US could derail decarbonization without equitable policies: report

Decarbonization is technically and financially feasible, but government must ensure the coming economic transition is just and fair to all, experts said.

By Emma Penrod • Feb. 4, 2021

As GM gives 'huge' boost to EVs, states vary in advancing supportive policies

Washington lawmakers are considering legislation to ban the sale of internal combustion light duty vehicles by 2030, and others are setting 2035 goals.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 3, 2021

Seattle mayor approves updated energy code

Mayor Jenny Durkan signed the updates into law, dubbing the city's building energy code as "among the strongest in the nation."

By Kristin Musulin • Updated Feb. 12, 2021

Houston, Uber and BP partner to aid EV transition for drivers

The trio will explore the deployment of BP's rapid charging electric vehicle (EV) stations throughout Houston, aiming to support the city's EV adoption goals and plans for an equitable charging network.

By Cailin Crowe • Feb. 2, 2021

Boston kicks off community choice electricity program, aiming to surpass state's renewables requirement

Starting Monday, the Massachusetts capital becomes a key East Coast adopter of a locally-driven utility model championed in major California and Ohio cities — its latest effort toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Feb. 2, 2021

Fleet electrification can have 'outsized influence' on EV adoption: RMI

Electrification will require a fundamental business restructuring, but if executed poorly "can be a series of very costly errors," according to a new report from Rocky Mountain Institute. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 25, 2021

Biden's Day One actions signal hope for climate, energy sectors

President Joe Biden marked his first day in office by taking steps to rejoin the Paris climate accord, along with signing a flurry of executive orders.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 21, 2021

Honolulu's resilience officer outlines path to carbon neutrality

Chief Resilience Officer Matthew Gonser discussed Honolulu's first Climate Action Plan and the creative way local leaders tackled tough climate conversations with local residents. 

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 21, 2021

Following Google's footsteps, Des Moines pledges 24/7 clean electricity by 2035

The city's resolution may make Des Moines one of the first U.S. communities to achieve 24/7 carbon-free electricity.

By Emma Penrod • Jan. 15, 2021

Biden advisor: US 'lost critical time' in climate change fight

National Economic Council Director-Designate Brian Deese said reentering the Paris agreement will be a top priority of Biden's administration, but more must be done to curb emissions.

By Chris Teale • Jan. 13, 2021

7 mobility startups to watch in 2021

These startups offer compelling solutions to the range of challenges the pandemic has introduced to U.S. cities. 

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 5, 2021

The smart city news that shaped 2020

Smart Cities Dive identified 20 stories detailing the prevalent and groundbreaking trends that influenced a year like no other.

Jan. 4, 2021

Clean energy groups applaud pick of former Michigan Gov. Granholm for DOE head

Granholm is known for staunchly supporting the automotive industry — which observers say could be an asset as the new administration attempts to boost the adoption of electric vehicles.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 18, 2020

5 ways smart infrastructure shapes communities for the better

From improved transportation to data-driven decisions, smart cities are using technology to raise the bar for the world of tomorrow.

By Forrest Senti • Dec. 18, 2020

Biden taps North Carolina DEQ Secretary Regan for EPA

Under Michael Regan's watch at the DEQ, Duke Energy agreed to the largest coal ash cleanup in U.S. history.

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 18, 2020

EV models expected to triple in 4 years as declining battery costs boost adoption

Electric vehicles are approaching cost parity with traditional gas-powered vehicles, but experts disagree on how much more battery prices must drop.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 16, 2020

Smart Columbus pushes ahead on corporate decarbonization

The Smart Columbus Energy program is designed to help Central Ohio's corporate and industrial organizations transition to clean energy through wind and solar energy procurement.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 11, 2020

Cities play 'key role' in green COVID-19 recovery: report

The Rocky Mountain Institute and Bloomberg Philanthropies found local infrastructure projects and strong federal partners are significant in building a more resilient future.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 9, 2020

The Smart Cities Dive Awards for 2020

In a year where cities and local officials had to weather unprecedented crises, the following awardees stood out for their bold leadership.

By Smart Cities Dive Team • Dec. 9, 2020

Mississippi Power plans 'smart neighborhood' with Tesla Solar Roofs

The community of up to 150 homes will feature Tesla Powerwall batteries, smart home automation and other energy-efficient equipment and appliances. 

By Cailin Crowe • Dec. 1, 2020

Rate design innovations are boosting the energy transition

Success with time-of-use rates can allow utilities to integrate more variable and distributed generation, leading to more sophisticated time-varying rates.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 30, 2020

4 strategies to rapidly scale clean energy in the next decade

To fully realize our shared climate goals and rebuild our economy, we must prioritize and enact policies to accelerate the national transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.

By Cameron Bard • Nov. 30, 2020

Boston roadmap details 10-minute EV access for all

The roadmap hinges on three key goals: widespread adoption of electrification; affordable and convenient access to charging infrastructure; and electrification of Boston's municipal fleet. 

By Kristin Musulin • Nov. 25, 2020

Wildfires pushed PG&E into bankruptcy. Should other utilities be worried?

Catastrophic wildfires, which can lead to billions of dollars in damages, present a unique financial risk that the utility sector will want to get ahead of.

By Kavya Balaraman • Nov. 20, 2020

Climate progress in 6 sectors too slow to limit global warming: report

The World Resources Institute and ClimateWorks said efforts to bolster electrification and renewable energy must accelerate, while deforestation and agricultural production raised red flags.

By Chris Teale • Nov. 19, 2020