West

ENN

Scientists warn a poorly managed hydrogen rush could make climate change worse

A growing body of scientific research is highlighting the indirect ways hydrogen could worsen climate change — and critics say the risks are largely being ignored by the federal government.

By Kari Lydersen . 28 February 2024
ENN

Nine states pledge to boost heat pumps to 90% of home equipment sales by 2040

Northeast and Western states seek to make high-efficiency electric technology the norm in residential space heating and cooling and water heating.

By Annie Ropeik . 7 February 2024
Geothermal

America's first 'enhanced' geothermal plant just got up and running

Next-generation geothermal could be a huge source of carbon-free power. A first-of-a-kind project from Google and Fervo Energy is a step in that direction.

By Maria Gallucci . 28 November 2023
ENN

Wyoming rate hike inspires slew of bills to scrutinize electric utilities

Rocky Mountain Power’s proposed 30% rate hike is under scrutiny at the Public Service Commission and down the street at the Wyoming Capitol.

By Dustin Bleizeffer . 3 November 2023
ENN

Big federal dollars for small state projects aim to get more cars off the roads

The Carbon Reduction Program will fund states’ strategies for “transportation alternatives," such as cycling trails, electric street sweepers and EV charging stations.

By Erika Bolstad . 20 October 2023
ENN

When it comes to mining on sacred lands, some tribal members say their voices have been overlooked

The Thacker Pass mining project in northern Nevada is hoping to provide lithium for the green energy transition. While the company has done its own outreach, regional tribes say they weren’t properly consulted by the government.

By Noah Glick & Alejandra Rubio . 13 October 2023
ENN

Commentary: Colorado can lead the nation in clean industry — if it gets the policy right

Colorado has an opportunity to trailblaze in a sector of the economy that has so far lagged in pollution reduction, writes guest commentator Alli Gold Roberts.

By Alli Gold Roberts . 20 September 2023
ENN

Solar advocates say Idaho Power proposal contradicts clean energy goals. The utility disagrees

In 2022, there were more than 13,000 customers with residential solar in the Idaho Power system.

By Mia Maldonado Mia Maldonado . 1 September 2023
ENN

How California’s electric cars can feed the grid and help avoid brownouts

Using electric vehicles' giant batteries to store excess energy could help California when its grid is strained, but the technology is still rare and expensive.

By Alejandro Lazo . 20 July 2023
ENN

In El Paso, a utility is working to catch up to Texas' renewable energy boom

While renewable energy is now a significant share of the Lone Star State's electricity generation, in El Paso it's only 3%. But that's about to change.

By Diego Mendoza-Moyers . 20 July 2023