Dozens of lawmakers press Biden to prioritize appliance efficiency standard updates

There were 28 standards in need of review when President Joe Biden took office, and more deadlines are approaching. "The scale of the rulemaking task ahead is challenging," warned more than 50 lawmakers.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 17, 2022

Louisville eyes forming public electric utility to meet climate goals

Its goal of achieving 100% clean energy communitywide by 2040 does not match the decarbonization plans of its current energy provider, leading the city to look for alternatives.

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 11, 2022

Explore the Trendline➔

Energy Codes and Building Performance Standards

Cities are using these levers to meet climate goals and address everything from data centers to building decarbonization.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

States must develop EV infrastructure plans to access $5B in federal funding: DOE, DOT

Federal officials on Thursday unveiled the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program that will make $615 million available to states in fiscal year 2022. 

By Robert Walton • Feb. 10, 2022

The number of natural gas customers will continue to rise, even as US decarbonizes: AGA report

While some cities have banned new gas hookups, efficient gas appliances are one key to ensuring an equitable transition to a net-zero carbon economy, according to the American Gas Association.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 9, 2022

Electric truck deployments could jump tenfold as interest surges, study says

Zero-emission truck deployments are heavily concentrated in California, New York and Texas. 

By Jim Stinson • Feb. 8, 2022

Four strategies for municipalities of all sizes to impact environmental change

Municipal leaders across the United States are eager to step up and tackle environmental issues in their communities—contributing to a greener, cleaner country at large.

By Celeste Frye • Feb. 1, 2022

Turning ambitious decarbonization goals into reality requires an integrated approach

The truth is that establishing aggressive decarbonization targets is the easy part for city leaders. Far more challenging is setting the policies, strategies, budgets and responsibilities needed to make steady progress toward deep decarbonization.

Jan. 31, 2022

Building smart cities and counties with the Infrastructure Act

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.The “smart...

By Mike Hernon • Jan. 28, 2022

Predictions for local governments in 2022: Resiliency and sustainability

We are all aware that 2021 was a challenging year for communities around the country, and while some of these challenges linger, the new year presents an opportunity for local governments to drive community-wide improvements that will optimize buildings, public spaces, utilities and more to create healthy, thriving environments in 2022.

By Lisa Brown • Jan. 27, 2022

8 trends shaping cities in 2022

Cities continue to confront challenges surrounding the pandemic, the climate crisis, rising inequality and public safety this year.

By Cailin Crowe, Danielle McLean, Maria Rachal, Dan Zukowski and Jason Plautz • Jan. 26, 2022

Resiliency remains key as electric sector becomes ‘tip of the spear’ for decarbonization, trade group leaders say

The industry is facing new and old issues in 2022, according to experts at the U.S. Energy Association’s 2022 State of the Energy Industry Forum, including supply chain, labor, cybersecurity and reliability challenges.

By Kavya Balaraman • Jan. 25, 2022

White House forms coalition with local governments to pursue building performance policies

In a federal show of support for locally led decarbonization and retrofitting efforts, the coalition will cover nearly 20% of the U.S. building footprint and aims to advance legislation or regulation over the next two years.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 24, 2022

DOE, DOT scramble to hire ‘Energy Corps,’ roll out EV charging network

The first chargers in a $7.5 billion national network could be deployed this year. The federal government is hiring thousands of new employees to support it and other clean energy programs.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 24, 2022

Creative financing needed to boost EV charging infrastructure: DOE

As the White House aims to roll out a network of 500,000 EV chargers, a speaker at the National EV Charging Summit said public dollars alone can't meet Biden's 2030 goal for half of passengers vehicle sales to be EVs. 

By Jason Plautz • Jan. 21, 2022

How payment technology can save your municipality money

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.Across the...

By Bruce Gaskill • Jan. 20, 2022

Accountable yet feeling powerless: Report highlights challenges mayors face in addressing homelessness

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.Homelessne...

By Andy Castillo • Jan. 19, 2022

North Carolina sets goal to sell 50% zero-emission vehicles by 2030

An executive order released Friday by Gov. Roy Cooper expands the state's climate ambitions with new goals for zero-emission transportation and workforce equity.

By Emma Penrod • Jan. 11, 2022

The road ahead: How legacy auto brands will level the EV playing field in 2022

After setting the stage at CES with lofty product announcements, carmakers will focus on value, range and brand heritage to close the gap with disrupters like Tesla.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 5, 2022

12 predictions about the trends that will shape smart cities in 2022

As local leaders continue to adapt to the tremendous changes that the past year brought, industry players share how they anticipate cities will evolve.

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 5, 2022

Q&A’s from 2021 that spotlight 13 smart cities voices

Revisit the year's one-on-one conversations, including with tech and climate leaders in Honolulu, Phoenix and San Diego and with execs at Revel, Veo and Drop Mobility.

Dec. 23, 2021

NYC’s new gas ban highlights market growth needs for building electrification

Outgoing Mayor Bill de Blasio signed the climate legislation in his final days in office, but work to expand awareness, market development and worker training remains.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 22, 2021

Biden order on emissions-free power, EVs sends market signals, experts say

As part of the effort, the federal government — the largest U.S. energy consumer — would get half of its power from 24/7 emissions-free sources by 2030.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 10, 2021

Major US utilities plan nationwide charging network, anticipating 22M EVs by 2030

Within a decade, more than 100,000 fast-charging stations will be needed to support the adoption of electric vehicles, according to the Edison Electric Institute. But some areas face significant barriers to growth, experts say.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 9, 2021

Tesla solar roof fires subject of SEC, Consumer Product Safety Commission investigations

A former Tesla employee accused the company of failing to disclose safety risks from solar panels. 

By Jason Plautz • Dec. 8, 2021

Genesee County and Plug Power break ground on largest green hydrogen plant in North America

Genesee County and Plug Power break ground on largest green hydrogen plant in North America

By Michelle Havich • Nov. 11, 2021