Staff reporter at Grid and Generation, covering Energy.
Public frustration with data centers has become a major issue in the 2026 elections, with politicians on both sides of the aisle campaigning on data center crackdowns and moratoriums.
New research shows that replacing a gas-powered car with an electric vehicle (EV) significantly reduces lifetime emissions, even for cars just two years old. The study, published in *Science*, suggests that the emissions saved by driving an EV quickly outweigh those generated during its production. Experts agree that the environmental benefits are clear, though cost and usage patterns remain important considerations.
Despite the expiration of federal tax credits, home battery installations in the U.S. surged in early 2026, driven by high electricity costs and state incentives. California and Hawaii led adoption, while rooftop solar installations declined due to policy changes.