Energy & Utilities

Climate leaders go 'all in' to halve emissions by 2030

The new "America Is All In" coalition of U.S. communities, businesses and institutions, has pledged to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 with support from the federal government. 

By Chris Teale • Feb. 22, 2021

Economic rebound could derail progress on Paris climate goals, experts warn

The U.S. power sector has exceeded previous emissions goals and will continue to do so, a new report says. Progress could be thwarted by rising emissions in the transportation sector.

By Emma Penrod • Feb. 18, 2021

Deep Dive

Power sector experts fight misinformation around Texas outages

Operators will often prepare for peak loads based on historical data, but those forecasts can be less predictable under a changing climate, one expert said.

By Catherine Morehouse • Feb. 18, 2021

The system of GHG emissions reporting is broken, experts say

As the media points fingers at cities for underreporting carbon emissions, some argue the blame should instead be placed on a lack of guidance.

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 11, 2021

Deep Dive

Lawmakers vs. regulators: The fight over Arizona's zero-emissions mandate

Conservatives say the Arizona Corporation Commission's proposed zero-carbon mandate oversteps its constitutional authority while defenders say the legal debate is an excuse to impede the state's climate fight.

By Herman K. Trabish • Feb. 11, 2021

Auto industry embraces Biden's electrification efforts

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation said it will work with the administration on an electrification program to bring all automakers "under a unified set of common requirements."

By Robert Walton • Feb. 10, 2021

Security flaws enabled Tampa-area water utility hack

Authorities found poor security hygiene — weak passwords and an outdated operating system — played a role in the hack. 

By Samantha Schwartz • UPDATED: Feb. 12, 2021 at 10:05 a.m.

US could derail decarbonization without equitable policies: report

Decarbonization is technically and financially feasible, but government must ensure the coming economic transition is just and fair to all, experts said.

By Emma Penrod • Feb. 04, 2021

As GM gives 'huge' boost to EVs, states vary in advancing supportive policies

Washington lawmakers are considering legislation to ban the sale of internal combustion light duty vehicles by 2030, and others are setting 2035 goals.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 03, 2021

Seattle mayor approves updated energy code

Mayor Jenny Durkan signed the updates into law, dubbing the city's building energy code as "among the strongest in the nation."

By Kristin Musulin • UPDATED: Feb. 12, 2021 at 9:51 a.m.

Houston, Uber and BP partner to aid EV transition for drivers

The trio will explore the deployment of BP's rapid charging electric vehicle (EV) stations throughout Houston, aiming to support the city's EV adoption goals and plans for an equitable charging network.

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 02, 2021

Boston kicks off community choice electricity program, aiming to surpass state's renewables requirement

Starting Monday, the Massachusetts capital becomes a key East Coast adopter of a locally-driven utility model championed in major California and Ohio cities — its latest effort toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

By Maria Rachal • UPDATED: Feb. 2, 2021 at 2:44 p.m.

Fleet electrification can have 'outsized influence' on EV adoption: RMI

Electrification will require a fundamental business restructuring, but if executed poorly "can be a series of very costly errors," according to a new report from Rocky Mountain Institute. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 25, 2021

Biden's Day One actions signal hope for climate, energy sectors

President Joe Biden marked his first day in office by taking steps to rejoin the Paris climate accord, along with signing a flurry of executive orders.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 21, 2021

Q&A

Honolulu's resilience officer outlines path to carbon neutrality

Chief Resilience Officer Matthew Gonser discussed Honolulu's first Climate Action Plan and the creative way local leaders tackled tough climate conversations with local residents. 

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 21, 2021

Following Google's footsteps, Des Moines pledges 24/7 clean electricity by 2035

The city's resolution may make Des Moines one of the first U.S. communities to achieve 24/7 carbon-free electricity.

By Emma Penrod • Jan. 15, 2021

Biden advisor: US 'lost critical time' in climate change fight

National Economic Council Director-Designate Brian Deese said reentering the Paris agreement will be a top priority of Biden's administration, but more must be done to curb emissions.

By Chris Teale • Jan. 13, 2021

7 mobility startups to watch in 2021

These startups offer compelling solutions to the range of challenges the pandemic has introduced to U.S. cities. 

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 05, 2021

The smart city news that shaped 2020

Smart Cities Dive identified 20 stories detailing the prevalent and groundbreaking trends that influenced a year like no other.

Clean energy groups applaud pick of former Michigan Gov. Granholm for DOE head

Granholm is known for staunchly supporting the automotive industry — which observers say could be an asset as the new administration attempts to boost the adoption of electric vehicles.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 18, 2020

Opinion

5 ways smart infrastructure shapes communities for the better

From improved transportation to data-driven decisions, smart cities are using technology to raise the bar for the world of tomorrow.

By Forrest Senti • Dec. 18, 2020

Biden taps North Carolina DEQ Secretary Regan for EPA

Under Michael Regan's watch at the DEQ, Duke Energy agreed to the largest coal ash cleanup in U.S. history.

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 18, 2020

EV models expected to triple in 4 years as declining battery costs boost adoption

Electric vehicles are approaching cost parity with traditional gas-powered vehicles, but experts disagree on how much more battery prices must drop.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 16, 2020

Smart Columbus pushes ahead on corporate decarbonization

The Smart Columbus Energy program is designed to help Central Ohio's corporate and industrial organizations transition to clean energy through wind and solar energy procurement.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 11, 2020

Cities play 'key role' in green COVID-19 recovery: report

The Rocky Mountain Institute and Bloomberg Philanthropies found local infrastructure projects and strong federal partners are significant in building a more resilient future.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 09, 2020