Policy & regulation

Policy & regulation

The $20B US ‘green bank’ program just funded its first project

An Inflation Reduction Act program meant to expand climate investment in underserved markets has its first target — a $31 million commercial solar effort in Arkansas.

By Jeff St. John . 1 October 2024
Nuclear

The hottest trend in nuclear power: Reopening shuttered plants

The Palisades nuclear plant in Michigan just closed a $1.5B federal loan to reopen, the latest in a push to restart retired nuclear plants amid rising power demand.

By Eric Wesoff . 30 September 2024
Solar

California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoes school solar bill

SB 1374 would have let public schools follow the more lucrative rooftop solar rules for single-family homes. Without it, schools can’t afford solar, advocates say.

By Jeff St. John . 30 September 2024
Hydrogen

The big unsettled policy question about clean hydrogen: How to use it

Energy experts say U.S. policy must direct money to industries that really need clean hydrogen — and away from those that are better off using clean electricity.

By Jeff St. John . 26 September 2024
Methane

Colorado launches first-of-a-kind landfill-methane monitoring program

Using EPA funds, Colorado will deploy cutting-edge technology for detecting methane emissions from its 80 landfills, making it a leader among states.

By Isobel Whitcomb . 25 September 2024
Policy & regulation

Washington state’s landmark climate law faces Election Day test

The 2021 law created a cap-and-invest program that has funneled billions to clean energy and climate solutions in the state. A ballot measure aims to repeal it.

By Akielly Hu . 24 September 2024
Carbon-free buildings

California’s new rules will boost heat pumps in commercial buildings

The new building code adopted by the California Energy Commission will also promote heat pumps in new homes — but it falls short on existing ones, advocates say.

By Alison F. Takemura . 20 September 2024
Green steel

Nippon Steel's troubled merger with U.S. Steel has climate problems too

It’s possible to produce steel in a more climate-friendly way, but neither company seems ready to adapt.

By Gautama Mehta . 17 September 2024
Policy & regulation

Switching California from gas to electricity, one neighborhood at a time

Clean-energy advocates hope a bill awaiting Governor Newsom’s signature will jump-start projects that shut down gas pipelines and help homes and businesses go electric.

By Jeff St. John . 16 September 2024
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