Solar Power

FILE - A solar farm sits in Mona, Utah, Aug. 9, 2022. On Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, the Biden administration will announce 17 projects across the U.S. to expand renewable energy access in rural areas, particularly for Native American tribes. The projects, which will cost $366 million, are funded by a $1 trillion infrastructure law President Joe Biden signed in 2021.

Biden admin taps $366M to fund clean energy for Native American tribes and rural areas

Associated Press

The money comes from a $1 trillion infrastructure law Biden signed in 2021. Officials will meet with tribal leaders to discuss clean energy projects at a summit in Southern California that begins Tuesday.

The arranged solar panels in the shape of a cross on the roof of Community of Grace Presbyterian Church in Sandy, Utah, Nov. 23, 2023

Science & Environment

Power from above: Federal incentives make it easier for Utah churches to go solar

David Condos

For faith groups that choose to go solar, the benefits can be both financial and theological.

Francisco Valenzuela installing a support structure at the Northern Nevada Laborers Training Center in Storey County

Business & Economy

Nevada shows states how to build workforce for solar energy boom

Kaleb Roedel

Phasing out fossil fuels requires a lot of clean energy infrastructure like solar farms. And one sun-soaked part of the Mountain West is grabbing a share of that green gold rush by retraining workers to handle the growth.

Solar panels behind the Salt Lake City Veterans Affairs complex, July 18, 2023. With Rocky Mountain Power expected to have 20,000 megawatts of renewable energy in its portfolio by 2032, Utah communities are looking to tap into that potential.

Business & Economy

Utah’s Community Renewable Energy Program is projected to come to fruition in 2024

Sean Higgins

So far, it’s been a yearslong path for Utah communities to reach their goal of net-100% renewable energy by 2030.

Employees of Sawtooth Caverns walk in front of transmission towers at the Intermountain power plant in Delta, Utah, June 22, 2022. In three years, the power lines will start being used to transport power generated with hydrogen to consumers in California and elsewhere.

Science & Environment

Utah has a lot to do if it’s going to move away from coal-fired power

Sean Higgins

Over 60% of the power generated in Utah comes from coal. A lot needs to happen before that can change.

On the top of the roof are rows of native plants, colorful flowers and ripe vegetables. It’s not exactly a quiet garden scene, as cars zoom past the building on Interstate 25.

Science & Environment

Green roofs are a chance to study the virtuous circle between plants and solar panels

Emma VandenEinde

A Colorado professor is studying how plants grow under solar panels on rooftops. The research highlights the growing green roof movement — and the challenges cities face in mandating rooftop green space.

Wind Turbines at Spanish Fork, Utah at sunset.

Business & Economy

18 Utah communities sign on to ambitious renewable energy pact

Jon Reed

Twenty-three communities were eligible to participate, but several backed out over concerns about energy reliability and the program’s potential cost to residents.