West

Solar

Chart: Which states rank highest for utility-scale solar?

Nevada, California, and Utah have the largest share of solar on their electric grids.

By Carrie Klein . 1 November 2024
Clean industry

Redoxblox raises $31M to commercialize its energy storage ‘booster’

The startup says its novel thermochemical storage system is a cost-effective way to provide clean heat to fossil fuel–reliant heavy industries.

By Jeff St. John . 30 October 2024
ENN

In nationwide first, California plans to rev up sales of electric motorcycles

Bikers — many of whom love their noisy combustion engines — say zero-emission motorcycles aren’t ready for long-distance rides. Motorcycles emit an “outsized portion” of smog-causing pollutants.

By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde / CalMatters . 29 October 2024
Clean fleets

‘Green bank’ launches $250M effort to electrify California’s port trucks

The program, from Climate United and Forum Mobility, will help secure the EV trucks and charging stations needed to phase out diesel trucks at the state’s busy ports.

By Jeff St. John . 29 October 2024
Politics

Clean energy is on the ballot in these utility regulator races

Ten states elect their public utility commissions, which make big decisions about energy. This November, the stakes are high, especially in Arizona and Louisiana.

By Julian Spector . 25 October 2024
Clean industry

A former Utah coal town could soon become a hub for low-carbon cement

Terra CO2 wants to make cement additives from mining waste. The startup could get a $52.6M DOE grant to build a clean energy factory near Salt Lake City.

By Maria Gallucci . 23 October 2024
Air travel

DOE makes $3B commitment to two sustainable aviation fuel projects

Alternative jet fuels are seen as key to curbing emissions from today’s airplanes. The Loan Programs Office is backing SAF plants to boost U.S. supplies.

By Maria Gallucci . 16 October 2024
ENN

Commentary: New study identifies central heat pump water heater benefits

Multifamily buildings can optimize hot water use and store energy via emerging technology.

By CalNEXT . 14 October 2024
Policy & regulation

California could lock in disastrous dairy methane rules, advocates warn

CARB could finally regulate methane emissions from the state’s huge dairy farms and eliminate the special treatment dairy biogas gets via its clean fuel program. Or not.

By Jeff St. John . 14 October 2024
Solar

California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoes school solar bill

SB 1374 would have let public schools follow the more lucrative rooftop solar rules for single-family homes. Without it, schools can’t afford solar, advocates say.

By Jeff St. John . 30 September 2024