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Energy and Environment Latest News

President Obama has take unprecedented action to build the foundation for a clean energy economy, tackle the issue of climate change, and protext our environment. See the Energy and Environment section for more information.

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Changing the Game on Water, One Year Later

A year after the White House launched a new water innovation strategy, the Administration continues to act to mobilize innovators and investors and meet our targets.
December 15, 2016 at 5:00 PM ET by Ali Zaidi

U.S. Lands Play a Key Role in Addressing Climate Change

In the coming decades, the land sector will be crucial to meeting our net greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.
December 2, 2016 at 5:55 PM ET by Dan Utech

White House Electric Vehicle Datathon: Unlocking New Opportunities through Data

The White House is hosting its first-ever Electric Vehicle Datathon, and nominations for participation are now open. Don't miss your chance to join the discussion!
November 18, 2016 at 2:00 PM ET by Candace Vahlsing, and Austin Brown

New Actions to Tackle Climate through Sports

Responding to a call to action issued this summer, teams, venues, leagues, schools, and organizations are announcing new actions to use sports to combat climate change.
October 6, 2016 at 1:32 PM ET by Amanda Stone

President Obama Marks an Historic Moment in Our Global Efforts to Combat Climate Change

Today, President Obama thanked nations across the world for working to bring the Paris Agreement into force.
October 5, 2016 at 4:11 PM ET by Tanya Somanader

Big News on Climate at the United Nations General Assembly

At the United Nations General Assembly, President Obama's Administration committed to undertaking several important climate actions. Here's what you need to know.
September 23, 2016 at 5:20 PM ET by John Morton

The Offshore Wind Industry Has Wind at Their Back

Today, the Departments of Energy and Interior announced the publication of a collaborative strategic plan to accelerate the development of offshore wind in the U.S.
September 9, 2016 at 2:45 PM ET by Dan Utech

Clean Energy in a Revitalized Spartanburg

The first Clean Energy Savings for All Summit highlights the Arkwright Solar Farm as a crowning achievement of the revitalization efforts in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
August 31, 2016 at 4:05 PM ET by Rohan Patel

President Obama Designates the World's Largest Marine Protected Area

Today’s expansion of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument will permanently protect pristine coral reefs, marine habitats, and ecological resources.
August 26, 2016 at 2:38 PM ET by Cassandra Marketos

Strengthening Tools to Account for Damages from Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Regulatory Analysis

We are incorporating advice from the National Academies of Sciences into the social cost of carbon, and releasing new estimates for methane and nitrous oxide.
August 26, 2016 at 2:00 PM ET by Howard Shelanski, Jay Shambaugh

Experience Yosemite National Park in Virtual Reality with President Obama

Join President Obama on a 360-degree tour of Yosemite National Park, an iconic example of "America's best idea."
August 25, 2016 at 10:00 AM ET by Kori Schulman

President Obama Designates National Monument in Maine's North Woods

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, President Obama designated the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.
August 24, 2016 at 9:50 AM ET by Melanie Garunay

Email from Cheyenne: Find your park this week!

Cheyenne, a rising fifth grader from Maryland, writes about the upcoming National Park Centennial.
August 22, 2016 at 4:14 PM ET by Amanda Stone

Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Body Releases its Draft Regional Ocean Action Plan for Public Comment

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Body has released the Nation’s second, draft marine plan for public comment.
July 13, 2016 at 10:26 AM ET by Jennifer Lee, Deerin Babb-Brott

Tackling Climate Through Sports

The White House is inviting athletes, organizations, schools, and teams to submit ideas and commitments on ways to act on climate through sports.
July 11, 2016 at 4:15 PM ET by Laura Petes, Robert Strickling, Becky Kreutter

Award-winning “Trash Talk” Video Explains Marine Debris and What We Can Do About It

NOAA video highlights the challenge of marine debris—a topic of ongoing action under the National Ocean Policy.
July 11, 2016 at 9:07 AM ET by Jennifer Lee

The Economic Benefits of a 50 Percent Target for Clean Energy Generation by 2025

A new target for 50 percent clean energy generation across North America will help the environment, foster growing industries, and support hundreds of thousands of jobs.
June 29, 2016 at 8:00 AM ET by Jason Furman, Brian Deese

Three Years of Action under the Climate Action Plan

Three years after the President announced the Climate Action Plan, the Administration is still all in on action on climate change and clean energy at home and abroad.
June 28, 2016 at 6:00 PM ET by Dan Utech

It’s Time to Accelerate Climate and Conservation Action, Not to Pull Back

The way we allocate taxpayer dollars needs to be responsible – and responsive to the effects of climate change we’re seeing around the world.
June 22, 2016 at 3:30 PM ET by Ali Zaidi

The Bees, the Butterflies, and You.

OSTP invites you to plot your part in the next American evolution!
June 22, 2016 at 3:00 PM ET by Bruce Rodan

New Commitments to Accelerate Investment in the Clean-Energy Transformation

Government and private sector leadership continue to work together to transition new clean-energy technologies from lab to market.
June 2, 2016 at 3:30 PM ET by John P. Holdren, Dan Utech

Administration Takes Historic Action to Reduce Methane Emissions for the Oil and Gas Sector

Today, EPA announced strong steps to address methane emissions from the oil and gas sector for both new and existing sources.
May 12, 2016 at 2:45 PM ET by Dan Utech

Email from President Obama: "Our Responsibility to Act"

On Earth Day, ahead of the signing of the Paris Agreement, President Obama sent a message to the White House email list on America's leadership on climate change.
April 22, 2016 at 11:55 AM ET by Tanya Somanader

Get the Facts: How Climate Change Can Affect Your Health

With the release of a new report on the health impacts of climate change, it's critical to have the tools and knowledge to stay healthy.
April 5, 2016 at 7:18 PM ET by Cassandra Marketos, Deputy Director of Digital Outbound

Here's Why the U.S. and China Are Signing the Historic Paris Agreement on Earth Day

On April 22, the U.S. and China will both sign and join the global agreement to combat climate change.
March 31, 2016 at 3:25 PM ET by Cassandra Marketos

What Makes a Mineral “Critical”?

A systematic approach to screening minerals for potential criticality was developed by Federal agencies, as described in a National Science and Technology Council report.
March 18, 2016 at 10:46 AM ET by Altaf H. (Tof) Carim

America is Building a Clean-Energy Economy with Unprecedented Momentum

The Department of Energy's ARPA-E Summit showcases American clean-energy leadership and transformative energy technologies.
March 3, 2016 at 5:58 PM ET by John P. Holdren, Dan Utech

In Photos: President Obama Designates 3 National Monuments in California

President Obama has protected more acres of public lands and water than any Administration in American history
February 17, 2016 at 7:22 PM ET by Tanya Somanader, Clay Dumas

Releasing New Guidance Under the National Ocean Policy

Announcing the release of the National Ocean Council's 2016 Annual Work Plan and Guidance on Marine Plans.
February 12, 2016 at 10:43 AM ET by Beth Kerttula

Weekly Address: Doubling Our Clean Energy Funding to Address the Challenge of Climate Change

In this week’s address, the President discussed how the most ambitious climate agreement in history is advancing the latest technologies in clean power.
February 6, 2016 at 6:00 AM ET by Melanie Garunay

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Get Updates

Changing the Game on Water, One Year Later

A year after the White House launched a new water innovation strategy, the Administration continues to act to mobilize innovators and investors and meet our targets.
December 15, 2016 at 5:00 PM ET by Ali Zaidi

U.S. Lands Play a Key Role in Addressing Climate Change

In the coming decades, the land sector will be crucial to meeting our net greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.
December 2, 2016 at 5:55 PM ET by Dan Utech

White House Electric Vehicle Datathon: Unlocking New Opportunities through Data

The White House is hosting its first-ever Electric Vehicle Datathon, and nominations for participation are now open. Don't miss your chance to join the discussion!
November 18, 2016 at 2:00 PM ET by Candace Vahlsing, and Austin Brown

New Actions to Tackle Climate through Sports

Responding to a call to action issued this summer, teams, venues, leagues, schools, and organizations are announcing new actions to use sports to combat climate change.
October 6, 2016 at 1:32 PM ET by Amanda Stone

Big News on Climate at the United Nations General Assembly

At the United Nations General Assembly, President Obama's Administration committed to undertaking several important climate actions. Here's what you need to know.
September 23, 2016 at 5:20 PM ET by John Morton

The Offshore Wind Industry Has Wind at Their Back

Today, the Departments of Energy and Interior announced the publication of a collaborative strategic plan to accelerate the development of offshore wind in the U.S.
September 9, 2016 at 2:45 PM ET by Dan Utech

Clean Energy in a Revitalized Spartanburg

The first Clean Energy Savings for All Summit highlights the Arkwright Solar Farm as a crowning achievement of the revitalization efforts in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
August 31, 2016 at 4:05 PM ET by Rohan Patel

Email from Cheyenne: Find your park this week!

Cheyenne, a rising fifth grader from Maryland, writes about the upcoming National Park Centennial.
August 22, 2016 at 4:14 PM ET by Amanda Stone

Honoring Students and Teachers at the 2016 Presidential Environmental Education Ceremony

The Administration awards students and teachers tackling environmental challenges with innovative projects and STEM curriculum.
August 15, 2016 at 6:23 PM ET by Gina McCarthy

Weekly Address: Providing a Better, Cleaner, Safer Future for Our Children

In this week's address, President Obama discussed the progress we have made to combat global climate change.
August 13, 2016 at 6:00 AM ET by Amanda Stone

Nominate a White House Champion of Change for Sustainable Seafood

Help us identify Champions who are helping the ongoing recovery of America’s fishing industry and fishing communities.
August 10, 2016 at 3:18 PM ET by Secretary Penny Pritzker, Christy Goldfuss

The Economic Benefits of a 50 Percent Target for Clean Energy Generation by 2025

A new target for 50 percent clean energy generation across North America will help the environment, foster growing industries, and support hundreds of thousands of jobs.
June 29, 2016 at 8:00 AM ET by Jason Furman, Brian Deese

Three Years of Action under the Climate Action Plan

Three years after the President announced the Climate Action Plan, the Administration is still all in on action on climate change and clean energy at home and abroad.
June 28, 2016 at 6:00 PM ET by Dan Utech

New Commitments to Accelerate Investment in the Clean-Energy Transformation

Government and private sector leadership continue to work together to transition new clean-energy technologies from lab to market.
June 2, 2016 at 3:30 PM ET by John P. Holdren, Dan Utech

Clean Energy By the Numbers

The numbers show the truth. Leaders from all sectors, all levels of government, and all around the world are committing to remain all-in on clean energy.
June 2, 2016 at 1:45 PM ET by Ali Zaidi, John Morton

Administration Takes Historic Action to Reduce Methane Emissions for the Oil and Gas Sector

Today, EPA announced strong steps to address methane emissions from the oil and gas sector for both new and existing sources.
May 12, 2016 at 2:45 PM ET by Dan Utech

America is Building a Clean-Energy Economy with Unprecedented Momentum

The Department of Energy's ARPA-E Summit showcases American clean-energy leadership and transformative energy technologies.
March 3, 2016 at 5:58 PM ET by John P. Holdren, Dan Utech

Department of Energy Announces $220 Million for the Grid Modernization Initiative

The Department of Energy unveiled new steps in its Grid Modernization Initiative to make our Nation’s electrical power grid more affordable, resilient, and sustainable.
January 14, 2016 at 4:30 PM ET by Dan Utech

What You Need to Know About How President Obama is Fighting Climate Change

Earlier this month in Paris, the world came together to announce the most ambitious global agreement ever to combat climate change. Watch a message from the President.
December 22, 2015 at 1:58 PM ET by Alex Wall

Announcing: "Mission Innovation"

President Obama joins world leaders in announcing “Mission Innovation” to dramatically accelerate global clean energy innovation to address climate change.
November 29, 2015 at 7:01 PM ET by Paul Bodnar, Dave Turk

In Ongoing Response to Hurricane Sandy, We Must Remain Focused on Climate Change's Long-Term Impacts

Since Hurricane Sandy made landfall, the Administration has invested in hard-hit communities to ensure that they don’t just rebuild, but rebuild smarter.
October 29, 2015 at 10:00 AM ET by Shaun Donovan

Unprecedented Collaboration to Save Sage-Grouse is the Largest Wildlife Conservation Effort in U.S.

Thanks to the strong conservation efforts of various western leaders, the Greater Sage-Grouse no longer requires protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
September 22, 2015 at 2:27 PM ET by Christy Goldfuss, Secretary Sally Jewell, Secretary Tom Vilsack

The Current State of Energy Technology

The Department of Energy releases the second Quadrennial Technology Review (QTR), exploring the current state of technologies and R&D in key energy sectors.
September 10, 2015 at 8:19 PM ET by John P. Holdren, Secretary Ernest Moniz

West Wing Week 9/4/15 or, "Let's Go to Alaska!"

Welcome to a very special Dispatches edition of West Wing Week, where we go behind the scenes as the President travels in Alaska.
September 4, 2015 at 4:47 PM ET by Hope Hall

Every Kid in a Park Kicks Off at Red Rock Canyon

President Obama’s Every Kid in a Park initiative entitles all fourth graders and their families to a free pass for a full year to visit federal lands and waters.
September 2, 2015 at 4:58 PM ET by Secretary Sally Jewell, Christy Goldfuss

In Alaska, President Obama Takes Over the White House Instagram

The President takes over the White House Instagram account during his trip to Alaska.
September 2, 2015 at 3:26 PM ET by Kori Schulman

What I Saw in Alaska

OSTP Director John Holdren reflects on the two days he and other senior OSTP officials spent traveling in Alaska this past weekend.
September 1, 2015 at 10:09 AM ET by John P. Holdren

Weekly Address: Meeting the Global Threat of Climate Change

The President speaks about his upcoming trip to Alaska, during which he will view the effects of climate change firsthand.
August 29, 2015 at 6:00 AM ET by Amanda Stone

Continuing to Drive Methane Emission Reductions

Today the EPA announced proposed standards to directly reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector to help address climate change.
August 18, 2015 at 6:20 PM ET by Dan Utech

The Administration Takes a Big Step in Addressing Climate-Damaging HFCs

The Obama Administration today took decisive action on climate change by curbing the use of the potent greenhouse gases known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
July 2, 2015 at 12:30 PM ET by Brian Deese and Dan Utech