connected together.
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One of the SOLIX F3000 power station’s notable upgraded features is the addition of passthrough charging, which it can receive from a generator for up to 3,600W of input, bringing extra versatility to emergency power failures. You’ll also have to options to plug into a standard AC outlet or even charge from an EV. There’s also the max 2,400W solar input that can have it fully recharged in under two hours with optimal sunlight.
***Note: Some of these power stations – particularly the F3800 models, which also get free protective covers – have automatic 5% extra savings that will be added in your cart. Those differences have not been factored in to bracket prices.
Tenways End of Season Sale drops 37-pound CGO600 Pro e-bikes to $1,599 with $217 in FREE gear ($2,116 value)
Tenways is continuing most of its Labor Day savings within its newly launched End of Season Sale, which is taking up to $500 off select e-bikes, while also offering an additional $200 discount when buying two. Among the lineup, Tenways’ popular CGO600 Pro Lightweight Commuter e-bikes (both the chain-drive and belt-drive variants) are dropping back down to $1,599 shipped, while also coming with $118 in free gear and a complimentary gift box (a $99 value). Coming down off its $1,899 full tag price, things have been taken lower in the past, though since March we’ve been seeing tariff hikes keep the price up at $1,599, with occasional falls lower to $1,499. You’re still getting a solid $517 savings package with this deal, not to mention the additional savings you can get buying two together and/or verifying your status as a medical provider, first responder, teacher, or military member (giving you an extra $150 off).
Bluetti’s new Elite 30 V2 power station bundled with a carrying case gets first discount to $259, more from $219
Through its official Amazon storefront, Bluetti is offering the first chance at savings on its new Elite 30 V2 Portable Power Station bundled with a carrying bag at $259 shipped, after clipping the on-page $140 off coupon, which is unavailable directly from the brand’s website and has no option to buy the bag separately. This bundle package just hit Amazon five days ago, carrying a $399 price tag, with today’s deal being a first-ever chance to save on it. All-in-all, you’re getting $140 in total savings that sets the bar for future discounts down the road.
Grab EGO’s carbon fiber telescopic pole saw with an LED guide light and 2.5Ah battery at its $299 low
Amazon is offering the EGO Power+ 56V 10-inch Cordless Carbon Fiber Telescopic LED Cut Line Indicator Pole Saw with 2.5Ah battery at $299 shipped. It’s been recently fetching around $389 at full price, with the discounts we’ve seen this year having dropped the costs to this same low rate twice before. It’s coming back around for a $90 markdown, letting you expand your outdoor arsenal at the best price we have tracked.
EGO’s modular Nexus power station with two 7.5Ah batteries can also refuel your arsenal at $899
At Amazon, you can currently find the EGO Power+ Nexus Portable Power Station with two 7.5Ah batteries at $899 shipped. This bundled package usually runs for $1,099 without discounts, which we’ve mostly seen keeping down near $999 with discounts. While these drops to $899 are usually rare sightings, the price has been holding out strong since mid-August, with no telling how much longer it may last. Aside from the $838 low we saw once back during Black Friday, you’re otherwise looking at the best tracked price, which saves you $200 off the going rate. If you already have a collection of EGO ARC batteries, you can pick the station up on its own for $593.
Greenworks’ framed 1,900 PSI electric pressure washer back at $120 while the 12-inch cleaner attachment is at $23 (Today only)
As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Greenworks 1,900 PSI Electric Framed Pressure Washer at $119.99 shipped (currently unavailable on Amazon and beating the brand’s direct website by $30), which is running parallel to the one-day-only discount we’re also seeing on the brand’s 12-inch Surface Cleaner Attachment at $22.99 shipped. That pressure washer would normally run you $200 at full price, with discounts mostly taking it to this rate or higher, more often as a one-day-only deal, which has only been beaten out by a one-time discount to $118. For the rest of the day, you can pick one up at $80 off to tackle your outdoor cleaning needs at the next-best price we have tracked – landing just $2 above the all-time low.
Gain more portable workspace with Worx’s Pegasus 2-in-1 folding table & sawhorse at $95 (Today only)
As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Worx Pegasus 2-in-1 Folding Work Table & Sawhorse at $94.99 shipped, which beats out Amazon’s pricing by $42. It usually fetches $140 to $150 at full price across various marketplaces, with discounts over the last year having mostly kept costs above $110, though we have spied some short-term falls as low as $90. For the rest of the day, you can pick it up here with a $55 markdown that lands it at the second-best price of the last 12 months – just $5 above the low we last saw in January.
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.