Emissions reduction

Policy & regulation

California’s new clean-fuel plan makes old problems worse

CARB approved new rules last week that critics say reward polluting biofuels, shortchange EVs, and could cause gasoline prices to spike.

By Jeff St. John . 13 November 2024

gray, black, and white cars snaking along two sides of an urban freeway. — The 101 freeway in Los Angeles, California (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Electrification

These startups help busy contractors get electrification rebates faster

Rebates help households pay for solar, heat pumps and other climate-friendly upgrades — but contractors get stuck with the paperwork. These businesses are stepping in.

By Alison F. Takemura . 1 April 2024
Clean industry

The 'clean cement' projects getting $1.5B in Biden admin funds

From carbon capture to alternative cement chemistries, the U.S. is funding a range of projects that aim to slash the enormous CO2 footprint of the cement industry.

By Jeff St. John . 27 March 2024
Electric vehicles

Chart: EVs are definitely cleaner than gas cars over their lifetime

It’s time to put the questions to rest: Drivers quickly cut their emissions footprint by going electric, and EVs are only getting cleaner.

By Julian Spector, Dan McCarthy . 15 March 2024
Heat pumps

Yes, heat pumps slash emissions even if powered by a dirty grid

Installing a heat pump now is better for the climate, even if you run it on U.S. electricity generated mostly by fossil fuels. Here's why.

By Alison F. Takemura . 11 March 2024
Electric vehicles

Chart: Gas-powered cars are losing market share to EVs and hybrids

Electric vehicle sales hit record heights last year. Sales of hybrids also soared. The trend is eating away at the market share of conventional cars.

By Dan McCarthy . 1 March 2024
Hydrogen

The brewing rift within the Biden admin’s clean hydrogen strategy

The Energy Department's seven hydrogen hubs oppose the administration’s strict rules that aim to ensure the new 45V tax credits reward truly clean hydrogen.

By Julian Spector . 29 February 2024
Heat pumps

Heat pumps outsold gas furnaces again last year — and the gap is growing

While sales of both heat pumps and gas furnaces were down in 2023, heat pumps are proving more popular than ever.

By Alison F. Takemura . 13 February 2024
Fossil fuels

New York could rewrite its relationship to fossil gas with this bill

The state needs to downsize its gas infrastructure and electrify its buildings to meet its climate goals. Legislation that would help it do that is gaining momentum.

By Dan McCarthy . 13 February 2024
Heat pumps

Renters, you too can get a heat pump — a micro one, at least

"Micro” heat pumps aren’t as powerful as whole-home versions, but they’re portable, plug into a 120V outlet — and they’re increasingly effective in the cold.

By Alison F. Takemura . 7 February 2024
Carbon capture

Avnos raises $36M to pull CO2 — and water — from the sky

The investment round, led by a subsidiary of utility giant NextEra, comes as both private and public interest in direct air capture technology picks up.

By Maria Gallucci . 6 February 2024