Energy Policy / Public News Service

The Indiana Vehicle Fuel Dashboard reports in 2024, the state had nearly 15,000 state-registered electric vehicles. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, February 6, 2025

IN EV charger station installs on pause

The number of registered electric vehicles in Indiana rose from 13,000 in 2023 to nearly 15,000 in 2024. However, plans to install more EV chargers …

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) recently approved a $10.3 billion investment package of 18 transmission projects, a handful of which have a presence in Minnesota. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, February 6, 2025

MN moves forward on another power grid project

On the heels of a regulatory victory, utilities and various energy groups in Minnesota are expressing more optimism about the region's power grid - …

Some $45 million in tax credits for home energy and efficiency upgrades have benefited more than 21,000 Mainers, according to the Natural Resources Council of Maine. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, February 6, 2025

ME benefits from $2.2 billion in federal clean energy investments

Conservation groups in Maine are calling on the state's congressional delegation to protect federal funding for clean energy technologies. A new …

Proponents of factory farms argued moving millions of livestock off pastures and into high-density operations, where in many cases animals cannot even move around, conserves valuable farmland. (Adobe Stock).

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Factory farm advocates’ blind spot on food system reforms

Recent editorials in The New York Times and Washington Post defending factory farms make one critical mistake, according to environmental advocates: …

According to Edmunds, EVs and PHEVs combined made up 8.5% of the vehicles sold in May 2024, while gas-powered vehicles made up 82.4% of the market that same month. (Wikimedia Commons)

Monday, February 3, 2025

Survey: NC drivers want carmakers to keep improving fuel efficiency

Americans continue to say improved fuel economy is the most significant change they want from vehicle manufacturers when they offer new products…

Nationwide, electric vehicle sales are expected to hit 50% within a decade, increasing the demand for charging infrastructure. (Graham/Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 3, 2025

MI invests millions to install EV chargers at multifamily properties

As electric vehicle demand grows in Michigan, a new $5 million program will expand charging station access to places like apartments and condos…

A planned battery system in Texas would reduce carbon emissions by more than 150,000 tons per year. (Adobe Stock / AI)

Monday, February 3, 2025

Possible funding freeze sparks uncertainty in TX energy projects

The back and forth over President Donald Trump's federal funding freeze raises questions about Biden-era investments in energy infrastructure in 23 st…

A quarter of low-income households in the United States spend more than 15% of their income on energy bills, according to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY Power proposes new energy efficiency programs

Eastern Kentucky's largest utility, Kentucky Power, is proposing to expand its energy efficiency programs for residential and commercial customers…

A company behind a massive carbon capture pipeline in the Midwest is slowly gaining permit approval. Concerned landowners are working with lawmakers on bills to enhance their rights. (Adobe Stock)

As carbon capture projects advance, ND debates landowner protections

A North Dakota legislative committee on Thursday took up a trio of bills about landowners' rights as states in this region are eyed for carbon-capture…

More than 54,000 Native American people have no home access to electricity, according to a 2023 report from the Department of Energy's Office of Indian Energy. (Adobe Stock)

Nonprofit brings light to tribal lands in Arizona

By Yessenia Funes for Atmos.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Arizona News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News …

Consumer Reports found rising fuel economy and emissions standards save drivers more than $9,000 per vehicle compared with 2001 models. (noppadon/Adobe Stock) Consumer Reports found that rising fuel economy and emissions standards save drivers more than $9,000 per vehicle compared with 2001 models. (noppadon/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Better fuel economy on Americans' wish list

The Big Three automakers in Michigan have been working for years to improve fuel economy and a new survey from Consumer Reports revealed fuel efficien…

UT drivers want to pay less at the pump, value fuel-efficient cars

Most drivers want to save as much money as they can at the gas pump, and that is exactly what Consumer Reports' latest survey found. Chris Harto…

Among respondents to a Consumer Reports survey, 95% said fuel economy is at least somewhat important when buying a vehicle. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Virginians want better fuel economy standards

A new survey finds the vast majority of Virginians want automakers to continue improving their vehicles' fuel efficiency. Large majorities of …

Duke Energy Carolinas said a quarter of additional energy demand will come from data centers by 2028. (kwarkot/Adobe Stock)

Report: Data centers drive gas power plant building in NC, Southeast

Data centers are driving the building of gas-powered plants in the Southeast but it will leave ratepayers on the hook if higher energy needs do not ma…

Just 27% of Americans agree automakers care about lowering fuel costs for their customers, according to Consumer Reports. (Adobe Stock)

Arizona drivers prioritize better fuel economy

Spending less money at the gas pump is important for Arizona drivers, according to a new survey. Chris Harto, senior policy analyst for …

No current offshore oil and gas drilling leases were affected by outgoing President Joe Biden's order to restrict new drilling, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior. (Garth Weals / Wikimedia Commons)

VA coastline protections: Are they safe in the Trump era?

Days before the end of his term, President Joe Biden announced sweeping protections for the nation's coastlines but President Donald Trump has …

A new Ohio State University study found Ohio households paid an estimated $1.2 billion more over the past decade by choosing retail electricity suppliers instead of staying with the utility's default service. (Adobe Stock)

Study reveals market failures in Ohio electricity

Ohioans have long had the ability to choose their electricity providers but new research highlighted the financial consequences of such decisions…

Hurricane Helene swept through 8.9 million acres of Georgia's forestlands on September 26, 2024, causing an estimated $1.28 billion in timber losses. (Adobe Stock)

Georgia's timber industry eyes sustainable aviation fuel to secure its future

Georgia is the nation's top forestry state, grappling with overproduction and the aftermath of severe storms which damaged timber supplies. Industry …

According to the state's energy secretary, Indiana is retiring power plants faster than replacing them, jeopardizing energy production and prompting her support for House Bill 1007. (Adobe stock)

Indiana debates nuclear energy for power grid

Indiana lawmakers are advancing a plan to bring nuclear energy to the state. House Bill 1007 would establish a framework for investing in advanced …

The City of Dallas code states landlords must provide - and maintain in working order - heating equipment capable of maintaining an indoor temperature at least 15�F warmer than the outdoor temperature. (Nimur/Adobe Stock)

TX looks at ways to protect apartment tenants during extreme weather

Extreme weather has hit Texas over the last few weeks bringing snow to many parts of the state. During cold weather, landlords are required to …

Are MD coastline protections safe in the Trump era?

Days before the end of his term, President Joe Biden announced sweeping protections for the nation's coastlines. President Donald Trump has vowed …

Iowa produces around 2.5 billion bushels of corn annually, making it the nation's top corn-producing state, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa farmers on board with corn-based jet fuel

A company working to create sustainable energy sources is investing in corn to make jet fuel, which it said burns far cleaner than the traditional…

The hottest year on record was 2024, as average global temperatures continue to rise due to the use of fossil fuels. (Adobe Stock)

Worker's coalition aims to address climate emergency, economic inequality

As President Donald Trump abandons a promise the U.S. made in Paris nearly a decade ago, organized workers across Colorado are joining forces to …

Georgia's home energy rebate program is kicking off with a limited pilot phase. Approved contractors will work with their current clients to bring energy savings to eligible households. The full program rollout is set for early 2025. (Ramon Cliff/Adobe Stock)

Report highlights needs for GA energy efficiency

A new report from the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy showed the Southeast, including Georgia, is not doing enough to invest in energy efficiency…

UMD researchers say Lake Superior's raw wave power tends to run from September to May. But climate change might be extending those conditions, potentially opening the door to more exploration of converting wave energy into electricity. (Adobe Stock)

What's in a big wave? Potential electricity for MN homes, businesses

It's that time of year, when a strong winter storm might produce giant waves along Lake Superior shorelines that aren't frozen over. Minnesota …

Protesters with the Interfaith Coalition for Earth Justice of San Diego drew attention to the effects of climate change at an event in November. (GreenFaith)<br />

CA environmental advocates hold series of vigils around inauguration

Faith-based climate activists with the nonprofit GreenFaith are organizing a series of vigils tied to the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump…

Sustainable aviation fuel is a liquid fuel used in commercial aviation. It reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80%, according to the International Air Transport Association. (Adobe Stock)

Future of sustainable aviation fuel in MT, U.S. depends on policy

Montana is a U.S. leader in the growing industry of sustainable aviation fuel. Experts in the field, and in the agricultural sector, hope to see new …

People in Alabama will experience increased risks from heat, rainfall and fires due to climate change over the next 30 years, according to ClimateCheck. (Ramon Cliff/Adobe Stock)

Report: AL needs to make energy efficiency a priority

A new report contended Alabama needs to invest more in energy efficiency so it can do more to lower power bills and curb the effects of climate change…

The average retail electricity price in Texas is 2% lower than in West Virginia, 9% lower than in Ohio and 20% lower than in Pennsylvania, according to the Ohio River Valley Institute. (Adobe Stock)

PA power demand spurs concerns over rising rates, gas dependency

Utility providers foresee a big rise in electricity demand which could lead to double-digit rate hikes if it is met with new natural gas-fired power p…

The U.S. Energy Information Administration finds most of New Jersey's electricity is generated by natural gas and nuclear energy. Solar energy accounts for 8% of total electricity generation. (Adobe Stock)

NJ gov continues advancing progress on climate goals

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is maintaining the state's clean-energy progress. In his final State of the State Address, Murphy thanked lawmakers for …

According to the Texas Tree Foundation, the lack of trees and green spaces contributes significantly to the

TX nonprofit calls trees good for your health, cooling your neighborhood

By María Ramos Pacheco for The Dallas Morning News.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism …

Enbridge's Line 5 runs from Superior, Wisconsin, to Sarnia, Ontario, passing through northern Michigan. (Michael Carni/Adobe Stock)

Tribes, environmental groups challenge Line 5 tunnel in appeals court

This week, four tribal nations and environmental groups urged the Michigan Court of Appeals to overturn the state's approval of Enbridge's Line 5 …

Last year, electric vehicles accounted for nearly 9% of all new vehicles sold in the Commonwealth of Virginia. (Adobe Stock)

Bill would build more EV charging stations in rural VA

Virginians are buying more electric vehicles and need more charging stations but they are not being built across the state equally. House Bill 1791 …

Nationally, just one-third of state lawmakers are women. In the 2025 session, 52% of Colorado lawmakers are women. (Adobe Stock)

Veteran CO lawmaker sets sights on climate, child care in 2025

In 2019, Colorado lawmakers set goals for cutting climate pollution by at least half by the year 2030, and by 90% by 2050 - compared with 2005 levels…

Memphis Light, Gas and Water, Tennessee Valley Authority's largest customer, accounts for 11% of TVA's total load, serving around 431,000 electric customers. (Kevin Ruck/Adobe Stock)

Memphis may not have enough power to accommodate enormous AI facility

An environmental group is sounding the alarm about Elon Musk's xAI Colossus facility in Memphis, which they fear will strain the city's power grid…

Ohio's clean energy sector has seen significant growth, with clean energy and clean vehicle jobs reaching more than 119,000 in 2023, a 4.4% increase from the previous year. (Oleksii Syrotkin/Stocksy)

Ohio cities embrace clean energy innovation

Clean energy initiatives are gaining momentum across Ohio, with efforts aimed at expanding access and advancing sustainability. Not limited to …

Federal incentives are being offered for carbon capture projects, including a multistate pipeline proposal for the Midwest involving ethanol emissions. However, skeptics said the project's designs are too big for unproven technology. (Adobe Stock)

Carbon pipeline and landowner rights take their seat again in SD's capitol

South Dakota lawmakers begin a new legislative session today and are already hearing from worried landowners about their rights as a private company k…

In December, the Oregon Investment council found the state's Public Employee Retirement System returned 2.7%, which lagged other states and its benchmark, in part because of fewer public investments. (Ded Pixto/Adobe Stock)

New bill would pause Oregon state retirement fund's fossil fuel investments

A new bill aims to further reduce investments in fossil fuels by Oregon's Public Employee Retirement System. The Pause Act would impose a five-year …

Montana's Department of Justice opened 21 human trafficking investigations in 2024, which will be submitted for prosecution, according to the department. (Adobe Stock)

Energy industry new focus for human trafficking education

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and educators are training workers in key industries to recognize and report the crime…

The Energy Information Administration reported natural gas is Connecticut's largest energy source, with nuclear energy running second. (Adobe Stock)

CT urged to increase renewable energy to cut ratepayer costs

Connecticut environmental groups are dissatisfied with Gov. Ned Lamont's energy strategy for the state. In his State of the State address, the …

Despite the decline, coal still plays a role in some regions, especially in states such as Wyoming, West Virginia and Kentucky, where coal is a significant part of the energy mix. (James Phelps Jr./Adobe Stock)

MI expert discusses wind, solar surpassing coal on U.S. grid in 2024

A Michigan expert weighs in on an historic shift in 2024 - wind and solar power surpassed coal on the U.S. grid. According to research from Ember - …

At least 75 tree species, more than 225 bird species and eight federally listed, threatened or endangered bird, bat, salamander and plant species call the Monongahela National Forest home, according to the U.S. Forest Service. (Wikimedia Commons)<br />

WV groups urge shutdown of Monongahela coal haul road

Advocates want federal regulators to shut down what they say is an illegal coal haul road in West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest. South Fork …

More than 420,000 Marylanders are members of the state's retirement and pension system. (Adobe Stock)

How to approach MD climate risks when saving for retirement

For workers or pension systems trying to keep support for the fossil-fuel industry to a minimum, one expert has some suggestions. Just last month…

The Solar Energy Industries Association reported Illinois ranks 15th in national solar capacity. (Adobe Stock)

Solar energy progress in IL could be on hold with new administration

By Kari Lydersen for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pu…

Ohio ranks among the top 10 states in U.S. natural gas production, contributing about 5% of the nation's output and reserves, which is integral to the state's hydrogen hub project. (Calin Tatu/Adobe Stock)

Local concerns rise over Ohio’s hydrogen project

Ohioans are raising questions about the future of fracking and its environmental and community impacts, following the ARCH2 hydrogen hub open house …

The Stibnite Gold Project is located in the Payette National Forest near the town of Yellow Pine. (David Farnsworth/Adobe Stock)

Forest Service approves ID gold mine despite threats to water, public health

The U.S. Forest Service has given the go-ahead for a gold-mining project in central Idaho. If it receives state permits, the Stibnite Gold Project …

Researchers are testing a number of propulsion systems, such as hydrogen, electricity and biofuels, to reduce the aviation industry's carbon footprint or cut it to net-zero. (Artist's Rendering/Adobe Stock)

Colorado strategizes with stakeholders to decarbonize future of air travel

By Ethan Brown for The Sweaty Penguin.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network…

If confirmed, Brooke Rollins will direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture and its 100,000 employees, running on an annual budget of $437 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Texan tapped as ag secretary in upcoming Trump administration

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration Pres…

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Energy Policy

IN EV charger station installs on pause

MN moves forward on another power grid project

ME benefits from $2.2 billion in federal clean energy investments

Factory farm advocates’ blind spot on food system reforms

Survey: NC drivers want carmakers to keep improving fuel efficiency

MI invests millions to install EV chargers at multifamily properties

Possible funding freeze sparks uncertainty in TX energy projects

KY Power proposes new energy efficiency programs

As carbon capture projects advance, ND debates landowner protections

Nonprofit brings light to tribal lands in Arizona

Survey: Better fuel economy on Americans' wish list

UT drivers want to pay less at the pump, value fuel-efficient cars

Survey: Virginians want better fuel economy standards

Report: Data centers drive gas power plant building in NC, Southeast

Arizona drivers prioritize better fuel economy

VA coastline protections: Are they safe in the Trump era?

Study reveals market failures in Ohio electricity

Georgia's timber industry eyes sustainable aviation fuel to secure its future

Indiana debates nuclear energy for power grid

TX looks at ways to protect apartment tenants during extreme weather

Are MD coastline protections safe in the Trump era?

Iowa farmers on board with corn-based jet fuel

Worker's coalition aims to address climate emergency, economic inequality

Report highlights needs for GA energy efficiency

What's in a big wave? Potential electricity for MN homes, businesses

CA environmental advocates hold series of vigils around inauguration

Future of sustainable aviation fuel in MT, U.S. depends on policy

Report: AL needs to make energy efficiency a priority

PA power demand spurs concerns over rising rates, gas dependency

NJ gov continues advancing progress on climate goals

TX nonprofit calls trees good for your health, cooling your neighborhood

Tribes, environmental groups challenge Line 5 tunnel in appeals court

Bill would build more EV charging stations in rural VA

Veteran CO lawmaker sets sights on climate, child care in 2025

Memphis may not have enough power to accommodate enormous AI facility

Ohio cities embrace clean energy innovation

Carbon pipeline and landowner rights take their seat again in SD's capitol

New bill would pause Oregon state retirement fund's fossil fuel investments

Energy industry new focus for human trafficking education

CT urged to increase renewable energy to cut ratepayer costs

MI expert discusses wind, solar surpassing coal on U.S. grid in 2024

WV groups urge shutdown of Monongahela coal haul road

How to approach MD climate risks when saving for retirement

Solar energy progress in IL could be on hold with new administration

Local concerns rise over Ohio’s hydrogen project

Forest Service approves ID gold mine despite threats to water, public health

Colorado strategizes with stakeholders to decarbonize future of air travel

Texan tapped as ag secretary in upcoming Trump administration