Policy & regulation

Guest essay

COP27: Global fossil-fuel emissions are rising — and so are the stakes

Week two of the U.N. climate conference kicks off with a focus on curbing methane, greening shipping with hydrogen, and wondering where all the women are.

By Laurie Stone . 14 November 2022
Politics

How Democratic state wins in the midterms could rev up climate progress

States are already doing the most to shrink electricity-sector emissions. These new Democratic wins and “trifectas” could push even bolder policies forward.

By Jeff St. John . 11 November 2022
Climate crisis

Chart: These rich countries are falling far short on their climate pledges

New analysis pegs U.S., Canada and U.K. among the worst laggards on climate finance pledges. Will COP27 help even things out?

By Maria Virginia Olano . 11 November 2022
Solar

New California rooftop-solar plan drops ‘solar tax,’ but fears remain

California regulators want to promote equity and boost batteries to shore up the grid. Critics on both sides say the latest net-metering plan misses the mark.

By Jeff St. John . 10 November 2022
Guest essay

COP27: Is a green wave of climate finance finally gaining momentum?

Our third dispatch from the U.N. climate conference looks at controversies over “loss and damage,” carbon offsets, the future of fertilizer and more.

By Adam Aston . 10 November 2022
Guest essay

COP27: We’re on a highway to climate hell. Let’s build an offramp

Our second dispatch from the U.N. conference looks at holding wealthy nations accountable for their outsize role in climate change. Plus: What comes after 1.5°C?

By Adam Aston . 8 November 2022
Heat pumps

Heat pumps now required for new homes in Washington state

New-build residences will have to install energy-efficient heat pumps starting in July as part of Washington’s ambitious efforts to curb carbon emissions.

By Maria Gallucci . 8 November 2022
Utilities

Hawaii moves to time-varying 'smart' rates for most utility customers

The first-in-the-nation statewide plan will nudge residents to shift their energy use to times that best align with Hawaii's increasingly solar-powered grid.

By Julian Spector . 8 November 2022
Guest essay

COP27 climate talks kick off: Here's what people are talking about

Our first dispatch from the U.N. climate conference in Egypt spotlights energy and equity issues in Africa, plus political progress and uncertainty in the U.S.

By Adam Aston . 7 November 2022
Climatetech finance

What challenges will confront DOE loan program for energy retrofits?

It takes more than money to retool dirty energy infrastructure to be clean. Can utilities, regulators and communities agree on how to spend it?

By Jeff St. John . 7 November 2022