Energy equity

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

Gray slap sign saying "Hyundai Steel: Leading the New Era of Steel" — The main gate of Hyundai Steel’s factory in Pohang, South Korea (Jung Yeon-JeJ/AFP via Getty Images)

Solar

Can the Obama Presidential Center help Chicago embrace community solar?

As an anchor tenant for several off-site arrays in development, the center will help spur investment and educate residents on the benefits of shared solar.

By Kari Lydersen . 1 September 2026
Utilities

Duke Energy deals double whammy to its poorest North Carolina customers

A pilot program that applies a credit to low-income households’ monthly bills is poised to end at the same time rates rise for everyone

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 20 August 2026
Solar

Solar on storage units? Here’s how Illinois is making it happen.

Illinois community solar incentives spurred plans to put 60 arrays on top of Public Storage facilities in the state. So far, 10 are online.

By Kari Lydersen . 12 August 2026
Solar

Illinois Solar for All is, at last, taking off

The state’s solar equity program has been in place for nearly a decade, but it wasn’t until recently, after years of grassroots efforts, that participation surged.

By Kari Lydersen . 3 August 2026
Solar

Post–Hurricane Helene, this community is getting creative with solar

An Asheville, North Carolina, group has embraced solar to secure backup power and lower bills. Its efforts go beyond the standard rooftop array.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 24 July 2026
Energy equity

Massachusetts lawmakers try new way to kill ‘zombie’ wood power plant

Both chambers passed bills to stymie a key revenue source for the proposed polluting plant, but so far its developer hasn't flinched.

By Sarah Shemkus . 16 July 2026
Solar

Will New York Gov. Kathy Hochul sign a balcony solar bill?

The legislature passed a measure to allow DIY plug-in solar panels, and clean energy boosters are hopeful that Hochul will sign it to promote affordability.

By Alison F. Takemura . 16 June 2026
Solar

Balcony solar is taking state legislatures by storm

In more than half of U.S. states, Republican and Democratic lawmakers have introduced legislation that would boost adoption of DIY solar systems.

By Alison F. Takemura . 26 February 2026
Energy efficiency

In U-turn, Trump approves low-income energy-assistance funds

A new spending bill gives the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program $4 billion — a reversal from the Trump administration’s proposal to eliminate it last spring.

By Alison F. Takemura . 5 February 2026
Climate justice

After Trump’s clean-energy clawback, tribes ‘turn and face the storm’

The administration ripped away hundreds of millions of dollars for clean energy projects on tribal lands. Now tribes are fighting to salvage their work.

By Jeff St. John . 29 January 2026