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

When considering municipal wastewater treatment upgrades, cast a wide net

Expanding the breadth of available wastewater treatment options to include nontraditional and advanced technologies can net solutions which better match the unique conditions of individual communities and projects.

By Dennis F. Hallahan, Donald Prince • May 19, 2021

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

The power of local government: How cities and counties can solve our nation’s infrastructure crisis

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.Every four...

By Josh Mallamud • May 7, 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 5, 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

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

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

An opportunity for infrastructure that cities and industry can achieve

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.A few mont...

By Brie Sachse • April 22, 2021

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

Sacramento to transform historic train station into people-first mobility hub

The city council approved the 31-acre Sacramento Valley Station Area plan, which will prioritize people over cars and is designed to be one of the state's most sustainable public places.  

By Cailin Crowe • April 19, 2021

Biden’s infrastructure plan goes big on EVs, but his first budget starts small, analysts say

The Biden administration's infrastructure plan includes $174 billion to electrify transportation, though the FY22 budget request starts cautiously.

By Robert Walton • April 15, 2021

Few states taking steps for equitable EV infrastructure investment, report cautions

Benefits of the shift to electric transportation could be constrained to higher-income populations without the right policies, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy lays out.

By Robert Walton • April 12, 2021

US building codes need a major retrofit to meet climate goals and spare consumers

The International Code Council, which recently rolled back local governments' say in energy efficiency regulations for buildings, needs to adapt to the times or step aside, writes Energy Innovation's Sara Baldwin.

By Sara Baldwin • April 7, 2021

Local governments set record for new renewable energy procurement in 2020, groups report

Transactions last year grew renewable capacity 23% from 2019's totals, according to World Resources Institute and Rocky Mountain Institute data.

By Chris Teale • April 5, 2021