Food and farms

Electrification

This group-buy campaign makes it easier to switch to induction cooking

In Georgia and North Carolina, an electrification initiative has teamed up with startup Electra to lower the tech’s upfront cost and avoid expensive wiring upgrades.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 26 October 2026

An induction stovetop with a yellow Le Creuset and a cast-iron pan on it; surrounded by a wood countertop with 2 pot holders — (Electra)

Food and farms

How a reluctant Iowa farming county undid a ban on battery storage

Three brothers wanted to use some land for solar, batteries, and cattle grazing. First they had to convince local officials — and the community — to allow batteries.

By Julian Spector . 8 October 2026
Emissions reduction

Gas stoves put restaurant cooks’ health at risk, new study finds

Dangerous amounts of heat and air pollution swirl in most commercial kitchens — even when the stoves are off. Switching to electric appliances helps protect workers.

By Alison F. Takemura . 6 October 2026
Food and farms

The USDA just made it way harder for farmers to get grants for solar

Even farmers who were already promised funds from the REAP program may never get them under the Trump admin’s new restrictions. Some are suing.

By Kari Lydersen . 1 October 2026
Solar

North Carolina food bank gets microgrid backup for future storms

Marshall’s Beacon of Hope was spared during Hurricane Helene. Thanks to a state grant, solar panels and batteries make it even better prepared to help its community.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 1 October 2026
Food and farms

This startup helps food carts switch loud, dirty generators for batteries

A battery-swapping experiment in NYC lets vendors access clean power without having to buy the systems or charge them. The approach promises big cost savings.

By Ysabelle Kempe . 30 September 2026
Land use

The challenges and opportunities of clean energy in rural America

Agricultural communities don’t always welcome clean energy developments. But projects can provide significant economic opportunities.

By Dan McCarthy, Wendy Becktold, Sarah Shemkus . 25 September 2026
Electrification

Can this new induction stove help fuel the transition to clean cooking?

Copper's Charlie 2.0, to be manufactured by appliance giant Miele, comes with a battery that lets homes ditch the fossil fumes without an expensive electric upgrade.

By Alison F. Takemura . 24 September 2026
Solar

Ohio’s biggest solar project finally gets permit after long legal limbo

Regulators’ approval of Oak Run Solar after a court forced them to consider more evidence is a rare clean-energy win in a state where it's tough to build renewables.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 21 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
Clean energy

As Ohio grapples with fake comments on clean energy, some want crackdown

Apparently fake public input has promoted fossil fuels and attacked clean energy in Ohio and beyond. Here’s what officials could do to try to stymie the problem.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 25 August 2026