Policy & regulation

Policy & regulation

Trump freezes funding under Inflation Reduction Act and infrastructure law

The pause throws tens of billions of dollars of lawfully designated clean energy funding into uncertainty. It’s likely to face challenges in court.

By Jeff St. John . 21 January 2025
Utilities

Biden admin offers utilities $22.4B to cut energy costs — and emissions

Eight U.S. utilities received awards in what may be the last act for an Inflation Reduction Act program meant to offer low-cost financing for big energy projects.

By Jeff St. John . 16 January 2025
Policy & regulation

USDA awards $6B to rural clean power initiatives

The funding will mostly go toward helping rural electric co-ops build solar, wind, and battery projects that will clean up the grid, create jobs, and save money.

By Keaton Peters . 15 January 2025
Emissions reduction

US emissions barely declined in 2024 amid rising power demand, fuel use

Despite a record year for clean energy, U.S. emissions fell by just 0.2 percent last year. That’s far short of the pace needed to meet climate goals.

By Akielly Hu . 13 January 2025
Hydrogen

Biden’s clean hydrogen tax credits are officially decided — for now

The contentious rules for the Inflation Reduction Act’s hydrogen subsidies have been finalized. But Trump could weaken them — or rewrite the rules entirely.

By Jeff St. John . 8 January 2025
Policy & regulation

New York to make major greenhouse gas emitters pay for past pollution

The new law, signed by the governor in late December, will raise $3B each year from large fossil-fuel companies for efforts to adapt to climate change.

By Akielly Hu . 8 January 2025
Carbon-free buildings

Big buildings are a climate problem. These policies aim to fix that.

In New York City and St. Louis, innovative laws meant to curb emissions from buildings are kicking in this year. More states and cities will soon follow.

By Akielly Hu . 7 January 2025
Policy & regulation

Illinois looks to continue clean energy progress under Trump

The deep blue state is preparing to protect its climate programs, but uncertainty around federal incentives and environmental enforcement makes the path harder.

By Kari Lydersen . 3 January 2025
Heat pumps

How heat pumps can maintain their momentum in 2025 and beyond

A host of local, state, and federal policies have been enacted to spur heat pump adoption. Now, advocates are assessing how to keep things going under Trump 2.0.

By Jeff St. John . 18 December 2024
Utilities

PG&E lands $15B federal loan guarantee to expand clean energy

It’s the biggest conditional commitment ever from the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office, which is racing to disburse funds before Trump takes office.

By Jeff St. John . 17 December 2024