ENN

ENN

Minnesota courts hear challenges to use of agricultural land for solar projects

The Minnesota Court of Appeals has sided both in favor of solar developers and county officials in recent cases that challenged the denial of permits to build community solar projects in rural areas.

By Frank Jossi . 24 June 2022
ENN

Community power advocates excited to see progress on New Hampshire rules

The New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission is finalizing community power rules that would allow municipalities to replace distribution utilities as the default procurer of electricity for residents and businesses.

By Lisa Prevost . 23 June 2022
ENN

Commentary: Local officials step up efforts to cut existing buildings’ massive carbon footprint

More cities are joining the new White House coalition to meet net-zero goals and slow climate change, writes guest commentator Matt Donath.

By Matt Donath . 23 June 2022
ENN

On Washington’s Colville reservation, solar-powered microfarm looks to prove model to boost food, energy sovereignty

Two geodesic domes will house Washington state’s first “agrivoltaics” project, an emerging niche that combines agriculture and solar photovoltaics to provide dual uses for land.

By John Stang . 22 June 2022
ENN

N.C. Supreme Court rules in favor of solar access, against homeowners association

The 4-3, bipartisan ruling could impact thousands of developments statewide. “It opens the door to a good chunk of people” who may have previously been denied approval for solar projects, one installer said.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 21 June 2022
ENN

Eye on Utilities: Ohio utilities and policymakers facing heat

A FirstEnergy end run may help it score approval of a settlement agreement, and more from this month’s Eye on Utilities newsletter.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 21 June 2022
ENN

Virginia governor rolls back plastics phase-out, seeking to court recycling

An executive order this spring by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin trumpeted efforts to boost recycling, but it also eliminated a commitment by his predecessor to phase out single-use plastics at state agencies and universities.

By Elizabeth McGowan . 21 June 2022
ENN

New appliances can help keep people in their homes, but upfront costs are a big obstacle

Organizations in Chicago help residents connect with grants and rebates for upgrades, which can result in significant energy savings.

By Audrey Henderson . 21 June 2022
ENN

Maine energy efficiency plan puts priority on equity, electrification

As the state increasingly feels the strain of rising energy prices, the $300 million plan includes commitments to helping low-income and rural residents weatherize homes and access electric vehicle chargers.

By Sarah Shemkus . 17 June 2022
ENN

Detroit’s commercial buildings carry massive potential for energy efficiency. What’s holding it up?

Detroit climate solutions nonprofit EcoWorks is charting a path toward a carbon-free building future. And the Detroit 2030 District recognized the commercial building sector’s ‘biggest losers’ in energy efficiency. But more work needs to be done.

By Eleanore Catolico . 16 June 2022