Climate & Resilience: Page 10
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9 states pledge to accelerate zero-emission heat pump sales
The pledge sends a clear market signal, said the senior policy advisor for an association of Northeastern state air quality agencies.
By Ysabelle Kempe • Feb. 7, 2024 -
Neighborhood-scale building decarbonization: 2 approaches
Relying on the replacement of one appliance at a time isn’t enough to meet federal and state climate goals, said the Building Decarbonization Coalition’s executive director.
By Ysabelle Kempe • Feb. 6, 2024 -
Trendline
Top 5 stories from Smart Cities Dive
From worsening climate change to a shifting transportation landscape and the housing affordability crisis, cities have their work cut out for them.
By Smart Cities Dive staff -
ASHRAE, ICC unveil draft standard for GHG emission assessment in buildings
The proposed Standard 240P intends to provide a common platform to measure and report greenhouse gas emissions of buildings, the organizations say.
By Nish Amarnath • Feb. 5, 2024 -
California storms sever Amtrak, commuter rail line once again
Coastal erosion continues to threaten the Los Angeles-San Diego route. Authorities can’t say when it will reopen for passenger service.
By Dan Zukowski • Feb. 5, 2024 -
Q&A
Parks need money. These researchers have some ideas about where to get it.
Selling fallen trees, turning pool houses into year-round spas, and asking hotel guests to donate are among the ideas outlined in a new report by the Center for an Urban Future.
By Ysabelle Kempe • Feb. 2, 2024 -
FEMA to help communities pay for net-zero energy projects post-disaster
Communities can now leverage the agency’s grant programs to install solar microgrids, heat pumps and passive cooling when rebuilding schools, hospitals, fire stations and other infrastructure in disaster’s wake.
By Ysabelle Kempe • Feb. 1, 2024 -
US cities’ outlook for 2024
Cities are pushing ahead on innovative bids to build more sustainable, safe and equitable communities, but many of the roadblocks they face likely aren't going anywhere.
By Smart Cities Dive staff • Jan. 31, 2024 -
Extreme heat watch: Will cities be ready for summer 2024?
This year could be even hotter than last year’s record-breaker, some scientists say. Cities are using the winter to prepare.
By Ysabelle Kempe • Jan. 31, 2024 -
Where composting and food waste projects got $11.5M from USDA
The grants will enhance access to organics drop-off sites in several areas and build on existing capacity in dozens of localities nationwide.
By Jacob Wallace • Jan. 31, 2024 -
FHWA offers $729M for storm-damaged infrastructure
The funds will help states rebuild roads and bridges following natural disasters and extreme weather.
By Julie Strupp • Jan. 30, 2024 -
Zero-waste advocates see opportunity in EPA’s $4.6B GHG reduction grants
The U.S. EPA is offering funding for states, municipalities and tribes to implement major climate projects, with local plans due by March 1.
By Megan Quinn • Jan. 26, 2024 -
NOAA releases high-resolution land cover data to boost coastal climate resilience efforts
The new data is 900 times more detailed than what the agency previously provided. Local leaders have asked for such data for years, but it is often prohibitively expensive, NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad said.
By Ysabelle Kempe • Jan. 26, 2024 -
Connecticut beefs up energy storage incentives to meet 1 GW goal by 2030
Residential customers can get as much as $16,000 in upfront incentives — up from the previous maximum of $7,500.
By Kavya Balaraman • Jan. 25, 2024 -
Public pensions in liberal-leaning states falling short on addressing climate risk: report
Failing to curb climate-related financial risk “puts the hard-earned savings of millions of Americans at risk,” the Sierra Club said of its report findings.
By Zoya Mirza • Jan. 25, 2024 -
Chicago mayor proposes natural gas ban in new buildings
This marks the first time the city has introduced a building decarbonization ordinance, a city employee said. The proposal drew swift backlash from the local gas industry.
By Ysabelle Kempe • Jan. 25, 2024 -
Google’s top AI tools for cities in 2024
Tools that identify disaster risks and aim to reduce vehicle emissions were among those a top Google executive highlighted at the U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting last week.
By Paige Gross • Jan. 23, 2024 -
ASHRAE updates energy efficiency standard for existing buildings
The 2024 edition of Standard 100 contains new metrics for setting emissions targets and a “simple” compliance mechanism for energy-efficient and low-emission buildings.
By Joe Burns • Jan. 22, 2024 -
More heavy rainfall, flooding prompt NYC to create innovation working groups
Stakeholders will meet for six months to inform existing efforts and come up with new ideas as the city faces a comptroller investigation into its heavy rainfall management.
By Ysabelle Kempe • Jan. 22, 2024 -
Robot worms, lasers, drones and AI: How the DOE wants to move the US power grid underground
The U.S. Department of Energy on Tuesday announced $34 million in funding to explore novel approaches to undergrounding power lines to increase resiliency.
By Robert Walton • Jan. 19, 2024 -
FEMA overhauls disaster aid to help survivors recover faster
The reforms announced Friday mark the most significant update to survivor assistance in 20 years, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said. However, “implementation will be key,” one expert said.
By Ysabelle Kempe • Jan. 19, 2024 -
Bag bans’ environmental impact mixed in recent studies
A multi-site study says state and local bans have effectively reduced plastic waste. A separate analysis of New Jersey’s policy found higher polypropylene consumption and carbon emissions linked to alternative bag uptake.
By Maria Rachal • Jan. 18, 2024 -
Q&A
What’s next for mobility innovation? This venture capitalist has some ideas.
Nicole LeBlanc, a partner at Toyota’s investment arm, Woven Capital, is optimistic about the talent and innovation coming to cities.
By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 18, 2024 -
6 trends that could shape US cities in 2024
Cities will contend with a shifting transportation picture, increased urgency to act on climate change, and innovative policies and technologies to address longstanding concerns.
By Ysabelle Kempe , Dan Zukowski , Rachel H. Pollack • Jan. 17, 2024 -
New York solid waste plan aims to boost recycling, lower emissions
The road map calls for a fee to discourage materials generators from landfilling or combustion, with proceeds going to municipalities to implement their solid waste plans.
By Jacob Wallace • Jan. 17, 2024 -
US greenhouse gas emissions fell in 2023, despite economic growth: Rhodium
Preliminary estimates show emissions are now 17.2% below pre-2005 levels, but the emissions reduction rate needs to more than triple to reach Paris Agreement goals.
By Lamar Johnson • Jan. 16, 2024