Energy and Environment Program

About the Program

Our Energy and Environment program conducts research on the way energy extraction and production impact the health and quality of the natural environment.

Recent Work

Stay tuned for more information on our specific research projects in the Energy and Environment program. We will be adding information as we build out our brand new website. Below are selected highlights from our latest work.

Related Work

PSE in the Media September 15, 2023

A new report reveals the unexpected home appliance that’s causing major health problems — and it’s not just gas stoves

And according to Drew Michanowicz, a scientist at research institute PSE Healthy Energy, all samples of natural gas contain “a small suite of hazardous air pollutants that clearly we would not want to be exposed to.

Yahoo News

PSE in the Media September 14, 2023

Utilities in New Hampshire unexpectedly back solar net metering

In a sharp turnaround from their previous stance, Eversource, Unitil and Liberty Utilities testified in support of keeping the state’s net-metering incentive intact.

Canary Media

PSE in the Media September 6, 2023

In unexpected move, New Hampshire utilities voice support for solar net metering

Eversource, Unitil, and Liberty Utilities say the state’s net metering policy is balanced and effective, and that there’s no evidence of unjustified cost-shifting to customers without solar panels.

Energy News Network

PSE in the Media August 23, 2023

Here’s where California’s power grid is most at risk for high winds and fire threat

After years of study and debate, electrical utilities are shutting off power to high-risk areas across California during high heat and wind events. The Public Safety Power Shutoffs are being implemented but there is concern for the few who rely on electricity to survive around the clock.

Silicon Valley.com

PSE in the Media August 23, 2023

Here’s where the California power grid is most at risk from high winds and fires.

Power cuts for public safety are being implemented, but there are concerns about the few people who depend on electricity to survive around the clock. Some areas of the state experience longer and more frequent power outages than many others.

LatestFinance.News

PSE in the Media August 9, 2023

Electric Vehicles Are Better For People & The Planet

“Our study is the first to thoroughly identify that there is a benzene hazard associated with abandoned wells,” said the lead author, Seth Shonkoff, the executive director of the research institute, PSE Healthy Energy.

CleanTechnica

PSE in the Media August 9, 2023

Study: Natural Gas Odorants Linked to Skin Rashes

“Our sense of smell is the first line of defense in detecting gas leaks, but few studies have examined how odorants in gas may adversely affect our health or well-being,” says the review’s lead author PSE Healthy Energy Senior Scientist Drew Michanowicz, in a news release.

Practical Dermatology

Peer-Reviewed Publications August 9, 2023

Examining Natural Gas Odorants and Health Effects

Drew Michanowicz, DrPH, MPH, CPH, Olivia M. Leventhal, Jeremy Domen, MS, Samuel R. Williams, Eric Lebel, PhD, Lee Ann Hill, MPH, Jonathan J. Buonocore, PhD, Curtis Nordgaard, MD, MSc, Ari S. Bernstein, MD, MPH, Seth B.C. Shonkoff, PhD, MPH

PSE in the Media July 31, 2023

How Resilience Hubs Can Help Communities Face The Heat And The Climate Emergency

Scientists at PSE Healthy Energy, a scientific research institute, created an interactive map to help communities and government agencies identify potential resilience hubs in the areas of highest need.

LAist

PSE in the Media July 28, 2023

How green is New Mexico’s governor?

New Mexico simply won’t be able to meet its climate goals unless it requires its largest air polluters to cut more greenhouse gas emissions, according to a study released in February by the University of New Mexico and PSE Healthy Energy, a nonprofit research institute.

Ruidoso News

PSE in the Media July 25, 2023

The indoor pollution potential of gas stoves

According to results published in Environmental Science & Technology, natural gas and propane burners and ovens emitted up to 6.5 μg/min of benzene, 10 to 50 times more than electric stoves while induction cooktops emitted no detectable benzene.

Engineering News & Analysis - IHS Engineering360