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

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

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

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

Switching to efficient electric heat pumps and appliances could save Oregon $1.1B through 2050, study finds

In Portland, for instance, households that electrify could save $161 a year on energy compared to homes that burn gas. Meanwhile, the city of Eugene is pursuing a local policy to wean developers off natural gas in new construction.

By Kavya Balaraman • July 6, 2022

Seattle residents can request an EV charger on their street

By installing EV chargers on utility poles and freestanding structures, Seattle aims to meet the charging needs of residents in multifamily housing or others who don’t have garages, carports, or driveways.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 29, 2022

General Motors aims to make EV charging accessible to apartment residents

Working with cities, states and local GM dealers, the automaker wants to solve the challenge of charging access for those who live in multifamily dwellings, its EV charging analyst explains.

By Dan Zukowski • June 28, 2022

Carpooling's solution to rising gas prices

Commuters that carpool to work can offset the mounting costs of increased gas prices while helping the environment.

June 21, 2022

California needs to triple historical decarbonization rates to meet 2030 carbon target, report finds

“The key takeaway is that California is leaving beneficial, earlier action on the table,” said Chris Busch, research director with Energy Innovation and primary author of the report. 

By Kavya Balaraman • June 17, 2022

DOT proposes rules for national EV charging network, including 97% uptime and 150 kW requirements

The proposal, which requires fast-charging stations to offer a standard plug and at least four charging ports, would apply to projects funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program.

By Robert Walton • June 10, 2022

All signs point to a 'growing appetite' for digital twins: report

Implementation is expected to increase 36% over the next five years, according to a Capgemini Research Institute report. But one smart city expert cautions city leaders against falling for the technology's "hype.”

By Cailin Crowe • June 8, 2022

Inside Ithaca's plan to electrify 6,000 buildings and grow a regional green workforce using private equity funds

The city has mustered $105 million in private funds to support low-cost loans for businesses and residents to install heat pumps.

By Robert Walton • June 3, 2022

Austin's new chief resiliency officer talks equipping communities in face of extreme weather, violence, injustice

Former Houston official Laura Patiño talks about lessons learned from Winter Storm Uri, the push to enact "resilience hubs" and the potential for a national chief resilience officer. 

By Maria Rachal • May 31, 2022