Energy & Utilities

The smart city conferences to check out in 2019

Next year has a full slate of industry conferences, featuring conversations with top public and private officials on the pressing issues facing cities.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 10, 2018

White House proposal to end EV tax credit comes under fire

EVgo CEO Cathy Zoi said at an event in Washington, DC that the $7,500 rebate is "a perfect way to ease Americans ... into electrified transportation."

By Chris Teale • Dec. 06, 2018

Microsoft to expand rural broadband access initiative to 25 states

Through its widened Airband Initiative, the company says it seeks to connect 3 million Americans by July 2022, up from its original goal of 2 million.

By Jason Plautz • Dec. 05, 2018

1M EVs in the US 'a step in our journey' to combat climate change

Speakers at an event celebrating the milestone also noted electric vehicles could play a large role in the fight against climate change and carbon emissions.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 03, 2018

Dive Awards

Green Initiative of the Year: Washington, DC's Green Bank

The Green Bank will provide public money in the form of loans, leases and other mechanisms to help fund green projects that expand renewable energy, reduce energy costs and GHG emissions, and create green jobs.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 03, 2018

EU adopts plan to become 'climate neutral' by 2050

The report presents eight scenarios to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with a large focus on the energy and urban mobility sectors.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 29, 2018

DC City Council unanimously advances 100% renewable energy bill

The Clean Energy Omnibus would also mandate that all public transport and fleet vehicles in the District be zero-emissions by 2045, including those operated for Uber and Lyft. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 28, 2018

British Columbia to mandate 100% zero emission vehicle sales by 2040

The government is taking action by increasing the ZEV incentive program and expanding the number of EV fast chargers in the province's network.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 26, 2018

Opinion

Lessons learned: How smaller cities can get smart

Every municipality, regardless of its size and means, faces challenges when it comes to serving citizens. It’s critical for local governments to find a way around these barriers.

By Matt Bosch

Trump to nominate acting EPA head Wheeler for permanent top spot

Wheeler has directed multiple efforts to roll back environmental regulations, including vehicle efficiency standards and rules on coal plant mercury emissions, carbon pollution and ash disposal. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 19, 2018

Chicago challenges businesses to power buildings with renewable energy

Participants in the Chicago Renewable Energy Challenge pledge to keep their buildings powered with renewable sources for at least 10 years, and to track and share their progress.

By Jason Plautz • Nov. 19, 2018

UCLA, Los Angeles water utility partner for $5M conservation research effort

The move is part of the UCLA Sustainable LA Grand Challenge, which has a goal of powering Los Angeles County with 100% renewable energy and making it water self-sufficient by 2050.

By Jason Plautz • Nov. 15, 2018

216 mayors signal support for more solar power in updated letter

The Mayors for Solar Energy effort, organized by Environment America, also includes training and resources for local governments to encourage more solar power.

By Jason Plautz • Nov. 13, 2018

The impact of San Francisco's homeless tax, and other important ballot results

Voters in Denver approved a mental health initiative, while voters in the state of Washington rejected a carbon emissions fee.

By Chris Teale • Nov. 07, 2018

Blockchain tech company pitches futuristic 'Innovation Park' in Nevada

Blockchains LLC announced plans to develop the "smart city" near Reno, which would be anchored by a 1,000-acre innovation campus.

By Jason Plautz • Nov. 05, 2018

4 energy leaders make a run for the House on Dem ballot

As the midterms approach, the energy industry has candidates running in some tight congressional races. 

By Catherine Morehouse • Nov. 02, 2018

7 more winners named in Bloomberg's American Cities Climate Challenge

Chicago; Cincinnati; Columbus, OH; Indianapolis; Minneapolis; Saint Paul, MN; and St. Louis were the next to be honored, with just three spots now remaining.

By Chris Teale • Oct. 30, 2018

San Diego chooses community aggregation path to 100% renewables

Mayor Kevin Faulconer announced the start of a process to form a community choice aggregation model as the city moves toward its goal of 100% renewables by 2035.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 30, 2018

LA led way to leveraging EV RFPs, more cities follow with renewables

"We want to make solar real for our residents," said Cincinnati's energy manager in a discussion on U.S. city renewable energy procurement.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 26, 2018

1 year smarter: A look back at our favorite stories

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of our daily launch, Smart Cities Dive has rounded up our most popular posts on everything from drug-sniffing robots to blockchain tech.

By Kristin Musulin • Oct. 23, 2018

Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Boston and DC join Bloomberg climate challenge winners

The four cities are the latest to win the American Cities Climate Challenge and will receive up to $2.5 million each to support climate mitigation efforts.

By Chris Teale • Oct. 22, 2018