Climate & Resilience

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

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➔

Vehicle 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

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

New 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

New York City rolling out ‘largest curbside composting program in the nation’ with Queens expansion

After years of budget cuts and political shifts, the Department of Sanitation says this latest organics recycling iteration will be its most cost-effective and efficient approach yet. Drop-off bins are also being added in other boroughs.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 9, 2022

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

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

EV manufacturers, regulators debate US ability to hit 50% sales goal by 2030

The right federal policy and charging infrastructure, as well as solutions to supply chain issues, are critical to meeting the goal of half of new vehicle sales being electric by 2030, said Center for Automotive Research event panelists.

By Dan Zukowski • Aug. 3, 2022

Federal Highway Administration announces $7.3B in grants for transportation resilience

Communities can use these funds to prepare highway, transit, pedestrian, bicycle and port facilities to better withstand natural disasters.

By Dan Zukowski • Aug. 2, 2022

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

Chase launches EV education website to help consumers navigate the electric vehicle purchase decision

Making the decision to buy an electric vehicle involves questions about home and on-road charging, costs and driving range that the bank hopes to answer. 

By Dan Zukowski • July 25, 2022

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

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

Biden announces executive actions on extreme heat response, offshore wind

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is providing a funding boost for the president’s climate initiatives.

By Julie Strupp • July 21, 2022

Community resilience-building program's federal funding to more than double

FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program will grow from $1 billion to $2.3 billion with support from the infrastructure law, but concerns remain about challenges for communities that want to apply.  

By Maria Rachal • July 21, 2022

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

Seattle looks to expand reuse systems, reduce waste at event venues

As reusable cups and containers roll out at music venues, sports stadiums and elsewhere, the business behind the system is eyeing expansions to more cities working through public-private partnerships.

By Maria Rachal • July 20, 2022

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

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

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

Extreme heat is here. Here's how we create a heat-resilient nation.

Heat is the top weather-related killer in the U.S. In the face of worsening climate change, helping communities manage heat will require cooperation among local, state and federal governments, one researcher writes.

By Ladd Keith • July 13, 2022

Charlotte mobility plan aims to slash car use, transform access to lower-emission options

The strategic mobility plan seeks to improve transit options and accessibility to create real change for North Carolina’s largest city, which once ranked last among 50 comparable cities for intergenerational mobility.

By Austyn Gaffney • July 11, 2022

EV adoption is higher where consumers see more electric vehicles, studies show

Peer effects and EV-friendly government policies help drive consumer adoption of electric vehicles, mounting research suggests.

By Dan Zukowski • July 8, 2022

City on-road emissions targets proposed by Biden administration

The Transportation Department wants to require state DOTs and metropolitan planning organizations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from travel on National Highway System roads in their regions. 

By Dan Zukowski • July 8, 2022