Policy & regulation

Food and farms

Trump is blocking solar for farmers. Can the Farm Bill fix that?

REAP had been helping farmers go solar and save money since 2008, until Trump came along. A looming Farm Bill vote could seal its fate — or solve its problems.

By Kari Lydersen . 27 April 2026
Utilities

Duke Energy’s proactive grid upgrades under fire from electric co-ops

In North Carolina, the utility has a unique new approach to improve its grid and add solar, but co-ops are complaining to FERC about the cost.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 24 April 2026
$Aerial view of a site with fracking equipment surrounded by forest$

Fossil fuels

An Ohio court may OK fracking-waste wells despite pollution concerns

A legal challenge to the fossil fuel project faces dismissal, which would let the developer advance even as similar local pushback stifles Ohio’s solar buildout.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 23 April 2026
Solar

Why smartphone cameras could unlock cheaper, faster rooftop solar

Remote virtual inspections are now a well-tested tool for contractors and building agencies alike. Solar and electrification advocates want more states to adopt them.

By Jeff St. John . 22 April 2026
Batteries

Big grid batteries are finally on a roll in New England

The region's largest battery yet recently came online in Massachusetts, where state climate policies aimed at cleaning up the grid are boosting the tech.

By Julian Spector . 16 April 2026
Data centers

Georgia Power will now let data centers bring their own clean energy

Large customers served by Georgia Power will soon be able to secure new solar and battery projects. But will that help reduce reliance on new gas plants?

By Jeff St. John . 15 April 2026
Utilities

What to expect as Ohio utility corruption trial heads for a do-over

The trial for two former FirstEnergy execs on criminal charges linked to the HB 6 scandal ended with a hung jury. A retrial is scheduled for September.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 14 April 2026
Electric vehicles

California bill would limit EV-charging access in affordable housing

Legislation backed by developers would waive EV-charging requirements for new low-income housing projects, just as the state looks to build 1 million more units.

By Alison F. Takemura . 13 April 2026
Clean energy

This Ohio county put a ban on wind and solar. Will voters reverse it?

Richland County blocked large-scale renewables in most townships. Voters now have a rare opportunity to overturn that policy at the ballot box.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 13 April 2026
Offshore wind

The US offshore wind industry finally gets a break

Five U.S. wind projects continue construction, with some now producing power, as the Trump admin misses a deadline to appeal court decisions letting them proceed.

By Jake Bittle . 10 April 2026