Articles

ENN

Who decides where we get electricity and how much we pay? Mostly White, politically connected men

A pair of recent studies show that public utility commissions lack diversity, and that appointees are more likely to have utility or fossil fuel connections than environmental backgrounds.

By Lisa Prevost . 5 July 2023
Clean energy

Ramez Naam and David Roberts go deep on the future of clean energy

In a wide-ranging conversation, Naam explains why he's optimistic about the energy transition — and why cows, cement and steel keep him up at night.

By Canary Staff . 5 July 2023
Fossil fuels

Natural gas is the pillar of the US electric grid. It’s also unreliable

Pro-fossil groups argue gas is more reliable than clean energy. But in extreme cold, gas pipelines and power plants are failing to deliver when they're most needed.

By Jeff St. John . 5 July 2023
Electrification

Your next BBQ could feature an electric grill

Electric grills exist and are rising in popularity — and according to some advocates, they’re just as good at producing delicious food as fossil-fueled alternatives.

By Alison F. Takemura . 3 July 2023
ENN

Federal judge blasts Householder as a “bully,” sentences him to 20 years

U.S. District Judge Timothy Black blistered the former Ohio House speaker for being the ringleader of a racketeering scandal in which FirstEnergy paid him more than $59 million in bribes in exchange for a $1.3 billion bailout.

By Marty Schladen . 30 June 2023
Climatetech finance

Chart: What’s the state of climatetech startup funding in 2023?

VC investment in climatetech startups is down big in the first half of the year. But more startups are raising money than last year as investors prioritize smaller deals.

By Dan McCarthy . 30 June 2023
ENN

Arrival of large-scale solar projects in Nebraska met with resistance

Where some struggling farmers and landowners see solar as an opportunity — and even necessity — to make money off their land, some rural neighbors see betrayal.

By Nancy Gaarder . 30 June 2023
ENN

At rules hearing, U.S. EPA hears human toll of unaddressed coal ash pollution

“My husband and I had plans when I retired to travel; now he’s in the graveyard,” said the widow of a cleanup worker at the infamous 2008 Kingston, Tennessee, coal ash spill. Along with emotional stories, the agency heard testimony that its proposed exemptions would cause loopholes and confusion.

By Kari Lydersen . 29 June 2023
Marine transport

As emissions soar, cargo shipping faces a critical climate crossroads

A high-stakes meeting at the U.N.’s maritime agency could set aggressive emissions-reduction goals for the dirty ships that keep the economy humming.

By Maria Gallucci . 29 June 2023
Public transit

The US' billion-dollar EV bus program can’t keep up with demand

A new round of $1.7B in clean-bus grants saw $8.7B in applications. A carve-out for low-emissions fossil-fueled buses further limits federal EV bus funding.

By Jeff St. John . 29 June 2023