Policy & regulation

Utilities

Maine utilities eye move to time-varying electric rates to boost electrification

"Time-of-use" rates that encourage customers to cut energy use at times of peak demand could help the state meet its electrification goals without straining the grid.

By Annie Ropeik . 14 November 2023
Politics

Michigan just passed one of the country’s most ambitious clean energy bills

The state’s Democrat-controlled legislature passed bills that aim to accelerate the energy transition — including a mandate for 100% carbon-free power by 2040.

By Jeff St. John . 9 November 2023
Just transition

The West is making mistakes as it helps developing nations get off coal

As emerging economies look to switch from coal to clean energy, some globally funded initiatives leave workers and communities behind.

By Saqib Rahim . 9 November 2023
Liquefied natural gas

FERC decides if LNG facilities benefit the public. Is it doing its job?

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is about to weigh in on CP2, a massive liquefied-natural-gas export terminal. Climate activists fear it will be business as usual.

By Nicole Pollack . 7 November 2023
Transportation

Full steam ahead for electric freight trains

Wabtec Corp. unveiled the world's first battery-powered, heavy-haul locomotive this week in Pennsylvania. Freight rail is only just catching up on electrified transportation.

By Maria Gallucci . 3 November 2023
Clean energy jobs

Chart: Which clean energy sector is creating the most new jobs?

More than 200,000 jobs have been announced since the IRA, most of them in battery manufacturing.

By Maria Virginia Olano . 3 November 2023
Clean energy jobs

How many jobs is the Inflation Reduction Act spurring? A lot

A new analysis finds 400,000-plus jobs will be created from the 210 EV, battery and clean energy projects launched since the climate law passed.

By Jeff St. John . 1 November 2023
Transmission

Three big transmission projects win $1.3B in DOE loans

The Department of Energy is boosting transmission lines in New England and the Intermountain West — a small step in solving a big barrier to clean energy.

By Jeff St. John . 30 October 2023
Utilities

Mainers will vote on replacing for-profit utilities with public power

Organizers of the ballot initiative hope to improve service and speed up the shift to clean energy by taking profits out of the utility sector.

By Julian Spector . 30 October 2023
Guest essay

How 'Buy Clean' policies will help decarbonize heavy industries

The U.S. government and leading states are leveraging their vast purchasing power to spur manufacturing of low-carbon steel, cement and more.

By Anish Tilak . 27 October 2023