U.S. cuts emissions, but global CO2 hits record levels

Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations measured at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii reached a new record: a monthly average above 430 parts per million.

This is the highest level recorded since systematic measurements began in 1958 and reflects the continued global rise in greenhouse gas accumulation, even as U.S. carbon emissions have declined for years.

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Electric vehicle sales hit rough road

Hybrid vehicle sales increased in the United States over the first quarter of 2025 while fully electric vehicle sales fell slightly, according to an Energy Information Administration breakdown of sales estimates by Wards Intelligence.

And while generous subsidies for electric vehicles are poised to expire at the end of the third quarter under recently approved federal legislation, consumer demand for EVs, hybrids and even new, efficient gas-powered vehicles are posing increasing challenges for policymakers.

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Big Tech sees big potential in geothermal energy

Facebook parent company Meta has signed a new agreement in New Mexico to develop 150 megawatts of geothermal power, another shot-in-the-arm for a growing technology that benefits from Big Tech’s embrace.

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At a glance: South Carolina

A snapshot of energy and environmental facts about the state of South Carolina.

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Andryszak: The status quo regulatory regime must go

U.S. electricity demand is projected to continue growing due to electrification, re-shoring of manufacturing and an expansion of AI and data centers.  Estimates vary for how many additional gigawatts (GW) of power generation capacity will be needed, but the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) recent Annual Energy Outlook projected that by 2050 American electricity net generation will rise by more than 45 percent.

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