Articles

Nuclear

A safer nuclear fuel is gaining steam — but cost remains a hurdle

New U.S. regulations and a wave of startup interest are breathing new life into TRISO-fueled reactors, which have struggled to take off due to high fuel costs.

By Alexander C. Kaufman . 2 June 2026
Fossil fuels

Indiana coal plant that Trump forced to stay open is not operating

The DOE says the Schahfer plant is key for reliability, but repairs mean it’ll be offline for much of 2026. The grid is set to be just fine without it this summer.

By Kari Lydersen . 1 June 2026
Emissions reduction

California makes controversial change to cap-and-invest program

Air regulators say the new plan balances industry needs and environmental goals — but critics worry that the state has just undermined its own emissions targets.

By Jeff St. John . 1 June 2026
Solar

Thanks to two new laws, more Virginians can save with community solar

The legislation expands subscription-based solar farms from 250 to 875 megawatts and is the product of the state’s “new affordability politics."

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 1 June 2026
Solar

In new attack on solar, lawmakers spread myths about potato farms

Misinformation about renewable energy fuels local pushback to proposed energy installations and could threaten farmers’ livelihoods.

By Austyn Gaffney . 1 June 2026
Utilities

Voters in 9 states will pick the people overseeing their power bills

Public utility commissions have a ton of influence over utility rate hikes and power plant construction, but only a handful of states let voters decide who’s on them.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 29 May 2026
Electric vehicles

The tax credit cliff has hit EV sales hard

President Donald Trump and the GOP phased out tax credits for all forms of consumer cleantech last year — but EVs took the biggest blow.

By Dan McCarthy . 29 May 2026
Geothermal

As geothermal networks grow, so does the call for a new utility model

A bill in Massachusetts would create a framework for a geothermal utility, with the aim of heating and cooling buildings cleanly and affordably.

By Sarah Shemkus . 28 May 2026
EV charging

Installing EV charging at big-box stores is not as easy as it looks

A developer building chargers at home-improvement stores discusses the promise — and pitfalls — of siting EV infrastructure in major retailers' parking lots.

By Kari Lydersen . 28 May 2026
Electric vehicles

It’s a great time to buy a used EV. Here’s how to get the right one.

With gas prices up and more affordable options hitting lots, used EVs are looking like a sweet deal. We offer some useful tips to help you make the best purchase.

By Alison F. Takemura . 27 May 2026