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A labor shortage stands in the way of the clean energy transition

Mar 30, 2023
The Inflation Reduction Act funds a huge green infrastructure buildout. But projects will need to attract and train more electricians.
Mia Clay, along with other high school students, are part of an electrician training program at Independent Electrical Contractors Chesapeake.
Kimberly Adams/Marketplace

A U.S. manufacturing boost is causing anxiety abroad

Feb 20, 2023
The Biden administration's reshoring efforts, aimed largely at cutting dependence on China, dismays allies who seek U.S. investment.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The EU and other American allies have expressed unease over the scope of U.S. government funding of domestic industries such as semiconductors and low-carbon energy equipment.
Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP via Getty Images

How does a manufacturer for manufacturers view today's economy?

Feb 15, 2023
Blake Moret, chairman and CEO of Rockwell Automation, says that the manufacturing sector remains strong despite a recent slowdown.
For Rockwell Automation head Blake Moret, the manufacturing sector is remaining strong thanks to order backlogs and government funding from legislation passed during Biden's presidency.
Eric Piermont/AFP via Getty Images

Davos wraps up with a mix of optimism and caution for the year ahead

Jan 20, 2023
The mood at the World Economic Forum was warmed by optimism about the global economy, says The Economist's Patrick Foulis.
This week's summit in Davos featured conversations about the war in Ukraine, global inflation and climate change. Above, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses the forum.
Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images

New rule for electric car tax incentive delayed

Dec 20, 2022
The rule requires a percentage of battery components to be sourced in the U.S. or countries that have free-trade agreements with the U.S.
Electric vehicle tax credits are currently only available to people who buy cars assembled in the U.S. Above, EVs being produced in Michigan.
Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images

A power plant that captures carbon is coming to Texas, thanks to federal incentives

Nov 8, 2022
The plant will generate almost no greenhouse gas emissions, Net Power says. But critics say there are better alternatives.
Net Power says its planned electric plant will use natural gas but release almost no CO₂. Some critics, though, think wind and solar generation would be better choices. Above, a wind farm and power station in West Virginia.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

The IRS aims to improve customer service by hiring 5,000 additional workers

Sep 15, 2022
The agency's budget has been shrinking, its workforce is aging, and it's been saddled with new responsibilities.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen tours a new technology workspace at the Internal Revenue Service on Sep. 15. The agency is receiving $80 billion to upgrade technology and hire more staff.
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

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Where does the U.S. stand in the race toward electrification?

The world is shifting to electric vehicles. But the U.S. is home to just 10% of EV production and 7% of battery production capacity.
The push toward electrification is on. But is the U.S. equipped to keep up with EV production demands?
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Controversy follows changes to federal debt relief program for farmers of color

Aug 22, 2022
A federal program to aid farmers of color has been changed to omit references to race.
A federal program to provide aid to farmers of color was broadened by the recently-passed climate bill and now omits references to race.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Fracking flourishes as era of net-zero carbon looms

Aug 15, 2022
The energy industry is emphasizing the controversial technique over traditional drilling, partly for its shorter timetable.
David McNew/Getty Images