The Latest from Elizabeth McGowan

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  Clean energy

  Virginia’s bold plan to turn old coal mines into clean data centers

  Data Center Ridge is the first phase in a state-endorsed plan to advance test sites for solar, wind, pumped hydro, small nuclear, and other clean energy innovations.

  By Elizabeth McGowan  .  13 September 2024

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  ENN

  Promoters of clean-energy data centers in Virginia coal country unfazed by doubters

  Data Center Ridge is the first phase in a sprawling, state-endorsed plan to advance test sites for solar, wind, pumped hydro, small nuclear and other clean energy innovations.

  By Elizabeth McGowan  .  10 September 2024

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  ENN

  Charlottesville, Virginia, shows how small cities can take a lead on zero-emissions public transit

  The city council is set to vote on a strategic plan this month that would expand service and phase out fossil-fuel buses over the next decade and a half.

  By Elizabeth McGowan  .  6 June 2024

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  ENN

  Advocates see missed opportunities as Virginia lags its neighbors in clean energy manufacturing

  Georgia and the Carolinas’ “full-court press” has netted more major clean energy manufacturing announcements since the passage of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.

  By Elizabeth McGowan  .  28 May 2024

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  ENN

  Climate resilience project aims to reimagine neglected, flood-prone Norfolk neighborhood

  A winding “blue greenway” is being designed to tame torrential rainfall, mitigate extreme heat and introduce green amenities to an underserved community.

  By Elizabeth McGowan  .  13 May 2024

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  ENN

  Virginia law expands shared solar into coal country, but key details still have to be worked out

  Legislation passed this year requires Appalachian Power to start working with utility regulators on a solar subscription program by Jan. 1.

  By Elizabeth McGowan  .  6 May 2024

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  ENN

  Virginia lawmakers reached a compromise on energy efficiency – here’s what it will mean for utilities and regulators

  Advocates say the tool required under the new law should make energy saving programs by Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power more transparent and effective.

  By Elizabeth McGowan  .  29 April 2024

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  ENN

  Dominion battery pilot to provide hands-on training at historically Black university in Virginia

  A standard in the aerospace industry, utilities are interested in metal-hydrogen technology because of its durability and slower discharge times relative to lithium-ion batteries.

  By Elizabeth McGowan  .  15 April 2024

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  ENN

  Look for the helpers: Virginia climate volunteers connect with service providers on weatherization effort

  A climate action group had money for home energy retrofits, but it needed a way to find participants who could benefit most from its services. The solution: partnerships.

  By Elizabeth McGowan  .  25 March 2024

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  ENN

  How a Virginia company is helping homeowners navigate energy efficiency – and add up the rewards

  Pearl Certification, known for its green seal of approval for energy efficient homes, has released a free calculator to help homeowners navigate Inflation Reduction Act tax credits and rebates.

  By Elizabeth McGowan  .  15 March 2024