Midwest

Electric vehicles

Chicago-area mayors push ahead on EVs despite federal pullback

Trump funding cuts scrambled the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus' plans to deploy chargers, but the group is redoubling other efforts to boost EV adoption.

By Kari Lydersen . 24 November 2025
Clean aluminum

Sortera raises $45M for recycling tech as US demands low-carbon aluminum

The Indiana startup, which uses AI to extract high-value aluminum from scrap piles, just announced fresh funding and plans for a second plant in Tennessee.

By Maria Gallucci . 20 November 2025
Fossil fuels

Trump cites ‘emergency’ to keep Michigan coal plant online into winter

The Energy Department’s orders to keep the J.H. Campbell plant running are driving up costs and pollution. States and advocates are challenging the move in court.

By Jeff St. John . 19 November 2025
Solar

Wisconsin lawmakers look to break utility grip on community solar

Utilities have blocked prior attempts to let other developers build community solar in the state. Now legislators have a bill meant to address opponents’ concerns.

By Kari Lydersen . 19 November 2025
Clean energy

This Ohio county banned wind and solar. Now, residents are pushing back.

Richland County forbade large-scale renewable energy in most townships. Next May, voters will have a chance to reject the rules in a first-of-its-kind referendum.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 18 November 2025
Energy storage

Xcel doubles down on plan to swap coal for clean power in Minnesota

With demand rising and tax credits expiring, the utility wants to rapidly expand the batteries and solar it’s building near the shuttering Sherco coal plant.

By Brian Martucci, MinnPost . 7 November 2025
Hydrogen

In Ohio, hydrogen industry presses on despite federal uncertainty

Trump has pulled billions in funding for hydrogen, a sector that was already on shaky ground. Projects in Ohio are chugging along anyway.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 6 November 2025
Policy & regulation

Ohio scrapped a key tool to fight air pollution. Advocates want it back.

The air nuisance rule has helped advocates rein in pollution from coal-burning plants and other facilities. Without it, air quality could worsen.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 5 November 2025
Sponsored

States can build flexible, affordable, and clean energy even with federal headwinds

With federal support for clean energy uncertain, states are charting their own path forward. Advanced Energy United’s new playbook offers lawmakers practical tools to build flexible, affordable, and resilient energy systems that meet rising demand.

By Canary Creative . 3 November 2025
Energy storage

Illinois lawmakers just passed another big clean-energy bill

Batteries are the centerpiece of the state’s third major piece of energy legislation in a decade. The governor has pledged to sign the bill.

By Kari Lydersen . 31 October 2025