A massive solar project in Utah will supply affordable energy and boost local economy

A new solar and storage facility in Emery County, Utah, will generate enough electricity to power 88,000 homes while helping stabilize energy prices.

Alixel Cabrera reports for the Utah News Dispatch.


In short:

  • The $1.1 billion Green River Energy Center will produce 400 megawatts of solar power and store energy for peak demand periods.
  • The project is expected to create 500 jobs during construction and provide $55 million in local tax revenue over 20 years.
  • Solar power could help mitigate Utah's rising energy costs, offering a low-cost, renewable alternative to fuel-based power.

Key quote:

“The beauty of solar is that once it’s installed, you’re not subject to fuel volatility, as we are with other sources of energy.”

— Theresa Foxley, chief of staff at rPlus Energies

Why this matters:

As energy prices rise due to fossil fuel volatility, large solar projects like this offer a sustainable solution. They not only provide affordable energy but also support local economies and grid stability.

Related:

A street with the words Bus Lane painted in one lane

California Democrats claw back $450 million for climate projects

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s new carbon market rules threatened money for certain climate programs. He struck a deal to continue funding for transit and water projects.
A gas tower flaring orange flames into the sky

Opinion: Why tough methane cuts are crucial for keeping warming ‘well-below’ 2C

Reducing emissions of methane – a gas primarily produced by agriculture, fossil fuels and waste management – is a powerful option for limiting global warming in the near-term.

A brown tick on a green leaf

Alpha-gal syndrome is spreading rapidly. Arkansas may hold clues to what comes next

Cases of the tick-borne allergy alpha-gal syndrome are surging as warmer temperatures, abundant deer and expanding development help lone star ticks spread.

A cliff off the coast of Naples, Italy

How is the Mediterranean changing? 40 years of data reveal climate change impact

Spanish scientists and researchers from Europe and the U.S. compiled data from 46 oceanographic campaigns carried out between 1976 and 2018 to study changes in the Mediterranean and the impact of climate change.

A smoke stack with smoke billowing out into the clouds

New York's plan to charge fossil-fuel producers for climate change damages is struck down in court

A federal judge has struck down New York’s attempt to make fossil fuel-producing industries pay into a $75 billion fund to repair damage wrought by climate change.
Illustration of sun beating down on an overheating Earth
Credit: revers/BigStock Photo ID: 398245823

Global warming will exceed limit, UN says in a report that maps path to get back below danger zone

The United Nations concedes that Earth has lost its chance to prevent some of the worst impacts of global warming.

Indigenous Amazonian clad in traditional garb, standing in a rain forest

The Amazon’s defenders declare a state of emergency

As governments push oil and mining expansion, thousands of Indigenous leaders and activists gathered in Ecuador to chart another path.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.