Author

Robert Zullo

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: - 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 […]

PJM, which coordinates the flow of electricity from power generators to utility companies in 13 states and the District of Columbia, is facing complaints about how it ensures it will have enough capacity to keep the electricity flowing during a winter storm or summer heat wave. (Photo by fhm/Getty Images)

With summer coming fast, regulator issues electric reliability warning

By: - May 20, 2023

'Weather officials are expecting above normal temperatures for much of the United States,' a new report concludes.

A coal-fired power plant in Romeoville, Illinois. The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing a new rule to regulate fossil fuel power plant carbon dioxide. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

EPA again proposes power plant carbon rules. What’s next?

By: - May 13, 2023

The courts tossed previous efforts. Is the third time the charm for the Biden administration?

Scott Anderson, a researcher at the Idaho National Laboratory’s Irradiated Materials Characterization Lab, works with materials in a “glovebox” as part of the lab’s research into how exposure to radiation alters reactor components. The lab’s research is aimed at understanding how materials and fuels respond to radiation, which is crucial data as licenses for existing nuclear reactors are extended. (Robert Zullo/ States Newsroom)

With decarbonization, advocates see a bright future for nuclear after decades of dormancy

By: - April 25, 2023

Among boosters across the country, expectations are high for new nuclear reactors.

A gas flare from a petroleum refinery in Norco, La. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

EPA sued over failure to set, update pollution limits

By: - 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: - April 7, 2023

‘Right-of-first-refusal laws’ in some states means customers may pay more for expansion.

WINDMILLS

Here’s where renewable power is increasing nationwide — and where it’s not

By: - March 30, 2023

In 2022, wind provided a little more than 10% of U.S. electricity, while solar supplied 3.4%.

PJM, which coordinates the flow of electricity from power generators to utility companies in 13 states and the District of Columbia, is facing complaints about how it ensures it will have enough capacity to keep the electricity flowing during a winter storm or summer heat wave. (Photo by fhm/Getty Images)

The nation’s biggest electric capacity market needs fixing, critics say

By: - March 15, 2023

The massive PJM covers more than a dozen states -- including Pennsylvania

Winter storm Uri brought historic cold weather and power outages to Texas, including Fort Worth, shown here on Feb. 16. Storms swept across 26 states, bringing a mix of freezing temperatures and precipitation. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images).

After a series of winter storms, regulators approve new standards for power plants

By: - 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.

A no trespassing sign is posted in front of a Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) electrical substation on Jan. 26, 2022 in Petaluma, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Facing attacks, feds and states grapple with protecting the grid

By: - 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: - February 16, 2023

Wind and solar developers have been pushing projects that are igniting fierce battles.

Wind turbines in Schlewswig, Iowa. MISO, which manages the flow of electricity in all or part of 15 U.S. states, was able to export power to its southern neighbors in part because its wind turbines produced enough energy during the storm (Photo by Christopher A. Jones/Getty Images).

How did renewables fare during Winter Storm Elliott? | Analysis

By: - 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.