The Rules Of The Game
If Washington politics is not about policy and compromise, what is it about? Let's find out
April 30, 2011
April 29, 2011
Court Upholds CA Car Emissions Standards
A federal appeals court upholds California's authority to set auto emissions standards for CO2 more stringent than the national standard. Learn more
Will Green Bonds Bloom?
Bonds to fund green private sector and infrastructure development could be financially fertile. Spend some time
Tornado Impacts: Known Knowns
While the cause and climate link of tornadoes remain unknown, the consequences of extreme weather are all too clear. Start here and Read more
China: Carbon Peak Ahead
China's carbon emissions could peak by 2030 while maintaining strong economic growth, according to a US study. Come on down
Mexico: Oil Importer?
Mexico could be an oil-importer within ten years instead of the third largest source of oil for the US. Stay tuned
April 28, 2011
Emissions Rise Slows
The rate of increased GHG emissions slows and the US won't hit 2005 levels again until 2027. Good news?
LA: Park It On A Freeway
Plans for the Hollywood Freeway Central Park, built atop a downtown highway (shades of NYC's High Line), are more than a dream.
Singapore: Low Carbon, Hot Tech
Singapore emerges as low-carbon, high impact ICT global hub. Visit
Concentrating Power
Exelon - not a fan of building nuclear power plants - buys Constellation Energy, becoming one of the nation's largest electric utilities. Plug in
EU Carbon Trading: Save or Scrap?
After six years of operation, the EU's carbon trading scheme is beset by critics but retains some support. Learn more
Copper: The New Green
A little something for everyone who cooks. It's material
April 27, 2011
NYC Trash Plan Not Loved
PlaNYC's ideas for what to do with Gotham's garbage arouses controversy. Stay tuned
Fukushima: Hotter Than Ever
Radiation levels hit new highs at Japan's disaster-disabled nuclear reactors. Get the latest
EV Batteries - Not Dead Yet
Research is underway to adapt electric car batteries too old for EVs for new uses. Plug in
Like Nuclear Power? Don't Read This
Rolling Stone paints a dire picture of the aging US nuclear generator fleet. Read it anyway
Saying No To VT Nuclear Power
Why would an electric co-op turn down the chance to buy cheap power from a Vermont nuclear generator? Look into it
Can't Eat From Dust Bowls
Soaring global food prices are becoming the new normal and this is not good news. Causes & consequences
Responding To PlaNYC
PlaNYC 2030 is a complex proposal, attracting wide-ranging reaction. Streetsblog it
April 26, 2011
Pilot Green Home Loan Program
A pilot energy efficiency home loan program to be launched by the Federal Housing Administration working through 18 lenders. Learn more
Export That Footprint
Under Kyoto Protocol rules, a country doesn't have to account for the carbon content of imported goods even as global trade grows. It adds up
Will France Fall Short?
France could fall way below its 2020 green energy goal if it doesn't cut red tape. Snip snip
Dare Not Speak Its Name
A federal report on a warmer and more drought-prone west shows how the Obama administration highlights the impacts of climate change without using the words. Psst
Smaller Is Beautiful
Contrary to conventional wisdom, Ford has a very good quarter due to energy-efficient car sales while rising gas prices cut Obama's poll ratings, but not Republicans numbers.
Tokyo: Summer Power Rationing
Tokyo hopes last summer's heat wave won't recur because this summer electricity might be rationed. Stay tuned
EJ v Cap & Trade
California environmental justice groups go to court to compel the state to consider alternate ways to cut CO2 emissions. EE News
April 25, 2011
China: Goldwind Blows Toward US
Goldwind, a Chinese wind turbine maker wins new orders in the US. What's the role of subsidies in green tech market growth?
Hot Britannia
England is set to have the warmest April on record. Whew!
The On And Off Problem
The intermittent nature of solar and wind power stresses nuclear and coal plant operators. Plug in
High Tech Teething Pains
Mayor Bloomberg's invitation to 27 universities to compete for opening a world-class high tech program gets mixed notices among local schools. Stay tuned
Everything You Want To Know About Smart Meters - But Are Afraid to Ask
Oh Know!
A pubic opinion poll finds Americans are confident about their understanding of global warming, whether or not they think it's occurring. Believe it
April 24, 2011
Infra-depenent In Seattle
A Seattle public school cuts loose from the waste water system. Alpha testing?
April 22, 2011
Climate Costs: State By State
There's no question that climate change impacts will be costly, the only question is when to start paying. Find out what it will mean for your state
Why Buy Green
Some marketing strategies succeed for green consumer products Which ones?
Mother Love
Planet Earth, it's the only home we've got. Celebrate Earth Day 41 and make time for this faith-based Call to action
Good News In 30,000 Years
Research suggests that Earth systems can remove extra CO2 from the atmosphere in less than 100,000 years. Rush in
Capture Carbon In Clarkstown
Clarkstown, NY will be the home of one of eleven pilot projects to sequester CO2 emissions underground. Drill down
Celebrate Earth Day This Summer
Get a leg up on the 2011 volunteer NYC Cool Roofs project. Start here
April 21, 2011
PlaNYC 2030 2.0
Get the new PlaNYC 2030 version 2.0
Terminal Case
What explains the across-the-board failures of the environmental movement in national politics? Here's a menu
Investing In Renewables Transmission
Goldman Sachs will invest in a New Mexico power transmission line that must dedicate 30%, (around 6,000 MW) of its capacity to renewable energy. Climate Wire [Subscription]
Bulgaria: Too Much Of A Good Thing
Bulgaria seeks to slow the growth of renewable energy, claiming its electric grid is being overwhelmed. Really?
Exxon Predicts Nuclear Constant
Exxon sees nuclear power holding constant in the global energy mix over the next thirty years. Stay tuned
NYC's Solar Sliver
While NYC now has 5.7 megawatts of photovoltaic capacity, not nothing, it may never be a solar capital. Plug in
Bubble, Bubble, Toil And...
Check out some reactions to the Pennsylvania gas-extraction fracking blowout. Strange brew
When's Weather Climate?
Scientists tackle the threshold question of when are weather events evidence of climate change. Learn more
April 20, 2011
ARPA-E Applies Money To Ideas
The Energy Department's ARPA-E announces research projects with $130 in funding. Brain power
EVs In China's National Interest
A report prepared for the World Bank finds that wide-spread adoption of electric cars is in China's national interest an oil-importing country. Gear up
Germany: Chance For A Green Chancellor
With the soaring success of the German Green Party, who might become the next Chancellor? Stay tuned
Honing The Green Competitive Edge
The Citizens Budget Commissions explores the nexus between New York City's green agenda and its urban competitiveness. Fine print
Poli-Sigh
If politics is the art of the possible, why are Germans willing to pay a premium for renewable energy while Americans are not? Look into it
EVs - Looking For A Plug
The major challenge facing electric vehicle owners is where to plug in and recharge. WSJ
Picturing Infrastructure
Pay a virtual visit to New York City's biggest sewage treatment plant, in sight and in mind. Just click
Texas Reactor Plans Shut Down
Even the prospect of federal loan guarantees is not enough to keep plans afloat for two new nuclear reactors in Texas. What's the problem?
April 19, 2011
The Yawning Climate Gap
The gap between people who identify as Democratic or Republican in holding that climate change is underway has become a chasm over the decade. Peer in
Greenpeace: Koch Update
Greenpeace updates its report on Koch family spending for climate denial, now totaling $55.2 million. Did the Kochs get their money's worth?
Rochester: Rx For Neighborhoods
Consider the lessons learned from a Rochester, NY neighborhood stabilization program rooted in green building upgrades. It's HOME
It's Guaranteed
A $2.1 billion federal loan guarantee makes a big difference for a California solar power project. For sure
Tracking Our Footprint
Citizens of developed nations use a bit less energy than they did twenty years ago, but the overall human footprint is growing Plug in
Black Swans And Nuclear Risk
Will a deeper understanding of plate tectonics impact the siting of nuclear power plants in east Asia? Look into it
April 18, 2011
Japan: Fukushima Takes Toll On PM
70% of respondents to a Japanese poll want the Prime Minister to step down due to the government's response to the Fukushima nuclear reactor and tsunami disaster. Learn more
Invisible Efficiency Heros
The success of the green building movement relies on the boilers and other machinery never seen by the public. Look into it
Italy: Nuclear City Opts For Solar
Montalto di Castro , home to the last nuclear generator built in Italy opts for a PV future. Plug in
Tracking Fugitive Emissions
The hydrofacking debates open a window onto scientific efforts to calculate life cycle and fugitive emissions impacts of many GHGs. Fine print
Put Cities To Work
Find out how US cities can incubate new manufacturing businesses, (green ones too). Report & case studies
Help!
Need help to figure out Local Law 84, the NYC building benchmarking law? Dial 311
April 19: C-Day
The Supreme Court signals it will rule against Connecticut and other states seeking to cut CO2 emissions from power plants. Get updated & look into the SCOTUS blog
China: Solar Boom
It's boom times in China both as a maker and market for PV equipment. Watch out west!
April 17, 2011
New York Loves Biophelia
Biophelia, learn from nature how to make materials, design builiding and zone cities, is a recipe for urban resilience. Wild!
April 15, 2011
Climate Fighters Fight Back
The League of Conservation Voters targets four House members who voted to strip EPA's climate regulating powers. Inside the beltway
April 14, 2011
Money Flows To Clean And Green
Investors are returning to clean power, efficiency and other green-themed projects after a lull. Spend some time
Won't Tweet, Can't Friend
Why are social media failing to spur an energy efficiency revolution? What a question!
The Eco Counter Offensive
Inside the Washington beltway, environmental advocacy groups gear up to target opponents and praise supporters of climate action. Get the latest
Let's Hear It For Latvia
With 36.5% of its energy coming from renewables, up from 5.45% in 1999, Latvia leads the EU. Hooray
Sunlight For Sustainability
Sunlight, in the form of abundant, high quality data on building energy performance is just what's needed to make cities centers of sustainability. Here's why
Mind The AC Gap
Buildings that hope to be energy efficient take a big hit on gaps created by window or wall-mounted air conditioners that mean $130-180 million in higher energy bills. Learn more & get the UGC report
April 13, 2011
The Green Envelope, Please
Who are the world's top ten climate capitalists? Find out
Tortoise Power
With a $168 million Google investment and a $1.6 billion federal loan guarantee, the only outstanding obstacle to a Mojave Desert solar project is 140 tortoises. Read slowly
Clinton-Bloomberg: The Urban Climate Connection
The Clinton Climate Initiative joins forces with the Bloomberg C40 to make cities labs for climate innovation and action. Reimagine metropolises
Korea: Promises, Promises
In 2008, South Korea announced its Green New Deal. Time to measure up
The Economics Of Fat Tails
Ecological economics tackles rare but high risk events like climate change. Fine print
Germany: A CCS Revival
The German government takes another shot at launching legislation to support the capture and storage of CO2 emitted from its coal-burning power plants. Stay tuned
Carbon In The Court
Read papers just filed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and electric utilities for the April 19 Supreme Court hearing of AEP v. CT.
April 12, 2011
Australia: Tax Or Cap Or What
Outlines appear for Australia's hybrid strategy to cut carbon emissions but much work remains. Devilish details
Make It Infra-Green
High performance buildings are only as green as their infrastructure. That's valid
The Greener Dry Cleaner
A New York City dry cleaner recycles hangers, provides reusable garment bags and more. Cheers
Poland: 17x19
For a country relying on coal for 19% of its electricity, the goal of getting 17 of Poland's power from non-fossil sources by 2019 is bold. Stay tuned
Natural Gas Debate Heats Up
After we reported last week on research findings about the big carbon footprint of natural gas, read today's story in the Times all the way down. Meanwhile, researcher frustrated by lack of access to good data
Energy Security:Getting It Right
The Bipartisan Policy Center identifies energy security and clean energy innovations as critical to the nation and calls for the management, metrics and accountability to succeed. Fine print
What's Your Energy Plan?
The National Journal seeks reactions to Obama's call for fossil fuel independence. Speak up
Spain: Solar Steam
Concentrated sunlight converts water to steam for generating electricity and the water stores heat for use on cloudy days. Hot stuff
This Is A Test
A Boulder, CO participant in the city's SmartGridCity program likes the concept, not the outcome. Plug in
Budget Woes For EPA and DOE Clean Energy
Buried in the $38 billion cuts to the federal budget is $1.6 billion slashed from the EPA, a 16% reduction from 2010 funding and DOE clean energy loan guarantees are imperiled. BTW, high-speed rail funding was zeroed out
April 11, 2011
Goldman Awards Announced
A German homemaker and four other global eco-activists are each awarded a $150,000 Goldman Prize. Five cheers
China Embraces Carbon Trading
China will launch a regional carbon trading program by 2013 and scale up to a national program by 2015. Intensity targets
UK: Not Nuclear Dependent
According to a UK government minister, delayed plans for new nuclear power plants will not stop the nation from meeting its GHG reduction targets. Plan B?
PS 166 Does It Again
For a second year in a row, PS 166 wins the Green Cup with energy cuts of 23.25%. Here's how
Climate Cred: Find A Different Messenger
With credence in climate change polarized by political affiliation In the US, there's a need to find a better messenger while polling finds an uptick in aspirations for climate action.
More Money For Clean Tech
Clean tech investments in the US are up and outpace those in Europe and Asia. Spend some time
Philly Navy Yard Gets Green Biz
The venerable Philadelphia Navy Yard is now home for a growing energy efficiency services company. Learn more
SOUPER Green In LA
The Los Angeles Architecture + Design Museum mounts a decidedly unconventional exhibit on green building and electric vehicles. Review it
April 10, 2011
Big Frack-Footed
An academic study calculates that over a twenty year period the methane released by hydrofracking would have a carbon footprint like coal burning. Go figure
April 09, 2011
The Deal Behind The EPA Deal
As part of the deal to remove the Republican climate rider from the budget vote, Democrats agree to an interagency review of EPA impacts. Learn more
April 08, 2011
US: Climate Role Model
Russia and Japan say no to further Kyoto climate treaty commitments. Some model
Let's Move To Reykjavik
New calculations indicate that Reykjavik will be safe from rising sea-levels but New York City will take a bath. Hello Iceland
How To Get Some Respect
What would make elected officials take environmental protection more seriously? Consider this
BREAKING BUDGET NEWS
Picture The Problems
What are the drawbacks of current energy options? LOL if you can
GE Goes For Thin Film PV
GE will build the largest thin film PV plant in the US by 2013, at a location not yet announced. Plug in
Trash Plan Cuts
Mayor Bloomberg wants to zero-out funds for trash-processing marine transfer stations , three of them slated for Manhattan. SWMP-ed
Choices Will Be Made
What are the energy sources that will fuel our future and how should choices be made?
Listen up
April 07, 2011
Sickness And Heat
In East Africa, malaria spreads as the climate changes. What's the connection?
Rocky Road To A Nuke-Free Germany
For the German Green Party in office, just saying no to nuclear power gets tricky. Stay tuned
The EUCA Connection
The EU and the state of California consider how to reduce carbon together though the Emissions Trading Scheme. Make more from less
Bald Eaglet Hatches
All together now AWWWWW!
EU: CO2 Emissions Rise With Room For More
If the aim of the EU-ETS is cutting carbon emissions, it did not work in 2010, with emissions up over 3% but still under the cap. Learn more
The Beginning Of The End
Could the tsunami of tea party-type attacks on climate action be on the way out? Look into it
UK: 53x19
The UK plans to install 53 million smart meters by 2019 and save consumers some money. Get wired
Break Out Of The Nerd Loop
Cringing at what passes for climate messaging. Start over
Subways A Bargain, Buses Not
The New York City subway system maximizes the use of every dollar but buses and commuter rail don't do as well according to the Citizens' Budget Commission. Travel in
Seeking Sustainability In Oberlin
In a world that seems less and less secure, Oberlin Ohio aims to make itself sustainable and resilient. High hopes
The Great Railroad Race
The race is on for getting the $2.4 billion in high speed rail funds rejected by Florida, including a $1.3 billion ask for improving service between Washington & Boston. Track it
April 06, 2011
Hot Pink Is The New North
Recent temperatures in northern polar regions are so high, NASA chart makers add a new color, hot pink Take a look
The UK Pulls The Plug
The UK cancels a PV feed-in tariff that would underpin its own projects. Solar suicide
Boston: Hot For Green Steam
Reviving an old technology for 21st century goals, Boston buildings can be warmed and cooled with waste steam from a Cambridge power plant. Co-gen lives!
Greening KKR
Often locked in battles with environmental advocates, the efforts of investment firm KKR to green its assets is 'a work in progress'. Look into it
Tree-Hugging
Scientists discover that Pacific mangroves are world champions at soaking up atmospheric carbon. Learn more
The Obama Budget Promise - Not
Parsing press releases about what environmental budget provisions the President would veto turns up wiggle room.
More Digging, More Drilling, Less Oversight
The Republic budget scheme seeks to lift bans on fossil fuel extraction and defund industry oversight. Greenwire [Subscribers only]
April 05, 2011
Lower Manhattan Gets Green Mojo
With lease language to prove it, lower Manhattan becomes a green real estate magnet. Very attractive
Local Locavores
Read this blog on a NYC conference that digs urban farming. Start here
Climate Hearing Post-Mortem
Miss last week's House Republican hearings on climate science? Ministry of magic demystified
Solar Goals
The solar power industry goal is cutting costs by 50% over the decade to become competitive with fossil fuels. Stay tuned
The Acid Test
Grist asks, if the acid rain program didn't create pollution hot spots, why should the California cap and trade program? True or false
Arctic Ice Melt Is Climate Wild Card
As fresh water from melting Arctic ice enters the ocean, expect unexpected climate impacts. Dive in
Nixing Yucca Mt: Let's Investigate
Fred Upton, chair of the House Energy & Commerce Committee opens an investigation into the Obama Administration shut down of plans to store high level radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Imagine that
Spain: Wind Outpaces Nuclear
Last month, Spain got 21% of its electricity from wind and 19% from nuclear power. Plug in
Wind Faces Double Whammy
The recession and rock-bottom natural gas prices shrink opportunities for wind power expansion and talk of cutting renewable energy requirements doesn't help. WSJ
April 04, 2011
MDs See Health-Climate Link
Doctors are starting to see patients who's health is affected by climate change. Learn more
UAW Defends EPA
The United Auto Workers supports the EPA's authority to set fuel efficiency standards for vehicles and opposes the Upton bill. Stay with CAFE
Close The Courthouse Doors
Republican bills would overturn the right of environmental groups to recover legal fees if they win cases in federal court. Learn more
The Future Will Be Different
Face it. Energy will become scarcer and more expensive everywhere. What to do?
Working On The Railroad
California's high speed rail plans move along. Get on board
Sustainable Start-Ups
See a need for sustainable packaging? DIY
A Rose By Any Other Name
Are pollsters right who say activists should avoid the words "climate change"? Sniff sniff
Fukushima: Biggest Blow Of All
UBS AG calls the Fukushima disaster the worst thing that ever happened to the nuclear power industry. Here's why
Germany's Nuclear NIMBY
With Its nuclear power plant moratorium, Germany becomes a net importer of nuclear power from neighboring nations. Plug in
Q: What Costs More Now?
A: One barrel of oil, at its highest price in two years. Buy in
EU: Carbon Trading Challenged
An American-based airline challenges the EU's right to add foreign aviation emissions in the carbon trading scheme. Friendly skies?
April 02, 2011
Climate Denial Shocker
When a researcher funded by the Koch brothers testitied at the House climate hearings, his warming trend data looked a lot like data reported by other climate scientists. Muller that
Vertical Factories: Yesterday and Tomorrow
An exhibit of how cities like New York once built factories -- vertically -- offers ideas for a future of urban-scale industiral design. Visit
April 01, 2011
Blowing Our Way
Plans to create an offshore wind power transmission system running from Virginia to New York City take a step forward. Tap In
Kill The Messenger
Consider the costs and consequences of cutting funds for climate research & data-gathering government agencies like NOAA because of political hostility to climate action. Start here
Frack Freeeze In France
France halts plans to permit hydrofracking to prospect for natural gas. For good?
From Coal To Biomass
Dominion, a Virginia-based power producer, plans to convert three plants from coal-burning to biomass for 150 MW of electricity. Here's why
NYC: Time To Recycle E-Waste
This is not an April Fool's joke, it's the law. Got a problem with that?
Q: Why Should EPA Regulate GHGs?
A: Because it's the law. Lisa Jackson interview