July 15, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
The National Young Farmers Coalition’s Michelle Hughes discusses the shortcomings of the 2024 Farm Bill in a conversation with Ray Levy Uyeda.
Shifting State Policies Reshape Distributed Solar in the U.S.
Summary
The U.S. is witnessing significant shifts in policies impacting distributed solar projects, ranging from small residential installations to large-scale projects. These distributed projects, crucial for the energy transition, offer flexibility by being integrated into rooftops and built environments. Policymakers, aiming to encourage distributed generation (DG) adoption and support a resilient grid, have enacted various policies. The first quarter of 2023 saw 173 policy actions in 41 states, with the most common changes related to net energy metering (NEM) compensation. A notable trend is the shift to time-varying or avoided cost rates for NEM, affecting compensation values and making battery energy storage essential for maximizing project value. Additionally, community solar policies are gaining traction, providing cost-effective clean energy access. While challenges like the "duck curve" phenomenon arise, states recognize the importance of responsible siting and smaller, distributed projects, expecting a rebound in residential solar installers alongside the emergence of community solar markets.
July 15, 2024
Energy Justice
Energy Justice
A new partnership between Nuveen and Perch Energy will allow residents of four South Bronx Section 8 apartment buildings to save up to 20% on their electricity bills by connectin
July 15, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
A proposed offshore wind port on Sears Island, Maine, has sparked debate among residents, environmentalists, and labor advocates.
July 15, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia has signed a consent decree requiring the EPA to act on haze pollution plans from Texas and 31 other states.
July 13, 2024
Energy Justice
Energy Justice
Multnomah County, Oregon, is suing fossil fuel companies, including Exxon, Shell, and Chevron, for their role in causing a deadly heat dome in June 2021
July 12, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
Hurricane Beryl, a Category 1 storm, caused multiple fossil fuel plants on the Gulf Coast to release toxic pollutants due to power outages that led to flaring.
July 12, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
Brent McNiel's home in Richmond, Texas, remained powered during Hurricane Beryl thanks to his solar and battery system from Sunrun Solar.
July 11, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has greenlit a significant methane gas pipeline project through predominantly Black and brown communities in Tennessee, raising environmental
July 11, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
CenterPoint Energy spent significantly less on tree maintenance compared to other utilities serving Greater Houston.
A record-breaking heat wave continues to afflict the U.S., particularly the East and West, with forecasts predicting its spread to the Southeast.
July 10, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
FEMA is revising its disaster rules to incorporate climate change impacts when rebuilding after floods.
July 9, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
Carlos Claussell Velez discusses the significant impact of trees in mitigating the effects of urban heat islands, particularly during heat waves.
July 9, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
Timet’s new titanium production facility in Ravenswood, West Virginia, will be the first industrial plant in the U.S. powered by a solar microgrid.
July 5, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
Aging water infrastructure in Texas's major cities is leading to significant water loss, with approximately 88 billion gallons wasted in the past year.
July 5, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
Albuquerque's efforts to ensure a stable water supply have been undermined by a critical issue: the El Vado Dam, a key infrastructure piece for the city's water management