Fossil fuels

Fossil fuels

Why coal won’t solve the looming grid-reliability crisis

New solar, wind, and batteries could be a huge help to grid reliability. Instead, Trump is propping up a false solution: old, unprofitable coal plants.

By Jeff St. John . 14 April 2025
Clean energy

Chart: In a first, clean power beat fossil fuels on US grid last month

Sunnier, windier days helped propel clean sources past gas and coal in March. It’s a milestone for the U.S. energy transition.

By Dan McCarthy . 11 April 2025
Carbon capture

Ohio bills aim to sideline local critics of carbon capture projects

Some landowners could be forced to let companies inject CO2 beneath their properties, and the state would get exclusive say over project permitting.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 11 April 2025
Clean energy

Maryland’s sweeping new energy legislation is a mixed bag for climate

Lawmakers took steps to limit investment in gas infrastructure and bolster solar and storage — but they also passed a bill to expedite new fossil-gas power plants.

By Akielly Hu . 10 April 2025
Fossil fuels

Trump looks to radically reshape power plant oversight — and boost coal

Trump's raft of pro-coal executive orders includes a plan to give DOE unprecedented authority to force any power plant to stay open, no matter the cost.

By Jeff St. John . 9 April 2025
Energy markets

Texas Senate passes bill to upend energy market, spur gas over renewables

The legislation would require half of new power plant capacity come from dispatchable sources other than batteries. Solar and wind developers would pay fees to comply.

By Julian Spector . 24 March 2025
Clean energy

Chart: These states get more power from clean energy than coal

Wind and solar beats out the polluting fossil fuel in 28 states, from Arizona to Washington, bringing cheaper, cleaner electricity to communities.

By Dan McCarthy . 21 March 2025
Hydrogen

These startups turn fossil gas into hydrogen, without all the emissions

Finland's Hycamite and other companies are splitting methane into solid carbon and hydrogen, a potential alternative for the troubled clean hydrogen market.

By Julian Spector . 3 March 2025
Fossil fuels

How the data center boom could harm Black communities

Pollution resulting from America’s ravenous digital demands falls disproportionately on the shoulders of Black households.

By Adam Mahoney . 28 February 2025
Utilities

Duke Energy quietly proposes second massive gas plant in North Carolina

Climate advocates say the power plant isn’t necessary and the state would be better off waiting until demand forecasts are more certain.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 27 February 2025