Energy Policy / Public News Service

At the Straits of Mackinac, Line 5 splits into two 20-inch pipelines, running along the lake bed for about 4.5 miles, connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. (CoastalSkyCaptures/Adobe Stock)

Friday, April 18, 2025

MI environmental groups, Tribes decry fast-tracking Line 5 tunnel

Environmental groups across Michigan are pushing back after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers confirmed it will fast-track Enbridge's Line 5 tunnel …

Another issue this session included legislation passed providing guidance for ICE officers around schools, hospitals and places of worship. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Budget dominates MD legislative session, special session possible

Maryland state lawmakers ended this year's session addressing a major budget shortfall and countless other issues in the state. But their work might …

The U.S. has seen dozens of coal plants come offline in recent years and researchers noted the ones still in use operate less frequently because of declining demand. They said it should deter policymakers from trying to spend money to increase coal production. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Researchers: U.S. wouldn't see 'bang for its buck' in reviving coal

Minnesota is cited in a new research brief outlining the obstacles America would face in trying to reopen coal plants, an idea prioritized by the …

The wind industry alone brings almost 17.8-billion-dollars in investments to Illinois, currently powering almost 13 percent of the state's electricity needs. (Adobe Stock)

IL hopes to continue clean energy boom with new bill

As Illinois forges ahead in the clean energy space, legislators and advocates are pushing for what would be the third major climate bill passed in …

There are more than 47,000 registered electric vehicles in Nevada, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.(Adobe Stock)

NV's electric vehicle industry changing under President Trump

While Nevada ranks among the top states for electric vehicle sales, one local business says it is seeing less demand for charging stations, and has …

The states of Vermont and New York have already passed bills promoting virtual power plant programs that can redirect energy stored in devices like parked electric vehicles. (Buffaloboy/Adobe Stock)

CA lawmakers to consider bill promoting 'virtual power plants'

A bill to promote virtual power plants goes before the California State Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee next week. Virtual power plants are …

More than 1,300 mine claims across the country are within the boundaries of units managed by the U.S. National Park Service, according to the National Park Conservation Association. (LM Swanson/Adobe Stock)

Study: 15,000 mining claims near national parks in WY, MT, ID

The number of mining claims on U.S. public lands is growing. A 27% increase since 2019 has brought the total to nearly $500,000. A new study shows …

Of the nearly half million mining claims on federal public lands across the U.S., more than 120,000 are within 30 miles of a national park or monument. (Billy Clay Myers/Adobe Stock)

Mining claim map shows encroachment on national parks, monuments

The number of mining claims on U.S. public lands is growing. A 27% increase since 2019 has brought the total to nearly a half-million. A new study …

Indiana lawmakers have added Advanced Transmission Technology to the state's power grid. Backers of the new technology say it can add capacity to the current system without new construction. (Adobe Stock)

IN lawmakers endorse advanced transmission technologies for power grid

Indiana lawmakers have approved a measure to study ways to use advanced transmission technologies to squeeze more energy from the state's aging electr…

Oregon earned a point on the State Energy Efficiency Scorecard for supporting the industrial sector's electrification. (anatoliycherkas/Adobe Stock)

Oregon scores 9th in the nation for energy efficiency

Oregon ranked ninth this year on The State Energy Efficiency Scorecard. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, a nonprofit research …

The DTE Trenton Channel Energy Center is expected to store 220 megawatts, or 880 megawatt hours, of energy. (DTE Energy)

MI clean energy projects await clarity on federal tax credits

Trenton is set to become home to the region's largest battery storage facility but federal policy changes might change how it's funded. The DTE …

Supporters of the pause have said it would not affect the number of electric vehicles sold in Maryland. (Adobe Stock)

MD automakers, health groups rally against delay in vehicle pollution standards

A bill would effectively delay implementation of clean car and truck programs in Maryland, but electric-vehicle manufacturers and health groups are …

More than 25,000 Minnesotans are subscribers in the state's Community Solar Program. Supporters said it helps people, like renters, access solar power when they otherwise would face barriers in tapping into the resource. (Adobe Stock)

Bill threatens to end MN's Community Solar Program

Minnesota is considered a national leader for community solar opportunities but a successful state program expanding solar access would end in the nex…

The Comanche 3 power plant's connection to the power grid would allow a new wind and solar

Report: Comanche 3 'energy park' could add $40M to Pueblo tax base

The Comanche 3 coal-fired power plant in Pueblo, Colo., is set to close in just six years -- and community leaders, regulators, and Xcel are …

More than 73,000 wind turbines across the U.S. are generating reliable power, according to the American Clean Power Association. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Experts: Wind could be Appalachian Kentucky’s next economic driver

Appalachian communities in Kentucky are poised to become manufacturing hubs for the wind energy industry, experts say. The region's workforce…

Energy industry experts predict Ohio could lose 18,400 clean energy jobs by 2030 if Congress repeals the clean energy investment and tax credits included in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. (Adobe Stock)

Repeal of climate tax credits could cost thousands of Ohio jobs

Federal clean energy investment and tax credits have led to a surge of thousands of new jobs for Ohioans but a budget bill pending in Congress could b…

The International Renewable Energy Certificate site says 370,000 Ohio homes are powered by solar energy. (Adobe Stock)

OH environmental group fears federal cuts will hurt job opportunities

More protest rallies are occurring in response to President Donald Trump's executive orders alongside Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency…

In 2023, wind generated nearly 13 million Megawatts of power, 60% of Iowa's electricity, the highest percentage of any state. (Adobe Stock)

Another hike looms for Iowa's already rising electricity prices

Iowa is the nation's leader in wind energy production but one of the biggest factors in pursuing alternative energy now hangs in the balance…

An artist's rendering shows the offshore wind terminal proposed in Humboldt Bay. (Aker Offshore Wind/Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District)<br />

Local officials reaffirm support for offshore wind in Humboldt

A huge offshore wind project is forging ahead off Humboldt Bay in Northern California - and Saturday, elected officials will tour the deepwater port …

According to an analysis by Energy Innovation, energy consumption could more than double by 2030. (vchalup/Adobe Stock)

Analysis: Repealing clean energy tax credits could raise energy costs in MI, U.S.

A new analysis from the think tank Energy Innovation warned repealing clean energy tax credits could significantly increase energy costs in Michigan a…

In a statewide survey, just over half of respondents agreed that growing energy needs pose a threat to Utah's natural environment. (Adobe Stock)

Utah groups protest Rocky Mountain Power plan, rate hike proposal

People gathered outside Rocky Mountain Power headquarters in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, calling out the company for what they describe as "a strategy …

A McKinsey analysis suggested global demand for data-center capacity could rise at an annual rate of between 19% and 22% from 2023 to 2030 to reach an annual demand of 171 to 219 gigawatts. (Adobe Stock)

High-impact data centers could pose WV energy, environment threats

Large, energy-intense buildings used in Bitcoin mining, cloud computing and artificial intelligence data processing industries could become more …

In 2024, according to American Clean Power, the renewable-energy industry in South Dakota had a workforce of 2,700 people. (Adobe Stock)

For SD, wind energy means jobs, not just spinning turbines

South Dakota's new governor is making an active pitch regarding economic opportunities for the state. The renewable-energy sector said it continues …

Even though policymakers and utilities are increasingly focused on reducing the impacts of climate change, education experts say a standard curriculum on this topic hasn't really resonated at the school level. (Adobe Stock)

MN youth: Courting the facts could set the stage for climate action

The U.S. Supreme Court this month declined to hear a case brought by youth activists, who argued the federal government has failed to protect them …

Students harvest food grown in the school greenhouse and use it for meals in their culinary program's in-house restaurant and cafeteria, creating a sustainable cycle. (Courtesy of Exact Solar)

PA groups urge Congress to preserve clean energy tax incentives

Groups in Pennsylvania are asking Congress to preserve federal clean-energy tax incentives. Concerned about the possible repeal of 30% energy tax …

NV legislators, conservation groups demand action on lower rates, clean energy

Nevada legislators and conservation groups this week stood up for policies they say will help lower energy bills, protect the outdoors and grow the …

Food banks in New Mexico and across the country were informed Wednesday that federal food shipments meant for distribution to needy residents had been suspended. (rrfb.org)

Federal funding freeze affects NM's food, farms, housing

A federal funding freeze affecting a broad swath of U.S. programs has left many organizations in limbo, with new fallout coming every day. Court …

Nuclear energy experts said a pledge to triple nuclear capacity by 2050 signals a major corporate push toward nuclear energy, with an emphasis on advanced technologies. (ververidis/Adobe Stock)

Big tech backs nuclear expansion: What does it mean for Michigan?

In the wake of plans to reopen the Palisades Nuclear Plant in Covert Township after three years of inactivity, major tech companies have pledged to …

An artist's rendering of a pilot canal project under construction in the Central Valley city of Turlock. (Solar AquaGrid)

Seven major universities to study feasibility of solar panels on CA canals

The feasibility of putting solar panels over the state's network of canals is the topic of a big new research project, co-led by the University of …

A new analysis from Energy Innovation reveals lower investment and higher energy bills due to repealing federal programs and tax incentives will cost more than 26,400 Pennsylvania jobs in 2030 and nearly 29,000 jobs in 2035, compared with current policies. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Report: IRA repeal could raise Pennsylvania energy costs, threaten jobs

Pennsylvania is among the five states projected to be hit hardest if the Inflation Reduction Act is repealed. A report from the think tank Energy …

A recent study UCLA study found vegetation near the Palisades and Eaton fires was 25% drier than normal because of climate change. (Neil/Adobe Stock)

Two CA bills seek to charge oil and gas companies for climate change

Insurance rates are rising quickly in California because of fires and floods linked to climate change and now, two new bills in Sacramento seek to …

Some 21 Republican members of Congress, including several from California, recently wrote to House Speaker Mike Johnson in favor of preserving federal tax breaks for clean energy. (Patrick Jennings/Adobe Stock)

Report: Repealing Inflation Reduction Act would raise CA energy bills

A new report from the think tank Energy Innovation showed if the Inflation Reduction Act is repealed, Californians would pay $60 more a year for …

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 enables tax-exempt school districts to receive IRS elective payments covering 30% of project costs, plus potential bonuses. (anatoliy_gleb/Adobe Stock)

PA works to counter Trump clean energy rollbacks

The Trump administration's rollback of clean energy progress and climate science is eliciting a strong response from Pennsylvania. Gov. Josh …

The initiative to build the Line 5 tunnel arose after incidents like a 2018 anchor strike that caused minor damage to the existing pipeline, highlighting vulnerabilities in its current configuration. <br />(Les Palenik/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Conflict of interest? MI groups question Trump, Line 5 contractor link

A Michigan nonprofit is among the groups raising concerns about a potential conflict of interest between President Donald Trump and the Line 5 tunnel …

A proposed carbon dioxide pipeline for several Midwestern states is touted as one of the largest carbon capture projects in the world. Opponents said even if the concept works, developers are going

Like SD, North Dakota organizers keep fighting carbon pipeline

A Monday court hearing features a case pitting two North Dakota counties against a large carbon capture project. The legal challenge stands in the …

Reducing new clean energy projects would increase air pollution in Texas by over 17 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2030 and 83 million metric tons in 2035, equivalent to the annual air pollution from four and 21 coal-fired power plants, respectively. (Andrii/Adobe Stock)

Report: Cuts to Inflation Reduction Act would impact TX economy

Texas would be one of five states to suffer the most if the Trump administration repeals the Inflation Reduction Act, according to a report from the …

Past legislation, like the Promoting Offshore Wind Energy Resources Act, has pushed Maryland toward its clean energy goals of 8.5 gigawatts of wind energy production in the next few years. (Adobe Stock)

Maryland doubles down on clean energy, despite Trump policies

As President Donald Trump rolls back clean energy initiatives at the federal level, states like Maryland are pushing ahead with their own energy …

New Mexico's 2021 methane waste rules require oil and gas operators to capture 98% of their produced natural gas by Dec. 31, 2026, and prohibit routine venting and flaring. (RobertCoy/Adobe Stock)

NM's state methane regulations expected to thwart federal rollbacks

Federal rules meant to better control harmful methane emissions will not take effect since Congress and President Donald Trump have intervened but the…

The Tennessee Valley Authority provides power to Orano USA's Project Ike Enrichment site in Oak Ridge. (PikePicture/Adobe Stock)

Nuclear-energy backers: Innovation powers security, economic growth in TN

Tennessee is emerging as a key hub for global nuclear energy innovation, with recent investments in the state and a commitment to expand nuclear from …

Ohio ranks 46th in the nation for renewable energy generation, with solar and wind accounting for less than 4% of the state's electricity production, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Supreme Court case could set precedent for solar energy projects

By Kathiann M. Kowalski for Canary Media.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-…

Small modular nuclear reactors can generate up to 500 megawatts. The International Atomic Energy Agency sets the limit at 300 megawatts, while Indiana law allows up to 470. (Adobe stock)

Indiana bill could push nuclear costs onto utility customers

A Senate committee will decide whether to advance House Bill 1007, which, if passed, would allow Indiana utilities to recover costs for small modular …

Support for neutrality agreements comes as more public employees in the Commonwealth unionize following a 2021 bill giving them the right to form a union. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Voters support company neutrality when workers unionize

A recent poll finds that voters in Virginia and around the country view unionization efforts as widely beneficial to workers - and are more supportive…

In PacifiCorp's 2023 Integrated Resource Plan, the company's nine majority-owned coal plants all had retirement or assumed end-of-life dates by 2042. In its 2025 plan, only one plant has a retirement date. (Adobe Stock)

Fossil fuel company plans for fewer renewables, gets boost from WY Legislature

In Wyoming, electric utility PacifiCorp's draft 2025 plans show a shift away from renewable energy additions compared with last year, according to a …

Clean=energy advocates say wind and solar projects in Texas are reducing air pollution, saving water, supporting the grid and combating the global warming that threatens native ecosystems. (Peter Adams/Adobe Stock)

Legislation could hinder TX wind, solar projects

Clean-energy advocates in Texas are closely monitoring a bill before the Legislature that, if passed, could stop the development and operation of …

The Trump administration is working to lower air-quality standards, which could allow easier permitting for the oil and gas industry. (Travelview/Adobe Stock)

CA local leaders protest massive rollback of federal environmental protections

Local leaders in California are slamming the Trump administration's moves to gut dozens of environmental policies on climate change and pollution in l…

Expanded oil and gas subsidies, included in current versions of upcoming federal tax legislation, would support a massive expansion of LNG projects to more than double national export capacity by 2030. (Jeeraphun/Adobe Stock)

Religious leaders gather in TX to fight oil and gas subsidies

Forty religious leaders from different denominations gathered in Texas this week to call for an end to fossil-fuel subsidies and expansion of related …

A recent Ohio River Valley Initiative report says the Shell petrochemical plant in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, has failed to deliver the promised economic benefits since its announcement more than a decade ago. (Dawid/Adobe Stock)

PA faith leader part of TX protest of oil, gas subsidies

A Buddhist minister from Pennsylvania joined 40 religious leaders in Texas this week to demand an end to fossil-fuel subsidies and expansion of oil an…

Summit Carbon Solutions touts environmental and economic benefits in its plan to build a maze of Midwestern pipelines to capture and store ethanol plant emissions. But environmental groups are skeptical, and affected landowners have mounted an effort to stop the project. (Adobe Stock)

MN ties to troubled carbon pipeline project come back into focus

A Minnesota organization opposed to a Midwestern carbon pipeline project plans to file a request with state regulators Thursday, asking them to …

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