Climate justice

Solar

How affordable housing can still go solar, despite Trump turbulence

The Trump admin is trying to claw back funding for low-income solar, but projects can still save residents money if local financing fills in the gaps.

By Jeff St. John . 27 August 2025

A solar system at Abrams Hall, an affordable housing building in Washington D.C., installed by Flywheel Development. — Flywheel Development installed this 473-kilowatt solar system in Washington, D.C., at Abrams Hall, an affordable multifamily housing complex for older adults and formerly homeless U.S. military veterans. (Flywheel Development)

Clean energy

Rural North Carolina town forges ahead on clean energy, despite headwinds

Federal lawmakers are throwing a wrench in Enfield’s plans for solar, energy efficiency, and a resilience center. But local leaders refuse to give up.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 11 July 2025
Electrification

In California, plans to move low-income neighborhoods off of gas advance

Neighborhood-scale decarbonization is an efficient way to electrify communities that might otherwise be left behind.

By Twilight Greenaway, Inside Climate News . 26 June 2025
Clean energy jobs

From EVs to HVAC, clean energy means jobs in Central Illinois

Decatur has been losing factory jobs for years. A clean energy workforce hub promises renewal — and provides training for students from disenfranchised communities.

By Kari Lydersen . 19 May 2025
Offshore wind

Trump’s Empire Wind freeze threatens South Brooklyn jobs and economy

An offshore wind hub could revive a working-class neighborhood — but only if the project withstands Trump’s attacks. The community is pushing back.

By Clare Fieseler . 24 April 2025
Clean energy

The rural N.C. mayor betting big on clean energy to uplift his hometown

In one of the nation’s poorest towns, the mayor and others are planning to build a solar installation, a weatherization resource center, and a gleaming new resilience hub.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 15 April 2025
Electric vehicles

The bid to make Illinois a leader on electric trucking

The state is considering adopting California’s ambitious clean trucks standards even as President Trump threatens to block them.

By Kari Lydersen . 1 April 2025
Utilities

North Carolina program helps low-income utility customers pay their bills

Duke Energy’s poorest customers use more power per square foot than wealthier ones. A year-old program is connecting them with bill and weatherization help.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 25 March 2025
Electric vehicles

Chicago community group advances EVs, despite federal setbacks

The Bronzeville Community Development Partnership is working to foster clean transportation innovation in a historic hub for electric vehicles.

By Audrey Henderson . 14 March 2025
Fossil fuels

How the data center boom could harm Black communities

Pollution resulting from America’s ravenous digital demands falls disproportionately on the shoulders of Black households.

By Adam Mahoney . 28 February 2025
Climate justice

A new solar project in Brooklyn could offer a model for climate justice

Community solar is gaining momentum nationwide, but uptake is low among those who could benefit most. This grassroots NYC project aims to change that.

By Maria Gallucci . 6 January 2025