Fossil fuels

Solar

Why Illinois has struggled to turn old coal sites into solar farms

The state’s plan to replace defunct coal infrastructure with renewable energy has fallen short, but the experience holds lessons for future coal-to-solar efforts.

By Kari Lydersen . 11 August 2026

Coal plant from the roadway leading to it on a mostly clear blue day. — Vistra completed a solar-plus-storage installation at the Newton power plant, in Jasper County, Illinois. (Prairie Rivers Network)

Fossil fuels

Trump’s DOE keeps forcing coal plants to stay open. Here’s the latest.

We’re tracking the seven fossil-fuel plants the Trump admin has required to operate past their retirement dates — and which facilities could be hit next.

By Ysabelle Kempe . 7 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
Solar

This Texas coal mine will soon be home to a 1.2GW solar farm

Panamint Capital broke ground on a $1.7 billion solar and storage project at the Calvert coal mine. The mine and an adjacent coal plant will stay online.

By Maria Gallucci . 30 July 2026
Clean energy

The US clean energy boom will continue to 2030. Then things get hazy.

Despite Trump’s attacks, renewables are set for big growth over the next few years, a new Rhodium Group study says. Whether it lasts depends on some key variables.

By Julian Spector . 29 July 2026
Fossil fuels

EPA proposals to keep Indiana coal going would threaten drinking water

Gutting Biden-era protections would help dirty plants run longer in the historically coal-centric state, despite big environmental risks.

By Kari Lydersen . 29 July 2026
Fossil fuels

The coal industry gave Trump a wish list. He’s checking items off it.

The Trump admin is propping up the aging coal fleet despite the financial and environmental costs — and also making far-fetched plans to build new coal plants.

By Jeff St. John . 29 July 2026
Data centers

Data center demand is soaring, and off-grid gas won't fix the problem

As tech firms look to build their own gas generators, a new report reveals that likely won’t be enough to avoid a hefty power shortfall in the coming years.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 24 July 2026
Fossil fuels

A $100M Ohio energy fund lacks transparency — and excludes renewables

JobsOhio, which is administering the new fund, has drawn criticism for limiting the opportunity to nuclear and natural gas — and for its opaque process.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 22 July 2026
Utilities

Massachusetts bill would end a costly gas pipeline repair program

Utilities say the GSEP program is essential for safety and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but critics contend it costs too much and achieves too little.

By Sarah Shemkus . 20 July 2026
Electrification

New Trump rules make it more costly to electrify North Carolina homes

The Department of Energy recently announced new guidance that prevents “fuel switching,” scrambling the state’s first-ever electrification program.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 9 July 2026