Fossil fuels

Politics

How Trump’s second term could derail the clean energy transition

The Inflation Reduction Act might not be completely repealed, but plenty of other climate policies could be undone — and fossil fuels could be unleashed.

By Jeff St. John . 6 November 2024

torn Trump signs on the ground — (Jessica Kourkounis/Getty Images)

Utilities

Regulators OK Duke Energy's gas-plant buildout despite N.C. climate law

The utility is supposed to cut greenhouse gas emissions 70% by 2030, but North Carolina's utility commission has approved its plan to build new fossil-gas power plants.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 6 November 2024
Fossil fuels

Booming power demand is slowing climate progress for US utilities

Sierra Club analysis finds that U.S. utilities are planning a huge expansion of fossil-gas plants — a shift that’s incompatible with climate goals.

By Jeff St. John . 9 October 2024
Clean energy

How $7.3B will help rural co-ops build clean power—and close coal plants

This Inflation Reduction Act program is offering 16 rural electric co-ops financing to overcome the up-front costs of shifting from dirty coal to clean power.

By Jeff St. John . 12 September 2024
Fossil fuels

Chart: The UK is about to stop using coal to produce electricity

This month, the United Kingdom will shut down its last operational coal-fired power plant, a major milestone as the country’s CO2 emissions continue to plummet.

By Dan McCarthy . 6 September 2024
Utilities

Duke Energy’s plans for more gas gain traction with former critics

North Carolina’s state ratepayers advocate and clean energy developers have endorsed the proposal, though some still have concerns.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 3 September 2024
Solar

Chart: Solar and wind overtake fossil fuels on the EU power grid

In a milestone for the European Union, wind and solar produced more electricity for the region than coal and gas did across the first half of the year.

By Carrie Klein . 2 August 2024
Fossil fuels

The battle to block Duke Energy's new gas plant

In North Carolina, community members and advocates see a path — however narrow — to defeating a proposed gas plant that would threaten state climate goals.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 16 July 2024
Fossil fuels

New Washington state ballot initiative would prevent fossil gas bans

The industry-backed measure to protect fossil gas looks to have received enough signatures to appear on the ballot in November.

By Akielly Hu . 12 July 2024
Liquefied natural gas

Huge, controversial LNG export terminal gets green light from FERC

Climate activists have rallied to stop the Calcasieu Pass 2 facility, or CP2, in Louisiana. Now the final decision rests with the Department of Energy.

By Pam Radtke / Floodlight . 27 June 2024
Fossil fuels

Just how bad are gas appliances for your health?

It's not all about the climate. There are loads of reasons to ditch gas stoves and appliances — and health concerns may be at the top of the list.

By Alison F. Takemura . 26 June 2024