Jay Turner
@jayturner.bsky.social
Environmental Studies Professor at Wellesley College. Author of Charged: A History of Batteries and Lessons for a Clean Energy Future (2022). Tracking and analyzing clean energy supply chains at https://www.the-big-green-machine.com
Pinned
US clean energy manufacturing investments slowed again last month.
We are now tracking 64 projects, $66.8B in investment, and 66,488 jobs at The Big Green Machine that have been delayed, shrunk, paused, or cancelled since Trump took office.
www.the-big-green-machine.com/post-trump-s...
🔌💡
We are now tracking 64 projects, $66.8B in investment, and 66,488 jobs at The Big Green Machine that have been delayed, shrunk, paused, or cancelled since Trump took office.
www.the-big-green-machine.com/post-trump-s...
🔌💡
In the US, the lead-acid battery industry, led by @batterycouncil.bsky.social (founded in 1924) has been championing the industry as the model for recycling and re-use lead-acid batteries since the 1990s.
Here is what you'll see on their website:
batterycouncil.org/battery-fact...
Here is what you'll see on their website:
batterycouncil.org/battery-fact...
November 25, 2025 at 2:04 PM
In the US, the lead-acid battery industry, led by @batterycouncil.bsky.social (founded in 1924) has been championing the industry as the model for recycling and re-use lead-acid batteries since the 1990s.
Here is what you'll see on their website:
batterycouncil.org/battery-fact...
Here is what you'll see on their website:
batterycouncil.org/battery-fact...
Industry rightly claims that 99% of US lead-acid batteries are recycled.
When done cheaply, that recycled lead comes at a grave cost to workers and communities around the world.
#energysky
When done cheaply, that recycled lead comes at a grave cost to workers and communities around the world.
#energysky
Second part of this great, devastating, reporting.
"As the auto industry struggled through the subsequent financial crisis, other car companies and battery retailers also declined to sign on. Green Lead collapsed"
Explore this gift article. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/w...
"As the auto industry struggled through the subsequent financial crisis, other car companies and battery retailers also declined to sign on. Green Lead collapsed"
Explore this gift article. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/w...
The Auto Industry Was Warned: Battery Recycling Was Poisoning People
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Industry rightly claims that 99% of US lead-acid batteries are recycled.
When done cheaply, that recycled lead comes at a grave cost to workers and communities around the world.
#energysky
When done cheaply, that recycled lead comes at a grave cost to workers and communities around the world.
#energysky
US clean energy manufacturing investments slowed again last month.
We are now tracking 64 projects, $66.8B in investment, and 66,488 jobs at The Big Green Machine that have been delayed, shrunk, paused, or cancelled since Trump took office.
www.the-big-green-machine.com/post-trump-s...
🔌💡
We are now tracking 64 projects, $66.8B in investment, and 66,488 jobs at The Big Green Machine that have been delayed, shrunk, paused, or cancelled since Trump took office.
www.the-big-green-machine.com/post-trump-s...
🔌💡
November 24, 2025 at 6:47 PM
US clean energy manufacturing investments slowed again last month.
We are now tracking 64 projects, $66.8B in investment, and 66,488 jobs at The Big Green Machine that have been delayed, shrunk, paused, or cancelled since Trump took office.
www.the-big-green-machine.com/post-trump-s...
🔌💡
We are now tracking 64 projects, $66.8B in investment, and 66,488 jobs at The Big Green Machine that have been delayed, shrunk, paused, or cancelled since Trump took office.
www.the-big-green-machine.com/post-trump-s...
🔌💡
Wow.
Just to add to the data points below. US coal exports in 2024 were ~$9.4B.
So far this year, China has exported approximately $60 billion in batteries for battery energy storage systems and components.
Just to add to the data points below. US coal exports in 2024 were ~$9.4B.
So far this year, China has exported approximately $60 billion in batteries for battery energy storage systems and components.
Battery export boom: China has exported approximately $60 billion in battery energy storage systems and components in the first three quarters of 2025, up 24% from last year www.reuters.com/markets/comm...
US export comparisons in 2024: Soy, $25b. LNG, $28.9b. Auto exports, $59.2b. 🔌💡
US export comparisons in 2024: Soy, $25b. LNG, $28.9b. Auto exports, $59.2b. 🔌💡
www.reuters.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Wow.
Just to add to the data points below. US coal exports in 2024 were ~$9.4B.
So far this year, China has exported approximately $60 billion in batteries for battery energy storage systems and components.
Just to add to the data points below. US coal exports in 2024 were ~$9.4B.
So far this year, China has exported approximately $60 billion in batteries for battery energy storage systems and components.
"There is no playbook for reducing exposure when people’s homes are being sprinkled with lead dust from the sky."
A sobering piece from the NYTimes on the dire consequences of the international trade in recycled lead for front-line communities in Africa. #energysky
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
A sobering piece from the NYTimes on the dire consequences of the international trade in recycled lead for front-line communities in Africa. #energysky
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
The Auto Industry’s Lead Recycling Program is Poisoning People (Gift Article)
We documented the toxic fallout of a green technology.
www.nytimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:48 PM
"There is no playbook for reducing exposure when people’s homes are being sprinkled with lead dust from the sky."
A sobering piece from the NYTimes on the dire consequences of the international trade in recycled lead for front-line communities in Africa. #energysky
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
A sobering piece from the NYTimes on the dire consequences of the international trade in recycled lead for front-line communities in Africa. #energysky
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Do you teach #envhist?
If so, @aseh.bsky.social's Early Career Caucus has put together a fantastic panel to discuss ideas for planning environmental history courses!
Details below…
If so, @aseh.bsky.social's Early Career Caucus has put together a fantastic panel to discuss ideas for planning environmental history courses!
Details below…
Join the ASEH ECC's first event of this semester! "A Discussion on Environmental History Course Planning" on Monday, November 17th at 12pm EST via Zoom.
See you all there!
stonybrook.zoom.us/j/9422405381...
See you all there!
stonybrook.zoom.us/j/9422405381...
November 13, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Do you teach #envhist?
If so, @aseh.bsky.social's Early Career Caucus has put together a fantastic panel to discuss ideas for planning environmental history courses!
Details below…
If so, @aseh.bsky.social's Early Career Caucus has put together a fantastic panel to discuss ideas for planning environmental history courses!
Details below…
Reposted by Jay Turner
Hey @volts.wtf - remember your "one weird trick" essay about Democratic trifectas for strong renewable energy policy? House Democrats in the MA Legislature are apparently trying to prove you wrong.
commonwealthbeacon.org/energy/sweep...
commonwealthbeacon.org/energy/sweep...
Sweeping energy bill to weaken 2030 climate goals clears key House committee - CommonWealth Beacon
The measure is ushering in an unexpected — and messy — debate over the state’s overall policy push to meet its 2030 climate commitments as Gov. Maura Healey’s energy affordability package filed earlie...
commonwealthbeacon.org
November 13, 2025 at 2:39 AM
Hey @volts.wtf - remember your "one weird trick" essay about Democratic trifectas for strong renewable energy policy? House Democrats in the MA Legislature are apparently trying to prove you wrong.
commonwealthbeacon.org/energy/sweep...
commonwealthbeacon.org/energy/sweep...
There are dark clouds on the horizon for Massachusetts climate policy. A new House bill proposes major changes to Massachusetts's policy. See thread below.
MA and New England climate folks - Has anyone seen the text of this House bill? Cutting the 2030 climate goal, reducing Mass Save efficiency spending, sounds bad. 🔌💡
commonwealthbeacon.org/energy/house...
commonwealthbeacon.org/energy/house...
House moves forward with bill to weaken 2030 climate goals - CommonWealth Beacon
The plan reverberating around Beacon Hill, as first reported by CommonWealth Beacon last week, is sure to put lawmakers in a politically difficult position and test their willingness to defend the cli...
commonwealthbeacon.org
November 12, 2025 at 7:39 PM
There are dark clouds on the horizon for Massachusetts climate policy. A new House bill proposes major changes to Massachusetts's policy. See thread below.
Reposted by Jay Turner
Updated data on renewables and energy storage deployment. The race between California and Texas is... how shall we say... no longer close.
November 6, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Updated data on renewables and energy storage deployment. The race between California and Texas is... how shall we say... no longer close.
For all you IPA fans out there, here is a reason to drink a Heineken (at least when in Southern Europe). Their Portugal brewer is transitioning from fossil-fuel boilers to zero-carbon steam, made possible by a 100MWh Rondo Heat Battery. #energysky
www.esgtoday.com/heineken-sig...
www.esgtoday.com/heineken-sig...
November 5, 2025 at 6:15 PM
For all you IPA fans out there, here is a reason to drink a Heineken (at least when in Southern Europe). Their Portugal brewer is transitioning from fossil-fuel boilers to zero-carbon steam, made possible by a 100MWh Rondo Heat Battery. #energysky
www.esgtoday.com/heineken-sig...
www.esgtoday.com/heineken-sig...
Reposted by Jay Turner
Covering half of parking lots with solar canopies in the USA would generate ~1.4 terawatts. ☀️🇺🇸 rooseveltinstitute.org/publications...
South Korea (hey how about it PM #MarkCarney?) #Solar #ClimateChange #EnergyTransition electrek.co/2025/11/02/n...
New national law will turn large parking lots into solar power farms
Starting this month, parking lots in South Korea with more than 80 spaces will be required to install solar canopies and carports.
electrek.co
November 4, 2025 at 3:53 AM
Covering half of parking lots with solar canopies in the USA would generate ~1.4 terawatts. ☀️🇺🇸 rooseveltinstitute.org/publications...
Reposted by Jay Turner
For years, Sarah & Doug have been putting together such a clear-eyed, inclusive, and hopeful vision of mobility alternatives. Now they've distilled it into this great book! And it starts with a mind-boggling early Superman comic that they unearthed.
What more do I need to say? Go get it!
What more do I need to say? Go get it!
October 30, 2025 at 2:22 PM
For years, Sarah & Doug have been putting together such a clear-eyed, inclusive, and hopeful vision of mobility alternatives. Now they've distilled it into this great book! And it starts with a mind-boggling early Superman comic that they unearthed.
What more do I need to say? Go get it!
What more do I need to say? Go get it!
Reposted by Jay Turner
Apply for an ASEH Travel Grant to the 2026 Conference in Kansas City. Submission deadline is: Nov. 20
aseh.org
aseh.org
American Society for Environmental History - 2026 ASEH Travel Grants
aseh.org
October 28, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Apply for an ASEH Travel Grant to the 2026 Conference in Kansas City. Submission deadline is: Nov. 20
aseh.org
aseh.org
Reposted by Jay Turner
Carbon neutrality doesn’t always lead to decarbonization. But who is decarbonizing? We looked at >600 US colleges and universities and found 7 that have decarbonized direct (Scope 1) emissions by at least 50% (usually with ground source heat pump networks). This is possible folks! 1/6
October 27, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Carbon neutrality doesn’t always lead to decarbonization. But who is decarbonizing? We looked at >600 US colleges and universities and found 7 that have decarbonized direct (Scope 1) emissions by at least 50% (usually with ground source heat pump networks). This is possible folks! 1/6
Is the Trump slow down in clean energy manufacturing investments slowing down?
Based on events this week, the answer is no. Gotion's plans for the $2.4B gigafactory in MI are dead. Ford just paused F-150 Lightning production. And those are just the biggest slow downs...
bridgemi.com/business-wat...
Based on events this week, the answer is no. Gotion's plans for the $2.4B gigafactory in MI are dead. Ford just paused F-150 Lightning production. And those are just the biggest slow downs...
bridgemi.com/business-wat...
October 24, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Is the Trump slow down in clean energy manufacturing investments slowing down?
Based on events this week, the answer is no. Gotion's plans for the $2.4B gigafactory in MI are dead. Ford just paused F-150 Lightning production. And those are just the biggest slow downs...
bridgemi.com/business-wat...
Based on events this week, the answer is no. Gotion's plans for the $2.4B gigafactory in MI are dead. Ford just paused F-150 Lightning production. And those are just the biggest slow downs...
bridgemi.com/business-wat...
Exciting thread from @jonasnahm.com on the beginnings of a research agenda to track the recent past and guide the evolution of industrial policy. #energysky
Industrial policy is back — and it's changing fast. What started as "green" strategy is now a global race for clean tech competitiveness and economic security. But do we actually know what works? That's what we're asking at the New Energy Industrial Strategy (NEIS) Center. /1
October 24, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Exciting thread from @jonasnahm.com on the beginnings of a research agenda to track the recent past and guide the evolution of industrial policy. #energysky
This is a really helpful report that explains what Community Benefits Agreements are and how they give communities leverage in negotiations around energy transition projects. Worth reading for the insights, four well-researched case studies, and excellent use of Storymaps!
October 21, 2025 at 8:34 PM
This is a really helpful report that explains what Community Benefits Agreements are and how they give communities leverage in negotiations around energy transition projects. Worth reading for the insights, four well-researched case studies, and excellent use of Storymaps!
Is the Trump slow down in clean energy manufacturing investments bottoming out?
Our tracking shows that new investments in US clean energy manufacturing during Q3 2025 exceeded canceled or paused projects for the first time since Q3 2024. 🔌💡
www.the-big-green-machine.com/post-trump-s...
Our tracking shows that new investments in US clean energy manufacturing during Q3 2025 exceeded canceled or paused projects for the first time since Q3 2024. 🔌💡
www.the-big-green-machine.com/post-trump-s...
October 21, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Is the Trump slow down in clean energy manufacturing investments bottoming out?
Our tracking shows that new investments in US clean energy manufacturing during Q3 2025 exceeded canceled or paused projects for the first time since Q3 2024. 🔌💡
www.the-big-green-machine.com/post-trump-s...
Our tracking shows that new investments in US clean energy manufacturing during Q3 2025 exceeded canceled or paused projects for the first time since Q3 2024. 🔌💡
www.the-big-green-machine.com/post-trump-s...
It is fascinating to see the expanding role of batteries on California's grid. gridstatus.io has the real-time data!
Remarkable that there have been no Flex Alerts for CA since 2022 - real gains for grid resiliency.
Remarkable that there have been no Flex Alerts for CA since 2022 - real gains for grid resiliency.
October 18, 2025 at 12:27 PM
It is fascinating to see the expanding role of batteries on California's grid. gridstatus.io has the real-time data!
Remarkable that there have been no Flex Alerts for CA since 2022 - real gains for grid resiliency.
Remarkable that there have been no Flex Alerts for CA since 2022 - real gains for grid resiliency.
Reposted by Jay Turner
Federal workers who issue permits for oil, gas, and mining operations are on the job, along with those working to repeal pollution limits, despite the federal government shutdown, reports Lisa Friedman: www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/c... 🔌💡
The Government Is Shut Down. But Not for Fossil Fuels.
www.nytimes.com
October 17, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Federal workers who issue permits for oil, gas, and mining operations are on the job, along with those working to repeal pollution limits, despite the federal government shutdown, reports Lisa Friedman: www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/c... 🔌💡
"Industrial heat accounts for about 25% of global energy use, from cement kilns to chemical plants. Rondo’s heat battery technology offers a simple way to decarbonize that sector."
No critical minerals or risk of toxic emissions. Runs on off-peak power.
Exciting. What are the downsides? 🔌💡
No critical minerals or risk of toxic emissions. Runs on off-peak power.
Exciting. What are the downsides? 🔌💡
HOT NEWS: Rondo just flipped the switch on the world's largest industrial heat battery. 100 MWh delivering continuous high-pressure industrial heat/steam with storage temperatures over 1000°C and 97% round-trip efficiency. The energy transition is heating up.
October 17, 2025 at 11:48 AM
"Industrial heat accounts for about 25% of global energy use, from cement kilns to chemical plants. Rondo’s heat battery technology offers a simple way to decarbonize that sector."
No critical minerals or risk of toxic emissions. Runs on off-peak power.
Exciting. What are the downsides? 🔌💡
No critical minerals or risk of toxic emissions. Runs on off-peak power.
Exciting. What are the downsides? 🔌💡
Reposted by Jay Turner
New coal leases in the Powder River Basin have been paused after the first one had only a bid for 1/10th of a penny. They are trying to blame previous administrations, but the writing is on the wall. We should be supporting coal workers and communities not doing wtf this clown show is doing.
US postpones Wyoming coal lease sale after disappointing Montana auction
The Trump administration has postponed a scheduled sale of coal leases on federal lands in Wyoming two days after a disappointing auction in Montana, an Interior Department spokesperson said on Wednesday.
www.reuters.com
October 13, 2025 at 4:30 PM
New coal leases in the Powder River Basin have been paused after the first one had only a bid for 1/10th of a penny. They are trying to blame previous administrations, but the writing is on the wall. We should be supporting coal workers and communities not doing wtf this clown show is doing.
“A quarter-century ago and flooded a vast area for the reservoir of the Three Gorges Dam. This year, China has been installing enough solar panels every three weeks to match the power generation capacity of that dam.” #energysky
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/10/b...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/10/b...
Why China Built 162 Square Miles of Solar Panels on the World’s Highest Plateau
www.nytimes.com
October 10, 2025 at 11:05 AM
“A quarter-century ago and flooded a vast area for the reservoir of the Three Gorges Dam. This year, China has been installing enough solar panels every three weeks to match the power generation capacity of that dam.” #energysky
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/10/b...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/10/b...
Reposted by Jay Turner
"Communities considering geothermal heat pump systems have been concerned about a long-term subsurface warming trend...Because of groundwater flow and winter shutoffs, we cannot identify any evidence of this trend [in this system]"
www.geosociety.org/GSA/Publicat...
www.geosociety.org/GSA/Publicat...
GSA Today
GSA Today Science article G607A: Long-Term Monitoring of a Campus-Scale Geothermal Heat Pump System Using Distributed Temperature Sensing
www.geosociety.org
October 8, 2025 at 2:14 AM
"Communities considering geothermal heat pump systems have been concerned about a long-term subsurface warming trend...Because of groundwater flow and winter shutoffs, we cannot identify any evidence of this trend [in this system]"
www.geosociety.org/GSA/Publicat...
www.geosociety.org/GSA/Publicat...