environmental journalist
Environmental journalist who writes regularly for the New York Times and many other publications
PROFILE
Todd Woody
Guest
FROM Todd Woody
To the Point
Going Where No Man Has Gone Before for Renewable Energy The idea of getting energy from solar collectors in space has been around for a long time, but now the California Public Utilities Commission has given the green light to launch a real project as soon as 2016. It'll cost billions, but Pacific Gas & Electric claims there's no risk to current customers. Todd Woody covers technology and the environment for the New York Times and other publications.
To the Point
The Cost of Renewable Energy Last week, President Obama doled out $3.4 billion in federal grants for renewable energy projects including " smart meters ," designed to allow consumers to track the electricity they use and, hopefully, change their habits. They're said to be the first step to what's called a " smart grid ." Twenty million dollars went to Burbank Water and Power , the publicly owned utility in a suburb of Los Angeles. Florida Power and Light also received "smart meter" grants, as well as $200 million for a solar photovoltaic plant, much praised by President Obama. That private company has a subsidiary named NextEra , which is developing solar energy "farms" in Southern California.
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To the Point
Trump's new look at civil rights and global warming President Trump is reportedly ready to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We look at the possible consequences. On the second half of the program, we hear about cuts in Obama-Era civil rights programs called for by the Trump Administration's first budget plan.
To the Point
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?
To the Point
Venezuela spirals into economic and political chaos Venezuela, a country whose potential for prosperity is unmatched, finds itself on the verge of civil war. What sustains the repressive government? With time running out, guest host León Krauze looks at what the international community can do to pull the country from the edge of collapse.
To the Point
Replacing Obamacare: Now you see it… now you don’t As the Senate deliberates replacing Obmacare, health coverage for millions of people is at stake. There've been no public hearings, and a draft measure won't be made public. Is the House version so unpopular that that Senate is hiding a version that looks much the same?