Safe parking programs offer support to people living in their cars

Beyond access to Wi-Fi, sanitation stations and food, the programs can bring stability and community to people experiencing homelessness from San Diego to Duluth, Minnesota.

The key to successfully deploying heat pump water heaters? Funding innovation.

Small grants allow local organizations to test new technologies and approaches, a vital step in scaling climate solutions. 

Climate resilience top of mind for Denver as it plans to revamp landscaping rules

Facing prolonged drought and heat, Denver plans rules that may require native grasses, shrubs and trees in new development and some redevelopment projects.

Transportation equity data available in newly updated US DOT online tool

The tool helps state and local governments prioritize transportation investments that benefit disadvantaged communities. U.S. DOT is seeking feedback on the update.

92% of large NYC buildings meet 2024 carbon emission limits: report

Site energy use in buildings over 25,000 square feet dropped for the fifth year in a row, with 43% of buildings set to meet Local Law 97’s stricter 2030 targets, the Urban Green Council says.

EPA awards more climate justice grants, but ‘overwhelming’ number of applications to review remain

As Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration approaches, the Environmental Protection Agency says it will not have time before then to award more funds under the Community Change grants program.

The 5 most ‘bicycle-friendly’ states

While many states have worked to improve bicyclist safety, more than 1,100 bicyclists died on the road in 2023.

California approves $1.4B to deploy 17,000 EV chargers, hydrogen fueling infrastructure

California has about 152,000 public and shared private chargers installed today, and it expects that number to reach 250,000 in the next few years.

Drone delivery has last-mile potential. This CEO explains how it actually works.

DroneUp works with Walmart to deliver small packages. But delivering in dense urban areas remains a challenge.

5 community-scale geothermal systems to be built with $35M from DOE

The projects will demonstrate how communities can leverage energy underground to decarbonize buildings, the Department of Energy’s Geothermal Technologies Office says.

Updated Dec. 18, 2024

How 5 states are innovating SNAP

From produce-buying incentives to in-app discounts, new pilots and programs aim to help people stretch funds from the nation’s largest anti-hunger program.

GM shuts troubled Cruise robotaxi unit

General Motors will halt further development of robotaxis, with its CEO citing high capital costs and billions invested in a non-core business.

Housing policies must improve to meet older adults’ needs, AARP says

Rising costs and limited options challenge adults age 50 and older who want to stay in their current homes and communities as they age, according to recent AARP survey results.

Stepping up to achieve local climate progress despite federal headwinds

As a second Trump administration takes office, state and local action will be among the most effective means of continuing the momentum for clean energy deployment and cost reductions.

A Michigan city’s ‘sustainable energy utility’ got the green light from voters. What now?

By creating a supplemental utility that will focus on scaling up rooftop solar, battery storage and microgrids, Ann Arbor, Michigan, is taking its clean energy future into its own hands.

Lowest-income households face highest transportation cost burden: federal report

Motor vehicle costs, including purchase, insurance, fuel and maintenance, eat up the largest amount of transportation costs across all U.S. households. 

Biden administration releases $849M to fix aging water infrastructure in the West

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding will help boost drought resilience via 77 projects in 11 states.

These states have gaps in traffic safety laws, advocates say

Stronger seat belt and distracted driving laws, coupled with automated red light and speed enforcement, are recommended by Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.

Federally assisted affordable housing faces preservation risks, report warns

Major investments in public housing and reforms to the oversubscribed Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program are needed to preserve this crucial housing stock, say affordable housing experts.

Rivian to open its charging network to all EV drivers

The move follows Tesla’s decision to open its Superchargers to other automakers to improve public access and promote EV adoption.

New York City makes sweeping zoning changes to address housing crisis

The plan approved Thursday creates the nation’s most populous area without parking mandates for new residential construction. It also eases office-to-residential conversions and allows more density.

Waymo to begin robotaxi service in Miami next year

The company also plans to add autonomous ride-hailing operations in Atlanta and Austin, Texas, building upon current services in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

The US cities where central business district office vacancy rates are low

Labor, transportation infrastructure and employee experience are among the factors driving downtown office site selection, experts say.

Aggressive driving, speeding, distractions kill thousands, AAA says

Drivers acknowledge that certain driving behaviors are dangerous but continue to engage in them, according to a report the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety issued today.

To tackle housing affordability challenges, Ohio local governments take regional approach

A new coalition will focus on “breaking down siloes and maximizing resources,” according to the city of Columbus, Ohio, one of the local governments involved in the entity.