Energy
The states where climate progress is on the ballot
Getting laws passed is one thing. Protecting them from Republican opposition is another.
Why people aren’t buying heat pumps—and what states can do about it
COMMENTARY | New research from the coldest part of the country finds we need to tell people what heat pumps are before telling them why they should buy them.
Fight over transmission towers for reliable energy rages across the Midwest
A proposed massive federal power transmission corridor would stretch nearly 800 miles across the Midwest.
States are falling behind in using IRA funding to advance climate action
Two years after the IRA passed, a new report found that states have only captured a tiny fraction of the funding available.
Biden administration announces more than $2 billion in grants to boost US power grid
The grid is overburdened, under-resourced — and vital to the energy transition. New federal funding aims to increase capacity and get more clean energy built.
A fifth of U.S. green hydrogen projects eyed for water-stressed areas
As the federal government pours billions into hydrogen production to lower greenhouse gas emissions, critics worry water shortages in the Southwest could worsen.
Data centers demand a massive amount of energy. Here’s how some states are tackling the industry’s impact.
As the draw on the grid from these computer warehouses undergoes explosive growth, states that offer tax exemptions to support the industry are considering whether their approach still makes sense.
Governments, get your refundable tax credits here
COMMENTARY | The Inflation Reduction Act includes green tax credits that state and local agencies can use on clean energy vehicles, infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
Billions in US funding boosts lithium mining, stressing water supplies
The energy transition is driving demand for batteries; funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and other federal programs is helping to fill it.
The secret to decarbonizing buildings might be right beneath your feet
It's already happening in Massachusetts.
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Governors seek more say over grid planning process
As states scramble to find reliable sources of electric power amid ever-growing demand for energy, four Democratic governors are seeking more say in their regional electric grid operator's future planning.
How AI can help and hurt the environment
Artificial intelligence could put a greater strain on electricity, water and other resources already under pressure from data centers. But the technology also presents opportunities to address environmental challenges.
Teachers demand climate solutions in their next contract
From California to Massachusetts, teachers unions have started to get loud about climate justice demands. In Chicago, the teachers union wants their new contract to address the rising cost of climate change on students and the community.
Feds invest $60M to boost local climate resilience, workforce development
The Climate-Ready Workforce initiative looks to place individuals in good-paying jobs that help advance coastal communities’ climate resilience.
Nursing homes are left in the dark as more utilities cut power to prevent wildfires
As preemptive power cuts become more widespread, nursing homes are being forced to evaluate their preparedness.
Support for rooftop solar outpaces other energy infrastructure
A new survey assessed support of local government officials in Michigan for solar, wind and nuclear energy infrastructure and power transmission.
Communities push to take over investor-owned utilities and make them public nonprofits
Advocates say public power can deliver cheaper rates and a faster, more equitable transition to clean energy. Still, the measures face long odds.
New federal rule will overhaul transmission planning as electric grid strains
The sprawling rule requires transmission operators to plan along a 20-year horizon and work with states to develop data-driven projections of needs.
States rethink data centers as ‘electricity hogs’ strain the grid
Worries are rising over what data centers mean for demand, renewable energy goals.
Powering down: To prevent wildfires, states try turning off the grid
COMMENTARY | The trend started in California, but now more states are opting to shut off power to parts of the grid in extreme conditions.
