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Climate

High winds, severe drought, and warm temps led to Colorado's historic wildfire

Dr. Bonnie Abbott (left) embraces her husband George as they watch flames engulf homes as the Marshall Fire spreads through a neighborhood in the town of Superior in Boulder County, Colorado on Thursday. Jason Connolly/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Jason Connolly/AFP via Getty Images

Weather

High winds, severe drought, and warm temps led to Colorado's historic wildfire

The Marshall Fire and Middle Fork Fire, which have forced the evacuations of tens of thousands residents, are considered the most destructive wildfires in Colorado history.

Thousands flee their homes as fast-moving winds drive wildfires in Colorado

Colorado's governor has declared a state of emergency as winds are driving several large grass fires. Two towns in Boulder County have been evacuated with more than 20,000 people fleeing the fires.

Thousands flee their homes as fast-moving winds drive wildfires in Colorado

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Weather

Winter storms in California's mountains drop record-breaking amounts of snow

Much of California is in the grips of extreme or exceptional drought. But the state may soon be blanketed by record levels of snow, after a series of storms finish parading through the western U.S.

Winter storms in California's mountains drop record-breaking amounts of snow

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The Sun Belt is making a big play for the hot electric vehicle market

Rivian has made only a few hundred electric pickups. But investors are betting on its future. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images hide caption

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Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Business

The Sun Belt is making a big play for the hot electric vehicle market

Georgia recently nabbed an agreement for a $5 billion Rivian electric vehicle plant. Rivian is one of the hot new electric vehicle startups.

The Sun Belt is making a big play for the hot electric vehicle market

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British Columbia is looking at how it can adapt to prepare for more climate disasters

British Columbia was devastated by natural disasters this year attributed to climate change. The Canadian province is evaluating how to prepare for the next disasters.

British Columbia is looking at how it can adapt to prepare for more climate disasters

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What New York's ban on gas-powered heat could mean for the future of clean energy

Elissa Nadworny talks to Russell Unger, a building electrification expert at RMI, a clean energy think tank, about New York City's recent fossil fuel ban in new buildings.

What New York's ban on gas-powered heat could mean for the future of clean energy

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Energy

NYC bans natural gas in new buildings in an effort to combat climate change

NPR's Eyder Peralta talks to David Iaconangelo of E&E News about New York City's recent ban on natural gas in new buildings and its national implications.

NYC bans natural gas in new buildings in an effort to combat climate change

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Manchin's Holiday Gift To Fellow Dems: A Lump Of Coal On Climate Change

Senator Joe Manchin is followed by reporters as he leaves a caucus meeting with Senate Democrats at the U.S. Capitol Building on December 17, 2021 in Washington, DC. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images hide caption

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Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Consider This from NPR

Manchin's Holiday Gift To Fellow Dems: A Lump Of Coal On Climate Change

This week, Democratic West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin said he cannot support the Build Back Better Act, which contains more than half a trillion dollars in climate investments. The White House has been negotiating with Manchin for months, hoping he would cast a key vote for the plan in the Senate, where their party's majority is razor thin.

Manchin's Holiday Gift To Fellow Dems: A Lump Of Coal On Climate Change

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President Biden faces pressure to end fossil fuel development to fight climate change

President Biden faces pressure to end fossil fuel development on federal land to fight climate change. But industry expects new drilling opportunities, putting his public lands chief in a tight spot.

President Biden faces pressure to end fossil fuel development to fight climate change

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National

3 states and Washington agree to keep more water in Lake Mead amid dropping levels

KUNC

Three western states and the federal government have signed a $200 million deal to keep Lake Mead viable. Millions depend on it for water and electricity. It's at a historic low due to climate change.

3 states and Washington agree to keep more water in Lake Mead amid dropping levels

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National

Infrastructure law may help Colorado's aim to tackle poverty and climate change

CPR News

Colorado is fighting poverty and climate change by retrofitting low-income homes. The state is expected to get a boost from the new infrastructure law. (Story originally aired on ATC on Dec. 2. 2021)

Infrastructure law may help Colorado's aim to tackle poverty and climate change

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In 2021, climate ambitions soared and crashed in the U.S. and around the world

President Biden signs the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, part of Biden's climate plans, in November on the South Lawn at the White House. Kenny Holston/Getty Images hide caption

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Kenny Holston/Getty Images

In 2021, climate ambitions soared and crashed in the U.S. and around the world

President Biden's lofty domestic goals were brought down to earth by congressional opposition, notably from one Democratic senator. International efforts to fight planetary warming also fell short.

Biden's climate change plan stalls after Manchin opposes Build Back Better

President Biden campaigned on the most ambitious climate agenda of any major party candidate. But the cornerstone of his plan appears doomed in Congress, rejected by a Democrat from a coal state.

Biden's climate change plan stalls after Manchin opposes Build Back Better

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With the loss of Manchin's vote, Biden's climate change agenda may be doomed

Despite a year of increasing weather disasters, Biden's ambitious climate plans may be doomed in Congress.

With the loss of Manchin's vote, Biden's climate change agenda may be doomed

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