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

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

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

How cities are reclaiming street parking spaces for public use

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.Cornelius ...

By Jeremy Zuker • March 31, 2021

Grand Rapids offers free Wi-Fi access to the public in 10 parks

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.Thanks to ...

By Michelle Havich • March 30, 2021

As EV economics improve, medium- and heavy-duty trucking may be ‘next big frontier’ for clean transportation

Heavy-duty trucks represent just 5% of vehicles on the road, but experts say they account for more than a quarter of overall U.S. transportation emissions.

By Robert Walton • March 26, 2021

New coalition calls on Biden admin to prioritize electrified transportation

CHARGE, a group of 37 organizations, is urging EV charging infrastructure be especially deployed in communities traditionally underserved by transportation or that have struggled with pollution burdens.

By Chris Teale • March 25, 2021

Climate-driven water infrastructure failures risk becoming ‘business as usual’

Monday's World Water Day comes one month after extreme weather wreaked havoc on Texas' water supply, an event that experts warn could become the new normal if leaders fail to invest in resiliency. 

By Chris Teale • March 22, 2021

Arizona utility opposes legislation barring state regulators from decarbonization mandate

As with many other states, Arizona is embroiled in a debate about the extent of regulators' authority when it comes to decarbonization. 

By Emma Penrod • March 17, 2021

San Antonio power provider sues ERCOT, citing ‘unlawful’ pricing

Mayor Ron Nirenburg gave the city's full support for the suit against the Texas grid operator, saying "state regulators are presiding over one of the largest illegal transfers of wealth" in state history.

By Catherine Morehouse • March 16, 2021

American cities are revitalizing public greenspace through fitness

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.Lisa Rudlo...

By Sean O’Keefe • March 15, 2021

Municipal commitments to renewable energy drive prosperity

Funding opportunities for cities that drive clean energy and electric vehicle adoption are expected in the near future, along with expanded programming from federal agencies that drive the clean energy transition.

By Zach McGuire • March 12, 2021

DOE to spend billions on electric vehicle R&D in jobs fight with China

President Biden's administration is tackling transportation electrification in part to prevent China from cornering a $23 trillion market in carbon-reducing tech, according to Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm. 

By Robert Walton • March 11, 2021

House Democrats clear pathway to 100% clean energy by 2035

The bill would require economy-wide net-zero emissions by 2050, targeting transportation electrification, environmental justice and building efficiency. 

By Catherine Morehouse • March 3, 2021

2020 Crown Communities winner: Phases 2 and 3 of Minot, N.D.’s Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Plan

2020 Crown Communities winner: Phases 2 and 3 of Minot, N.D.’s Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Plan

By Jason Axelrod • March 2, 2021

2020 Crown Communities winner: Rock Hill, S.C.’s My Ride

2020 Crown Communities winner: Rock Hill, S.C.’s My Ride

By Jason Axelrod • Feb. 26, 2021

How small cities are tackling lead service line replacement

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.“We move H...

By Maureen Cunningham, Olya Egorov • Feb. 25, 2021

USPS to continue purchasing gas vehicles, despite Biden all-electric pledge

The postal service says the procurement allows for flexibility, and hinted at the ability to "retrofit" some vehicles. But EV advocates say "this will lock USPS into an outdated technology for many years."

By Robert Walton • Feb. 25, 2021

Six tips for making sure your dispatch is doing all the right moves

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.Planning, ...

By Talmage Wagstaff • Feb. 24, 2021

Climate leaders go ‘all in’ to halve emissions by 2030

The new "America Is All In" coalition of U.S. communities, businesses and institutions, has pledged to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 with support from the federal government. 

By Chris Teale • Feb. 22, 2021

The power of teamwork: Procurement teams take the lead on cooperative contracts

his article originally appeared in the Q4 issue of Government Procurement.

By Michael Keating • Feb. 20, 2021