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

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

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

‘We have got to do something’: Cities behind on climate goals as extreme weather worsens

Funding, staffing shortfalls and a lack of buy-in from city workers are impeding progress, a Bloomberg Associates report states.

By Danielle McLean • July 27, 2021

Optimizing the citizen experience with interactive portals and one-door entry policies

IT leaders are rethinking citizen communications as the pandemic has led constituents to use hundreds of services online.

By Joseph Flynn • July 23, 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

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

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

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

Five municipalities selected for lead pipe replacement program

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.Five munic...

By Michelle Havich • July 13, 2021

Cloud is a key tool to take municipalities into the post-COVID future

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.Nobody cou...

By William Sanders • July 12, 2021

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 9, 2021

Streets of the post-pandemic future: Retrofitting city streets for 21st century needs

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.Since the ...

By Kate Calabra, Chris Hall • July 7, 2021

Skagit PUD completes energy recovery project in Mount Vernon, Wash.

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.Under the ...

By Andy Castillo • July 1, 2021

Pandemic lessons: Improving your municipality’s continuity and coordination of services after COVID

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.As COVID r...

By Celeste Frye • June 30, 2021

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

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

How local governments can improve bridge projects through strategic engagement

The United States is home to more than 46,000 structurally deficient bridges, according to the latest infrastructure report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers. Two out of five bridges are at least 50 years old.

By Michael Fitzpatrick, Jimmy Vincent • June 14, 2021

NLC releases State of Cities 2021 report

The National League of Cities (NLC) has released its State of Cities 2021 report, an annual analysis of priorities of more than 600 urban core, rural, suburban and exurban mayors.

By Michelle Havich • June 11, 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 4, 2021

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 2, 2021

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 1, 2021