Energy & Utilities
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DOE says new building codes to cut energy costs by $138B, but EV backers see failure to advance charging
A requirement that new homes be wired for electric vehicle charging was not included in the final version.
By Robert Walton • July 30, 2021 -
Mario Tama via Getty Images
Senate votes to advance bill with $550B for aging US infrastructure
Far smaller than Biden's American Jobs Plan, the bipartisan bill will next enter a phase of debates and amendments.
By Zachary Phillips • UPDATED: July 29, 2021 at 4:08 p.m. -
Dave Einsel via Getty Images
Indiana DOT, Purdue developing wireless EV charging for highways
The aim is to create the first paved highway segment that contains contactless, wireless technologies to charge electric vehicles as they drive over it.
By Katie Pyzyk • UPDATED: July 29, 2021 at 4:16 p.m. -
Jeff Gentner via Getty Images via Getty Images
'We have got to do something': Cities behind on climate goals as extreme weather worsens
Funding and staffing shortfalls and a lack of buy-in from city workers are impeding progress, a Bloomberg Associates report states. It calls for savvy messaging and regional collaborations.
By Danielle McLean • July 27, 2021 -
Washington, DC-area utility outlines plan to meet city climate goals
The clean energy approach would include focuses on electric vehicles, building decarbonization and a variety of grid modernization technologies. The nation's capital is aiming for 100% renewable energy by 2032.
By Robert Walton • July 22, 2021 -
Permission granted by Mississippi Power
Austin, Texas, neighborhood offers test bed for Tesla energy products
A planned community with Tesla's Solar Roof and Powerwalls could offer new insights for the company's energy future, following CEO Elon Musk recently admitting to "significant mistakes" with Tesla's solar arm.
By Jason Plautz • July 21, 2021 -
Courtesy of Volvo Trucks
California approves expedited pathway for near-term utility EV investments
The decision will help California move toward its goal of deploying five million zero-emission vehicles by 2030, along with 250,000 light-duty or passenger vehicle chargers by 2025.
By Kavya Balaraman • July 16, 2021 -
Challenge to Berkeley gas regulation dismissed, a win for cities in carbon emissions fight
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit last week that challenged the city's restrictions on natural gas in new low-rise residential buildings, a major boost for local governments looking to follow suit.
By Chris Teale • July 16, 2021 -
Courtesy of Volvo Trucks
Southern California Edison plans for 38,000 EV charging stations in next five years
The utility's $436 million program, the largest initiative of its kind by any investor-owned utility, will include an "added emphasis" on installing electric vehicle chargers in multifamily apartment and condo buildings.
By Scott Van Voorhis • July 15, 2021 -
Brian Tucker/Smart Cities Dive
New England and the South shoulder highest US energy costs, survey finds
Connecticut, Massachusetts and Georgia face some of the highest energy costs, according to WalletHub, potentially accelerating a shift towards solar and other distributed resource solutions.
By Scott Van Voorhis • July 09, 2021 -
sestovic/E+/Getty via Getty Images
House passes broad bipartisan measure to help states fund energy cybersecurity efforts
Representatives voted in support of a program that will help states secure energy infrastructure against cyber and physical threats, setting up financial incentives for private sector assistance.
By Robert Walton • June 29, 2021 -
Stefani Reynolds / Stringer via Getty Images
White House agrees to bipartisan infrastructure deal
"The largest investment in EV infrastructure in history," includes plans to build a national network of electric vehicle chargers along highways and in rural communities.
By Jason Plautz • June 25, 2021 -
Bipartisan $973B infrastructure proposal alarms EV advocates with annual surcharge on vehicles
Ten Democratic and 11 Republican senators support an annual surcharge on the vehicles, but industry advocates warn it could dampen enthusiasm for the transition away from gasoline-powered cars and trucks.
By Robert Walton • June 22, 2021 -
New bill would tax polluters, redirect funds to impacted communities
The Save Our Future Act would invest millions in emissions reduction programs and help areas reliant on fossil fuels transition away from them through direct payments, career training, business development and other programs.
By Chris Teale • June 18, 2021 -
Nevada passes clean energy bill requiring state to join RTO, accelerating $2B transmission project
The bill also requires utilities to forecast a path to achieve an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2005 levels by the end of the decade.
By Jason Plautz • June 04, 2021 -
Wikipedia Commons
PG&E, BMW smart-charging pilot highlights potential for EVs as grid resource
Aligning electric vehicle charging loads with renewable energy can help cut greenhouse gas emissions, efficiently manage the grid and save customers money, according to data from a Northern California study.
By Robert Walton • June 02, 2021 -
Mark Makela via Getty Images
Biden proposes more than $2B for clean energy infrastructure, $14B+ increase in climate spending
The administration's first proposed budget includes sizable increases in spending for climate mitigation, research, EVs and clean energy infrastructure.
By Emma Penrod • June 01, 2021 -
Szekely, Pedro. (2017). "Chicago Skyline" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
Chicago explores alternative electricity provider to support equitable climate goals
The city is exploring its electric utility agreement for the first time in 30 years, aiming to support its new clean electricity and carbon reduction goals, Chicago's chief sustainability officer said.
By Katie Pyzyk • May 11, 2021 -
NREL app expected to significantly speed up US residential solar permitting
A new app designed by NREL will address a key concern among solar contractors with near-instantaneous permit decisions for residential installations in the majority of U.S. jurisdictions.
By Emma Penrod • May 10, 2021 -
LEED-certified federal buildings aren't using less energy: study
Despite being "one of the most sought-after" green building certifications, Carnegie Mellon researchers found that LEED has "no effect" on the average energy consumption of federally-owned buildings.
By Robert Walton • May 05, 2021 -
Tesla's Musk admits 'significant mistakes' with solar roof project
Following customer complaints of increased installation costs, the company said it will sell home solar and storage together to streamline installations.
By Jason Plautz • April 29, 2021 -
Screenshot via Greentown Labs Houston
Cleantech incubator part of Houston's goal to be 'energy transition capital'
One year after the city unveiled its Climate Action Plan, the incubator said it has 30 startups ready to move into its 40,000-square-foot Greentown Labs space.
By Chris Teale • April 23, 2021 -
Retrieved from The White House/YouTube on January 29, 2021
Biden pledges to halve US carbon emissions by 2030
The United States will work to cut greenhouse gas emissions 50-52% by 2030, relative to 2005 levels, sending clear signals to business and world leaders.
By Robert Walton • April 22, 2021 -
Courtesy of GE Renewable Energy
Clean energy jobs 'hit hard' by COVID-19 in 2020: report
Research from Environment Entrepreneurs found the sector shed 307,000 jobs but rebounded in the second half of the year — and could be set for major recovery in 2021.
By Chris Teale • April 20, 2021 -
Equitable energy transition will require more than funding and job training, researchers say
Utilities, governments must ensure clean energy jobs provide stable, middle-class earnings, according to a new guide from Inclusive Economics and the Bloomberg Philanthropies American Cities Climate Challenge.
By Emma Penrod • April 19, 2021
