Policy & regulation

Nuclear

Draft bill would let utilities own nuclear plants in Ohio

Last year, the state banned utilities from building and operating electricity generation. But now, some lawmakers want to make an exception for “advanced nuclear.”

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 12 March 2026
Offshore wind

Offshore wind farms race toward completion despite Trump’s attacks

Trump is trying to kill offshore wind. But two big East Coast projects are poised to start producing power, and others are hitting key construction milestones.

By Maria Gallucci . 11 March 2026
Heat pumps

Oregon pushes new homes to install heat pumps over ACs

In a state where energy costs have risen sharply, new rules will boost adoption of the clean heating and cooling appliances.

By Alison F. Takemura . 5 March 2026
Clean energy

How Vermont’s pioneering clean heat plan fell apart

Misinformation, politics, and a complex design brought down the once-promising program, which sought to slash emissions from heating in the cold New England state.

By Sarah Shemkus . 5 March 2026
Data centers

How states are trying to keep AI data centers off your power bill

“Large load tariffs” are spreading fast as states scramble to protect consumers and the climate from the AI boom. Some approaches have more promise than others.

By Jeff St. John . 4 March 2026
Transmission

Virginia to utilities: Do more with the existing power grid

Amid rising energy costs, the state just passed a first-of-a-kind bill that would force utilities to quantify and examine ways to reduce waste on the grid.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 3 March 2026
Energy efficiency

Massachusetts energy bill would make big cuts to energy efficiency

Advocates say the energy affordability measure is strong but for a proposed $1 billion reduction to efficiency programs that would undermine the sector without lowering bills.

By Sarah Shemkus . 27 February 2026
Utilities

Ohio corruption trial traces tactics to prop up nuclear and coal plants

Former FirstEnergy execs Chuck Jones and Mike Dowling face state criminal charges connected to HB 6 bailout maneuvers, for which Ohioans are still paying the price.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 27 February 2026
Solar

Balcony solar is taking state legislatures by storm

In more than half of U.S. states, Republican and Democratic lawmakers have introduced legislation that would boost adoption of DIY solar systems.

By Alison F. Takemura . 26 February 2026
Electric vehicles

Trump’s EPA is yanking support for electric school buses

There’s $2.3 billion left unspent from a Biden-era clean school bus program. The Trump admin wants more of it to go to buses that run on fuels and not batteries.

By Marianne Lavelle . 25 February 2026