Philadelphia sets path to reduce GHG emissions 80% by 2050

Among other steps are an initiative to install more rooftop solar on buildings and incentivizing more efficient thermal systems for buildings.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 24, 2018

19 mayors commit to make all buildings net-zero carbon by 2050

The declaration precedes the Global Climate Action Summit, where leaders from around the world will be encouraged to collaborate on strategies for decreasing GHG emissions.

By Kristin Musulin • Aug. 24, 2018

35 California mayors sign on to support 100% EV state transit proposal

As a national leader in the deployment of electric buses, California regulators are proposing to transition the state's entire transit fleet to EV by 2040.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 23, 2018

Smart meter readings are a valid ‘warrantless search,’ court rules

Smart meter opponents challenged the public utility of Naperville, IL, over its data collection, which the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit deemed as warrantless, but not unreasonable.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 22, 2018

EPA moves to replace Clean Power Plan with modest carbon regulations

The proposed Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule would require minor efficiency improvements at some coal plants and give states more latitude to set their own emissions standards.

By Gavin Bade • Updated Aug. 21, 2018

Chicago installs 76K LED streetlights in first year of upgrade program

The LEDs are expected to cut streetlight electricity use by 50-75%, part of a four-year modernization plan that entails replacing 270,000 lights by 2021.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 21, 2018

Verizon, Nokia complete successful test of 5G in moving car

The companies successfully and seamlessly transmitted a signal between two radio sectors to a receiver at Verizon's Murray Hill, NJ, headquarters.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 21, 2018

Exelon Innovation Expo highlights power of ‘employing your brain’

Utilities and cities must not be afraid to fail, speakers said, because the rewards of a new idea working well are high and can benefit the whole community.

By Chris Teale , Sean Gibbons • Aug. 17, 2018

California moves to preserve vehicle standards in face of EPA rollback

State air regulators on Tuesday released a plan that would keep tougher emissions rules in place for California if the Trump administration moves to weaken federal standards. 

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 9, 2018

Report: DOE, DHS planning new grid cybersecurity exercise this fall

The Liberty Eclipse exercise will focus on blackstart capabilities and the intersection of the natural gas and electric power sectors, E&E News reports. 

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 7, 2018

Anchorage fortifies its computer systems as hackers attack neighboring municipalities

A potent cyber attack is spreading through local Alaskan governments, but the state’s biggest municipality is determined not to fall victim to it.

By Jason Axelrod • Aug. 6, 2018

Mayors condemn EPA’s proposed freeze on auto emissions standards

The Climate Mayors coalition said the plan is an "unprecedented attack on both the environment and states' rights" and pledged to do more to combat climate change.

By Chris Teale • Aug. 3, 2018

EPA proposes to freeze auto emission standards, revoke California EV rules

The move could be met with opposition from utilities, which support pro-EV policies, but the EPA administrator said he is open to compromise with California.

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 2, 2018

The students bringing smart city concepts to life with ‘unconstrained creativity’

At NYU's 2018 Science of Smart Cities program, founder Ben Esner lauded students' efforts to build innovations like climate-measuring drones and smart bridge technology.

By Kristin Musulin • Aug. 2, 2018

The shift to renewables can’t wait until 2035

Cities and universities play an important role in reducing carbon emissions through sustainable energy practices. But many are baking unreasonable timelines into their plans for carbon neutrality.

By Bryce Smith • July 27, 2018

How vulnerable is the grid to cyberattacks, really?

Experts say a recent DHS briefing that warned hackers could cause widespread blackouts may have overstated the threat.  

By Gavin Bade • July 27, 2018

Report: Trump will move to rescind California vehicle emission, EV rules

The move could be met with opposition from utilities, which have stepped up their support for electric vehicles in the past year.

By Gavin Bade • July 24, 2018

New York utilities outline ‘transformative’ uses for blockchain

The four utilities will research blockchain and learn from other industries as the technology evolves, with the ultimate goal of drawing up a joint proof-of-concept and testing their findings.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 23, 2018

NRDC urges cities, states to commit to pollution cuts in transportation

A new report says jurisdictions should use more electric vehicles in transit and build more affordable housing near stations.

By Chris Teale • July 20, 2018

Rise of net zero energy homes could boost utility-led community solar

Modeling of new energy-efficient home developments found community solar offers system advantages not available from rooftop solar.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 20, 2018

Toronto issues first green bond, joins food waste initiative

The two announcements fit into the city's ambitious sustainability goals to reduce GHG emissions to 30% below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% by 2050.

By Jason Plautz • July 20, 2018

ACEEE: Rural households pay 40% more on energy than urban counterparts

Report authors emphasize the need for utilities and governments to extend incentive programs to more residents and ensure that more households can take advantage of retrofit opportunities.

By Jason Plautz • July 19, 2018

Cities, businesses join international push to promote EVs

The Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Challenge from The Climate Group and C40 Cities seeks to build more purchasing and lobbying power around electric cars.

By Jason Plautz • July 18, 2018

Report details ‘bottom-up’ climate strategies for cities, states

The America’s Pledge report covers 10 opportunities for climate action, including expanding renewable energy and accelerating retirement of coal power.

By Jason Plautz • July 18, 2018

DC considering 100% renewable by 2032, but no carbon tax

A new measure could require 100% renewable energy, but some advocates are disappointed that the bill did not require a carbon tax.

By Robert Walton • July 16, 2018