Policy & regulation

Policy & regulation

New clean power rules force utilities to take clean energy seriously

EPA’s "clean up or close" rules for coal and gas plants face strong pushback. But backers say clean power, batteries, and grid tech are ready to take over.

By Jeff St. John . 25 April 2024
Solar

Major US solar manufacturers call for strict new solar-panel tariffs

First Solar, Qcells, and other domestic solar-panel makers are petitioning the Commerce Department for new tariffs on panels imported from Southeast Asia.

By Eric Wesoff . 24 April 2024
Land use

How the Biden admin is trying to boost renewables on public land

The Bureau of Land Management is making it easier to develop clean energy projects in the West, while trying to balance ecosystem protection — a tricky task.

By Eric Wesoff . 24 April 2024
Climatetech finance

EPA’s new $20B ‘green bank’ will benefit disadvantaged communities most

The program will not only fund billions of dollars worth of climate projects in these communities, but try and convince private investors to join in, too.

By Jeff St. John . 4 April 2024
Distributed energy resources

California’s new rules allow solar and batteries to help out the grid

Utilities tend to treat solar and batteries as threats to their power grids. California’s policy will now tap their flexible power to benefit the grid instead.

By Jeff St. John . 2 April 2024
Utilities

California regulator takes income-based electric bills off the table

CPUC’s new proposal ditches the controversial plan to charge ratepayers based on their income and instead puts forth fixed monthly charges.

By Jeff St. John . 29 March 2024
Clean energy

Chart: Which states support community-led clean energy the most?

A new report finds that every state has room to improve when it comes to promoting community ownership of clean energy resources.

By Maria Virginia Olano . 29 March 2024
Nuclear

Michigan nuclear plant aims to be first ever to reopen in US

The Palisades Nuclear Plant won a $1.5B conditional federal loan to reopen. Plant owner Holtec plans to move fast — but the path ahead is murky.

By Eric Wesoff . 28 March 2024
Liquefied natural gas

As Europe shifts to clean energy, does it still need so much US LNG?

Gas exporters point to Europe's energy demand to justify building more LNG terminals, but Europe's clean energy transition could change that calculus.

By Julian Spector . 28 March 2024
Carbon-free buildings

Homes need to electrify. New building codes will make that harder

A nonprofit group that sets U.S. building codes has nixed rules to make new homes ready for EVs and heat pumps. Climate advocates blame fossil gas lobbyists.

By Jeff St. John . 26 March 2024