Menlo Spark
@menlospark.bsky.social
Menlo Spark works to help Menlo Park achieve its goal of climate neutrality by 2030, and to help spread innovative climate policies throughout the Bay Area and more broadly.
Reposted by Menlo Spark
Today we’re launching Open Climate Risk, a fully open option for U.S. building-level climate risk data. It’s unique because it allows you to see not only risk scores, starting with wildfire, but also the complete underlying dataset, methods, and codebase. carbonplan.org/research/cli...
February 10, 2026 at 4:54 PM
Today we’re launching Open Climate Risk, a fully open option for U.S. building-level climate risk data. It’s unique because it allows you to see not only risk scores, starting with wildfire, but also the complete underlying dataset, methods, and codebase. carbonplan.org/research/cli...
Reposted by Menlo Spark
Dark red line along the bottom of graph is CA, the place some misinformed folks say has expensive elec due to all its wind, solar, and batteries. (Counting RA cost doesn't chg the story) Our high rates pay for response to what climate change is already doing: wildfires.
www.eia.gov/todayinenerg...
www.eia.gov/todayinenerg...
U.S. wholesale day-ahead electricity prices rose in 2025 with higher natural gas prices - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
www.eia.gov
February 4, 2026 at 4:03 AM
Dark red line along the bottom of graph is CA, the place some misinformed folks say has expensive elec due to all its wind, solar, and batteries. (Counting RA cost doesn't chg the story) Our high rates pay for response to what climate change is already doing: wildfires.
www.eia.gov/todayinenerg...
www.eia.gov/todayinenerg...
Reposted by Menlo Spark
Internal emails show Department of Energy's debunked climate science report was reviewed by scientists internally, who found it "biased," "misleading," and "hypocritical." Contrarian authors tailored their work to ensure it focused on weakening climate regulations. www.eenews.net/articles/doe...
DOE scientists blasted climate report ordered up by boss
Secretary Chris Wright handpicked five climate contrarians to write about global warming. Department experts pushed back on the findings.
www.eenews.net
February 2, 2026 at 4:17 PM
Internal emails show Department of Energy's debunked climate science report was reviewed by scientists internally, who found it "biased," "misleading," and "hypocritical." Contrarian authors tailored their work to ensure it focused on weakening climate regulations. www.eenews.net/articles/doe...
Reposted by Menlo Spark
The California Heat Pump Partnership announced its inaugural #HeatPumpWeekCA from April 11–19, 2026! This series of statewide events will celebrate the highly efficient heat pumps and skilled workforce bringing clean heating and cooling to our communities. Learn more and get involved: bit.ly/4k3wOWl
January 28, 2026 at 9:44 PM
The California Heat Pump Partnership announced its inaugural #HeatPumpWeekCA from April 11–19, 2026! This series of statewide events will celebrate the highly efficient heat pumps and skilled workforce bringing clean heating and cooling to our communities. Learn more and get involved: bit.ly/4k3wOWl
Reposted by Menlo Spark
China’s Push for Renewable Energy is Good for the Planet
California's progress is also remarkable
In-depth analysis on @kqedforum.bsky.social with @jeremywallace.bsky.social
www.kqed.org/forum/201010... @stanfordenergy.bsky.social @stanforddoerr.bsky.social @stanfordpress.bsky.social
California's progress is also remarkable
In-depth analysis on @kqedforum.bsky.social with @jeremywallace.bsky.social
www.kqed.org/forum/201010... @stanfordenergy.bsky.social @stanforddoerr.bsky.social @stanfordpress.bsky.social
China’s Push for Renewable Energy is Good for the Planet, but Maybe Not for the U.S. | KQED
We talk about whether the U.S. will be left irrevocably behind by Trump's energy policy and what it all means for California’s renewable energy industry.
www.kqed.org
January 28, 2026 at 9:19 PM
China’s Push for Renewable Energy is Good for the Planet
California's progress is also remarkable
In-depth analysis on @kqedforum.bsky.social with @jeremywallace.bsky.social
www.kqed.org/forum/201010... @stanfordenergy.bsky.social @stanforddoerr.bsky.social @stanfordpress.bsky.social
California's progress is also remarkable
In-depth analysis on @kqedforum.bsky.social with @jeremywallace.bsky.social
www.kqed.org/forum/201010... @stanfordenergy.bsky.social @stanforddoerr.bsky.social @stanfordpress.bsky.social
Solar panels in Switzerland (not the easiest climate) retained 80% of capacity after three to four decades of use. This can reduce the end-of-life problem with panels as well as increase their value.
electrek.co/2026/01/28/h...
Note that PV panels are always changing. Modern panels might not...
electrek.co/2026/01/28/h...
Note that PV panels are always changing. Modern panels might not...
How long do solar panels last? New study shows it's longer than you think!
A new study of solar installations from the 1980s and ’90s found many still generating most of their original power.
electrek.co
January 28, 2026 at 7:18 PM
Solar panels in Switzerland (not the easiest climate) retained 80% of capacity after three to four decades of use. This can reduce the end-of-life problem with panels as well as increase their value.
electrek.co/2026/01/28/h...
Note that PV panels are always changing. Modern panels might not...
electrek.co/2026/01/28/h...
Note that PV panels are always changing. Modern panels might not...
Exactly what's needed to make climate action fair domestically, and to leverage change internationally:
www.canarymedia.com/articles/gre...
www.canarymedia.com/articles/gre...
New EU carbon tariff pushes India toward green steel
Europe’s pioneering tax on polluting imports presents India’s coal-reliant steelmakers with a choice: Decarbonize or risk losing customers.
www.canarymedia.com
January 26, 2026 at 7:47 PM
Exactly what's needed to make climate action fair domestically, and to leverage change internationally:
www.canarymedia.com/articles/gre...
www.canarymedia.com/articles/gre...
Been waiting for this. EV uptake reduces NO2 - measured, not projected/estimated.
Every 200 new EVs in zipcode-like area here in CA (out of 13,000 vehicles) reduces NO2 by 1.1%
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
News article: phys.org/news/2026-01...
I'll add that AFAICT they didn't consider....
Every 200 new EVs in zipcode-like area here in CA (out of 13,000 vehicles) reduces NO2 by 1.1%
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
News article: phys.org/news/2026-01...
I'll add that AFAICT they didn't consider....
Zero-emissions vehicle adoption and satellite-measured NO2 air pollution in California, USA, from 2019 to 2023: a longitudinal observational study
Using a natural experiment, we found that within-ZCTA increases in ZEV registrations
were associated with reductions in NO2 air pollution measured by satellite and replicated
with ground-level monitor...
www.thelancet.com
January 26, 2026 at 3:33 AM
Been waiting for this. EV uptake reduces NO2 - measured, not projected/estimated.
Every 200 new EVs in zipcode-like area here in CA (out of 13,000 vehicles) reduces NO2 by 1.1%
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
News article: phys.org/news/2026-01...
I'll add that AFAICT they didn't consider....
Every 200 new EVs in zipcode-like area here in CA (out of 13,000 vehicles) reduces NO2 by 1.1%
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
News article: phys.org/news/2026-01...
I'll add that AFAICT they didn't consider....
This could be an interesting space to ask/answer questions especially about EVs, maybe broader renewable energy issues too:
electrek.co/2026/01/21/i...
electrek.co/2026/01/21/i...
Introducing Electrek Forums: A new hub for the EV and green energy community
We are excited to announce a major addition to the site today: the launch of Electrek Forums. Electrek has long...
electrek.co
January 22, 2026 at 7:28 PM
This could be an interesting space to ask/answer questions especially about EVs, maybe broader renewable energy issues too:
electrek.co/2026/01/21/i...
electrek.co/2026/01/21/i...
Reposted by Menlo Spark
A U.S. judge has just granted Equinor's bid to restart their New York offshore wind project because the Republicans stopped work on it unconstitutionally.
#EnergySky
#EnergySky
a person is standing in a field with a wind turbine in the background
ALT: a person is standing in a field with a wind turbine in the background
media.tenor.com
January 15, 2026 at 4:54 PM
A U.S. judge has just granted Equinor's bid to restart their New York offshore wind project because the Republicans stopped work on it unconstitutionally.
#EnergySky
#EnergySky
Reposted by Menlo Spark
“It is a mistake for the US to cut subsidies for solar. It is the technology of the future. Developments will progress especially in China, which will establish itself as the market leader. It is a shame US is turning its back on a high-tech development.”
insideclimatenews.org/news/1501202...
insideclimatenews.org/news/1501202...
Talking About Energy Dominance? Solar Would Like to Have a Word. - Inside Climate News
We are in the solar-powered century, although some are taking their time to figure this out.
insideclimatenews.org
January 15, 2026 at 5:49 PM
“It is a mistake for the US to cut subsidies for solar. It is the technology of the future. Developments will progress especially in China, which will establish itself as the market leader. It is a shame US is turning its back on a high-tech development.”
insideclimatenews.org/news/1501202...
insideclimatenews.org/news/1501202...
EV sales increased globally yet again in 2025 despite what happened in the US. Increased sales in "rest of world" i.e. mostly less-developed countries with little ability to offer subsidies, show EV growth can't be resisted in the long run.
Let's accelerate it.
electrek.co/2026/01/14/c...
Let's accelerate it.
electrek.co/2026/01/14/c...
January 14, 2026 at 7:33 PM
EV sales increased globally yet again in 2025 despite what happened in the US. Increased sales in "rest of world" i.e. mostly less-developed countries with little ability to offer subsidies, show EV growth can't be resisted in the long run.
Let's accelerate it.
electrek.co/2026/01/14/c...
Let's accelerate it.
electrek.co/2026/01/14/c...
Reposted by Menlo Spark
Already 4 days in 2026 (36%) with 100% WindWaterSolar on CA's main grid for part of the day. Almost double the number of hours of 100% WWS v 2025 so far.
Gas down 69% vs '23
WWS up 25% v '23
Batteries up 332% v '23
Gas down 69% vs '23
WWS up 25% v '23
Batteries up 332% v '23
January 12, 2026 at 6:08 PM
Already 4 days in 2026 (36%) with 100% WindWaterSolar on CA's main grid for part of the day. Almost double the number of hours of 100% WWS v 2025 so far.
Gas down 69% vs '23
WWS up 25% v '23
Batteries up 332% v '23
Gas down 69% vs '23
WWS up 25% v '23
Batteries up 332% v '23
Reposted by Menlo Spark
As this @canarymedia.com story shows, the data is clear: building electrification is an affordable, practical and future-proof way to deliver clean heat to our homes and communities—which is “why the momentum behind climate-friendly buildings may be unstoppable.” #HeatPump #BuildingDecarb #EnergySky
More than half of U.S. single-family homes were built with electric heat in 2024.
That’s just one stat that proves electric buildings are on the rise — and @alisontakemura.bsky.social has 6 more.
That’s just one stat that proves electric buildings are on the rise — and @alisontakemura.bsky.social has 6 more.
7 numbers that explain why the future of buildings is all-electric
Key indicators, from the cost of fossil gas to the number of heat pumps sold, signal building decarbonization will march onward in the U.S. despite…
www.canarymedia.com
January 8, 2026 at 6:11 PM
As this @canarymedia.com story shows, the data is clear: building electrification is an affordable, practical and future-proof way to deliver clean heat to our homes and communities—which is “why the momentum behind climate-friendly buildings may be unstoppable.” #HeatPump #BuildingDecarb #EnergySky
Reposted by Menlo Spark
Permitting needs to catch up with the heat pump market. In this blog we break down why modernizing heat pump permitting with platforms like Symbium can help CA make heating and cooling more affordable, grow its workforce, and advance the clean energy transition. bit.ly/3Yo6fRY #EnergySky #Heatpump
This is the Golden Age of Heat Pumps. Permitting Needs to Catch Up.
If California wants to help save households money on heating and cooling while supporting its highly skilled workforce, we must modernize the installation process with statewide permitting reform to m...
bit.ly
January 6, 2026 at 9:02 PM
Permitting needs to catch up with the heat pump market. In this blog we break down why modernizing heat pump permitting with platforms like Symbium can help CA make heating and cooling more affordable, grow its workforce, and advance the clean energy transition. bit.ly/3Yo6fRY #EnergySky #Heatpump
Bloomberg NEF found in 2023 that ebikes displaced far more oil consumption than EVs. I find it hard to believe, although I have only my gut instinct, not data, to dispute it. Still, it emphasizes the importance of ebikes even if it's only partly true.
www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2023/08/how-...
www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2023/08/how-...
How many wheels should your next EV have?
E-bikes are now preventing (a lot) more emissions than all the Teslas in the world
www.anthropocenemagazine.org
January 5, 2026 at 6:43 PM
Bloomberg NEF found in 2023 that ebikes displaced far more oil consumption than EVs. I find it hard to believe, although I have only my gut instinct, not data, to dispute it. Still, it emphasizes the importance of ebikes even if it's only partly true.
www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2023/08/how-...
www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2023/08/how-...
I'd love to see an analysis of how Norway calibrated incentives to get them almost all the way to the goal of 100% new EVs in 2025. A lot trickier than an outright ban.
insideevs.com/news/783304/...
insideevs.com/news/783304/...
Norway’s New Car Sales Were Almost Entirely Electric Last Year
Even with Chinese carmakers increasing their market share and presence, Tesla has remained the bestseller.
insideevs.com
January 5, 2026 at 1:34 AM
I'd love to see an analysis of how Norway calibrated incentives to get them almost all the way to the goal of 100% new EVs in 2025. A lot trickier than an outright ban.
insideevs.com/news/783304/...
insideevs.com/news/783304/...
Reposted by Menlo Spark
Highest astronomical high tides of year (aka the "King Tides") will occur this weekend in NorCal. But this year, they will coincide w/additional storm surge from nearby low pressure--causing potential for SF Bay Area coastal flooding beyond what we've seen in recent years. #CAwx
January 2, 2026 at 5:31 PM
Highest astronomical high tides of year (aka the "King Tides") will occur this weekend in NorCal. But this year, they will coincide w/additional storm surge from nearby low pressure--causing potential for SF Bay Area coastal flooding beyond what we've seen in recent years. #CAwx
Earth vs Humanity. #comedy #funny #movie #skit
YouTube video by blackassboy
www.youtube.com
December 31, 2025 at 2:15 AM
Reposted by Menlo Spark
Good news! After years of public pressure and Earthjustice litigation, the U.S. Postal Service has rolled out more than 2,600 electric vehicles for mail carriers at 65 sites around the country, delivering cleaner air for our communities. @righttozero.bsky.social
Electric Postal Service Vehicles Deliver Holiday Cheer and Clean Air
EVs are now operating from 65 post offices across the U.S., followed by years of public pressure and Earthjustice litigation.
earthjustice.org
December 23, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Good news! After years of public pressure and Earthjustice litigation, the U.S. Postal Service has rolled out more than 2,600 electric vehicles for mail carriers at 65 sites around the country, delivering cleaner air for our communities. @righttozero.bsky.social
Reposted by Menlo Spark
You can partake in the CA King Tides Project - www.coastal.ca.gov/kingtides/ - to see the current impacts of King Tides. If you are ready to ensure your local community is aware about Sea level Rise, fill out our volunteer interest form & take part in the Bay Alive Campaign!
tinyurl.com/4y666nnt
🌊 📷
tinyurl.com/4y666nnt
🌊 📷
December 22, 2025 at 4:16 PM
You can partake in the CA King Tides Project - www.coastal.ca.gov/kingtides/ - to see the current impacts of King Tides. If you are ready to ensure your local community is aware about Sea level Rise, fill out our volunteer interest form & take part in the Bay Alive Campaign!
tinyurl.com/4y666nnt
🌊 📷
tinyurl.com/4y666nnt
🌊 📷
Reposted by Menlo Spark
Science has named the seemingly unstoppable growth of renewable energy worldwide as the 2025 Breakthrough of the Year.
Learn more about this year's #BOTY and other big advances in science: https://scim.ag/493Tpgx
Learn more about this year's #BOTY and other big advances in science: https://scim.ag/493Tpgx
December 18, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Science has named the seemingly unstoppable growth of renewable energy worldwide as the 2025 Breakthrough of the Year.
Learn more about this year's #BOTY and other big advances in science: https://scim.ag/493Tpgx
Learn more about this year's #BOTY and other big advances in science: https://scim.ag/493Tpgx
Reposted by Menlo Spark
Bostonians Wanted More Bike Lanes: Now They Have Them, and Traffic Is Down www.goodnewsnetwork.org/bostonians-w...
Bostonians Wanted More Bike Lanes: Now They Have Them, and Traffic Is Down
Mayor Michelle Wu's ran on more protected bike lanes around the city to satisfy a perceived demand for better cycling infrastructure.
www.goodnewsnetwork.org
December 17, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Bostonians Wanted More Bike Lanes: Now They Have Them, and Traffic Is Down www.goodnewsnetwork.org/bostonians-w...
Reposted by Menlo Spark
Scotland generates significantly more renewable electricity than it consumes, hitting a record high of 113% of its electricity demand from renewables in 2022, meaning it exported surplus clean energy. It can be done!
December 12, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Scotland generates significantly more renewable electricity than it consumes, hitting a record high of 113% of its electricity demand from renewables in 2022, meaning it exported surplus clean energy. It can be done!