Midwest

Clean energy

Melissa Hortman was a climate and clean energy champion for Minnesota

The former state House speaker, assassinated by a gunman Saturday, helped to pass some of the country’s most ambitious state clean energy policy.

By Frank Jossi . 19 June 2025
Green steel

Major US steel company backs away from plan to make green steel

Cleveland-Cliffs was going to outfit an Ohio plant with pollution-reducing tech. Now, to align with Trump’s priorities, the firm is turning back to fossil fuels.

By Alexander C. Kaufman . 17 June 2025
Fossil fuels

Under Trump, Indiana and other states may decide their own coal ash rules

The EPA is encouraging state-level regulation of the toxic substance produced by coal plants. That could lock in lax standards for years to come, advocates warn.

By Kari Lydersen . 17 June 2025
Utilities

What's at stake as Ohio regulators finally turn to HB 6 charges?

As the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio takes up three cases related to the HB 6 corruption scandal, FirstEnergy has asked regulators to limit evidence.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 16 June 2025
Energy storage

An Illinois bill seeking to supercharge battery storage failed. Now what?

Supporters hoped the legislation would accelerate the state’s clean energy transition, but it stalled amid opposition from unions, farmers, and fossil-fuel groups.

By Kari Lydersen . 16 June 2025
Transmission

How sensors, software, and other tech could help Ohio’s aging power grid

A new state law will require utilities and regulators to explore advanced transmission technologies before pursuing conventional grid expansion projects.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 10 June 2025
Clean industry

This startup turns steel and aluminum waste into usable metals

Chicago-area Sun Metalon removes gunk and grime from metal slivers normally thrown away, helping to reduce emissions from aluminum and steel production.

By Kari Lydersen . 9 June 2025
Energy efficiency

Chicago program to light up dark streets is gateway to energy efficiency

MECRO outfits porches with LED lights that automatically turn on at dusk, helping residents feel safer — and showing them how to start lowering their energy bills.

By Audrey Henderson . 5 June 2025
Utilities

Why an Ohio ban on settlements to close 'base load' power plants matters for clean energy

House Bill 15 forbids settlements to close or curtail "base load" power plants, which exclude renewables. The law may pave the way for future fossil-fuel subsidies.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 3 June 2025
Solar

Why the solar industry is counting Ohio’s newest energy law as a win

Although legislators highlighted the law’s potential to spur “dispatchable” power like gas and nuclear, its tech-neutral incentives can benefit solar, too.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 29 May 2025