West

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
ENN

Bill limiting oil drilling without landowners’ consent faces headwinds at Colorado legislature

A 72-year-old law lets drilling companies take property owners' mineral rights without their consent, and the industry has stymied lawmakers' attempts to reform it.

By Jennifer Oldham . 19 April 2023
ENN

Commentary: California’s Clean Cars rule would deliver jobs, household savings in other states

California’s new clean-vehicle policy will transform the world’s second largest car market, write guest commentators Rachel Goldstein and Daniel O’Brien.

By Rachel Goldstein . 11 April 2023
ENN

How Washington plans to spend money from the new carbon-cap law

State lawmakers are looking to invest revenue from the Climate Commitment Act in electric buses, ferries and more clean energy projects.

By Joseph O'Sullivan . 10 April 2023
ENN

Oregon city's gas ban continues spread across the West

The gas prohibition in Eugene puts Oregon in line with its West Coast neighbors, where similar restrictions on fossil fuel heat are widespread.

By David Iaconangelo . 8 February 2023
ENN

Coal ash crackdown continues as EPA denies extensions for six power plants

The move signals the agency’s commitment to enforce 2015 federal rules that had been widely flaunted by companies and ignored by regulators.

By Kari Lydersen . 25 January 2023
ENN

California's revised climate strategy relies on carbon capture

The new version of California’s climate plan sets a more stringent — some say unrealistic — target for cutting greenhouse gases. It also relies more on controversial carbon capture projects.

By Nadia Lopez . 16 November 2022
ENN

Oregon company borrows concept from iconic bridges for elevated solar arrays

Rute’s technology, newly out of prototype stage, suspends panels nine feet above the ground using a system of cables. The company hopes the design can help farmers and ranchers blend solar energy with agricultural production.

9 November 2022
ENN

Cool tomatoes? Agrivoltaics could help California crop, if the economics pan out

Emerging research suggests growing tomato plants below and between solar panels could help the country’s billion-dollar-plus tomato industry, especially in places where it faces increasing stress from heat and drought.

By Kari Lydersen . 25 October 2022
ENN

New Mexico utilities trying to overcharge on community solar, regulators say

Both the state utility regulator and clean energy advocates say utilities are intending to charge or limit community solar customers in ways they shouldn't be.

By Megan Gleason . 18 October 2022