Clean industry

From zoos to craft brews, Michigan looks to spur decarbonization

The state recently awarded nearly $1.9 million to help organizations investigate the best ways to slash emissions from heavy-duty industrial operations.

By Maria Gallucci . 29 October 2026

Two polar bears underwater with a light-blue ball — A polar bear cub swims with her mother at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, Michigan. (Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

Energy efficiency

This hidden device could free up gigawatts of power for the US grid

Millions of electric motors run inside the country’s buildings, often inefficiently. Variable frequency drives can slash motors’ power use and reduce grid strain.

By Maria Gallucci . 5 October 2026
Green steel

Mesabi Metallics to build a $15B lower-carbon steel mill in Iowa

The Minnesota mining firm will forgo traditional coal-based steelmaking at the facility — a step toward cleaning up production to compete on a global market.

By Brian Martucci . 29 September 2026
Clean industry

In a first, cement giant to tap thermal batteries for cleaner heat

Holcim will deploy two batteries from the startup Electrified Thermal Solutions to cut down on fossil fuels, which often supply the intense heat in cement-making.

By Maria Gallucci . 15 September 2026
Green steel

Hyundai breaks ground on Louisiana steel mill. Is it green enough?

The plant will cut CO₂ emissions compared to traditional coal furnaces. But Hyundai's use of gas and resulting pollution show the messiness of cleaning up steel.

By Maria Gallucci . 3 September 2026
Clean aluminum

US aluminum is poised for a comeback — if it overcomes these hurdles

Tariffs and rising grid demand are spurring a revival, but high electricity costs and community concerns threaten to stall key new smelter projects

By Maria Gallucci . 13 August 2026
Heat pumps

World’s oldest cheddar-maker slashes energy bills with novel heat pumps

Innovative tech from U.K.-based Arkaya Energy cools fresh milk and redirects the resulting heat, saving Barber’s Farmhouse Cheesemakers more than $90,000 a year.

By Alison F. Takemura . 10 August 2026
Green steel

Ohio steel giant aims to use Biden climate funds for polluting project

Cleveland-Cliffs got $500M for a big green-steel push. Under Trump, the firm is “rescoping” to work that perpetuates coal use and will boost local pollution.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 6 August 2026
Green steel

Could a new iron ore mine turn Minnesota into a green steel powerhouse?

Mesabi Metallics is opening a mine and processing plant on the Iron Range, spurring job opportunities and a chance to join the global transition to low-carbon steel.

By Brian Martucci . 23 July 2026
Electrification

Southern California clean-heat rule survives key legal challenge

A U.S. appeals court upheld the first-in-the-nation measure, which will slash smog-forming emissions from certain gas-fueled boilers and heaters in the region.

By Maria Gallucci . 8 July 2026
Green steel

A year after US Steel was sold, communities push for clean investment

Northwest Indiana residents say Nippon Steel’s acquisition of U.S. Steel could bring jobs and growth. But they’re still waiting on Nippon to deliver.

By Maria Gallucci . 29 June 2026