When considering municipal wastewater treatment upgrades, cast a wide net

Expanding the breadth of available wastewater treatment options to include nontraditional and advanced technologies can net solutions which better match the unique conditions of individual communities and projects.

By Dennis F. Hallahan, Donald Prince • May 19, 2021

Chicago explores alternative electricity provider to support equitable climate goals

The city is exploring its electric utility agreement for the first time in 30 years, aiming to support its new clean electricity and carbon reduction goals, Chicago's chief sustainability officer said.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 11, 2021

NREL app expected to significantly speed up US residential solar permitting

A new app designed by NREL will address a key concern among solar contractors with near-instantaneous permit decisions for residential installations in the majority of U.S. jurisdictions.

By Emma Penrod • May 10, 2021

The power of local government: How cities and counties can solve our nation’s infrastructure crisis

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.Every four...

By Josh Mallamud • May 7, 2021

LEED-certified federal buildings aren’t using less energy: study

Despite being "one of the most sought-after" green building certifications, Carnegie Mellon researchers found that LEED has "no effect" on the average energy consumption of federally-owned buildings.

By Robert Walton • May 5, 2021

Tesla’s Musk admits ‘significant mistakes’ with solar roof project

Following customer complaints of increased installation costs, the company said it will sell home solar and storage together to streamline installations. 

By Jason Plautz • April 29, 2021

Cleantech incubator part of Houston’s goal to be ‘energy transition capital’

One year after the city unveiled its Climate Action Plan, the incubator said it has 30 startups ready to move into its 40,000-square-foot Greentown Labs space.

By Chris Teale • April 23, 2021

Biden pledges to halve US carbon emissions by 2030

The United States will work to cut greenhouse gas emissions 50-52% by 2030, relative to 2005 levels, sending clear signals to business and world leaders. 

By Robert Walton • April 22, 2021

An opportunity for infrastructure that cities and industry can achieve

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.A few mont...

By Brie Sachse • April 22, 2021

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

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