Policy & regulation

Fossil fuels

Trump’s pro-coal crusade hits a snag in Washington state

The DOE just ordered the TransAlta coal plant to keep running. But it has been offline since December, and a new state law would make it too costly to turn back on.

By Jeff St. John . 17 March 2026
Wind

How a tiny Texas town is using wind energy to help out senior citizens

A wonky tax deal with wind companies means more food and medical resources for older residents of “The Biggest Little Town in the World."

By Bekah Stolhandske McNeel . 17 March 2026
Solar

The fight over California’s community solar plan is heating up

Regulators are long overdue on their mandate to create a community solar-storage program. And critics say the plan that is in the works is “fatally flawed.”

By Jeff St. John . 17 March 2026
Heat pumps

Did fake comments sink SoCal clean heat rules? Advocates want answers.

Last year, Southern California regulators rejected rules that would have phased down gas heaters after an industry-tied campaign generated 20,000+ critical comments.

By Alison F. Takemura . 16 March 2026
Solar

Virginia to become second state that allows balcony solar

Residents of the state will soon be able to use the tech to lower their electricity bills. Gov. Spanberger has made affordability a top legislative priority.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 12 March 2026
Nuclear

Draft bill would let utilities own nuclear plants in Ohio

Last year, the state banned utilities from building and operating electricity generation. But now, some lawmakers want to make an exception for “advanced nuclear.”

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 12 March 2026
Offshore wind

Offshore wind farms race toward completion despite Trump’s attacks

Trump is trying to kill offshore wind. But two big East Coast projects are poised to start producing power, and others are hitting key construction milestones.

By Maria Gallucci . 11 March 2026
Heat pumps

Oregon pushes new homes to install heat pumps over ACs

In a state where energy costs have risen sharply, new rules will boost adoption of the clean heating and cooling appliances.

By Alison F. Takemura . 5 March 2026
Clean energy

How Vermont’s pioneering clean heat plan fell apart

Misinformation, politics, and a complex design brought down the once-promising program, which sought to slash emissions from heating in the cold New England state.

By Sarah Shemkus . 5 March 2026
Data centers

How states are trying to keep AI data centers off your power bill

“Large load tariffs” are spreading fast as states scramble to protect consumers and the climate from the AI boom. Some approaches have more promise than others.

By Jeff St. John . 4 March 2026