Energy & Utilities
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Boston aims to eliminate fossil fuels in new buildings
The city’s chance to set new building standards comes from the climate bill the Massachusetts governor signed last week, which extends that opportunity to 10 municipalities in the state.
By Maria Rachal • Aug. 17, 2022 -
Megan Quinn/Smart Cities Dive
Support for housing efficiency upgrades, urban parks, drought resilience poised to become law
With the House sending the Inflation Reduction Act to the president’s desk, some climate leaders say the onus will shift to local governments to execute on key initiatives.
By Maria Rachal • Aug. 15, 2022 -
Explore the Trendline➔
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TrendlineVehicle Electrification
Cities and states are trying to harness the growing electric vehicle market to meet decarbonization goals while ensuring the rollout of these vehicles is being done equitably. Their efforts are aided by an influx of federal support.
By Smart Cities Dive staff -
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Chicago commits to 100% renewable energy at city facilities by 2025
The clean energy agreement “helps build the market” while encouraging smaller cities and municipalities “to make similar commitments,” said a senior attorney at the Environmental Law & Policy Center.
By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 15, 2022 -
Courtesy of Gradient
Q&ANew York public housing is poised for electric heating and cooling upgrades from a California startup
Vince Romanin, the CEO of Gradient, discusses the market for heat pumps and a New York City Housing Authority contract to rethink HVAC for residents vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
By Maria Rachal • Aug. 10, 2022 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
EV adoption might be hindered by DMV fees: report
Some of the same states that incentivize EV purchases charge additional fees to EV owners, but they could restructure those fees to align with emissions goals, according to a July RMI report.
By Dan Zukowski • Aug. 10, 2022 -
Drew Angerer/Getty Images via Getty Images
Mayors and city leaders voice support for Inflation Reduction Act
The bill, which passed the Senate on Sunday, represents the largest climate investment in U.S. history and has garnered support from cities seeking to lower greenhouse gas emissions and boost resilience.
By Danielle McLean • Aug. 9, 2022 -
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Building performance standards momentum slowly grows in the wake of White House efforts
A Maryland county’s policy represents one of the only major updates so far, but more localities have said they’ll pursue standards. Funds in the Inflation Reduction Act could provide new incentives to decarbonize buildings.
By Maria Rachal • Aug. 8, 2022 -
Permission granted by MCE
Sponsored by MCEMCE: The power of an equitable energy future
Learn how MCE, a Bay Area clean electricity provider, is creating an equitable clean energy future.
Aug. 8, 2022 -
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OpinionTogether, EVs, AVs and multimodal transportation will create more vibrant cities
Gas stations, subway stations, parking garages and roads are among the city features we can reimagine as new mobility technologies change how we get from point A to point B, writes a leading exec at Gensler.
By Andy Cohen • Aug. 5, 2022 -
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Electric heat pumps will be the cheapest clean option to heat most US homes by 2030: ACEEE
To advance the transition to carbon-free heating, a report calls for additional research and development, incentives and grants to support installation, minimum efficiency standards for heating equipment, and other policies.
By Robert Walton • July 28, 2022 -
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National EV charging network needs private investment incentives, retailers say
The federal government is preparing to disburse $5 billion to states for the development of a national electric vehicle charging network, but retailers say policies must change to incentivize private investment.
By Robert Walton • July 27, 2022 -
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To address its climate emergency, Portland, Oregon, lays out a 43-step plan
Creating resilience hubs and replacing petroleum diesel at the pump are among the top actions city officials intend to pursue in the coming years after declaring a climate emergency in 2020.
By Maria Rachal • July 26, 2022 -
Massachusetts passes 'landmark' climate bill to decarbonize buildings, transportation
The bill in part requires annual energy usage reports from buildings 20,000 square feet or larger and creates a pilot for 10 municipalities to offer fossil fuel-free home renovations, targeting affordable housing and multifamily housing.
By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 25, 2022 -
Sponsored by Schneider Electric
No city is immune to extreme weather
As severe weather events become more frequent, government leaders put disaster relief plans in place.
July 25, 2022 -
Photo of Bry’Ana Wallace provided by MCE
Sponsored by MCEThe power of a clean energy economy
Learn how MCE, a Bay Area clean electricity provider, is building a clean energy workforce.
July 25, 2022 -
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New York City expands role in ConEd demand response program amid second week of stifling temperatures
The city’s increased participation can reduce peak energy demand by 115 MW, officials said.
By Robert Walton • July 21, 2022 -
Emma Cosgrove/Smart Cities Dive
USPS to purchase 40% electric vehicles, expanding previous commitments
A previous decision to purchase 10% electric vehicles as part of an update to its aging delivery fleet led to pushback, scrutiny and lawsuits.
By Robert Walton • July 21, 2022 -
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AECOM selected by Arizona DOT to develop EV charging station plan
The statewide initiative is funded through the federal infrastructure act.
By Julie Strupp • July 19, 2022 -
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Deadline approaches for states to access National EV Infrastructure program funds
The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation recently received the first state plan. “We've really been there to try to be as much of a resource as possible,” said Deputy Director Rachael Nealer.
By Dan Zukowski • July 18, 2022 -
DOE awards weatherization, efficiency funding to address 'critical gap' in federal assistance
Experts say about half of low-income households struggle to pay their power bill, and expansion of the federal government’s Weatherization Assistance Program can help lower energy burdens.
By Robert Walton • July 15, 2022 -
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Extension of EV tax credits in jeopardy after Manchin says he won't support climate spending
As many cities prepare to support more electric vehicles on the street, any extension to the expiring federal tax credits to help consumers purchase EVs appears doomed given opposition from the West Virginia senator.
By Dan Zukowski • July 15, 2022 -
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EV tax credits begin to phase out as more consumers look to electric vehicles to avoid high gas prices
Negotiations continue in Congress to rescue electric vehicle incentives and overcome opposition from Sen. Joe Manchin.
By Dan Zukowski • July 14, 2022 -
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Electric vehicle sales hit new record in Q2
The market share for electric vehicles nearly doubled year over year despite supply shortages and high prices, according to data released by Cox Automotive.
By Dan Zukowski • July 14, 2022 -
Texas energy retailer launches electric vehicle leasing business
Utilities across the country are working to enable the electric vehicle transition, but Octopus Energy says its new leasing and “smart charging” plan is unique.
By Robert Walton • July 11, 2022 -
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Interest in EVs has grown substantially, survey shows
A Consumer Reports survey shows 14% of consumers would buy or lease an electric vehicle if shopping today, but high purchase costs and low awareness of incentives remain barriers.
By Dan Zukowski • July 7, 2022
