What I’m reading: Global EV and heat pump sales surge, people won't forget the Iran war disruption, research roundup, and more
Quitting Carbon's biweekly roundup of energy transition developments you might have missed.
Latest
A repowered California wind farm rises in a birthplace of the industry
Quitting Carbon recently toured Brookfield Renewable U.S.' Mulqueeney Ranch Wind Repowering Project in Northern California's Altamont Pass, one of the sites where today's wind power industry was born.
What I’m reading: Energy transition milestones in China, global EVs sales surge, Trump 2.0 and climate tech startups, and more
Quitting Carbon's biweekly roundup of energy transition developments you might have missed.
Why does Chris Wright insist on being so wrong on the energy transition?
Under Energy Secretary Chris Wright's leadership, the U.S. is doubling down on fossil fuels even as the rest of the world is embracing clean energy.
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Quitting Carbon is a 100% reader-supported publication. Support independent energy journalism by becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-time donation. I have a jam-packed schedule this week – including attending events for San Francisco Climate Week – so there's no new story today. I'll be back in
What I’m reading: Trump's Iran war and the energy transition, getting more out of the existing grid, research roundup, and more
Quitting Carbon's biweekly roundup of energy transition developments you might have missed.
Trump’s Iran war is driving politicians and consumers to embrace clean energy
With the global economy upended by Donald Trump’s war of choice in Iran, political leaders and households are seeking the security and certainty offered by clean energy technologies.
What I’m reading: China's e-truck boom, UK to require solar and heat pumps in new homes, state building energy codes threatened, and more
Quitting Carbon's biweekly roundup of energy transition developments you might have missed.
This California electricity provider is all-in on virtual power plants
In a conversation with Quitting Carbon, MCE's Sam Irvine talks about why the electricity provider is so bullish on virtual power plants: “This gives us another tool in the toolbox to help keep costs low and generate revenue."
What I’m reading: Why we need offshore wind, Cuba's solar revolution, research roundup, and more
Quitting Carbon's biweekly roundup of energy transition developments you might have missed.
Budgets – not utility bills – should be how we fund critical clean energy programs
Utility bills are a regressive way to fund vital programs to save energy or heat homes in winter. Lawmakers should move the programs to general budgets, funded by taxpayers, so the wealthy pay more for these public goods.
What I’m reading: East Coast offshore wind farms nearing completion, plug-in solar goes nationwide, building electrification update, and more
Quitting Carbon is made possible by paid subscribers. Support independent energy journalism by becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-time donation. Welcome back to another recap of highlights from what I’ve been reading. Enjoy the weekend. As for me, I'll be spending this weekend in one
Reporting
Here’s what it will take to unlock the potential of advanced energy communities
Solvable policy barriers are holding back the adoption of proven technologies that are the building blocks of all-electric, zero-carbon, grid-flexible communities, experts said at a symposium convened in Oakland, California.
What I'm reading
What I’m reading: Big batteries are transforming the grid, GAO warns on clean energy staffing cuts, research roundup, and more
Quitting Carbon is made possible by paid subscribers. Support independent energy journalism by becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-time donation. Welcome back to another recap of highlights from what I’ve been reading. Thanks, as always, for reading. Big batteries are transforming the grid Let’s start with
Commentary
Congress rejected Trump’s spending plans. Making sure its own budget is spent is the next challenge.
Congress largely ignored the White House’s budget, maintaining funding for important energy programs this year. But are agencies adequately staffed to get the money out the door, and will Russell Vought allow the money to be spent?
What I'm reading
What I’m reading: California offshore wind ports funding, repowering solar farms with batteries, electric aviation update, a shortcut to electrify existing homes, and more
Quitting Carbon is a 100% subscriber-funded publication. To support my work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-time donation. Welcome back to another recap of highlights from what I’ve been reading. Thanks, as always, for reading and sharing this newsletter. California offers timeline on next phase
Reporting
Here’s how California plans to reduce emissions from aviation in the Golden State
An early look at draft policies that could be brought to the California Air Resources Board in 2027 to reduce emissions from the aviation industry in the state.
What I’m reading: UK unveils Warm Homes Plan, U.S. and global transit expansion, research roundup, and more
Quitting Carbon is a 100% subscriber-funded publication. To support my work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-time donation. Welcome back to another recap of highlights from what I’ve been reading. These roundups typically arrive in your inbox every other Friday. But the holiday as well
Commentary
The Trump administration just laundered its bogus energy affordability talking points through Politico’s White House team
Despite extensive evidence to the contrary, the White House wants us to think it cares about energy affordability. Based on the Trump administration's actions over the past year, don’t believe the spin.
What I'm reading
What I’m reading: China's EV dominance, fast-tracking heat pumps and plug-in solar in California, research roundup, and more
Quitting Carbon is a 100% subscriber-funded publication. To support my work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-time donation. Welcome back to another recap of highlights from what I’ve been reading. A big thanks to all of you who took advantage of the end-of-year special offer
Quitting Carbon's most popular stories of 2025
Curious to know what most captured the attention of Quitting Carbon's readers in 2025? Here were the top 10 most-read stories of the year.
What I'm reading
What I’m reading: From crops to solar, Germany's heating transition, an innovative climate solution for renters, and more
Quitting Carbon is a 100% subscriber-funded publication. To support my work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-time donation. Welcome back to another recap of highlights from what I’ve been reading. This is the last time you’ll hear from me this year. After the holiday
End-of-year special offer: Get one year of Quitting Carbon at a 25% discount
Dear readers, I launched Quitting Carbon a little more than a year ago with a simple goal: provide context on the projects, people, and policies advancing the energy transition. There is no shortage of sites to visit for news, to scroll through headlines. But finding journalism you can trust, gathered
Reporting
California wants to accelerate the shift to zero-emission equipment at its ports
Zero-emission cargo-handling equipment is entering the market, but California regulators say additional policies and programs are needed to decarbonize the sector.