Articles

Data centers

Virginia slaps data centers with big new tax — but no climate rules

The state’s Democratic trifecta couldn’t agree on clean energy or air-quality reforms in time for the budget, which passed this week after months of negotiation.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 23 June 2026
Food and farms

Your morning coffee is killing the planet

Coffee farms take a heavy toll on wildlife and the climate, as seen recently with deforestation in Vietnam. But the food you eat is causing even more damage.

By Michael Grunwald . 23 June 2026
Wind

New Ohio bill could hamstring big wind and solar farms even more

Despite bipartisan agreement that Ohio needs more electricity generation, the GOP-led Senate passed a bill that would boost natural gas and ding renewables.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 23 June 2026
Solar

California solar surged ahead of gas in the first 5 months of 2026

Utility-scale solar outproduced gas plants on 82% of all days from January through May, with batteries helping to extend solar’s reach into the evening hours.

By Julian Spector . 22 June 2026
Heat pumps

Installing a heat pump might increase the value of your home

A new report finds that mentioning all-electric heat pumps in real estate listings delivers a sales premium. But most agents don't note the appliance.

By Alison F. Takemura . 22 June 2026
Solar

Community solar needs space to grow. Warehouse rooftops have lots of it.

Industrial buildings could host gigawatts of shared solar to deliver low-cost power to underserved urban communities — if states and utilities allow it to scale up.

By Jeff St. John . 22 June 2026
Solar

Rooftop solar is in for a tough few years in the US

Trump and GOP lawmakers revoked lucrative tax credits for rooftop solar. The results are predictable.

By Dan McCarthy . 19 June 2026
Clean energy

The Iran war sparked a shift toward clean energy. Will it last?

Sky-high fossil fuel prices drove people around the world toward clean energy. But even as the Strait of Hormuz reopens, they may not turn back.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 18 June 2026
Batteries

Tesla offers discounted home batteries in New England VPP push

Households in Massachusetts and Connecticut can get cheap Powerwall leases — so long as they let Tesla monetize the batteries in virtual power plant programs.

By Jeff St. John . 18 June 2026
Geothermal

Eavor plots next step for novel geothermal project after rocky start

The startup’s first-of-a-kind geothermal project hit key milestones in Germany — but also technical hurdles. Now it’s looking for partners to help finish the job.

By Maria Gallucci . 18 June 2026