Energy

How one city funds climate resilience, a dollar at a time

With $1 collected from every electric and gas bills each month, Minneapolis plans to weatherize residents’ homes, install rooftop solar on commercial buildings and build electric vehicle charging stations.

Public power is on the ballot in Maine. Will voters take a leap of faith?

The state has a chance to oust unpopular investor-owned utilities—and set a precedent for the rest of the country.

Who should have land-use authority in green energy projects?

Michigan lawmakers are considering legislation that would shift some land-use authorities to the state to streamline renewable energy developments. But local governments and residents fear their voices will get left behind in the race to build green infrastructure.

Fossil fuel workers have the skills to succeed in green jobs, but location is a major barrier to a just transition

COMMENTARY | In a greener future, what becomes of current fossil fuel workers? Despite possessing skills applicable to green industries, their geographical locations will limit their opportunities.

Why some power companies support climate laws, but others don’t

Electric utilities have considerable political juice in state capitols, which a study found they can use to promote or stymie greenhouse gas reduction efforts.

Words matter: Climate messaging needs a reboot

By paying close attention to the vocabulary policymakers use to frame climate issues, they can more effectively build public support for climate mitigation.

States should invest in an ‘all of the above’ climate strategy

COMMENTARY | Rather than tinker around the edges of dealing with climate change, it is time for states to throw everything they have at the issue to stave off further—and permanent—damage.

Feds announce funds for renewable energy facility planning

State and local governments can apply for funds to support the complex decision-making processes around large-scale renewable energy planning, siting and permitting.

How local leaders are getting one hot county to cool down

From emissions reductions to cool roofs, Miami-Dade County is exploring how building efficiency plays a role in the growing heat crisis.

How latest building codes can save energy, cut emissions

Adopting updated energy building codes could help state and local governments improve energy efficiency, boost climate resilience and even save lives.

US power grid faces escalating cyber threats, infrastructure experts warn

The power grid is experiencing heightened threats from foreign adversaries and domestic extremist groups that can pose devastating consequences for the nation’s supply of electricity. 

It’s time for buildings to stop using a third of US energy, some states say

A few states are front-runners in approving efficiency rules for new and old buildings.

Billions in federal funds to make buildings more energy efficient are in jeopardy

A measure passed by House Republicans would claw back money intended to revise building codes in effort to cut energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Offshore Wind in the Midwest? Some Great Lakes Leaders Think So.

The lakes have massive energy potential, but harnessing it will be a big challenge.

In Their Fight Against Big Oil, Cities Turn to Laws That Took Down Mobsters

The use of RICO laws could be the start of a new wave of climate lawsuits and a sign that cities and states are trying to learn from the successes and failures of the tobacco and opioid litigation movements.

LEDs Bring Energy Savings—and Light Pollution

As Washington, D.C., replaces existing streetlights with LEDs to save money and cut energy usage, it is running up against a problem—the streets are now too bright, and it’s impacting people and wildlife.

With Summer Coming Fast, Regulator Warns of Electric Reliability Issues

A huge share of the continent could be in for a summer of electricity shortages in the event of severe, long-lasting heat.

Billions in Loans and Grants to Make Multifamily Homes Energy Efficient

Incentives for green retrofitting often target individual homeowners. A new federal program will fund energy-efficient and climate-resilient upgrades in multifamily homes, which can improve the quality of life of historically underserved populations.

A Roadmap to Achieving 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy

COMMENTARY | A new clean energy procurement trend is gaining momentum in cities racing to meet ambitious climate goals. Here’s how 24/7 carbon-free energy works, how local governments can get started on this approach and where they can look for support.

New York To Ban Fossil Fuels in New Buildings. 23 States Have Forbidden Such Bans.

A partisan rift is widening as states clash over electrification of buildings.