American Energy Stories

American Energy Stories

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Solar panels on religious buildings save money — and inspire congregants to give green energy a try

Religious institutions in the U.S. are increasingly installing solar panels to reduce energy costs and promote sustainability. Places of worship, including synagogues, churches, mosques, and temples, are leveraging solar energy to align with their values of stewardship and community service. These installations not only provide financial relief but also enable religious organizations to contribute to the local energy grid, benefiting the broader community. Some of these institutions are even sharing their solar-generated power with neighbors, especially those in need. This movement reflects a growing trend of faith-based groups embracing renewable energy as part of their environmental and social justice missions.

By |2025-08-27T10:02:44-04:00August 27th, 2025|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Toyota Opens a ‘Megasite’ for EV Batteries in a Struggling N.C. Community, Fueled by Biden’s IRA

Toyota has announced plans to construct a $1.3 billion electric vehicle (EV) battery megasite in North Carolina. The facility will produce lithium-ion batteries for Toyota’s electric and hybrid vehicles. The project aims to enhance Toyota’s EV production capacity and support its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The megasite is expected to create thousands of jobs and boost the local economy. Construction is set to begin in 2025, with battery production starting in 2027.

By |2025-08-27T10:02:44-04:00August 27th, 2025|Uncategorized|0 Comments

EPA’s $15M Investment Brings 38 Electric School Buses to Durham, Protecting Kids’ Health

The EPA has invested $15 million to bring 38 electric school buses to Durham, reducing emissions and improving student health. The funding, part of the Clean School Bus Program, aims to replace old buses with zero-emission alternatives. This initiative will benefit the community by lowering air pollution and promoting cleaner transportation for students.

By |2025-08-27T10:02:44-04:00August 27th, 2025|Uncategorized|0 Comments

This coal-heavy rural co-op utility is buying its first solar plants

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, a major rural cooperative utility in the U.S., is acquiring its first large-scale solar power plants as part of its shift away from coal. The cooperative, which serves 1 million customers across Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Nebraska, aims to deliver 50% renewable electricity by the end of 2025. This move includes purchasing the Axial Basin Solar and Dolores Canyon Solar projects in Colorado, along with signing new power purchase agreements. Tri-State’s efforts are bolstered by the Inflation Reduction Act, positioning it as a leader in rural cooperative decarbonization.

By |2025-08-27T10:02:44-04:00August 27th, 2025|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Some Plymouth schools are now powered by the sun

Plymouth Community Schools have installed solar panels at Riverside Intermediate and Washington Discovery Academy, allowing them to partially power their buildings with solar energy. This initiative aims to reduce the district's carbon footprint and save on energy costs. The project was funded through a $5 million bond, with approximately $1 million allocated for solar installations. Despite cloudy days, the schools continue to save money by storing unused energy. The district's leadership emphasizes the importance of environmental consciousness in managing their extensive facilities.

By |2025-08-27T10:02:44-04:00August 27th, 2025|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Johnson Senior High School’s New Heat Pump Improves Cooling

Johnson Senior High School in St. Paul, Minnesota, installed a geothermal heat pump system to address overheating issues. This system, which uses cooler underground temperatures, has significantly improved the school's environment, reducing the number of students visiting the nurse's office due to heat-related issues. The installation was part of a broader trend, with many schools across the U.S. updating their heating and cooling systems, supported by incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act. The improved air conditioning has also positively impacted students' mental health and allowed the school to host summer classes for the first time. This change reflects a growing recognition of the role schools play in providing safe and comfortable environments amid climate change.

By |2025-08-27T10:02:43-04:00August 27th, 2025|Uncategorized|0 Comments

GM EV Manufacturing Investment is Supporting Lansing Auto Industry

In July 2024, General Motors received a $500 million grant, funded by the clean energy plan, to convert its Grand River Plant in Lansing for EV manufacturing. The grant and an additional $900 million investment by GM will retool production lines at the facility for EV production. The conversion allows the facility to retain 650 workers represented by United Auto Workers Local 652 and add 50 additional jobs at the factory. Lansing’s Mayor, Andy Schor, said the investment meant that “Lansing will continue to put the world on wheels, now and for decades into the future.”

By |2025-08-27T10:02:42-04:00August 27th, 2025|Uncategorized|0 Comments