High Country News

Voters shape energy policy by choosing utility regulators

Races for seats on state commissions that oversee utilities are among the most important elections you’ve never heard of. They could decide the future of renewable energy in Montana and Arizona this year.

by Ray Ring, Nov 02, 2012
Redefining "renewable" to get a clean energy bill through Congress

As his retirement looms, Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., pushes a "clean energy" bill, one that broadens the energy mix beyond traditional "renewable" sources.

by Judith Lewis Mernit, Apr 15, 2012
Why should the Arctic Refuge matter to the ski industry?

If the United States doesn’t come up with an intelligent energy strategy, global warming could spell the end of the ski industry

by Pat O'Donnell, May 16, 2005
Reborn

With global warming an increasing threat, some are urging a return to nuclear energy, but the industry’s own checkered past reminds us that a nuclear renaissance will be neither easy nor cheap

by Jonathan Thompson, Sep 04, 2006
In Washington, a broad-based effort aims to kick the oil habit

The Set America Free Coalition is a new organization that brings together liberals and conservatives to try to reduce America’s dependency on imported fossil fuels

by Jon Margolis, May 01, 2006
Famous or obscure, our rivers are priceless

The oil spill on the Yellowstone River is just one of too many disasters caused by our addiction to petroleum.

by Ben Long, Jul 18, 2011
Me and my SUV

An environmentalist loves driving her SUV but welcomes the prospect of higher gas prices.

by Carla Wise, May 16, 2011
A political speech the West needs to hear

High Country News imagines – and delivers – the kind of speech about our energy future that the West needs to hear from its next president.

by Ray Ring, Jan 21, 2008
Climate of denial

An Alaskan wilderness ranger wonders how tourists can look at melting glaciers and not believe in climate change.

by Tim Lydon, Oct 07, 2010
Thank you, Utah, for leading the way

Utah's Legislature has brilliant plans to cut education, eliminate jobs in sustainable energy and create an ideal workforce of ignorant, unambitious peasants.

by Jane Goetze, Feb 23, 2010