Policy & regulation

Energy efficiency

Massachusetts bill could hinder push to weatherize lower-income homes

The measure would add paperwork for some residents while leaving the rules unchanged for others, as legislators question how the state targets efficiency benefits.

By Sarah Shemkus . 22 October 2026

Person in white jumpsuit and mask kneels in an attic with a hose and insulation material — A technician uses a hose to blow insulation into an attic. (Bruce Bisping/Star Tribune via Getty Images)

Balcony solar

Balcony solar bill introduced in Congress for the first time

The Socket Full of Sunshine Act would require state utility regulators to consider clearing the way for plug-in solar and would offer rebates for low-income households.

By Alison F. Takemura . 21 October 2026
Offshore wind

Trump admin finds yet another way to attack offshore wind

The administration wants to reconsider federal permits issued under the Biden administration for proposed and operating wind farms along the East Coast.

By Maria Gallucci . 21 October 2026
Clean energy

New Mexico’s transition to clean energy is actually ahead of schedule

The state is forging ahead on wind, solar, and batteries after hitting its 2030 renewables goal early. The transition for coal workers has been more complicated.

By Julian Spector . 21 October 2026
Clean energy

Will a second US city tax billion-dollar firms to fund clean energy?

Eugene, Oregon, will soon vote on whether to set up a climate fund paid for by fees on companies like Amazon. Nearby Portland has already put the idea to the test.

By Alison F. Takemura . 20 October 2026
Batteries

Illinois needs batteries. Will a new incentive program help?

New York has had success with a similar model, though Illinois’ first procurement under the new program resulted in less energy storage deals than hoped for.

By Kari Lydersen . 19 October 2026
Clean energy jobs

US clean energy jobs fell in 2025 for the first time in years

Employment in the sector dipped in Donald Trump’s first year back in office — and many more expected jobs won’t materialize thanks to canceled clean energy projects.

By Julian Spector . 16 October 2026
Offshore wind

Trump goes after an offshore wind farm that’s already up and running

The administration is seeking to reevaluate a key permit for Revolution Wind, a $6.2B project that is already generating power for the energy-hungry Northeast.

By Maria Gallucci . 13 October 2026
Heat pumps

Heat pumps have so far withstood the death of federal tax credits

Demand for the climate-friendly HVAC tech has persisted even after Republicans killed incentives, with 2026 set to be another good year for the sector.

By Ysabelle Kempe . 9 October 2026
Food and farms

How a reluctant Iowa farming county undid a ban on battery storage

Three brothers wanted to use some land for solar, batteries, and cattle grazing. First they had to convince local officials — and the community — to allow batteries.

By Julian Spector . 8 October 2026
Data centers

Virginia’s new energy plan: Make the AI boom work for — not against — us

Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s just-released blueprint doubles down on the state’s landmark climate law while aiming to solve the data center growth problem.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 5 October 2026