Sustainability

The future of the Colorado River hinges on one young negotiator

J.B. Hamby, California’s representative in talks about sharing water from the Colorado River, holds the keys to a quarter of the river’s flow—and its future.

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.

As industry struggles, federal, state offshore wind goals could get tougher to meet

Supply and labor costs are standing in the way of some states' offshore wind development goals.

Communities boost climate resilience by protecting pollinators

More cities are planting native plant-based gardens to slow loss of pollinators, which play a critical role in achieving climate adaptation goals.

Wind power in numbers: Tri-state pact aims to leverage better renewable energy deal

A trio of New England states will collaborate in soliciting and reviewing bids for offshore wind projects. The agreement aims to keep clean energy costs down.

One city’s ‘data conversations’ help confront pressing challenges

Faced with water shortages, Henderson, Nevada, has turned to a data-driven approach to solve it. It’s now rolling out its approach to other departments citywide.

A group of US governors promises to install 20 million heat pumps by 2030

And they want to put at least 40 percent of them in disadvantaged communities.

Program helps manufacturers train workers for an all-electric future

Through the initiative, Minnesota is looking to address a lack of electrification courses designed for employees. The state also believes it will create employment growth in Minnesota.

What Arizona and other drought-ridden states can learn from Israel’s pioneering water strategy

COMMENTARY | Arizona is considering a multibillion-dollar desalination project to address its urgent water needs. Three water experts call for a go-slow approach and point to Israel as a role model.

Mobile homes could be a climate solution. So why don’t they get more respect?

Mobile homes could be a key player in combatting climate change as they can be built or retrofitted with more energy-efficient and climate-friendly features.

Virginia is bailing on a carbon cap-and-invest program. Activists say that might be illegal.

If the state ditches the program, millions of dollars in climate resilience funding could be lost.

Water conservation model built on the Rio Grande may be a template for rest of US

Sen. Martin Heinrich hopes to add a nationwide groundwater conservation program to the Farm Bill.

Ways procurement can push efficiency and sustainability

By wringing more efficiency out of the buying process and building sustainability into statewide contracts, California’s Department of General Services aims to help the state meet its aggressive sustainability goals.

Tech breakthrough could boost states’ use of geothermal power

Backers think geothermal could power as much as 20% of the U.S. grid.

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.

Emission-reduction initiatives prime city and state agencies for federal grants

Robust climate action plans are also helping governments mitigate the financial and human costs of natural disasters.

$90M awarded to update building energy codes

The U.S. Energy Department grants will provide technical assistance for updating state and local building codes to reduce harmful emissions.

How smart software powers water conservation

COMMENTARY | Communities can optimize water usage, minimize waste and promote sustainable practices.