West

ENN

Why Minnesota Democrats aren’t embracing California’s ban on new gas cars

Some states plan to join California in largely banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, but Minnesota doesn't seem poised to follow suit.

By Walker Orenstein . 22 September 2022
ENN

Commentary: To respond to extreme weather grid challenges, California should better harness automated smart technology

Let’s put our smart devices to work, writes guest commentator Amanda Myers Wisser.

By Amanda Myers Wisser . 22 September 2022
ENN

Central Washington is eyeing nuclear power again — but on a smaller scale

The Oregon-based company NuScale designed 'cookie cutter' reactors that can be mass produced. Scrutiny has followed.

By John Stang . 19 September 2022
ENN

California’s net-zero roadmap is being shaped by regulators-turned-lobbyists

Former California officials push strategies on behalf of fossil fuel clients, threatening climate and communities, critics say.

By Aaron Cantú . 15 September 2022
ENN

‘High and dry’: How toxic coal ash could be the next opportunity — or the next broken promise — for the Northern Cheyenne tribe

The potential closure of Montana’s Colstrip power plant would leave one in five Northern Cheyenne tribal members without jobs — and five decades’ worth of coal ash to clean up.

By Kelsey Turner . 6 September 2022
ENN

Expansion of electric vehicle grid hits roadblocks in rural Washington

A new statewide plan would use federal dollars to build chargers every 50 miles, upgrading rural utilities and combating range anxiety.

By Lizz Giordano . 11 August 2022
ENN

Can Californians afford electric cars? Wait lists for rebates are long and some programs have shut down

State funding for electric vehicle subsidies is insufficient so lower-income residents have trouble getting them, jeopardizing California’s climate and air pollution goals

By Nadia Lopez . 2 August 2022
ENN

Commentary: Stronger electric vehicle standards are a health imperative for California

Electrifying our cars and trucks as quickly as possible will make a significant impact in reducing preventable deaths, writes guest commentator Johnny A. Negusse.

By Johnny A. Negusse . 1 August 2022
ENN

Xcel taps Colorado leader to help prepare utility for carbon-free future

In an interview with the Energy News Network, Xcel Energy’s new chief planning officer Alice Jackson talks about the potential role of storage, hydrogen and nuclear as the utility tries to zero out its carbon emissions.

By Allen Best . 15 July 2022
ENN

In San Juan Basin, cultural, economic bonds slow fossil fuel transition

Coal, oil and gas extraction brought generations of boom-and-bust prosperity to New Mexico’s San Juan Basin. The region’s history with fossil fuels looms over conversations about how to diversify its economy.

By Jonathan P. Thompson . 30 June 2022