Policy & regulation

Clean energy

Virginia’s bold plan to turn old coal mines into clean data centers

Data Center Ridge is the first phase in a state-endorsed plan to advance test sites for solar, wind, pumped hydro, small nuclear, and other clean energy innovations.

By Elizabeth McGowan . 13 September 2024

Clean energy

How $7.3B will help rural co-ops build clean power—and close coal plants

This Inflation Reduction Act program is offering 16 rural electric co-ops financing to overcome the up-front costs of shifting from dirty coal to clean power.

By Jeff St. John . 12 September 2024
Policy & regulation

Massachusetts cities embrace voluntary green building codes

Since state lawmakers approved an optional stretch code early last year, 45 municipalities covering about 30% of the state’s population have adopted the guidelines.

By Sarah Shemkus . 11 September 2024
Carbon-free buildings

Colorado’s plan to cut carbon from big buildings gets a $20M boost

The state is one of many with rules that mandate emissions cuts for big buildings. New DOE funding will help Colorado’s disadvantaged communities meet those targets.

By Alison F. Takemura . 6 September 2024
Carbon-free buildings

Berkeley’s gas ban was blocked in court. Now a new plan has emerged.

In November, the California city will have a chance to institute a first-in-the-nation tax on using planet-warming natural gas in large buildings.

By Akielly Hu . 4 September 2024
Policy & regulation

California electric bill relief plan would gut low-income energy programs

Advocates say a last-minute push to rein in utility bills would crush useful clean energy programs — and not help the state’s energy affordability crisis.

By Jeff St. John . 29 August 2024
Wind

Maine moves one step closer to floating offshore wind

A new federal lease will let the state build an array of floating offshore wind turbines for research purposes — a key step for the emerging clean energy source.

By Keaton Peters . 21 August 2024
Methane

Pressure mounts on methane-polluting Oregon landfill to clean up its act

Nearby residents have been sounding the alarm about Coffin Butte Landfill for years. Now Sen. Jeff Merkley and other members of Congress are demanding action.

By Isobel Whitcomb . 19 August 2024
Wind

Vineyard Wind 1 cleared to resume some construction after blade failure

The Massachusetts offshore wind project screeched to a halt in July when a huge blade fell into the ocean. Now, it can begin installing towers and nacelles again.

By Akielly Hu . 15 August 2024
Electrification

The climate law’s $8.8B in home energy rebates are starting to roll out

New York and Wisconsin are the first to launch their long-awaited Inflation Reduction Act programs meant to deploy everything from heat pumps to insulation.

By Alison F. Takemura . 14 August 2024
Solar

How Dalton, Georgia, went from Carpet Capital to Solartown, USA

This northwest Georgia community got in early on the national boom in cleantech manufacturing spurred by the climate law, and it's reaping the benefits.

By Julian Spector . 13 August 2024