Ari Plachta
@ariplachta.bsky.social
Oil & gas researcher @fieldnotes.co
Reposted by Ari Plachta
🚨New from me & @fieldnotes.co in @theguardian.com → Revealed: The network of GOP hired guns behind Big Soda’s bid to turn MAGA against MAHA www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Inside the Republican network behind big soda’s bid to pit Maga against Maha
A Guardian investigation finds the US soda and snack-food industries, threatened by RFK Jr’s movement to change Americans’ eating habits, have turned to a group of well-connected strategists, shadowy ...
www.theguardian.com
October 19, 2025 at 12:09 PM
🚨New from me & @fieldnotes.co in @theguardian.com → Revealed: The network of GOP hired guns behind Big Soda’s bid to turn MAGA against MAHA www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Reposted by Ari Plachta
The Trump Regime's National Energy Dominance Council provides "concierge, white glove service" for the oil industry, while wind sand solar projects are blocked. And even with the hand holding, the oil ind is hemorrhaging jobs www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
White House offers ‘concierge’ service to fossil fuel firms, official says
Brittany Kelm, a senior policy adviser for the National Energy Dominance Council, detailed in a podcast how the council works to advance fossil fuel projects.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 8, 2025 at 2:36 PM
The Trump Regime's National Energy Dominance Council provides "concierge, white glove service" for the oil industry, while wind sand solar projects are blocked. And even with the hand holding, the oil ind is hemorrhaging jobs www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
Reposted by Ari Plachta
ICYMI yesterday, incredible reporting by @insideclimatenews.org and @propublica.org (with data from @oilfieldwitness.bsky.social) on the Texas oil & gas industry’s *massive* emissions from flaring and venting 👇
The oil industry touts Texas as a success story in controlling climate-warming methane emissions. The state’s regulator, however, grants nearly every request to burn or vent gas into the atmosphere.
Texas Says It’s Strict on Oil Field Emissions. New Data Shows It’s Not.
The oil industry touts Texas as a success story in controlling climate-warming methane emissions. The state’s regulator, however, grants nearly every request to burn or vent gas into the atmosphere.
insideclimatenews.org
September 4, 2025 at 6:13 PM
ICYMI yesterday, incredible reporting by @insideclimatenews.org and @propublica.org (with data from @oilfieldwitness.bsky.social) on the Texas oil & gas industry’s *massive* emissions from flaring and venting 👇
Reposted by Ari Plachta
🚨 from Argus Media: @exxonmobiloil.bsky.social ends its membership with AXPC b/c of the group's "aggressive" opposition to environmental regs.
This comes after @washingtonpost.com reported on internal docs obtained by @fieldnotes.co exposing AXPC 's efforts.
www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-...
This comes after @washingtonpost.com reported on internal docs obtained by @fieldnotes.co exposing AXPC 's efforts.
www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-...
Exxon blames oil group exit on climate principles | Latest Market News
ExxonMobil says it has ended its membership with the US oil lobbying group American Exploration and Production Council (AXPC) because of the group's "aggressive" opposition to environmental regulations, though oil industry leaders with knowledge of AXPC's advocacy question that justification.
www.argusmedia.com
August 29, 2025 at 8:27 PM
🚨 from Argus Media: @exxonmobiloil.bsky.social ends its membership with AXPC b/c of the group's "aggressive" opposition to environmental regs.
This comes after @washingtonpost.com reported on internal docs obtained by @fieldnotes.co exposing AXPC 's efforts.
www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-...
This comes after @washingtonpost.com reported on internal docs obtained by @fieldnotes.co exposing AXPC 's efforts.
www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-...
Reposted by Ari Plachta
Bombshell reporting by @propublica.org & @insideclimatenews.org describes massive flaring and venting from Texas oil wells, discrediting the oil & gas industry’s claim that natural gas and LNG are “clean” energy. www.propublica.org/article/texa...
Trump Says America’s Oil Industry Is Cleaner Than Other Countries’. New Data Shows Massive Emissions From Texas Wells.
The oil industry touts Texas as a success story in controlling climate-warming methane emissions. The state’s regulator, however, grants nearly every request to burn or vent gas into the atmosphere.
www.propublica.org
September 3, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Bombshell reporting by @propublica.org & @insideclimatenews.org describes massive flaring and venting from Texas oil wells, discrediting the oil & gas industry’s claim that natural gas and LNG are “clean” energy. www.propublica.org/article/texa...
Reposted by Ari Plachta
Great piece on the current state of play on methane regulations in US by @emdashsanders.bsky.social. After years of foot dragging and obfuscation, oil corps admitted that regulation is necessary to reduce methane pollution. But with Trump in power, hypocrisy ensues www.exxonknews.org/p/with-metha...
With methane rules on the chopping block, where does Big Oil stand?
The Trump EPA could do away with methane regulations that major oil companies and their trade associations have strategically claimed to support.
www.exxonknews.org
August 15, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Great piece on the current state of play on methane regulations in US by @emdashsanders.bsky.social. After years of foot dragging and obfuscation, oil corps admitted that regulation is necessary to reduce methane pollution. But with Trump in power, hypocrisy ensues www.exxonknews.org/p/with-metha...
We have now reached the moment of American history where our president is talking about how California has had "so much water for millions of years" and the state doesn't even need reservoirs because it has a long-unused "half pipe"
January 25, 2025 at 1:36 AM
We have now reached the moment of American history where our president is talking about how California has had "so much water for millions of years" and the state doesn't even need reservoirs because it has a long-unused "half pipe"
Talked to esteemed delta smelt politics expert @calebscoville.bsky.social about why Trump remains fixated on this tiny fish when the facts don't add up
www.sacbee.com/news/politic...
www.sacbee.com/news/politic...
Here’s how a tiny fish became Trump’s favorite weapon in his crusade against California
The functionally extinct delta smelt entered national politics in 2009, when Sean Hannity made it a symbol of environmentalism gone wrong.
www.sacbee.com
January 24, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Talked to esteemed delta smelt politics expert @calebscoville.bsky.social about why Trump remains fixated on this tiny fish when the facts don't add up
www.sacbee.com/news/politic...
www.sacbee.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Ari Plachta
An extremely warm summer and fall. An unusually dry winter. Hillsides covered with dry vegetation. And strong Santa Ana winds. In the mix of conditions that have contributed to the L.A. fires, scientists say one significant ingredient is climate change. www.latimes.com/environment/... @latimes.com
How climate change worsened the most destructive wildfires in L.A. history
The California fires erupted amid extremely dry conditions. UCLA scientists say extreme heat linked to climate change was a factor in the fires' intensity.
www.latimes.com
January 16, 2025 at 8:00 PM
An extremely warm summer and fall. An unusually dry winter. Hillsides covered with dry vegetation. And strong Santa Ana winds. In the mix of conditions that have contributed to the L.A. fires, scientists say one significant ingredient is climate change. www.latimes.com/environment/... @latimes.com
Some homes in Los Angeles survived the firestorms using defensive strategies that are already required by California law. Will more people start to follow them?
www.sacbee.com/news/califor...
www.sacbee.com/news/califor...
California laws on home fire protection can work, LA showed. Will more homeowners take action?
Northern California communities like Paradise that have experienced the worst of wildfire are the most prepared for the next one.
www.sacbee.com
January 15, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Some homes in Los Angeles survived the firestorms using defensive strategies that are already required by California law. Will more people start to follow them?
www.sacbee.com/news/califor...
www.sacbee.com/news/califor...
Reposted by Ari Plachta
California backs away from key climate rules ahead of Trump 2.0. calmatters.org/environment/...
Breaking news: California withdraws diesel truck ban, other clean-air rules as Trump prepares to take office
Because Trump would be unlikely to approve them, California has no choice but to abandon its groundbreaking rules for zero-emission trucks and cleaner locomotives.
calmatters.org
January 14, 2025 at 10:10 PM
California backs away from key climate rules ahead of Trump 2.0. calmatters.org/environment/...
Reposted by Ari Plachta
Southern California Edison's decision to keep some power lines operating during the start of the LA windstorm is drawing scrutiny. Story from me and @naurtorious.bsky.social. #EatonFire #EnergySky #GreenSky
🎁 Link www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
🎁 Link www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Edison Decision to Keep LA Power Lines Operating Draws Scrutiny
Edison International’s decision to leave some Los Angeles power lines operating during a historic windstorm last week is under scrutiny as an investigation into the city’s devastating wildfires gather...
www.bloomberg.com
January 14, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Southern California Edison's decision to keep some power lines operating during the start of the LA windstorm is drawing scrutiny. Story from me and @naurtorious.bsky.social. #EatonFire #EnergySky #GreenSky
🎁 Link www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
🎁 Link www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Ari Plachta
The L.A. City Council is taking up a bunch of brand new measures today in response to the wildfires. The first thing that happens is the paper copies are pinned to this bulletin board
January 14, 2025 at 9:00 PM
The L.A. City Council is taking up a bunch of brand new measures today in response to the wildfires. The first thing that happens is the paper copies are pinned to this bulletin board
Reposted by Ari Plachta
Starting to look like electric powerlines/equipment may have started all three of the Eaton, Hurst, and Palisades Fires.
January 11, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Starting to look like electric powerlines/equipment may have started all three of the Eaton, Hurst, and Palisades Fires.
Reposted by Ari Plachta
In 2024, Southern California experienced an exceptional episode of wet-to-dry hydroclimate whiplash. Very wet conditions in winters of 2023 and 2024 gave way to a record-dry start to 2025 wet season (with periods of record warmth and evaporative demand in between). #CAwx #CAfire
January 9, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Reposted by Ari Plachta
Pretty amazing that nonprofit Watch Duty -- which says it has 150 volunteers working around the clock to track wildfires -- has become the most trusted source of information on LA fires. Operated by retired/volunteer firefighters, dispatchers, and reporters. Real people.
www.watchduty.org
www.watchduty.org
Watch Duty - Wildfire Maps & Alerts
Watch Duty, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, alerts you of nearby wildfires and firefighting efforts in real-time.
www.watchduty.org
January 9, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Pretty amazing that nonprofit Watch Duty -- which says it has 150 volunteers working around the clock to track wildfires -- has become the most trusted source of information on LA fires. Operated by retired/volunteer firefighters, dispatchers, and reporters. Real people.
www.watchduty.org
www.watchduty.org
Reposted by Ari Plachta
Many great resources for SoCal #CAFires. I recommend:
1. WatchDuty app for evacs, shelter, etc
2. @weatherwest.bsky.social does regular zoom "office hours" and explainers
3. Ben @ai6yr.m.ai6yr.org.ap.brid.gy
4. TheLookout runs a fab explainer on his YT channel:
1. WatchDuty app for evacs, shelter, etc
2. @weatherwest.bsky.social does regular zoom "office hours" and explainers
3. Ben @ai6yr.m.ai6yr.org.ap.brid.gy
4. TheLookout runs a fab explainer on his YT channel:
The Lookout
Independent wildfire and water-related reporting.
Host Zeke Lunder has 25 years experience in wildland fire management and California water issues. During wildfire season we provide UNOFFICIAL updat...
www.youtube.com
January 8, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Many great resources for SoCal #CAFires. I recommend:
1. WatchDuty app for evacs, shelter, etc
2. @weatherwest.bsky.social does regular zoom "office hours" and explainers
3. Ben @ai6yr.m.ai6yr.org.ap.brid.gy
4. TheLookout runs a fab explainer on his YT channel:
1. WatchDuty app for evacs, shelter, etc
2. @weatherwest.bsky.social does regular zoom "office hours" and explainers
3. Ben @ai6yr.m.ai6yr.org.ap.brid.gy
4. TheLookout runs a fab explainer on his YT channel:
Reposted by Ari Plachta
A huge insurance crisis is brewing, if it's not here already.
"Policymakers need to decide when to let the rising seas or expanding deserts take over land where people used to be and build new, affordable housing for those people in safer areas." - @markgongloff.bsky.social www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
California Fires Expose a $1 Trillion Hole in US Home Insurance
Homeowners in increasingly risky areas can’t obtain adequate coverage as insurers flee the state to avoid losses.
www.bloomberg.com
January 8, 2025 at 6:37 PM
A huge insurance crisis is brewing, if it's not here already.
Trump blames the LA fires on Gov. Newsom for protecting Delta Smelt in Northern CA... which mostly makes no sense
January 8, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Trump blames the LA fires on Gov. Newsom for protecting Delta Smelt in Northern CA... which mostly makes no sense
Inbox: Gov. Newsom appoints Berkeley rep Nancy Skinner to the CA Energy Commission
January 8, 2025 at 1:16 AM
Inbox: Gov. Newsom appoints Berkeley rep Nancy Skinner to the CA Energy Commission
Reposted by Ari Plachta
PFAS chemicals are reaching tap water via treated wastewater, study finds www.nytimes.com/2025/01/06/c...
‘Forever Chemicals’ Reach Tap Water via Treated Sewage, Study Finds
Wastewater, even after treatment to make it drinkable, contains high levels of PFAS, according to researchers.
www.nytimes.com
January 7, 2025 at 8:06 PM
PFAS chemicals are reaching tap water via treated wastewater, study finds www.nytimes.com/2025/01/06/c...
Pretty striking… southern CA is dangerously on fire today and northern CA is covered with prescribed burns
January 7, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Pretty striking… southern CA is dangerously on fire today and northern CA is covered with prescribed burns
Reposted by Ari Plachta
I wrote about Gannett’s plan to kill off one of the last pieces of American legacy media to resist financialization: The Associated Press.
mattdpearce.substack.com/p/wall-stree...
mattdpearce.substack.com/p/wall-stree...
Wall Street declares war on the Associated Press
Gannett and Reuters come for one of the final corners for legacy media that had resisted the financialization of journalism.
mattdpearce.substack.com
January 2, 2025 at 7:35 PM
I wrote about Gannett’s plan to kill off one of the last pieces of American legacy media to resist financialization: The Associated Press.
mattdpearce.substack.com/p/wall-stree...
mattdpearce.substack.com/p/wall-stree...
Reposted by Ari Plachta
one of my favorite stories I did at Vox was about Jimmy Carter and his role in energy efficiency standards at the DOE. Truly underappreciated legacy that tangibly improved everyday life www.vox.com/climate/2023...
Refrigerators have gotten really freaking good. Thanks, Jimmy Carter.
The underrated way energy efficiency has made life better, and climate progress possible.
www.vox.com
December 30, 2024 at 6:52 PM
one of my favorite stories I did at Vox was about Jimmy Carter and his role in energy efficiency standards at the DOE. Truly underappreciated legacy that tangibly improved everyday life www.vox.com/climate/2023...