Politics

Energy efficiency

Clean energy and efficiency spared in Rhode Island budget process

The state legislature rebuked Democratic Gov. Dan McKee’s effort to roll back emissions targets and funding for energy efficiency in the name of affordability.

By Dan McCarthy, Sarah Shemkus . 10 June 2026

Man in white shirt and dark suit seemingly on a balcony — Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee poses for a portrait on April 15, 2026. (Suzanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Clean aluminum

Energy-hungry aluminum plant is swept up in Oklahoma governor’s race

The state’s Republican attorney general — a gubernatorial candidate — sued to stop the new Trump-backed smelter, which would double America’s aluminum output.

By Maria Gallucci . 10 June 2026
Emissions reduction

New York state gives up on its most ambitious climate targets

Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat up for reelection in November, pushed hard to water down the state’s 2019 climate law. With a new budget vote, she’s succeeded.

By Ysabelle Kempe . 27 May 2026
Geothermal

Geothermal energy gets boost from new coalition of Western governors

Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah are joining forces to accelerate deployment of clean, around-the-clock geothermal energy in the region.

By Maria Gallucci . 21 May 2026
Land use

Resident-led campaign fails to reverse Ohio county’s ban on renewables

Locals pushed deep-red Richland County to be the first to nix a wind and solar ban. The close vote suggests bipartisan support for clean energy.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 6 May 2026
Energy efficiency

Why are blue states scapegoating energy efficiency?

Energy-efficiency programs yield long-term benefits for utility bills and the climate. We found three reasons why Democrats are looking to cut them anyway.

By Sarah Shemkus . 28 April 2026
Politics

Fossil fuel promoters tied to campaign to keep Ohio county renewable ban

Richland County voters are deciding whether to reject a wind and solar ban. Organizations linked to pro-gas interests have given money to keep it in place.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 24 April 2026
Politics

Maryland bill trades cost-saving energy efficiency for short-term relief

Advocates say Maryland lawmakers passed energy proposals, including one on nuclear subsidies, without adequate analysis or public debate during the 2026 session.

By Aman Azar . 23 April 2026
Clean energy

US judge halts Trump admin’s blockade on new wind and solar projects

The federal government's "arbitrary" actions caused 57 gigawatts of wind and solar to be canceled or put at risk of delay beyond 2029, clean energy advocates argued.

By Maria Gallucci . 21 April 2026
Clean energy

This Ohio county put a ban on wind and solar. Will voters reverse it?

Richland County blocked large-scale renewables in most townships. Voters now have a rare opportunity to overturn that policy at the ballot box.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 13 April 2026
Solar

Trump may not like solar, but lots of his voters do

A new poll reveals broad support for big solar farms among right-leaning voters — especially if panels meet certain manufacturing criteria.

By Ysabelle Kempe . 6 February 2026