Messing with Texas: Can the state block the EPA's Clean Power Plan?

Lawmakers and the attorney general don't want to comply, but some fear a federal implementation plan could be worse than playing along.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 15, 2015

Maryland Gov. Hogan signs community shared solar bills into law

The new laws authorize a 3-year pilot program and studies of costs, benefits, and best practices for community solar.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 14, 2015

Explore the Trendline➔

Sustainability

Companies are pursuing increasingly ambitous sustainability goals around clean energy, but integrating rising amounts of renewables, minimizing environmental impacts, and achieving carbon reduction targets can be challenging.

By Utility Dive staff

Utah high schoolers petition PSC to block Rocky Mountain Power solar fees

The utility is asking commissioners for the second time for a solar fee to cover the cost shift.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 14, 2015

Senate Democrats propose national renewable energy standard

The legislation would target 30% renewables in the national fuel mix by 2030.

By Robert Walton • May 14, 2015

Georgia Gov. Deal signs solar third party ownership bill into law

The TPO compromise with Georgia Power is expected to give solar a big boost in the Peach state.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 13, 2015

Why DOE says hydropower is poised for a comeback

A new Department of Energy report on the U.S. hydropower market shows the sector moving toward growth.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 13, 2015

Moeller will leave FERC after 9 years: report

Media reports indicate a staff member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is the leading candidate to replace him.

By Robert Walton • May 13, 2015

New Hampshire budget cuts threaten solar rebates

A plan by New Hampshire lawmakers to move $50 million out of the state's renewable energy fund has solar advocates worried about the impact on their industry.

By Robert Walton • May 13, 2015

How to get to a solar-based future, according to MIT

A new study argues for long-term R&D and reforms to solar valuation schemes.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 12, 2015

Senate will consider 22 energy proposals in hearings this week

Lawmakers in both the U.S. House and Senate are considering measures which could go into a bipartisan energy bill, but some distance between the two sides remains.

By Robert Walton • May 12, 2015

Critcs skeptical as Indiana governor signs efficiency law

A new law allowing utilities to set their own energy efficiency targets has environmentalists wary that little good will result.

By Robert Walton • May 12, 2015

Minnesota solar company teeters as lawmakers debate pulling incentives

Module manufacturer Silicon Energy is struggling to keep its Iron Range facility in operation.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 12, 2015

FERC adjusts meeting schedule to avoid protests

FERC's open meeting, planned for May 21, has been moved up by a week in order to avoid significant protests over the commission's approval of gas infrastructure projects.

By Robert Walton • May 11, 2015

Report: Iowa wind can help nearby states meet EPA emissions standards

Iowa wind’s capacity factor makes wind cheap enough to serve Illinois, Indiana, and other points to the east.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 11, 2015

Midwest coalition asks EPA to help it develop voluntary carbon market

Some Midwest states challenging the government's Clean Power Plan are also hedging their bets and are asking for flexibility in meeting the targets should their legal efforts fail.

By Robert Walton • May 11, 2015

Tong & Wellinghoff: Should utilities be allowed to rate base solar?

James Tong and Jon Wellinghoff wonder: Should we even be asking this question?

By James Tong & Jon Wellinghoff • May 11, 2015

CenterPoint files to build $300M transmission line to serve Houston

State utility regulators will decide within 180 days whether to approve the project, which ERCOT has already backed. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 11, 2015

How will the EPA's Clean Power Plan affect the economy?

A new independent study predicts job growth from the plan, but the impacts will be localized.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 8, 2015

CPUC commissioner floats compromise on electric rate structures

While utilities want fixed charges, Mike Florio's proposal includes a three-tiered structure and a minimum bill.

By Davide Savenije • May 8, 2015

Maine House approves initial fix to energy efficiency program

Governor Paul LePage (R) has indicated he will veto the bill unless certain amendments are added.

By Gavin Bade • May 7, 2015

Sen. Murkowski introduces 17 bills in push for comprehensive energy legislation

The bills are to be folded into a comprehensive energy bill that Murkowski hopes will be the first to pass since 2007.

By Gavin Bade • May 7, 2015

NC House passes bill to freeze renewable portfolio standard

A last-minute amendment had many renewables advocates worried a key tax provision was about to be rescinded, but it was withdrawn in exchange for other concessions.

By Davide Savenije • May 7, 2015

Mass. grapples with policy options as it hits solar net metering cap

A task force created by the legislature has released a slate of recommendations for how to proceed.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 7, 2015

MIT: Solar should ditch net metering, fight for federal tax incentives

Targeted investment from industry and government in next-generation thin film panels can also help stimulate industry growth, the university report said.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 7, 2015

Maine senator unveils unprecedented federal distributed energy bill

Senator Angus King (I-ME) wants to guide states toward new valuation models for distributed energy resources.

By Gavin Bade • May 6, 2015