Clean energy

Utilities

US utilities get failing grade on clean energy transition

Too many utilities are keeping coal plants open, planning new gas plants, and building less renewable energy, the Sierra Club’s latest “Dirty Truth Report” finds.

By Jeff St. John . 22 September 2026

Coal plant lit up at dusk with four stacks, some billowing smoke — The coal-fired Mill Creek power plant in Louisville, Kentucky (Jon Cherry/Getty Images)

Guides and how-tos

How to stick up for renewable energy projects near you

Showing up at local government hearings to support a proposed wind, solar, or battery project could be the most effective climate action you ever take.

By Alison F. Takemura . 21 September 2026
Fossil fuels

The Iran war pushed countries toward clean energy — and coal

Surging oil and gas prices are boosting coal demand. But the conflict has also spurred cleantech adoption — and fossil-fuel emissions may still drop as a result.

By Dan McCarthy . 18 September 2026
Clean energy

Gavin Newsom’s complicated legacy on climate and clean energy

Newsom’s 8-year term as California’s governor is drawing to an end. Here’s how he helped — and hindered — the state’s energy transition.

By Jeff St. John . 14 September 2026
Clean energy

An Idaho county banned renewables. It’s having second thoughts.

Solar developments led county officials to ban renewables in 2024. Now, the Republican commissioner who instigated the moratorium is leading the charge to undo it.

By Julia Tilton . 14 September 2026
Hydropower

Mass. utilities and Hydro-Quebec sue each other over missing hydropower

A new power line failed to deliver promised hydroelectricity for 12 days this winter. Utilities want compensation — but Hydro-Québec says it’s the one who’s owed.

By Sarah Shemkus . 10 September 2026
Geothermal

Dig Energy completes first project with novel geothermal drilling tech

The firm just wrapped work on a heating and cooling system for a Boston office. It says its rig makes drilling cheaper, quieter, and less water-intensive.

By Sarah Shemkus . 10 September 2026
Nuclear

New York’s big new bet on nuclear energy

Gov. Hochul, a Democrat, diluted New York’s climate law this year amid struggles to build large-scale renewables. Now, she’s looking to nuclear power.

By Alexander C. Kaufman . 3 September 2026
Politics

Clean energy super PAC looks to take down a Democratic governor

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee is the first Democrat targeted by the Invest in Tomorrow Coalition, which has notched wins against clean energy foes in GOP primaries.

By Sarah Shemkus . 2 September 2026
Wind

Wind energy benefits North Dakota. So why has the state soured on it?

Turbines generate tax revenue and sizable payments for farmers, but development has slowed as the political winds have shifted.

By Daniel Cusick . 2 September 2026
Virtual power plants

California declines to fund its biggest virtual power plant

The Demand Side Grid Support program was given no money for next year, though supporters blocked an effort that could have disbanded the VPP altogether.

By Jeff St. John . 1 September 2026