Climate & Resilience: Page 13
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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 -
Scott Olson/Getty Images via Getty Images
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 -
Scharfsinn86/iStock
Sponsored by Schneider Electric3 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 -
Courtesy of Hertz/GM
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 -
Spencer Platt/Getty Images via Getty Images
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 -
Retrieved from California Governor Gavin Newsom/YouTube.
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 -
SARINYAPINNGAM via Getty Images
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 -
Courtesy of Turner Construction
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 -
Scharvik via Getty Images
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 -
Joe Raedle via Getty Images
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 -
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images via Getty Images
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 -
Oliver de la Haye via Getty Images
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 -
David McNew via Getty Images
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.
By Ysabelle Kempe • Jan. 2, 2024 -
franckreporter via Getty Images
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 -
YangYin via Getty Images
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 -
Cole Rosengren/Smart Cities Dive
Los Angeles commercial waste system at a crossroads amid contract renegotiation
The recycLA program has seen positive results, but haulers are lagging on diversion targets and organics service. The city, while trying to amend the program, could issue a new RFP or even take over service itself.
By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 22, 2023 -
The Bold Bureau via Getty Images
DOE allocates $40M for energy audit training
The funds aim to help states upskill a workforce that will evaluate energy efficiency to help building owners save money and combat climate change.
By Nish Amarnath • Dec. 22, 2023 -
Sara Samora/Smart Cities Dive
EPA picks 11 ‘grantmakers’ to dole out $600M for environmental justice projects
By selecting community-based organizations as pass-through entities for grants, the Environmental Protection Agency says it is reducing barriers to federal funding.
By Ysabelle Kempe • Dec. 22, 2023 -
Retrieved from U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
Gas industry sues DOE over new furnace efficiency rule, citing cost and other concerns
The new rule will require gas furnaces to be 95% efficient, but the American Gas Association and other stakeholders say it effectively bans a product class and will drive prices higher for many consumers.
By Robert Walton • Dec. 21, 2023 -
Silverman Media Services via Getty Images
$530M in building code technical assistance grants available from DOE
The grants will support a wide range of energy code and building performance standards activities, including workforce development, by state, local and tribal governments.
By Joe Burns • Dec. 20, 2023 -
Adam Eszes via Getty Images
Microgrids can drive resiliency, efficiency and profitability: JLL
Government buildings and healthcare facilities are among those that can benefit most significantly from microgrids, the report says.
By Joe Burns • Dec. 19, 2023 -
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images via Getty Images
Senators call for changes to ‘inefficient’ disaster recovery funding program
The status quo leaves disaster-struck communities in the lurch as they wait for Congress to OK recovery funds, experts said at a Senate appropriations subcommittee hearing.
By Ysabelle Kempe • Dec. 18, 2023 -
Fahroni via Getty Images
To be truly net-zero, buildings must buy 100% renewable energy, global council says
A globally consistent definition of net-zero buildings is needed, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development says, while market commentators decry carbon compliance ambiguities.
By Nish Amarnath • Dec. 18, 2023
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