Boston aims to eliminate fossil fuels in new buildings

The city’s chance to set new building standards comes from the climate bill the Massachusetts governor signed last week, which extends that opportunity to 10 municipalities in the state. 

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 17, 2022

Support for housing efficiency upgrades, urban parks, drought resilience poised to become law

With the House sending the Inflation Reduction Act to the president’s desk, some climate leaders say the onus will shift to local governments to execute on key initiatives.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 15, 2022

Chicago commits to 100% renewable energy at city facilities by 2025

The clean energy agreement “helps build the market” while encouraging smaller cities and municipalities “to make similar commitments,” said a senior attorney at the Environmental Law & Policy Center.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 15, 2022

New York public housing is poised for electric heating and cooling upgrades from a California startup

Vince Romanin, the CEO of Gradient, discusses the market for heat pumps and a New York City Housing Authority contract to rethink HVAC for residents vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 10, 2022

EV adoption might be hindered by DMV fees: report

Some of the same states that incentivize EV purchases charge additional fees to EV owners, but they could restructure those fees to align with emissions goals, according to a July RMI report.

By Dan Zukowski • Aug. 10, 2022

Mayors and city leaders voice support for Inflation Reduction Act

The bill, which passed the Senate on Sunday, represents the largest climate investment in U.S. history and has garnered support from cities seeking to lower greenhouse gas emissions and boost resilience.

By Danielle McLean • Aug. 9, 2022

Building performance standards momentum slowly grows in the wake of White House efforts

A Maryland county’s policy represents one of the only major updates so far, but more localities have said they’ll pursue standards. Funds in the Inflation Reduction Act could provide new incentives to decarbonize buildings.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 8, 2022

MCE: The power of an equitable energy future

Learn how MCE, a Bay Area clean electricity provider, is creating an equitable clean energy future.

Aug. 8, 2022

Together, EVs, AVs and multimodal transportation will create more vibrant cities

Gas stations, subway stations, parking garages and roads are among the city features we can reimagine as new mobility technologies change how we get from point A to point B, writes a leading exec at Gensler.

By Andy Cohen • Aug. 5, 2022

Electric heat pumps will be the cheapest clean option to heat most US homes by 2030: ACEEE

To advance the transition to carbon-free heating, a report calls for additional research and development, incentives and grants to support installation, minimum efficiency standards for heating equipment, and other policies.

By Robert Walton • July 28, 2022

National EV charging network needs private investment incentives, retailers say

The federal government is preparing to disburse $5 billion to states for the development of a national electric vehicle charging network, but retailers say policies must change to incentivize private investment.

By Robert Walton • July 27, 2022

To address its climate emergency, Portland, Oregon, lays out a 43-step plan

Creating resilience hubs and replacing petroleum diesel at the pump are among the top actions city officials intend to pursue in the coming years after declaring a climate emergency in 2020. 

By Maria Rachal • July 26, 2022

Massachusetts passes ‘landmark’ climate bill to decarbonize buildings, transportation

The bill in part requires annual energy usage reports from buildings 20,000 square feet or larger and creates a pilot for 10 municipalities to offer fossil fuel-free home renovations, targeting affordable housing and multifamily housing.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 25, 2022

No city is immune to extreme weather

As severe weather events become more frequent, government leaders put disaster relief plans in place.

July 25, 2022

The power of a clean energy economy

Learn how MCE, a Bay Area clean electricity provider, is building a clean energy workforce.

July 25, 2022

New York City expands role in ConEd demand response program amid second week of stifling temperatures

The city’s increased participation can reduce peak energy demand by 115 MW, officials said. 

By Robert Walton • July 21, 2022

USPS to purchase 40% electric vehicles, expanding previous commitments

A previous decision to purchase 10% electric vehicles as part of an update to its aging delivery fleet led to pushback, scrutiny and lawsuits.

By Robert Walton • July 21, 2022

AECOM selected by Arizona DOT to develop EV charging station plan

The statewide initiative is funded through the federal infrastructure act.

By Julie Strupp • July 19, 2022

Deadline approaches for states to access National EV Infrastructure program funds

The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation recently received the first state plan. “We've really been there to try to be as much of a resource as possible,” said Deputy Director Rachael Nealer.

By Dan Zukowski • July 18, 2022

DOE awards weatherization, efficiency funding to address ‘critical gap’ in federal assistance

Experts say about half of low-income households struggle to pay their power bill, and expansion of the federal government’s Weatherization Assistance Program can help lower energy burdens.

By Robert Walton • July 15, 2022

Extension of EV tax credits in jeopardy after Manchin says he won’t support climate spending

As many cities prepare to support more electric vehicles on the street, any extension to the expiring federal tax credits to help consumers purchase EVs appears doomed given opposition from the West Virginia senator.

By Dan Zukowski • July 15, 2022

Electric vehicle sales hit new record in Q2

The market share for electric vehicles nearly doubled year over year despite supply shortages and high prices, according to data released by Cox Automotive.

By Dan Zukowski • July 14, 2022

EV tax credits begin to phase out as more consumers look to electric vehicles to avoid high gas prices

Negotiations continue in Congress to rescue electric vehicle incentives and overcome opposition from Sen. Joe Manchin.

By Dan Zukowski • July 14, 2022

Texas energy retailer launches electric vehicle leasing business

Utilities across the country are working to enable the electric vehicle transition, but Octopus Energy says its new leasing and “smart charging” plan is unique.

By Robert Walton • July 11, 2022

Interest in EVs has grown substantially, survey shows

A Consumer Reports survey shows 14% of consumers would buy or lease an electric vehicle if shopping today, but high purchase costs and low awareness of incentives remain barriers.

By Dan Zukowski • July 7, 2022