Policy & regulation

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
Clean energy

How $7.3B will help rural co-ops build clean power—and close coal plants

This Inflation Reduction Act program is offering 16 rural electric co-ops financing to overcome the up-front costs of shifting from dirty coal to clean power.

By Jeff St. John . 12 September 2024
Policy & regulation

Massachusetts cities embrace voluntary green building codes

Since state lawmakers approved an optional stretch code early last year, 45 municipalities covering about 30% of the state’s population have adopted the guidelines.

By Sarah Shemkus . 11 September 2024
Carbon-free buildings

Colorado’s plan to cut carbon from big buildings gets a $20M boost

The state is one of many with rules that mandate emissions cuts for big buildings. New DOE funding will help Colorado’s disadvantaged communities meet those targets.

By Alison F. Takemura . 6 September 2024
Carbon-free buildings

Berkeley’s gas ban was blocked in court. Now a new plan has emerged.

In November, the California city will have a chance to institute a first-in-the-nation tax on using planet-warming natural gas in large buildings.

By Akielly Hu . 4 September 2024
Policy & regulation

California electric bill relief plan would gut low-income energy programs

Advocates say a last-minute push to rein in utility bills would crush useful clean energy programs — and not help the state’s energy affordability crisis.

By Jeff St. John . 29 August 2024
Wind

Maine moves one step closer to floating offshore wind

A new federal lease will let the state build an array of floating offshore wind turbines for research purposes — a key step for the emerging clean energy source.

By Keaton Peters . 21 August 2024
Methane

Pressure mounts on methane-polluting Oregon landfill to clean up its act

Nearby residents have been sounding the alarm about Coffin Butte Landfill for years. Now Sen. Jeff Merkley and other members of Congress are demanding action.

By Isobel Whitcomb . 19 August 2024