ASHRAE updates energy efficiency standard for existing buildings

The 2024 edition of Standard 100 contains new metrics for setting emissions targets and a “simple” compliance mechanism for energy-efficient and low-emission buildings.

By Joe Burns • Jan. 22, 2024

More heavy rainfall, flooding prompt NYC to create innovation working groups

Stakeholders will meet for six months to inform existing efforts and come up with new ideas as the city faces a comptroller investigation into its heavy rainfall management.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Jan. 22, 2024

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Smart Cities Dive

From worsening climate change to a shifting transportation landscape and the housing affordability crisis, cities have their work cut out for them.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

Robot worms, lasers, drones and AI: How the DOE wants to move the US power grid underground

The U.S. Department of Energy on Tuesday announced $34 million in funding to explore novel approaches to undergrounding power lines to increase resiliency.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 19, 2024

FEMA overhauls disaster aid to help survivors recover faster

The reforms announced Friday mark the most significant update to survivor assistance in 20 years, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said. However, “implementation will be key,” one expert said.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Jan. 19, 2024

Bag bans’ environmental impact mixed in recent studies

A multi-site study says state and local bans have effectively reduced plastic waste. A separate analysis of New Jersey’s policy found higher polypropylene consumption and carbon emissions linked to alternative bag uptake.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 18, 2024

What’s next for mobility innovation? This venture capitalist has some ideas.

Nicole LeBlanc, a partner at Toyota’s investment arm, Woven Capital, is optimistic about the talent and innovation coming to cities.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 18, 2024

6 trends that could shape US cities in 2024

Cities will contend with a shifting transportation picture, increased urgency to act on climate change, and innovative policies and technologies to address longstanding concerns.

By Ysabelle Kempe , Dan Zukowski , Rachel H. Pollack • Jan. 17, 2024

New York solid waste plan aims to boost recycling, lower emissions

The road map calls for a fee to discourage materials generators from landfilling or combustion, with proceeds going to municipalities to implement their solid waste plans.

By Jacob Wallace • Jan. 17, 2024

US greenhouse gas emissions fell in 2023, despite economic growth: Rhodium

Preliminary estimates show emissions are now 17.2% below pre-2005 levels, but the emissions reduction rate needs to more than triple to reach Paris Agreement goals.

By Lamar Johnson • Jan. 16, 2024

What could FEMA’s new disaster resilience zones mean for communities?

The program could be a “major inflection point in U.S. climate and disaster policy,” according to Urban Institute researchers, but the investment could also spur “green gentrification.”

By Ysabelle Kempe • Jan. 16, 2024

3 crucial infrastructure priorities for city leaders in 2024

As infrastructure challenges mount, local governments have critical choices ahead. Why now is the time to invest in resilient and future-ready solutions.

Jan. 16, 2024

California launches website to track $180B in infrastructure investment

While details on projects such as the state’s infamous high-speed rail project are scant, the map provides a broad overview of the work that is underway.

By Joe Bousquin • Jan. 12, 2024

Hertz reverses course on electric vehicles

The company, which once said EVs would account for a quarter of its rental fleet by 2025, is selling some 20,000 electric vehicles and replacing them with gas-powered cars.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 12, 2024

Delivery has a pollution problem. These cities are working to address it.

A new initiative will help cities test innovative startup and corporate solutions in a bid to curb ballooning emissions, primarily from trucks.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Jan. 12, 2024

Climate funding takes hit in California governor’s 2024 budget proposal

Transit funding, however, was relatively unscathed in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2024-25 fiscal year budget, which represents $20 billion in cuts from last year.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 11, 2024

What 2024 may hold for municipal bonds, a ‘crucial financing tool for cities’

Interest rate trends, investor demand and the 2024 elections could all impact the municipal bond market, according to finance experts.

By Gaby Galvin • Jan. 11, 2024

Outdoor workers at risk even on ‘cooler’ summer days, study finds

Researchers found that laborers came to work dehydrated and had elevated core temperatures even under moderate conditions.

By Zachary Phillips • Jan. 10, 2024

New buildings that use natural gas lose final utility subsidy in California

Incentives that indirectly help expand the gas system don’t align with the state’s climate goals, the California Public Utilities Commission said.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Jan. 9, 2024

How 3 states are attacking carbon emissions from transportation

While 21 states sued the federal government over its new rule requiring transportation emission reduction targets, others are forging ahead to clean up this sector.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 8, 2024

FEMA disaster resilience loan program grows to $150M this year

The Federal Emergency Management Agency streamlined the application process for the funding program based on feedback from last year.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Jan. 8, 2024

To define zero emissions for buildings, Biden administration seeks input

Feb. 5 is the deadline to submit information on Part 1 of the definition, which addresses operating emissions, including those from tenants.

By Nish Amarnath • Jan. 5, 2024

Federal court won’t reconsider decision to overturn Berkeley, California, natural gas ban

The denial of the city’s request for a rehearing left the court divided, with a strong dissent by 11 judges. If Berkeley wants to continue to appeal the decision, its next stop would be the U.S. Supreme Court.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Jan. 2, 2024

What US cities could look like in 2024: 6 predictions

Safer, greener communities with more housing, greater civic participation, and diversified downtowns are what these experts envision for the coming year.

By the Smart Cities Dive Team • Jan. 2, 2024

Legal threats to city, state natural gas bans: A timeline

A Maryland county’s law requiring building standards that mandate all-electric buildings is under fire from business and labor groups and a gas utility.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Updated Oct. 30, 2024

Wisconsin to spend $414M on wastewater, storm infrastructure

The largest amount ever from the state’s Clean Water Fund will flow to 84 municipalities.

By Matthew Thibault • Jan. 2, 2024