Author

Robert Zullo
Robert Zullo is the Capital-Star's Energy Transition Reporter. He is the former editor of our sibling site, the Virginia Mercury. Readers may follow him on Twitter @rczullo.
Decarbonization ambitions ignite debate over mining, permitting
By: Robert Zullo - June 4, 2023
The decarbonized, electrified future envisioned by the Biden administration, state governments, automakers, utility companies and corporate sustainability goals depends to a huge degree on minerals and metals. Lots more lithium will be needed for car and truck batteries, as well as the big banks of batteries that are increasingly popping onto the electric grid to balance the […]
With summer coming fast, regulator issues electric reliability warning
By: Robert Zullo - May 20, 2023
'Weather officials are expecting above normal temperatures for much of the United States,' a new report concludes.
EPA again proposes power plant carbon rules. What’s next?
By: Robert Zullo - May 13, 2023
The courts tossed previous efforts. Is the third time the charm for the Biden administration?
With decarbonization, advocates see a bright future for nuclear after decades of dormancy
By: Robert Zullo - April 25, 2023
Among boosters across the country, expectations are high for new nuclear reactors.
EPA sued over failure to set, update pollution limits
By: Robert Zullo - April 12, 2023
Advocates argue the inaction amounts to a 'free pass to pollute' across multiple industries.
Inside the battle over who gets to build the grid of the future
By: Robert Zullo - April 7, 2023
‘Right-of-first-refusal laws’ in some states means customers may pay more for expansion.
Here’s where renewable power is increasing nationwide — and where it’s not
By: Robert Zullo - March 30, 2023
In 2022, wind provided a little more than 10% of U.S. electricity, while solar supplied 3.4%.
The nation’s biggest electric capacity market needs fixing, critics say
By: Robert Zullo - March 15, 2023
The massive PJM covers more than a dozen states -- including Pennsylvania
After a series of winter storms, regulators approve new standards for power plants
By: Robert Zullo - February 26, 2023
Extreme cold weather, like the temperatures seen during Uri and Elliott, can knock out power plants that haven’t been adequately winterized.
Facing attacks, feds and states grapple with protecting the grid
By: Robert Zullo - February 17, 2023
'These events correspond with an increase in extremism in our country,' Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Willie Phillips said.
Across the country, a big backlash to new renewables is mounting | Analysis
By: Robert Zullo - February 16, 2023
Wind and solar developers have been pushing projects that are igniting fierce battles.
How did renewables fare during Winter Storm Elliott? | Analysis
By: Robert Zullo - January 31, 2023
'If you're going to call yourself reliable ... you better be able to turn on and produce electricity when you’re called on,' an expert said.