From potential long-term rate hikes to repairs of broken pipes, Texans could be paying for years after the state's devastating blackouts.

In her first interview with NPR since taking office, Jennifer Granholm made the case for sweeping reforms in order to meet President Biden's pledge to make the U.S. carbon neutral by 2050.

Across the country, coal plants are shutting down. Wind turbines are going up. But the transition can be rocky. In North Dakota, some officials are trying to defend coal by blocking new wind turbines.

A growing number of cities want to restrict the use of gas in buildings to reduce climate emissions. But many states are now considering laws to block that with backing from the natural gas industry.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas has been heavily criticized after last week's winter storm left more than 4 million Texans without power for several days.

Despite Biden's ambitious climate plan, Haaland told lawmakers the country would not abandon fossil fuels "overnight." If confirmed, she would be the first Native American Cabinet secretary.

Officials from a handful of Georgia cities across the state are decrying legislation that would stop them from ever banning certain types of fuel connections, like natural gas hookups, as they try to hash out plans to reduce carbon emissions locally.

Natural gas utilities face a bleak future in a world increasingly concerned about climate change. An NPR investigation shows how they work to block local climate action and protect their business.

Texas allows companies to sell electricity at wholesale prices. When the price of electricity skyrocketed last week, that meant exorbitant bills for many residents who had been trying to save money.

The companies face an existential threat as more governments and businesses move to tackle climate change. So a growing number have their own plans to decarbonize, by creating renewable gas.

The state has for the last week suffered through a major winter storm that left many of its residents without heat, power or potable water.

Some prominent Republicans have blamed wind and solar power for the blackouts in the storm-stricken state. But the truth is that every source of generation fell short.

A drilling company controlled by the Dallas Cowboys owner said it was benefitting after natural gas prices surged in the middle of powerful winter storms.

"When you've not had power for 3 1/2 days ... you begin to question whether [blackouts] are rolling at all," says Mansfield Mayor Michael Evans.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott deployed the Texas National Guard to move people without heat and power into shelters.