Policy & regulation

Transmission

Landmark transmission reform could dramatically speed US energy transition

FERC released a long-awaited rule meant to fix the sluggish power line buildout. Advocates say it’s a win for clean energy, consumers — and grid reliability.

By Jeff St. John . 13 May 2024

Power lines along Ruland Road in Melville, New York — (Steve Pfost/Newsday RM/Getty Images)

Transmission

California's grid is hindering its climate goals. Can a new law fix it?

The state's grid isn't growing fast enough to support a surge of EVs, heat pumps and more. A new law offers a potential path forward — and could be a model for other states.

By Jeff St. John . 20 November 2023
Solar

California makes it harder for schools, farms and rental housing to go solar

Regulators have slashed the value of shared-solar systems, starting in early 2024. School districts, community advocates and politicians have expressed outrage over the decision.

By Jeff St. John . 17 November 2023
Clean energy

Portugal just ran on 100% renewables for six days in a row

For nearly a week, the country of 10 million met customer needs with wind, hydro and solar — a test run for operating the grid without fossil fuels.

By Julian Spector . 15 November 2023
Utilities

Maine utilities eye move to time-varying electric rates to boost electrification

"Time-of-use" rates that encourage customers to cut energy use at times of peak demand could help the state meet its electrification goals without straining the grid.

By Annie Ropeik . 14 November 2023
Politics

Michigan just passed one of the country’s most ambitious clean energy bills

The state’s Democrat-controlled legislature passed bills that aim to accelerate the energy transition — including a mandate for 100% carbon-free power by 2040.

By Jeff St. John . 9 November 2023
Just transition

The West is making mistakes as it helps developing nations get off coal

As emerging economies look to switch from coal to clean energy, some globally funded initiatives leave workers and communities behind.

By Saqib Rahim . 9 November 2023
Liquefied natural gas

FERC decides if LNG facilities benefit the public. Is it doing its job?

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is about to weigh in on CP2, a massive liquefied-natural-gas export terminal. Climate activists fear it will be business as usual.

By Nicole Pollack . 7 November 2023
Clean energy jobs

Chart: Which clean energy sector is creating the most new jobs?

More than 200,000 jobs have been announced since the IRA, most of them in battery manufacturing.

By Maria Virginia Olano . 3 November 2023
Transportation

Full steam ahead for electric freight trains

Wabtec Corp. unveiled the world's first battery-powered, heavy-haul locomotive this week in Pennsylvania. Freight rail is only just catching up on electrified transportation.

By Maria Gallucci . 3 November 2023
Clean energy jobs

How many jobs is the Inflation Reduction Act spurring? A lot

A new analysis finds 400,000-plus jobs will be created from the 210 EV, battery and clean energy projects launched since the climate law passed.

By Jeff St. John . 1 November 2023