solar power

Workers install solar panels on the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Net-Zero Energy Residential Test Facility in Gaithersburg, Md. Funding that had been frozen for Solar for All, a federally funded program to provide rooftop and community solar to low-income residents, has now resumed, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said. (Photo courtesy of NIST)

‘Solar for Y’all’ faces hazy future in Louisiana

The future of millions of dollars in funding to help low-income Louisiana residents access solar energy has grown increasingly uncertain as the Trump administration attempts to slash grant programs awarded under its predecessor.

A Floodlight review of campaign donations in nine of the 10 states that elect their public service commissioners found that fossil fuel interests, power companies and related groups have given about $13.5 million to elect their preferred state energy regulators in the past decade — about 35% of all donations $250 and above.

Coastal Desk

Utility regulators take millions from industries they oversee. What could go wrong?

Mario Alejandro Ariza, Floodlight

The clean energy transition, for one, a Floodlight analysis of campaign finance data reveals.

Hurricane Francine left about 400,000 Louisianians without power. Extended outages can be particularly dangerous for people with certain disabilities.

Coastal Desk

Advocacy groups pitch solar microgrids as New Orleans power backups

Elise Plunk (Louisiana Illuminator)

New Orleans hopes to see fewer power outages during storms and heat waves with an investment in a new energy generation system.

Rows of solar panels generate electricity at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette’s solar research lab, Aug. 9, 2021.

Coastal Desk

Misinformation clouds legislative hearing on solar energy development in Louisiana

Wesley Muller (Louisiana Illuminator)

Questionable claims from a legislative hearing are fact-checked.

Politics

Solar Panel Tax Credit: You're Not My Sunshine

A group of Louisiana homeowners is suing the state Department of Revenue over denial of solar tax credits.Dawn Naquin of Theriot, Louisiana says she is…

Politics

Public Service Commission Wrestles with Solar Power Rates

State lawmakers and gubernatorial candidates talked a lot about solar energy credits this past year, and now the Louisiana Public Service Commission is…

Wind turbines twirl above farmland on the outskirts of Madison, Wis. Not all locals are pleased.

Business and Economy

Slashing Fossil Fuel Consumption Comes With A Price

Richard Harris

The U.S. aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 80 percent by 2050. Wind and solar power can help. But folks doing the math say other pricey, controversial technologies — such as burying carbon gas underground, and expanding nuclear power — are also likely to be part of a low-carbon future.