West

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
Methane

Colorado launches first-of-a-kind landfill-methane monitoring program

Using EPA funds, Colorado will deploy cutting-edge technology for detecting methane emissions from its 80 landfills, making it a leader among states.

By Isobel Whitcomb . 25 September 2024
Policy & regulation

Washington state’s landmark climate law faces Election Day test

The 2021 law created a cap-and-invest program that has funneled billions to clean energy and climate solutions in the state. A ballot measure aims to repeal it.

By Akielly Hu . 24 September 2024
EV charging

California’s backlogged grid is holding up its electric truck dreams

Electric truck-charging projects face years of waiting to get the power they need. Clean-transport advocates say regulators must push utilities harder to speed up.

By Jeff St. John . 23 September 2024
ENN

Hualapai Tribe fights to extend ban on lithium drilling it says jeopardizes a sacred site

A federal judge granted a temporary ban, and will rule soon on stopping drilling until a lawsuit is resolved

By Shondiin Silversmith . 20 September 2024
Carbon-free buildings

California’s new rules will boost heat pumps in commercial buildings

The new building code adopted by the California Energy Commission will also promote heat pumps in new homes — but it falls short on existing ones, advocates say.

By Alison F. Takemura . 20 September 2024
Electric vehicles

Chart: Which states have the most electric school buses?

More students than ever are headed to class on an electric, emissions-free school bus this September. But only a fraction of U.S. school buses are EVs today.

By Dan McCarthy . 20 September 2024
Policy & regulation

Switching California from gas to electricity, one neighborhood at a time

Clean-energy advocates hope a bill awaiting Governor Newsom’s signature will jump-start projects that shut down gas pipelines and help homes and businesses go electric.

By Jeff St. John . 16 September 2024
ENN

California hits milestones toward 100% clean energy — but has a long way to go

Battery storage has helped the state survive heat waves on growing amounts of clean energy, even as electric cars and appliances increase demand.

By Alejandro Lazo . 20 August 2024
ENN

Colorado oil and gas regulators adopt ‘deep geothermal’ drilling rules

Emerging technologies could tap underground heat to help power the electric grid.

By Chase Woodruff . 14 August 2024