Another Reason To Go By Train
Amtrak buys 70 energy efficient locomotives made in California for its busy northeast corridor routes. All aboard
October 31, 2010
CA Tips Its Cap To Carbon Trade
Undeterred by failure in Washington, California releases its carbon market cap and trade rules. Stay tuned
October 29, 2010
2010 Campaign News
Scan campaigns around the US for the impact of climate change and some tea-leaf reading on what lies ahead. Any silver linings?
Beyond the Plug-In EV
Emerging technology for recharging electric vehicles could free owners from the need to plug in. Look ahead
What's Your Plan?
Environmental advocates send a letter to New York gubenatorial candidates Andrew Cuomo and Carl Paladino, urging them "to share with the public their vision for conservation and environmental protection." See here
How To Succeed Without Winning
Cold Speeds Up Evolution
Research suggests that when the Earth is colder, animals evolve faster. Learn more
October 28, 2010
Science - The New Public Enemy
Despite furor over the vulnerability of on-line polling to organized manipulation, Scientific American's data that 42% of respondents support keeping science out of politics has real meaning. Watch out!
Can We Catch Up?
The New York Times weighs on the strategic importance of clean energy and what must be done to develop more. Plug in
CO2 Is Transparent, Not Sources
Major industries are fighting EPA requirements for public disclosure of their GHG emissions. Look into it
Shadow A Solar Builder
Wonder what it takes to to to develop a 370 MW solar thermal project? Meet John Woolard
Will the EU Cut Carbon Emissions 20x20?
Nuclear Speed Dating
With the breakup of Constellation Energy and France's EDF relationship to build new nuclear generators in the US, EDF is looking for a new partner. Pretty cute
October 27, 2010
Conservation In The Kingdom Of Oil
Saudi Arabia, alarmed by electric power use growing by 8% annually, supports energy energy efficiency measures. Drill down
Tunnel Terminator
Governor Christie does in plans for a new cross harbor rail tunnel to link New Jersey and New York. Again
Mea Culpa?
Revkin asks if media coverage of climate change is boring and challenges us to find new ways to report on it. Stifle that yawn!
A Pleasant Surprise: Ray LaHood
Environmental advocates, once barely lukewarm on the appointment of Ray LaHood as US Transportation Secretary, have found a real green champion. Here's why
Babylon Bites Back
Babylon, NY sues the Federal Housing Finance Authority for blocking the PACE bond program. Legal details here
Wind Power Stalls
Vestas will shut five wind power manufacturing facilities in Scandinavia with a loss of 3,000 jobs. Learn more
Scientist Stumped By PA Climate Denial
While the crop of 2010 candidates running as climate change deniers is hardly news, a scientist finds it a puzzling phenomenon. Meanwhile, science educators reach out to hunters and anglers.
The Flip Side Of The Power Coin
Lower demand for electricity and lower prices in Europe cuts into the profits of a German utility giant. Learn more
What's The Matter With Virginia?
Rick Boucher's re-election bid in Virginia is dogged by his vote for the carbon cap and trade bill and allegations that he's anti-coal. Anti-coal?
October 26, 2010
And The Loser Is...
A dormitory at the University of North Carolina wins the EPA big loser-style award for cutting its energy use. Savings on energy bills are the only financial reward. Smart!
From Gray To Green On CSO
New York City seeks to shift from steel and concrete answers to water pollution problems toward green ones that also have cooler city capacity. Dig in
India Is Not China
A visit to India spurs thoughts about what to expect on climate action and how expectations for China should be different. Start here
Town & Gown Go Green Together
New York University's initial co-generation plant plan made the neighbors angry. But now, Look!
Smarter Mischief & Mayhem
Are smart meters an invitation to steal your electricity? Is the smart grid vulnerable to manipulated blackouts? Look into it
Eco-Truthiness
Green product promises often don't deliver according to a new report. Honest!
Look What The Wind Blows In!
The UK sees creation of 70,000 jobs related to new off-shore wind power projects supported by private manufacturing investment. Work it
October 25, 2010
2011 Forecast: Un-Green
If the Republicans capture Congress what to expect on the environmental front. Some specifics
Euro Firms Make Tea-Toned US Donations
BP, Bayer and other large European companies are making cash contributions to US politicians running against environmental protection. Who gives & who gets. For a broader view of who got Right here
Prop 23: Foes Of Fossils
In the ballot battle over California's Proposition 23, software and clean tech have anted up $11.9 million in the last two weeks to combat fossil fuel funding in favor of this climate hostile initiative. Google that
What Do Blue States Do?
At the state level, energy efficiency policy s strongly linked to electoral preferences. No purple places
Worth Fighting For
Words matter. Results of the competition to define what is green or sustainable across a wide band of products will have major market consequences. Start here (full article not free)
What Will The Governors Do?
The state level is where the action is on the energy and renewables front, but which way will the action go? Stay tuned
UK: Raise Carbon Price Floor
Utilities claim the UK government floor price for carbon emissions permits is too low to stimulate investment in nuclear power. Look into it
Model Green Law
Columbia University issues a model municipal green building ordinance based on analysis of common practices and impediments to resource efficiency gains. Legal eagle alert!
October 22, 2010
Swimming London
Picture a tropical, innundated London in a weird-climate world. Wake-up arts
Incentives Toolkit
Consider the range of financial incentives for CCS presented here and how they could be applied to other carbon-cutting projects. Work on it
The New Arctic Normal
NOAA reports that a warmer, wetter Arctic is the new normal and its impacts are felt elsewhere in the northern hemisphere. Pay attention
Post Mortem Or Resurrection
Friends and foes diagnose the death-by-Senate of the Kerry climate bill and look ahead to EPA rule-making. E&ETV
Many MWs of Wind Power for Australia
The Australian state of Victoria okays plans for 247.5 MW of new wind power worth $319 million. Plug in
Kyoto Carbon Market Grows In China
Funds for the Clean Development Mechanism, developed by the Kyoto Treaty, grow by the billions in China. Learn more
Gold, Passive & Living Buildings
Tour this portfolio of LEED Gold, Passive Haus and Living Buildings.
Budget Cuts Cloud Climate Projects
Proposed budget cuts for climate and other eco-programs in the UK raise concerns about government commitments. Stay tuned
NYS Enviro Commissioner Axed
Pete Grannis, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, got fired by the Governor. NYLCV weighs in
Another Million Milestone
New Yorkers rise to the goal of covering one million square feet of rooftops with heat-shielding white paint. Cool
October 21, 2010
Oil & Idaho Don't Mix
Opposition rises to using a two-lane blacktop road in Idaho to send construction equipment destined for oil sands drilling sites in Cananda. Drill down
Tell Me Something I Don't Know
Not everyone found the New York Times story that tea party supporters are climate skeptics and opponents of carbon control legislation to be a new news narrative. Call that news?
More In the Water
The global offshore wind power business is booming. Dive in
October 20, 2010
UK: Saved From the Budget Ax
A German carbon capture and storage technology firm shifts from the UK to the Netherlands, so Britain will go it alone. Saved?
Sitmulus Funds - Behind the Headlines
Want to get a handle on the results of DOE stimulus spending for clean energy projects? It's complicated
Class Action Action
Will the class action suit brought against the USGBC over its LEED standards have its day in court? What's a class? & What's a monopoly?
France: Less Great Expectations
Hopes for the French nuclear power industry collide with disappointments and failed projects. What a pip!
Berlin Plugs Into Its Roofs
Berlin advocates of rooftop solar power provide facts, figures & projections. Think 3D
Smart Family, Smart Buildings
A father and son agree on the value of installing water, heat and fuel sensors in their NYC apartment buildings. Relate!
October 19, 2010
Home Energy Program Woes
The Illinois Inspector General finds shoddy work, cost overruns and poor inspection practices plague a Cook County home weatherization program. Audit that
From Climate To Commons
Think conventional climate politics has failed? Time to rethink and renew
SA: Gear Up For Energy Efficiency
With South African electricity rates projected to quadruple over the next few years, the business case for investing in energy efficiency starts to add up. Learn more
UK: Green Hopes Dim
In the face of UK funding cuts for proposed green initiatives, project prospects decline but don't disappear. Learn more
Keeping the Lights On
While heavy industry maintains its access to electricity in China's efforts to increase efficiency and cut carbon output, smaller businesses can get shut out. Details here
Marketing A Bright Idea
A new, cost-cutting PV manufacturing technology developed with Department of Energy funds raises $20 million to go commercial. A better mousetrap?
The Next Carbon Frontier
Public lands have great potential as clean energy sources. Can we succeed?
Kokomo Looks Up
With a 6% drop in unemployment figures, the impact of federal energy-related stimulus funds in rust-belt city Kokomo, Indiana can be measured. Learn more
Will King Coal Crumble?
Over the next ten years, widespread closure of US coal-fired power plants are forecast. Dig in
October 18, 2010
Wanted: New Reactors
The British government is clearing a path to build a new generation of nuclear power plants. Stay tuned
Chemical Tranparency
An on-line data base of chemicals used in fracking for natural gas will be created by two Texas state government groups with the Department of Energy. Drill down
Con Ed Big On NJ Solar
Con Edison plans to invest millions on a 20 MW solar power project in New Jersey that will provide power for the northeast. Catch some rays
China: Make No Small Plans
Ambitious energy efficiency and carbon-cutting goals to be set in China's latest five-year plan and there will be funding to back them up. Look at the numbers
Hot Enough Yet?
2010 is on track to tie with 1998 as the hottest year on record. Get the facts
Green: Everyone's Doing It
Real life and research agree, peer pressure is the best way to make people behave greener. Nudge
October 15, 2010
We Don't Know! Do We Care?
Researchers find 52% of their US survey sample would flunk Climate 101, only 8% would get A's or B's. Mind the gap
A Greener Amazon
No, not the rain forest, but the on-line retailer will give consumers data about the carbon footprint of on-line buying and eco-friendly delivery options. Log on
Clean Brand Campaign
Sixteen giant US firms to shun shipping companies that use oil from Canadian tar-sand sources. Drill down
Hawking Heatballs
Opposing the EU ban on incandescent bulbs, two Germans import them from China under the guise of mini-heaters. Really
J'Accuse
Once an advocate of climate action, Harold Lewis now calls climate science a fraud. Read Revkin
Ask Secretary Chu
Watch this interview with Department of Energy Secretary Chu where he answers questions submitted via Twitter and Facebook. See here
UK: Peddling For Pounds
London's new bike access scheme, TfL, should recoup its costs in three years and then make money. A mass transit first!
2010 Energy Efficiency List
California is first and Mississippi is last in the ACEEE fifty state rating of energy efficiency. Where does your state stand?
Banking On A Green Bank
With the failure of climate legislation based on cap & trade, other ideas for cutting carbon emerge. Here's one
Last But Not Least
What is final item on the British Museum list "A History of the World in One Hundred Objects? Find out
ARC: Don't Dead-End It
Rethink the Hudson River train tunnel to provide regional service. Anyone on board? and mull over the fallout of pulling the plug
October 14, 2010
Platinum U
Cooper Union's newest building gets a top-of-the-line LEED Platinum rating. Learn more
Storm Magnets
The tall towers of New York and other coastal attract hurricanes. Think of what more frequent storms would mean. Pay attention
Euro-Fusion
An Italian company will build the key part a nuclear fusion reactor in France. ETA 2020s
Growing Greener Business
Making a business greener isn't about being less bad. That's good
Green Can-Do: Compare & Contrast
Compare New Jersey's cancellation of a cross-Hudson mass transit tunnel with Google's plan to build an offshore wind transmission system. Potent anecdotes
UK: Green Bank Battle
A battle between the British Treasury and environmental advocates in other agencies over funding for the government's Green Investment Bank might end this week. Stay tuned
PACE Potential
Legal status aside, what are the business and stakeholder implications of PACE bond financing? Look here
See You In Court!
The US Green Building Council is sued in federal court for "deceptive marketing claims" and more. Learn more
October 13, 2010
Do It WIth NSPS
Legal scholars consider the New Source Performance Standards of the Clean Air Act to be the best carbon regulatory tool for the EPA. Fine print
PACE On?
California has a new law authorizing its state pension systems to invest in PACE bonds to raise funds for energy efficiency and clean energy loans. Take that Fannie!
Batteries Without Borders
Why build a 1,000 MW of giant storage batteries in Mexico? Find out
Good At Home, Bad Abroad
While EU carbon emissions are declining, the carbon footprint of its imports is rising. Net gains
Living Beyond Our Means
The World Wildlife Fund finds that by almost any measure, humanity is living beyond the ability of the planet to sustain life as we know it. More here
Say It Ain't So
Contrary to some claims, research finds immigration does not grow the size of the US carbon footprint. Here's why
Broad Spectrum Energy Policy
A report by AEI, Brookings, and the Breakthrough Institute call for spending $25 billion a year on energy technology innovation but will Congress ante up? BUT did the authors flunk Politics 101?
State Matters
Profiles of candidates for governor of IA, KS, WY and OK who oppose action on climate and clean energy. Learn more
October 12, 2010
China: More=More
China is the world's new #1 energy user. That's big!
What's Good About "No"?
EDF, the French partner to the US nuclear utility who's construction plan was halted by federal loan guarantee requirements, may benefit. Look into it
From Locavore To Urbavore
Forbes predicts that by 2018, a fifth of all urban food will be grown on rooftops and parking lots. Digest that
Japan-US Join On New Solar Tech
Japan's Solar Frontier and General Electric to manufacture thin-film solar panels. . Plug in
The Technology Behind The Headline
Wonder just how an ocean cable for transmitting electric power around the northeast would work? Dig down
US Climate Skeptics - A Breed Apart
American political conservatives are unique in rejecting the findings of climate science. Got a reason?
For Salt's Sake
New York City's plan for a $10.25 million green salt shed sparks a critic's ambivalence. Cover it
October 11, 2010
The Sound & The Fury
New York Times readers respond to a news item on the noise made by wind turbines. Hush now
Chunky Is Junky
Regarding climate policy, "If you count on going incremental forever then we'll never get to where we need to quickly enough". What's wrong with chunks?
EU Renewables Stocks Slump
The market value of renewable energy firms on European stock exchanges disappoints investors. Spend some time
Will Trees Threaten Farmers?
The Australian Farm Institute foresees climate policy leading to tree plantations that compete with farm land. Hoe, hoe
EU Trumps US on Plane Emissions
EU efforts to limit GHG emissions from airliners is likely to prevail over US opposition. Fly by
Mediating Climate
Has the rise of new and social media made an impact on public awareness or engagement around climate change? Look into it
The Coming Water Wars
The combination of economic growth and the impact of climate change points to escalating tensions among Asian nations. Dip in
Dark Times For Nuclear Power
A mix of economic and policy trends dims prospects for new nuclear power plants in the US. Look into it
October 08, 2010
Underwater Transmission
Plans for underwater electric transmission lines to carry clean power from Canada to NYC win regulators' approval. Plug in
October 07, 2010
Be Efficient & Save A Bundle
A suburban homeowner spends $375,000 in utility and transportation costs while paying off the mortgage but could save 50% if the property was energy efficiency. Really?
Sino-Euro Climate Front?
With the US MIA on climate action, the possibility for cooperation on climate action between China and Europe emerges. Opportunity knocks
States Of Importance
With 50 states and many more local governments in the US, 'sub-national' climate actions can have robust impact beyonds their borders. Fine print
Chunk Strategy Skeptics
President Obama's proposal to pass chunk-sized bills rather than full-sized federal global warming legislation gets a cool response. Food for thought
Climate Action For Everyman
A small business owner in California finds effective and affordable opportunities to cut his carbon footprint are "ever present" How about you?
UK: Green Retail
Retail chain stores consult with the UK government on aiding its "green deal" program, but consumer incentives might be needed Shop around
Still Waiting For Work
If Indiana is typical, Americans are still waiting for signs of a green jobs revolution. Learn more
Was It Sun Spots?
New research on the link between solar activity and a hotter Earth suggest a smaller impact than previously believed. Look into it & Look again
PACE Court Fight In NY
The Natural Resources Defense Council sues federal home mortgage regulators for blocking the PACE bond program. Stay tuned
Ken's Gone Fishing
The Washington Post calls the latest subpoena issued by Virginia Attorney General Kenneth Cuccinelli about the work of climate scientist Michael Mann a "fishing expedition" and an embarrassment to the state. Catch up
Unstimulated
Why hasn't $31 billion in Department of Energy stimulus money had much economic impact? While this will be grist for ongoing debate, here's one opinion.
October 06, 2010
Poll: Californians Stay Green
The California ballot initiative aimed at derailing the state's climate action law, appears headed to defeat 49-37. Here's why & What does BIPEC say?
A Big Win For Wind Power
The federal government signs a lease for the long-delayed offshore Cape Wind project near Cape Cod. Plug in
Power To the People
With the collapse of plans for additional electric transmission lines into NYC, it's time to ask Who needs it?
Big Bucks For Renewables
The entry of Italy's state-controlled utility into European stock exchanges to finance renewable power could be the biggest listing of the year. Clean up
Missouri:The Show Me State
Columbia, Missouri drafts a bill requiring that landlords disclose energy costs to their tenants to create a market demand for more efficient building. Learn more
The Rockefeller Makeover
Rockefeller Center gets smart meters, an energy efficiency upgrade and a "virtual power" plant. Here's how
What's Green Worth?
Real estate professionals want to know how to put a dollar value on high performance buildings. Underwrite
October 05, 2010
Smart Meters Find Friends
Bucking a California trend, Dubuque, Iowa residents take a shine to smart water meters. Learn more
Waiting for Godot The US
Europe's carbon emissions trading markets need US participation to thrive. Go on
Ignorance Found In Senate!
Based on reports of the Senate's failure to pass a climate law, it seems even bill supporters were less than well-informed. No irony intended
What Were They Smoking?
The UK's gory 10:10 climate campaign ad is pulled from circulation. Sober up
Australia: Greening Labor
Labor seeks to fend off a Green challenge in Melbourne, by promising eco-action. Party on
The Basics of BASIC
What are the climate negotiating interests of the BASIC four, Brazil, South Africa, India and China? Learn more
PV Costs Drops On Improvements
The 13% price cut for photovoltaic installations in Germany is linked to technical efficiency improvements. Plug in
Green Gov Conference: See It Here
October 5 - 7 watch the live streaming of the Green Gov conference. Log on
China: Development=Pollution
China calls for any new international climate agreement to raise carbon emissions caps for developing nations. Stay tuned
Fashion Forward
Now through October 20, the Gap will recycle your old jeans and donate the material for use as building insulation. Fall in
October 04, 2010
Amsterdam & San Francisco: Eco-Maps
Want to "compare & contrast" or "measure & manage" urban environmental performance? Start here
Mixing Tea & Oil
California tea party supporters join with oil companies to stump for Proposition 23, the ballot initiative to derail the state's climate action plan. Gulp
What's Green & Red All Over?
The UK 10:10 climate campaign is not your typical public service announcement. PG-13
They Blew It
Here's the grim story of just how the White House and Senate Democrats failed to pass a climate and energy bill. RIP?
Heros & Zeros
A risk assessment firm ranks GE as the #1 US company in combating climate change and puts Berkshire Hathaway last. Learn more
Keep Hope Alive
Will the next rounds of climate talks in China, Mexico and South Africa produce some progress? Tea leaves & Tarot cards
Green Tech Levers
Siemens reports on energy infrastructure technologies for urban sustainability, spotlighting London and a NY case study. City lights
Black & White Is the New Green
The NYC Council passes five green bills, including legislation that adds the words "the environment" to the purpose of the Building Code. Words worth!
India's Now #3
India has become the third largest source of GHG's; environment minister calls for decoupling economic growth from climate damage. Learn more
Get Accountable
Sustaining the sustainability movement will mean measurement and monitoring. Manage that!
October 01, 2010
Recasting UN Climate Role
The former UN climate chief proposes a new clean energy development and diffusion role for the international body. Stay relevant
Running In Place
US homes still consume energy at 1970's levels, even though domestic gadgets are much more energy efficient. Why?
Bad For Your Health
Experts say climate change poses significant human health impacts. Pay attention