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

Turbines from the Mount Storm Wind Farm behind Dominion's Mount Storm coal power plant in West Virginia. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Electrification

What are the hurdles to electrifying a home? Contractors and experts weigh in

Installing heat pumps and induction stoves can be costly and complex, but they boost homeowners' health and comfort — and benefit the climate too.

By Jeff St. John . 17 February 2022
Podcast

Could a ‘green upheaval’ embolden Russia?

What Germany’s complicated relationship with Russia tells us about the messy geopolitics of the energy transition.

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By Stephen Lacey . 15 February 2022
Marine transport

Offshore wind farms could double as electric charging stations for ships

Shipping giant Maersk and other firms are developing tech to help the maritime industry ditch dirty diesel and run on wind power.

By Maria Gallucci . 14 February 2022
Fossil fuels

US coal communities get historic $11B to clean up abandoned mines

The funds support regions and workers grappling firsthand with the transition to clean energy.

By Julian Spector . 9 February 2022
Solar

Biggest solar farm in Louisiana gets warm welcome from local community

Lightsource bp's Ventress project will more than double solar capacity in a state known for oil and gas.

By Eric Wesoff . 8 February 2022
Carbon-free buildings

How to get New York City’s biggest buildings to zero carbon

High-rise buildings can’t eliminate natural gas all at once. But they can and should start electrifying their heating right now.

By Jeff St. John . 20 January 2022
Climate justice

Chart: Black Americans hit hardest by deadly air pollution

As we clean up electricity and other sectors, all Americans will benefit from cleaner air — but Black Americans stand to benefit the most.

By Maria Virginia Olano . 14 January 2022
Fossil fuels

We're still expanding the natural gas system — and there's a good chance you're paying for it

The climate crisis demands we wean ourselves off gas, but new buildings keep getting hooked up, thanks to sweetheart provisions and utility-bill subsidies.

By Mike Henchen, Sherri Billimoria . 11 January 2022
Carbon capture

US government squandered hundreds of millions on 'clean coal' pipe dream

Federal investments in industrial carbon capture paid off, but investments in coal-plant CCS did not, watchdog finds.

By Jeff St. John . 5 January 2022
Marine transport

Sailing into 2022 with wind-powered cargo ships

Use of wind-propulsion devices like towing kites and rotor sails set to double in 2022, experts say.

By Maria Gallucci . 3 January 2022