Emissions reduction

Green steel

Chart: Steelmaking is starting to go electric

The majority of newly announced steel capacity in 2023 planned to use lower-emissions electric arc furnaces, but the dirty industry has a way to go to clean up.

By Dan McCarthy, Carrie Klein . 26 July 2024

Emissions reduction

Chart: Heavy industry is the next big climate problem to tackle

Industries like steel, cement, and chemicals could be the top source of planet-warming emissions in the U.S. by 2035, as electricity and transportation decarbonize.

By Maria Virginia Olano . 26 April 2024
Policy & regulation

New clean power rules force utilities to take clean energy seriously

EPA’s "clean up or close" rules for coal and gas plants face strong pushback. But backers say clean power, batteries, and grid tech are ready to take over.

By Jeff St. John . 25 April 2024
Electrification

Need help breaking up with fossil fuels? Ask an ‘electric coach’

Electrification is hard. That’s why Rewiring America is training 1,000 coaches this year to guide neighbors through getting heat pumps, solar and more.

By Alison F. Takemura . 25 April 2024
Solar

Solar is about to get a lot more affordable for low-income households

The EPA’s historic $7 billion Solar for All program will help every state fund solar projects for lower-income residents. In many states, that will be a first.

By Alison F. Takemura . 24 April 2024
Emissions reduction

US landfills emit way more methane than previously thought

Landfills are the third-biggest source of U.S. methane emissions. But leaks of the potent greenhouse gas are often undetected due to monitoring blindspots.

By Sachi Kitajima Mulkey . 3 April 2024
Electrification

These startups help busy contractors get electrification rebates faster

Rebates help households pay for solar, heat pumps and other climate-friendly upgrades — but contractors get stuck with the paperwork. These businesses are stepping in.

By Alison F. Takemura . 1 April 2024
Clean industry

The 'clean cement' projects getting $1.5B in Biden admin funds

From carbon capture to alternative cement chemistries, the U.S. is funding a range of projects that aim to slash the enormous CO2 footprint of the cement industry.

By Jeff St. John . 27 March 2024
Electric vehicles

Chart: EVs are definitely cleaner than gas cars over their lifetime

It’s time to put the questions to rest: Drivers quickly cut their emissions footprint by going electric, and EVs are only getting cleaner.

By Julian Spector, Dan McCarthy . 15 March 2024
Heat pumps

Yes, heat pumps slash emissions even if powered by a dirty grid

Installing a heat pump now is better for the climate, even if you run it on U.S. electricity generated mostly by fossil fuels. Here's why.

By Alison F. Takemura . 11 March 2024
Electric vehicles

Chart: Gas-powered cars are losing market share to EVs and hybrids

Electric vehicle sales hit record heights last year. Sales of hybrids also soared. The trend is eating away at the market share of conventional cars.

By Dan McCarthy . 1 March 2024