Policy & regulation

Solar

The DOE doubles its SolSmart program, with an aim to boost local solar

Here's how hundreds of communities across the U.S. are tapping SolSmart to help streamline permitting and zoning and expand access to solar power.

By Jeff St. John . 3 April 2023
Solar

The threat of new US solar tariffs is back

A bipartisan group in the U.S. Congress is trying to undo President Biden's two-year pause on new tariffs on some solar panels imported from Southeast Asia.

By Eric Wesoff . 3 April 2023
Hydrogen

The power used to make green hydrogen must be tracked down to the hour

Big fossil incumbents claim that hourly accounting for hydrogen tax credits is too complicated — but plenty of startups and nonprofits are already doing it today.

By Jeff St. John . 30 March 2023
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