Renewable Energy

Power transmission lines surrounded by orange California poppies and silhouette of mountains in background

Why California’s Power Lines Take So Long to Build

The years-long permitting process for new transmission lines is slowing the state’s shift to clean energy.

January 2, 2023 - Governing

Solar panels in a green field

U.S. Renewables To Outpace Coal and Nuclear in 2022

The production of renewable energy in the United States is on track to surpass other energy sources this year, but the nation must maintain record high production levels to meet its climate goals.

November 28, 2022 - Scientific American

Traffic light with green light on and green right turn arrow on

Tampa Pilots Solar Sidewalks

The city is testing solar panels embedded in sidewalks as a backup power supply for traffic lights.

November 23, 2022 - Smart Cities Dive

Solar panels shading cars in parking lot in Avignon, France

France Mandates Solar Panels Over Parking Lots Nationwide

By 2028, all French parking lots with more than 80 spots will have to be covered with solar panels, providing both shade and renewable energy.

November 11, 2022 - Jalopnik

Crowd of activists protesting conditions at Rikers Island with one woman in front speaking into microphone

Envisioning a Sustainable Future for Rikers Island

With the prison complex slated to close by 2027, the city has an opportunity to transform the island into a renewable energy and research hub.

November 8, 2022 - Time Out NY

Solar panels on a rooftop with two workers in hard hats and safety vests walking between panels

How Buildings Can Lead the Way to a Decarbonized Future

A public utilities building in Santa Rosa shows how innovations in architecture and grid management can reduce energy use and prepare buildings for a more sustainable energy future.

November 1, 2022 - Next City

Line of offshore wind turbines with sunset over sea in the background

West Coast Offshore Wind Takes a Step Forward

The federal government announced a lease sale for locations along the California coast approved for offshore wind energy production.

October 20, 2022 - CNN

Offshore wind turbines at Barrow Offshore Wind off Walney Island in the Irish Sea

Offshore Wind Energy Faces Challenges on West Coast

Unique geography and high costs have stymied offshore wind energy production in California, but new incentives and innovations could soon make it more accessible.

October 11, 2022 - OC Register

Solar array and wind turbines in California with mountains in background

How California Kept the Lights On

To stave off rolling blackouts during a record heat wave, California relied on dramatic conservation by households and a growing renewable energy sector.

September 21, 2022 - High Country News

Array of solar panels in the foreground with palm trees and mountains in background, Death Valley, California

California’s Energy Emergency: Fodder for Democrats and Republicans

What are the lessons to be learned from California's 10-day power grid emergency this month? Democrats and Republicans in Congress have their own takeaways, and both may be right.

September 19, 2022 - E&E News

Wind Turbine

The Nation's Largest Wind Farm: Planned in Wyoming, Built for California

This project could "save California," according to the Los Angeles Times. But it won't be easy.

September 4, 2022 - Los Angeles Times

Solar panels in a green field

Local Control for Solar; State Preemption for Oil and Gas

A solar energy facility planned for Fairfield County, Ohio is in critical condition after local governments express their displeasure.

September 2, 2022 - Ohio Capital Journal

Wind turbines on farm in Paulding County, Ohio

Ohio Counties Can Now Ban Renewable Energy Projects

A new state law allows counties to deny wind and solar projects in their jurisdictions, and at least ten counties have already moved to implement bans.

August 26, 2022 - Cleveland Scene

Two yellow pipes for natural gas or oil agains ta backdrop of snow

The Big Divide Between Big and Little Oil on the New Climate-Energy Law

President Joe Biden signed what he called “one of the most significant laws in our history” last Tuesday. The energy provisions in the law that benefit oil and gas extraction exposed different perspectives within the industry on the law.

August 22, 2022 - Bloomberg News

Offshore wind turbines in water against a sunset sky

Offshore Wind Gaining Support in More States

States traditionally resistant to renewable energy are passing legislation to ease the way for offshore wind production as lawmakers realize the potential economic benefits to their states.

August 4, 2022 - Governing

Close-up of person holding receipt with grocery store shelves in background

The Local Causes of Inflation

Although it is widely seen as a national issue, decisions made at the local level often have a stronger impact on inflation than federal policies.

August 2, 2022 - Vox

Coal-Fired Power Plant

Report: U.S. Greenhouse Gas Reductions Not Hitting Paris Agreement Goal

The United States is making modest gains in the power and transportation sectors, but emissions in the industrial sector are holding steady, absent new reduction initiatives.

July 15, 2022 - Rhodium Group

A diagram of funding programs for the The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF), including clean energy, workforce training, regenerative agriculture, and innovation.

Funding Urban Climate Justice

The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund stands out as an example of local grassroots climate action—in this case, the kind of action that makes other climate projects and programs possible.

June 7, 2022 - Joan Fitzgerald

Factory Emissions

Study: Cutting U.S. Emissions by 50 Percent This Decade Is Possible

With coordinated effort at the local, state, and federal levels, the United States could meet its goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030.

June 7, 2022 - Berkeley Lab

Worker standing between solar panels on roof

Rooftop Solar Hampered by New York City Fire Code

Requirements in the NYFD fire code make it costly and difficult to achieve the city’s solar installation goals.

May 26, 2022 - Grist

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