Articles

Climate crisis

RMI launches Canary Media, independent energy journalism powered by former Greentech Media staff and David Roberts

Canary Media will cover the global effort to combat climate change from business, technology and policy perspectives. Editors include Eric Wesoff, Jeff St. John and David Roberts.

By Nicholas Rinaldi . 6 April 2021
Opinion

Confronting climate change with fiercely independent, data-driven journalism

We’re on the cusp of a life-threatening climate calamity, a massive disruption of the energy industry and a revolution in greentech jobs. But mainstream journalists are largely ignoring the enormity of the problem.

By Eric Wesoff . 6 April 2021
ENN

Former Chicago hospital site provides a blank slate for equitable, efficient development

Redevelopment of the Bronzeville Lakefront promises to create tens of thousands of jobs near the former hospital site and hopes to be home to “the greenest building in the country.”

By Audrey Henderson . 6 April 2021
ENN

Minneapolis program puts energy audits into hands of potential homebuyers

In its first year, a city ordinance requiring energy audits prior to home sales resulted in more than 6,200 reports disclosing the conditions of windows, insulation, and heating systems for prospective buyers and new owners.

By Frank Jossi . 5 April 2021
ENN

New England’s solar growth is creating tension over who pays for grid upgrades

National Grid’s territory in Rhode Island and Massachusetts is one of several areas where solar developers, utilities and state regulators are grappling with how to pay for the growing cost of connecting projects to the grid.

By Lisa Prevost . 5 April 2021
ENN

Minnesota’s community solar program is leaving poorer people in the shade

Community solar ends up prioritizing commercial clients in Minnesota. New models aimed at energy-burdened residents are trying to change that.

By Andrew Hazzard . 5 April 2021
ENN

Young urban farmer plots growth of regenerative agriculture endeavor

College student Chander Payne received a “young heroes” award for his work in delivering fresh local food to homeless shelters and schools in underserved communities in the Washington, D.C., area.

By Elizabeth McGowan . 2 April 2021
ENN

Kansas utilities are getting a new tool to retire coal plants. Will they use it?

A coal securitization bill passed its final legislative hurdle this week with large bipartisan majorities in both chambers. The governor is widely expected to sign, but what happens after that is far less certain.

By Karen Uhlenhuth . 2 April 2021
ENN

In a record year for clean energy purchases, Southeast cities stand out

A report tracking renewable energy purchases by U.S. cities reveals a surge of contracts in 2020, with nearly eight dozen municipalities collectively buying almost 3.7 gigawatts of mainly wind and solar energy.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 1 April 2021
ENN

Michigan tribe seeks cultural property protection in path of Line 5 project

The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians is seeking to designate the Straits of Mackinac as a Traditional Cultural Property following the discovery last fall of a potential archaeological site.

By Patrick Shea . 1 April 2021