1. Arkansas county promotes free EV charging stations

Learning: "Pulaski County, Arkansas, is enhancing its commitment to sustainability by promoting free electric vehicle charging stations at the municipal administration building."

Implication: "The initiative, which features state-of-the-art stations accessible via the ChargePoint app, aims to reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable transportation options."
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2. Classic Grand Canyon Railway engine gets power makeover

Learning: "The Grand Canyon Railway is using a $3.4 million in federal grant to convert a classic diesel locomotive to battery power, enhancing visitor experience and preserving the environment. The converted locomotive will feature regenerative braking."

Implication: "Regenerative braking, a key feature of this project, allows electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles to convert kinetic energy from braking into electrical energy that recharges the vehicle's battery. For the new locomotive, this extends its range, allowing it to travel one full round trip on a single charge, according to Matador Network."

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3. American Express’ travel arm unveils emissions-based carbon pricing tool

Learning: "American Express Global Business Travel said its new tool will help business travelers calculate their carbon footprint and direct investments toward sustainability initiatives."

Implication: "The travel company said the tool will allow users to select a carbon calculation methodology from those offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, International Air Transport Association and CO2 Connect, among others, to price the carbon emissions generated during their travel.

Amex GBT — which is backed by Amex but operates separately from the financial services group — said last week that these carbon fees can be used to create a fund that supports green initiatives, such as sustainable aviation fuel, electric vehicles, research and development and other decarbonization projects."

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4. 9 US electric power sector issues to watch in 2025

Learning: "From rising electricity prices and demand to emerging opportunities and challenges around nuclear, VPPs, renewables and more... nine of the most important issues for the year ahead."

Implication: "2024 was a busy year for the U.S. power sector with a number of significant policy advancements in renewables, transmission, nuclear energy and other areas.

The year ahead will undoubtedly be an active one, too, as the sector navigates ongoing business challenges and the impacts of the 2024 elections."

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5. New, low-cost recycling process invented by LSU researchers

Learning: "Two LSU researchers have created a new, low-cost way to recycle plastic... The researchers' method uses electromagnetic induction heating along with special magnetic materials and catalysts to break down different types of plastic... The method allows the plastics to melt from the inside out, which they say is more energy efficient."

Implication: "The pair of researchers are working to patent the process with LSU's Office of Innovation & Technology Commercialization."