Justin Gerdes
@justingerdes.bsky.social
I publish the @quittingcarbon.bsky.social newsletter. Subscribe: https://www.quittingcarbonmedia.com/. Former Managing Editor, Energy Monitor. Send story ideas or tips: justingerdes@gmail.com or Signal: JustinGerdes.85
Pinned
Justin Gerdes
@justingerdes.bsky.social
· Nov 12
Welcome to Quitting Carbon
Reporting and analysis on the projects, people, and policies advancing the energy transition.
Welcome to Quitting Carbon, a newsletter that will chronicle the most important story of our lives: human...
www.quittingcarbonmedia.com
Some personal news: I'm very excited to share that I'm launching a newsletter called Quitting Carbon, focused on the projects, people, and policies advancing the energy transition. Read more about what I'll be up to and subscribe! www.quittingcarbonmedia.com/welcome-to-q...
@iea.org notes that in high-penetration solar + wind markets like California, Germany, South Australia, Texas, and the United Kingdom, "batteries are increasingly available to meet demand when it peaks, such as in the late afternoon or early evening." www.iea.org/newsletters/... 🔌💡
February 16, 2026 at 11:26 PM
@iea.org notes that in high-penetration solar + wind markets like California, Germany, South Australia, Texas, and the United Kingdom, "batteries are increasingly available to meet demand when it peaks, such as in the late afternoon or early evening." www.iea.org/newsletters/... 🔌💡
"Heat pumps outsold fossil gas–fired furnaces in the U.S. yet again last year. That’s the fourth year in a row," reports @alisontakemura.bsky.social: www.canarymedia.com/articles/hea... 🔌💡
Heat pump sales dipped in 2025. They still beat gas furnaces.
Yet again, heat pumps were the most-shipped heating appliance in the U.S. And experts say the factors behind last year’s sales slide are temporary.
www.canarymedia.com
February 16, 2026 at 10:36 PM
"Heat pumps outsold fossil gas–fired furnaces in the U.S. yet again last year. That’s the fourth year in a row," reports @alisontakemura.bsky.social: www.canarymedia.com/articles/hea... 🔌💡
"Michigan’s approach is different: accusing Big Oil not of deceiving consumers or misrepresenting climate change risks, but of driving up energy costs by colluding to suppress competition from cleaner and cheaper technologies." insideclimatenews.org/news/1502202... by @danad1012.bsky.social 🔌💡
Michigan Tries a New Legal Tactic Against Big Oil, Alleging Antitrust Violations Aimed at Hobbling EVs and Renewable Energy - Inside Climate News
The suit comes as the industry and its political allies escalate efforts to shut down liability laws and lawsuits. Republicans in Congress are currently crafting legislation to shield fossil fuel comp...
insideclimatenews.org
February 16, 2026 at 7:50 PM
"Michigan’s approach is different: accusing Big Oil not of deceiving consumers or misrepresenting climate change risks, but of driving up energy costs by colluding to suppress competition from cleaner and cheaper technologies." insideclimatenews.org/news/1502202... by @danad1012.bsky.social 🔌💡
"The world becomes a reflection of who we are in our own countries. We cannot change the trajectory of world events without first changing what’s happening at home." - @rhodesben.bsky.social's reflections on the Munich Security Conference: benrhodes1.substack.com/p/reflection...
February 15, 2026 at 11:30 PM
"The world becomes a reflection of who we are in our own countries. We cannot change the trajectory of world events without first changing what’s happening at home." - @rhodesben.bsky.social's reflections on the Munich Security Conference: benrhodes1.substack.com/p/reflection...
"Federal funding for the $16 billion Gateway rail tunnel between New York City and New Jersey, which had been suspended for more than four months, began to flow again on Friday." www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/n... via @nytpatrick.bsky.social
Trump Administration Tells Judge It Will Release Gateway Funding
www.nytimes.com
February 15, 2026 at 10:52 PM
"Federal funding for the $16 billion Gateway rail tunnel between New York City and New Jersey, which had been suspended for more than four months, began to flow again on Friday." www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/n... via @nytpatrick.bsky.social
"There is perhaps no greater sign of the coal industry’s decline than the Trump administration’s demand this week that the Pentagon purchase more energy generated by the fossil fuel," writes the @washingtonpost.com editorial board: wapo.st/4tyd2Xu 🔌💡
Opinion | Another government sop to an ailing industry
An executive order requiring the military to purchase coal puts politics over the free market.
wapo.st
February 14, 2026 at 7:55 PM
"There is perhaps no greater sign of the coal industry’s decline than the Trump administration’s demand this week that the Pentagon purchase more energy generated by the fossil fuel," writes the @washingtonpost.com editorial board: wapo.st/4tyd2Xu 🔌💡
Lime Ridge Open Space in Concord, California, at dusk ...
February 14, 2026 at 7:37 PM
Lime Ridge Open Space in Concord, California, at dusk ...
Reposted by Justin Gerdes
China's Xinhua news agency has just published this editorial cartoon in response to Trump's rejection of climate policies.
It is pretty clear that China views this as a HUGE geopolitical fumble by the US leaving the field clear for China's to win the global race to clean-tech hegemony
It is pretty clear that China views this as a HUGE geopolitical fumble by the US leaving the field clear for China's to win the global race to clean-tech hegemony
February 14, 2026 at 12:20 PM
China's Xinhua news agency has just published this editorial cartoon in response to Trump's rejection of climate policies.
It is pretty clear that China views this as a HUGE geopolitical fumble by the US leaving the field clear for China's to win the global race to clean-tech hegemony
It is pretty clear that China views this as a HUGE geopolitical fumble by the US leaving the field clear for China's to win the global race to clean-tech hegemony
"Executives with Ørsted, the company behind Revolution Wind, said the $6.2 billion project would begin producing electricity 'in a matter of weeks.'" subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eene... via Ben Storrow 🔌💡
E&E News: Offshore wind project targeted by Trump will begin operating within weeks
Revolution Wind in New England is nearing completion after overcoming Trump administration efforts to halt the project.
subscriber.politicopro.com
February 14, 2026 at 6:10 PM
"Executives with Ørsted, the company behind Revolution Wind, said the $6.2 billion project would begin producing electricity 'in a matter of weeks.'" subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eene... via Ben Storrow 🔌💡
The Western Energy Imbalance Market, operated by @caiso.com, generated $1.62 billion in economic benefits to participants during 2025 - bringing the total cumulative savings to $8.24 billion since the market’s launch in 2014: www.caiso.com/about/news/n... 🔌💡
Western Energy Imbalance Market Surpasses $8 Billion in Total Benefits Since Inception | California ISO
The California ISO manages the flow of electricity on high-voltage power lines, operates a wholesale energy market, and oversees infrastructure planning.
www.caiso.com
February 14, 2026 at 3:40 AM
The Western Energy Imbalance Market, operated by @caiso.com, generated $1.62 billion in economic benefits to participants during 2025 - bringing the total cumulative savings to $8.24 billion since the market’s launch in 2014: www.caiso.com/about/news/n... 🔌💡
Reposted by Justin Gerdes
It so happens that the findings of the new GAO report mentioned below get at issues I raised in the column I published this morning: "Are agencies adequately staffed to get the money out the door, and will Russell Vought allow the money to be spent?" www.quittingcarbonmedia.com/congress-rej... 🔌💡
February 11, 2026 at 10:51 PM
It so happens that the findings of the new GAO report mentioned below get at issues I raised in the column I published this morning: "Are agencies adequately staffed to get the money out the door, and will Russell Vought allow the money to be spent?" www.quittingcarbonmedia.com/congress-rej... 🔌💡
Reposted by Justin Gerdes
"Congress largely ignored the White House’s budget, maintaining funding for important energy programs this year. But are agencies adequately staffed to get the money out the door, and will Russell Vought allow the money to be spent?" www.quittingcarbonmedia.com/congress-rej... via Quitting Carbon 🔌💡
Congress rejected Trump’s spending plans. Making sure its own budget is spent is the next challenge.
Congress largely ignored the White House’s budget, maintaining funding for important energy programs this year. But are agencies adequately staffed to get the money out the door, and will Russell Voug...
www.quittingcarbonmedia.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:04 PM
"Congress largely ignored the White House’s budget, maintaining funding for important energy programs this year. But are agencies adequately staffed to get the money out the door, and will Russell Vought allow the money to be spent?" www.quittingcarbonmedia.com/congress-rej... via Quitting Carbon 🔌💡
On Amtrak's new fleet: "Airo’s 4,200-horsepower locomotive brings a long-anticipated feature to the rails: Unlike earlier models, it can change from diesel to electric at the flip of a switch, and some variants can even run on battery power." www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/t... via Gabe Castro-Root
Amtrak Is Revamping Its Run-Down Fleet. Check Out the New Trains.
www.nytimes.com
February 13, 2026 at 5:56 PM
On Amtrak's new fleet: "Airo’s 4,200-horsepower locomotive brings a long-anticipated feature to the rails: Unlike earlier models, it can change from diesel to electric at the flip of a switch, and some variants can even run on battery power." www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/t... via Gabe Castro-Root
"The data from January shows that the nation’s two operating utility-scale offshore wind farms ... performed as well as gas-fired power plants and better than coal-fired facilities, including during last month’s Winter Storm Fern." www.canarymedia.com/articles/off... by @mariagallucci.bsky.social 🔌💡
Offshore wind showed up big during the East Coast’s brutal cold
America’s two utility-scale offshore wind farms performed as well as gas power plants and better than coal in January — including during Winter Storm Fern.
www.canarymedia.com
February 13, 2026 at 6:29 AM
"The data from January shows that the nation’s two operating utility-scale offshore wind farms ... performed as well as gas-fired power plants and better than coal-fired facilities, including during last month’s Winter Storm Fern." www.canarymedia.com/articles/off... by @mariagallucci.bsky.social 🔌💡
"These results show once again that clean British power is the right choice for our country, agreeing a price for new onshore wind and solar that is over 50% cheaper than the cost of building and operating new gas.” - Ed Miliband, UK energy secretary: www.carbonbrief.org/qa-new-uk-on... 🔌💡
Q&A: New UK onshore wind and solar is ‘50% cheaper’ than new gas - Carbon Brief
The UK government has secured a record 7.4 gigawatts of solar, onshore wind and tidal power in its latest auction for new renewable capacity.
www.carbonbrief.org
February 13, 2026 at 12:17 AM
"These results show once again that clean British power is the right choice for our country, agreeing a price for new onshore wind and solar that is over 50% cheaper than the cost of building and operating new gas.” - Ed Miliband, UK energy secretary: www.carbonbrief.org/qa-new-uk-on... 🔌💡
"China’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions fell by 1% in the final quarter of 2025, likely securing a decline of 0.3% for the full year as a whole," writes @laurimyllyvirta.bsky.social in an analysis for @carbonbrief.org: www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-chi...
Analysis: China’s CO2 emissions have now been ‘flat or falling’ for 21 months - Carbon Brief
China’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions fell by 1% in the final quarter of 2025, likely securing a decline of 0.3% for the full year as a whole.
www.carbonbrief.org
February 12, 2026 at 10:28 PM
"China’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions fell by 1% in the final quarter of 2025, likely securing a decline of 0.3% for the full year as a whole," writes @laurimyllyvirta.bsky.social in an analysis for @carbonbrief.org: www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-chi...
"Congress largely ignored the White House’s budget, maintaining funding for important energy programs this year. But are agencies adequately staffed to get the money out the door, and will Russell Vought allow the money to be spent?" www.quittingcarbonmedia.com/congress-rej... via Quitting Carbon 🔌💡
Congress rejected Trump’s spending plans. Making sure its own budget is spent is the next challenge.
Congress largely ignored the White House’s budget, maintaining funding for important energy programs this year. But are agencies adequately staffed to get the money out the door, and will Russell Voug...
www.quittingcarbonmedia.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:04 PM
"Congress largely ignored the White House’s budget, maintaining funding for important energy programs this year. But are agencies adequately staffed to get the money out the door, and will Russell Vought allow the money to be spent?" www.quittingcarbonmedia.com/congress-rej... via Quitting Carbon 🔌💡
"The more Wright pretends otherwise, and uses half-truths to force fossil fuels onto a system that would be better served by cheaper and cleaner alternatives, the worse off we’ll all be," writes @jeffstjohn.bsky.social: www.canarymedia.com/articles/tra... 🔌💡
What Energy Secretary Wright gets wrong about the grid
Chris Wright trashed solar and wind for not providing much power during Winter Storm Fern — and ignored basic facts about how much renewables contribute…
www.canarymedia.com
February 12, 2026 at 6:37 PM
"The more Wright pretends otherwise, and uses half-truths to force fossil fuels onto a system that would be better served by cheaper and cleaner alternatives, the worse off we’ll all be," writes @jeffstjohn.bsky.social: www.canarymedia.com/articles/tra... 🔌💡
Bleak findings for those of us trying to make a living publishing newsletters!! "Only 8% of respondents believe individual Americans have a responsibility to pay for news." www.niemanlab.org/2026/02/most... via @hanaatameez.bsky.social
February 11, 2026 at 11:45 PM
Bleak findings for those of us trying to make a living publishing newsletters!! "Only 8% of respondents believe individual Americans have a responsibility to pay for news." www.niemanlab.org/2026/02/most... via @hanaatameez.bsky.social
It so happens that the findings of the new GAO report mentioned below get at issues I raised in the column I published this morning: "Are agencies adequately staffed to get the money out the door, and will Russell Vought allow the money to be spent?" www.quittingcarbonmedia.com/congress-rej... 🔌💡
February 11, 2026 at 10:51 PM
It so happens that the findings of the new GAO report mentioned below get at issues I raised in the column I published this morning: "Are agencies adequately staffed to get the money out the door, and will Russell Vought allow the money to be spent?" www.quittingcarbonmedia.com/congress-rej... 🔌💡
Reposted by Justin Gerdes
My latest at Quitting Carbon: Congress rejected the White House’s budget, maintaining funding for important energy programs this year. But are agencies adequately staffed to get the money out the door, and will Russ Vought allow the money to be spent? www.quittingcarbonmedia.com/congress-rej... 🔌💡
Congress rejected Trump’s spending plans. Making sure its own budget is spent is the next challenge.
Congress largely ignored the White House’s budget, maintaining funding for important energy programs this year. But are agencies adequately staffed to get the money out the door, and will Russell Voug...
www.quittingcarbonmedia.com
February 11, 2026 at 5:51 PM
My latest at Quitting Carbon: Congress rejected the White House’s budget, maintaining funding for important energy programs this year. But are agencies adequately staffed to get the money out the door, and will Russ Vought allow the money to be spent? www.quittingcarbonmedia.com/congress-rej... 🔌💡
My latest at Quitting Carbon: Congress rejected the White House’s budget, maintaining funding for important energy programs this year. But are agencies adequately staffed to get the money out the door, and will Russ Vought allow the money to be spent? www.quittingcarbonmedia.com/congress-rej... 🔌💡
Congress rejected Trump’s spending plans. Making sure its own budget is spent is the next challenge.
Congress largely ignored the White House’s budget, maintaining funding for important energy programs this year. But are agencies adequately staffed to get the money out the door, and will Russell Voug...
www.quittingcarbonmedia.com
February 11, 2026 at 5:51 PM
My latest at Quitting Carbon: Congress rejected the White House’s budget, maintaining funding for important energy programs this year. But are agencies adequately staffed to get the money out the door, and will Russ Vought allow the money to be spent? www.quittingcarbonmedia.com/congress-rej... 🔌💡
"As the Trump administration promotes U.S. natural gas exports, federal analysts warn that shipping massive volumes abroad could raise costs for consumers at home," writes Julian Spector: www.canarymedia.com/articles/liq... 🔌💡
The US is exporting huge amounts of natural gas. Will it cost…
The country must produce record levels of gas to keep pace with surging LNG exports, or the mismatch in supply and demand could spike domestic energy…
www.canarymedia.com
February 10, 2026 at 10:47 PM
"As the Trump administration promotes U.S. natural gas exports, federal analysts warn that shipping massive volumes abroad could raise costs for consumers at home," writes Julian Spector: www.canarymedia.com/articles/liq... 🔌💡
New Nature study: “Under all modeled scenarios, including varying climate, electricity grids, and battery lifetime, battery electric vehicles reduce greenhouse gases relative to comparable internal combustion vehicles, including hybrids.” www.nature.com/articles/s44... h/t @coreybcantor.bsky.social
Electrifying light vehicles in the United States shows emission reduction potential for all vehicle types and powertrains - Communications Sustainability
Electric vehicles could cut emissions more than gasoline and hybrid models under varied climates, electricity grids, and battery lifetimes, with the largest gains from light trucks, finds a life-cycle...
www.nature.com
February 10, 2026 at 10:10 PM
New Nature study: “Under all modeled scenarios, including varying climate, electricity grids, and battery lifetime, battery electric vehicles reduce greenhouse gases relative to comparable internal combustion vehicles, including hybrids.” www.nature.com/articles/s44... h/t @coreybcantor.bsky.social
The UK Labour government and Great British Energy just announced the Local Power Plan, with up to £1 billion of new funding for local energy projects. The government calls it the country's "biggest ever public investment in community energy." www.gov.uk/government/n... 🔌💡
Community energy investment to build community wealth and power
Biggest ever public investment in community energy will cut bills and create revenue for community centres, social clubs and places of worship.
www.gov.uk
February 10, 2026 at 6:40 PM
The UK Labour government and Great British Energy just announced the Local Power Plan, with up to £1 billion of new funding for local energy projects. The government calls it the country's "biggest ever public investment in community energy." www.gov.uk/government/n... 🔌💡