Policy & regulation

Fossil fuels

How states are trying to fit gas utilities into a low-carbon future

California and Colorado are the latest states to boost oversight of how gas utilities spend their customers’ money. The goal: avoiding "stranded assets."

By Jeff St. John . 7 December 2022
Solar

Biden admin seeks $3B to fund rooftop solar+batteries in Puerto Rico

Geared toward low-income households, the federal funding could help avert future blackouts, but some question whether they'll ever see the money.

By Brett Marsh . 7 December 2022
Guest essay

LNG exports hurt Americans. It’s time for the Biden admin to take action

The Department of Energy is supposed to assess whether it’s in the public’s interest to ship liquefied natural gas abroad, but the DOE is falling down on the job, argues Tyson Slocum.

By Tyson Slocum . 6 December 2022
Just transition

To get tax credits, clean-energy firms must soon meet labor standards

In January, new wage and apprenticeship criteria will kick in for companies seeking popular federal tax incentives for renewable energy projects.

By Julian Spector . 2 December 2022
Solar

Ruling in Auxin trade case revives tariff threat for US solar

The Commerce Dept. suggests resuming tariffs on solar modules manufactured by certain Chinese companies in 2024. But a tough stance on trade may undermine the Biden admin's ambitious climate goals.

By Eric Wesoff . 2 December 2022
Guest essay

COP27: Progress on some solutions, but where’s action on the big issue?

In waning hours of U.N. climate conference, there’s optimism about new initiatives, but much frustration over lack of “loss-and-damage” funds for developing nations.

By Laurie Stone . 18 November 2022
Guest essay

COP27: 'Brazil is back!' Lula aims to protect the Amazon

Nature took center stage at the U.N. climate conference as Brazil's president-elect reengaged in climate talks, Paris accord leaders called for a "Nature Agreement," and nature-based solutions got a bump.

By Laurie Stone . 16 November 2022
Electric vehicles

Why did Californians reject Prop 30 with its billions in EV funding?

What was once a popular ballot measure ultimately tanked in last week's election. What does it mean for the future of electric vehicles in California?

By Blanca Begert . 16 November 2022
Guest essay

COP27: 8 billion people means 8 billion reasons to tackle climate crisis

At the U.N. climate conference, projects are helping Africa get minigrids, helping the Caribbean switch to clean energy and helping Indonesia ditch coal.

By Laurie Stone . 15 November 2022
Long-duration energy storage

Long-duration energy storage to get $350M boost from Dept. of Energy

Some say it's the key to unlocking a decarbonized grid. Will a new pot of federal funding be enough to push long-duration storage into the mainstream?

By Julian Spector . 15 November 2022