Joshua Basseches
@joshuabasseches.bsky.social
Renewable energy and climate politics and policy. Assistant Professor at Tulane University. Forthcoming book about utilities and state-level renewable electricity policymaking. More at joshuabasseches.com
Pinned
How to make clean energy progress under Trump in the states—blue and red alike
Cheaper energy bills are a nonpartisan issue—no matter where you live.
www.technologyreview.com
In a new Op-Ed for @technologyreview.com, I draw on research from my forthcoming book to suggest a playbook for clean energy advocates in these backwards times:
www.technologyreview.com/2025/08/19/1...
www.technologyreview.com/2025/08/19/1...
"In short, the highly politicized national energy debates are missing the point. It’s not about ideology; it’s about doing what works. And what works in Texas is competition, consumer choice and resources that prove their worth economically."
www.utilitydive.com/news/texas-i...
www.utilitydive.com/news/texas-i...
Texas is winning the energy war by ignoring the politics
The Lone Star State is demonstrating an affordable and reliable path to achieving American energy resilience that prioritizes practicality over ideology, writes Amperon CEO Sean Kelly.
www.utilitydive.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:42 PM
"In short, the highly politicized national energy debates are missing the point. It’s not about ideology; it’s about doing what works. And what works in Texas is competition, consumer choice and resources that prove their worth economically."
www.utilitydive.com/news/texas-i...
www.utilitydive.com/news/texas-i...
Yet Forbes says First Energy is one of "America's Most Trusted Companies" for 2026. 🤔
www.utilitydive.com/news/ohio-pu...
www.utilitydive.com/news/ohio-pu...
Ohio PUC orders FirstEnergy utilities to pay $250.7M over HB 6 bribery scandal
The decision “closes a chapter tied to activities that do not represent the company we are today,” according to FirstEnergy, which has paid $390 million in other fines related to the scandal.
www.utilitydive.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Yet Forbes says First Energy is one of "America's Most Trusted Companies" for 2026. 🤔
www.utilitydive.com/news/ohio-pu...
www.utilitydive.com/news/ohio-pu...
Reposted by Joshua Basseches
How has support for political violence in America shifted over the past year and who has the highest levels of support?
My new piece at @brookings.edu provides answers by comparing data from #NoKings2.0 with a national survey fielded right after: www.brookings.edu/articles/wha...
My new piece at @brookings.edu provides answers by comparing data from #NoKings2.0 with a national survey fielded right after: www.brookings.edu/articles/wha...
What the No Kings Day protest reveals about support for political violence in America | Brookings
New survey data from the No Kings Day protests reveal shifting public attitudes toward political violence in the second Trump administration.
www.brookings.edu
November 26, 2025 at 12:54 PM
How has support for political violence in America shifted over the past year and who has the highest levels of support?
My new piece at @brookings.edu provides answers by comparing data from #NoKings2.0 with a national survey fielded right after: www.brookings.edu/articles/wha...
My new piece at @brookings.edu provides answers by comparing data from #NoKings2.0 with a national survey fielded right after: www.brookings.edu/articles/wha...
Reposted by Joshua Basseches
If I owned property in Texas, I would be very worried right now. Also, if I were a local government, I'd be worried about my revenue in the coming years.
Keys & Mulder build dataset to study homeowners insurance using over 74 million premiums from 2014–2024 inferred from mortgage escrow payments. Premium increases are capitalized into home values, reducing home price growth by over $40,000 in the most exposed zip codes. www.nber.org/papers/w32579
November 26, 2025 at 4:17 PM
If I owned property in Texas, I would be very worried right now. Also, if I were a local government, I'd be worried about my revenue in the coming years.
Interesting local siting battle playing out in Ohio:
www.canarymedia.com/articles/cle...
www.canarymedia.com/articles/cle...
This Ohio county banned wind and solar. Now, residents are pushing…
Richland County forbade large-scale renewable energy in most townships. Next May, voters will have a chance to reject the rules in a first-of-its-kind…
www.canarymedia.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Interesting local siting battle playing out in Ohio:
www.canarymedia.com/articles/cle...
www.canarymedia.com/articles/cle...
Residential ratepayer advocates are on the front lines of the utility affordability crisis, going up against some of the most powerful monopoly corporations in the country. I'm thankful for these unsung heroes this Thanksgiving. (1/2)
www.eenews.net/articles/dat...
www.eenews.net/articles/dat...
Data center boom raises stakes for consumer advocates
Operating on shoestring budgets, state offices and nonprofits representing residential customers face escalating utility spending.
www.eenews.net
November 26, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Residential ratepayer advocates are on the front lines of the utility affordability crisis, going up against some of the most powerful monopoly corporations in the country. I'm thankful for these unsung heroes this Thanksgiving. (1/2)
www.eenews.net/articles/dat...
www.eenews.net/articles/dat...
An example of just one (of several) tools that policymakers have at their disposal to tackle energy affordability *without* sacrificing climate and clean energy policy:
heatmap.news/energy/calif...
heatmap.news/energy/calif...
What If Utilities Just Made Less Money?
California energy companies are asking for permission to take in more revenue. Consumer advocates are having none of it.
heatmap.news
November 26, 2025 at 2:55 PM
An example of just one (of several) tools that policymakers have at their disposal to tackle energy affordability *without* sacrificing climate and clean energy policy:
heatmap.news/energy/calif...
heatmap.news/energy/calif...
A reminder of why we cannot give up on climate policy:
www.eenews.net/articles/ris...
www.eenews.net/articles/ris...
Rising seas threaten thousands of hazardous US facilities
Most of the at-risk sites are clustered in just seven states: Louisiana, Florida, New Jersey, Texas, California, New York and Massachusetts.
www.eenews.net
November 26, 2025 at 2:40 PM
A reminder of why we cannot give up on climate policy:
www.eenews.net/articles/ris...
www.eenews.net/articles/ris...
Narrative that ambitious climate mitigation policy is a threat to affordability is a tired one, yet it continues to re-emerge. (1/)
www.eenews.net/articles/new...
www.eenews.net/articles/new...
New York Democrats split on climate law
As Gov. Kathy Hochul considers changes to the state's 2019 climate targets, Democratic lawmakers are split amid affordability concerns.
www.eenews.net
November 26, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Narrative that ambitious climate mitigation policy is a threat to affordability is a tired one, yet it continues to re-emerge. (1/)
www.eenews.net/articles/new...
www.eenews.net/articles/new...
At a certain point, our leaders must ask themselves what should the rest of the society be asked to sacrifice to enable the voraciousness of Big Tech:
www.eenews.net/articles/spr...
www.eenews.net/articles/spr...
Spread of data centers raises risk of winter outages, grid monitor warns
Regions where peak electricity demand has risen quickly face the highest risks, says the North American Electric Reliability Corp.
www.eenews.net
November 25, 2025 at 5:42 PM
At a certain point, our leaders must ask themselves what should the rest of the society be asked to sacrifice to enable the voraciousness of Big Tech:
www.eenews.net/articles/spr...
www.eenews.net/articles/spr...
Hamm is a ballroom donor:
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eene...
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eene...
E&E News: Hamm’s Continental buys into Pluspetrol shale field, Argentine official says
U.S. independent drillers look to take their shale expertise across borders to South America’s second-largest economy.
subscriber.politicopro.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Hamm is a ballroom donor:
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eene...
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eene...
The latest skirmish between CARB and a co-chair of the EJ Advisory Committee is part of a much longer history. (1/)
www.eenews.net/articles/cal...
www.eenews.net/articles/cal...
California environmental justice adviser quits to protest state agency
The California Air Resources Board exhibits "growing hostility" to its EJ advisory panel, the co-chair said in her resignation letter.
www.eenews.net
November 25, 2025 at 1:48 PM
The latest skirmish between CARB and a co-chair of the EJ Advisory Committee is part of a much longer history. (1/)
www.eenews.net/articles/cal...
www.eenews.net/articles/cal...
Excited to dig into @greenprofgreen.bsky.social’s book, which arrived in today’s mail!
November 25, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Excited to dig into @greenprofgreen.bsky.social’s book, which arrived in today’s mail!
It's true, sometimes short-term costs are necessary for long-term savings. But monopoly utility profits are also part of the story, and policymakers can tackle those -- thus lowering consumer costs -- *without* backtracking on climate policy:
heatmap.news/politics/dem...
heatmap.news/politics/dem...
Democrats’ New Affordability Message Is Complicating Climate Policy
The transition to clean energy will be expensive today, even if it’ll be cheaper in the long run.
heatmap.news
November 24, 2025 at 8:24 PM
It's true, sometimes short-term costs are necessary for long-term savings. But monopoly utility profits are also part of the story, and policymakers can tackle those -- thus lowering consumer costs -- *without* backtracking on climate policy:
heatmap.news/politics/dem...
heatmap.news/politics/dem...
The legislator behind this bill -- who also chairs the relevant committee in the House -- received an influx of utility dollars within days of introducing it, as Commonwealth Beacon has reported. (1/)
acadiacenter.org/house-climat...
acadiacenter.org/house-climat...
House climate bill is a big step backward - Acadia Center
Massachusetts is known as a leader in clean energy and climate action. Our policies have lowered emissions, created jobs, and helped families save money on energy. But a bill currently under considera...
acadiacenter.org
November 24, 2025 at 8:14 PM
The legislator behind this bill -- who also chairs the relevant committee in the House -- received an influx of utility dollars within days of introducing it, as Commonwealth Beacon has reported. (1/)
acadiacenter.org/house-climat...
acadiacenter.org/house-climat...
My research finds that regulated monopoly investor-owned electric utilities are not in the habit of giving something away for nothing. (1/)
November 24, 2025 at 8:01 PM
My research finds that regulated monopoly investor-owned electric utilities are not in the habit of giving something away for nothing. (1/)
Fossil fuel companies argue that simply being required to disclose their pollution is violating their First Amendment rights (because, of course, corporations are people 🙄). #ClimateInTheCourts
www.eenews.net/articles/cha...
www.eenews.net/articles/cha...
Chamber urges Supreme Court to block California climate laws
Business groups say the laws violate companies' First Amendment rights.
www.eenews.net
November 24, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Fossil fuel companies argue that simply being required to disclose their pollution is violating their First Amendment rights (because, of course, corporations are people 🙄). #ClimateInTheCourts
www.eenews.net/articles/cha...
www.eenews.net/articles/cha...
"The Trump administration is claiming that they're doing this to help save costs for the American family, but they’re really only focused on the cost savings to the regulated entities [corporations/polluters].”
www.eenews.net/articles/thi...
www.eenews.net/articles/thi...
Think tank flips the script on Trump EPA’s economic analyses
The NYU School of Law’s Institute for Policy Integrity says the costs of deregulation far exceeds the benefits.
www.eenews.net
November 24, 2025 at 7:31 PM
"The Trump administration is claiming that they're doing this to help save costs for the American family, but they’re really only focused on the cost savings to the regulated entities [corporations/polluters].”
www.eenews.net/articles/thi...
www.eenews.net/articles/thi...
Utilities are rightly cautious about building nuclear plants. Failed and delayed plants like VC Summer and Vogtle left ratepayers on the hook for billions, causing giant PR crises:
www.eenews.net/articles/cos...
www.eenews.net/articles/cos...
Cost-conscious utilities resist Trump’s push for nuclear revival
The administration has yet to convince major utilities to commit to building large reactors again.
www.eenews.net
November 24, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Utilities are rightly cautious about building nuclear plants. Failed and delayed plants like VC Summer and Vogtle left ratepayers on the hook for billions, causing giant PR crises:
www.eenews.net/articles/cos...
www.eenews.net/articles/cos...
While candidates *talk* about lowering electricity bills, unelected (appointed) commissioners in California may be on the verge of actually *doing* something about it. Other PUCs should consider trimming ROE as well, putting Main St. ahead of Wall St.
www.eenews.net/articles/cal...
www.eenews.net/articles/cal...
California regulator recommends lowering utilities’ return on equity
The California Public Utilities Commission could vote next month on utilities' profit structure for 2026.
www.eenews.net
November 24, 2025 at 7:00 PM
While candidates *talk* about lowering electricity bills, unelected (appointed) commissioners in California may be on the verge of actually *doing* something about it. Other PUCs should consider trimming ROE as well, putting Main St. ahead of Wall St.
www.eenews.net/articles/cal...
www.eenews.net/articles/cal...
Bravo New York Public Service Commission 👏
www.eenews.net/articles/ny-...
www.eenews.net/articles/ny-...
NY regulator wants to shield energy assistance in face of federal delays
It ensures delays in federal aid for low-income ratepayers won’t also prevent families from getting heating help from the state-level program.
www.eenews.net
November 24, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Bravo New York Public Service Commission 👏
www.eenews.net/articles/ny-...
www.eenews.net/articles/ny-...
Terrific and comprehensive review of barriers to buildings decarbonization:
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reviewing the 95 sociotechnical barriers to the decarbonization of buildings - Nature Communications
This study identifies 95 interrelated barriers to building decarbonization, showing that social, political, and behavioral factors, alongside technical ones, inhibit the adoption of low carbon solutio...
www.nature.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Terrific and comprehensive review of barriers to buildings decarbonization:
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Didn't see this gentleman on the list of ballroom donors, so good luck ...
insideclimatenews.org/news/1111202...
insideclimatenews.org/news/1111202...
An Oil Company Running Into Rough Waters off the California Coast Is Looking to Trump for Help - Inside Climate News
A vote to deny Sable Offshore permits to restart production builds on a series of lawsuits and an accusation of insider trading, but the CEO wants the president to help it overcome its setbacks.
insideclimatenews.org
November 23, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Didn't see this gentleman on the list of ballroom donors, so good luck ...
insideclimatenews.org/news/1111202...
insideclimatenews.org/news/1111202...
There's a lot of talk about electricity bills, but much less about the people who actually have the greatest influence over them: public utility commissioners. Gov. Braun will be making key decisions on appointments in Indiana. Thanks to @indianacapitalchronicle.com for covering:
Nine finalists named for Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission openings • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Indiana officials on Thursday named nine finalists for three open seats on the powerful Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
November 23, 2025 at 9:10 PM
There's a lot of talk about electricity bills, but much less about the people who actually have the greatest influence over them: public utility commissioners. Gov. Braun will be making key decisions on appointments in Indiana. Thanks to @indianacapitalchronicle.com for covering: