Policy & regulation

Hydrogen

Is cheap, clean hydrogen possible? The 'green hydrogen' battle, continued

Big oil and energy companies say strict rules for hydrogen tax credits could kill a nascent industry. Clean-energy advocates say that's dead wrong.

By Jeff St. John . 29 March 2023
Hydrogen

The great 'green hydrogen' battle

Tens of billions in federal tax credits could build a vital low-carbon hydrogen industry — or increase carbon emissions. We tackle the complexities in a series.

By Jeff St. John . 28 March 2023
Energy storage

New York has a new plan to get all the grid batteries it needs

After a slow start to building much-needed energy storage, the state says new rules will help it reach its 6-gigawatt target.

By Julian Spector . 27 March 2023
Solar

North Carolina regulators slash payments to rooftop-solar owners

Two new rulings pare down net metering and deny proposed customer incentives that would have softened the blow. But a new pilot program could boost battery adoption.

By Jeff St. John . 27 March 2023
Video

Video: Why don't we all use solar water heaters?

Climate journalist Michael Thomas explains why these appliances are widespread in other countries — and practically nonexistent in the U.S.

By Michael Thomas . 27 March 2023
Transportation

NYC adopts e-bike rules with focus on fire safety and equity

The new policies aim to make it easier for low-income residents to access high-quality models, without banning the zero-emissions devices many workers depend on.

By Maria Gallucci . 24 March 2023
Fossil fuels

New York must chart new course for gas utilities to hit climate targets

They can’t keep spending on pipelines, and alternative fuels can't scale. But electric heat and thermal networks could save utility business models and jobs.

By Jeff St. John . 20 March 2023
Fossil fuels

Bay Area officials vote to ditch new gas furnaces and water heaters

Starting in 2027, San Francisco Bay Area regulators will require appliances to have zero emissions of nitrogen oxides, a move that effectively bans gas.

By Maria Gallucci . 17 March 2023
Fossil fuels

We know gas stoves have health risks. What about other gas appliances?

Amid the gas-stove hubbub, the health impacts of other gas appliances like furnaces, water heaters and dryers haven't gotten much attention. Here's a rundown.

By Sarah Wesseler . 13 March 2023
Clean industry

DOE launches $6B program to slash emissions from heavy industry

The Biden administration announced it will help fund projects to clean up the production of steel, cement, aluminum and other hard-to-decarbonize sectors.

By Maria Gallucci . 9 March 2023