The Latest
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Biden administration sets new rule for monitoring on-road GHG emissions
The Federal Highway Administration rule requires states and metropolitan planning organizations to establish CO2 emissions reductions targets, setting up a fight with congressional Republicans.
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As building performance standards gain steam, noncompliant owners face business risks
Some cities respond to policy violations with financial penalties, but green lease clauses and submetering provide other levers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, says real estate firm CBRE.
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Office construction may never return to pre-pandemic levels
Despite some massive office towers breaking ground, the chief economist for a construction analytics firm expects starts in the sector to continue to tumble.
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4 US cities pledge to combat water woes driven by climate change
They committed to specific actions to address flood and drought risk, joining 12 other global cities in signing onto C40 Cities' new "accelerator" program.
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DOE releases $31M+ in grants for retrofits, infrastructure upgrades
Some cities will use the funds for resilience hubs, while others plan to conduct energy audits and upgrade facilities. Local governments can continue applying for the grants through April 2024.
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How 7 cities transformed asphalt with art in 2023: photos
Bloomberg Philanthropies recently announced which 25 cities will receive Asphalt Art Initiative grants to undertake projects in 2024.
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Streetcars’ benefits vary by city: panel
A renewed interest in streetcars has driven numerous cities to invest in systems. Representatives from systems in Cincinnati and Kansas City, Missouri, discussed lessons learned during a Transportation Research Board webinar.
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Without significant interventions, US building emissions will continue to increase
Federal, regional and local government bodies must collaborate to create “consistent and stringent building standards,” a new report says.
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EPA announces $2B for local environmental justice projects
Federal climate funding has been criticized as difficult for less-resourced communities to access. The new grant program includes key elements to counter such challenges.
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$176B plan unveiled to rebuild Northeast rail corridor
Amtrak, states, regional commuter railroads and the U.S. Department of Transportation laid out an ambitious 15-year plan to ready the Northeast Corridor for future growth.
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What’s top of mind for New York’s first customer experience officer
About a month into the job, Tonya Webster discussed her priorities and how she plans to overcome siloed agency processes.
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Transit agencies’ financial woes continue
Two major credit rating agencies hold negative outlooks on public transit systems as revenues and ridership remain soft.
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Cruise CEO resigns amid safety probes into company’s robotaxis
The company’s robotaxi fleet remains grounded in California after one of the vehicles struck a pedestrian in downtown San Francisco in early October.
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Office-to-residential conversion costs can be 30% lower than new construction: Gensler
However, only 25% of the office buildings the firm assessed for adaptive reuse were deemed suitable for conversion, according to the analysis.
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Retrieved from Wikimedia Commons.
Plans to get an entire block off the natural gas system take shape in one California city
Albany, California, wants to lay the groundwork for widescale adoption of this emerging building decarbonization approach.
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FTA proposes tighter rules for state oversight of rail transit systems
The proposal would give state safety oversight agencies new authority and responsibilities to ensure the safety of public rail transportation.
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LA Metro tries to woo riders with customer experience improvements
Mass transit ridership took a hit in the pandemic. Now, the agency is rolling out the red carpet to bring riders back.
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Not your mother’s library: How book-borrowing institutions are evolving
With resources that range from teaching kitchens to 3D printers, libraries across the U.S. are innovating to meet the changing needs of urban communities.
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What is recycling, anyway?
The definition of recycling is different depending on who you ask. Trade groups, government agencies and industry pros weigh in on what it really means in 2023.
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2 years in, infrastructure law has funded 40,000 projects
The largest portion of 2021 infrastructure law money is flowing to road and bridge construction, according to White House data analyzed by CNBC.
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Generative AI is here. This is how 5 cities plan to manage its use.
Guidelines aim to help government employees navigate the use of generative artificial intelligence tools while maintaining privacy, ethics and city values.
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Electric buses: Boom times and bumpy roads
Manufacturers are struggling to meet the demand spurred by federal funding and programs that encourage transit agencies to shift to zero-emission buses.
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Biden touts recycling’s ‘critical role’ in fighting climate change, awards $93M in EPA grants
In an America Recycles Day proclamation, President Biden called on businesses and the public to make recycling a priority. He acknowledged the disproportionate impacts of pollution on low-income communities.
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Boston ends efforts to ban fossil fuels in new buildings through state program
Massachusetts’ largest city pursued inclusion in the state climate pilot program, but the mayor reported she got “clear indications” that Boston would not be selected for the last of 10 spots.
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3 steps for getting urban innovation pilots out of ‘purgatory’
A road map for New York City recommends taking a “challenge-based” approach to procurement and beefing up startup infrastructure.