EPA Budget: Rumors Fly
Will Obama ok cuts into EPA's power to regulate GHGs as part of a budget deal? Look into it
March 31, 2011
Psst! Wanna Cross This Bridge
With a national bridge survey flagging Verrazano-Narrows' deficiencies, state budget woes create worries about undertaking repairs. Drive in
UK: GHG Emissions Soar
2010 saw UK GHG emissions rise by 21%, the biggest jump in decades. What's up?
Is Science Being Taught In Our Schools?
The House Science Committee climate hearings are deadly serious, but The Onion front page will make you LOL
Tepco TipToes Out Of Texas
Tepco, the Japanese company that owns the Fukushima nuclear plants, will exit from a new Texas project. Step in
A New Kind Of Friendly Skies
The climate impact of business-as-usual for the aviation industry signals changes ahead. Land here
Energy: Finding A Way Forward
This page will link to a changing menu of US energy policy ideas over the next few days. The nuclear debate rages on.Monbiot v Caldicott Let'sspend less on gas How to spend less for gas Developers of new coal-fired power plants promise new jobs for the host community Do they deliver? One key to effective energy policy is high performance building
Research Horizons
Climate research suggests a zero global net loss of arable land over time, but specific local factors - like which lands will prove fertile - are unknown. Fine print
March 30, 2011
Certain Facts About Uncertainty
Don't let uncertainties in climate science rattle you. A scientist explains it all for you
China: Less Nuclear
China now favors scaling back its plans for building new nuclear power plants. Learn more
The High Speed Rail Rationale
The trend for Americans to live in mega-cities makes the case for building a high-speed rail system. Concentrate
Funds For Nuke Waste Untouched
A $24 billion fund for managing nuclear fuel waste cannot be spent to help manage 70,000 tons of spent fuel stored at reactors sites. Puzzled?
Bank Predicts Emply Oil Barrel
HSBC predicts the world is on a path to run out of oil in fifty years, with painful price shocks along the way. NYT
EU: Drive Them Away
The EU announces a goal of eliminating gas-powered cars from member-nation cities by 2050. Free at last
Obama: 33x21
President Obama calls for the US to cut its oil imports one third over the coming decade in the name of energy security. Here's a first reaction
In Defense of Nuclear Power
The International Energy Agency makes the case for nuclear power. Here it is
Germany: Pivot On Nuclear Power
German political parties find new unity in demands to abandon nuclear power. Stay tuned
Power Politics At NYPA
Will there be a change in leadership at the New York State Power Authority? Look into it
March 29, 2011
SFO: Eat Before Flying
San Francisco's new LEED Gold airport terminal will offer sustainable and local food. Dig in
The Good News: Fukushima Isn't Chernobyl
The bad news from Japan's crippled nuclear reactors is bad enough. Stay current
Looks Like A Leaf
MIT scientists invent an artificial leaf that uses photosynthesis to power a house. Plug in
Follow The Clean Money
Which are the top ten nations for attracting clean energy investments and how do they compare? Find out
March 28, 2011
EPA Support In Purple States
Poll finds 63% of respondents in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania support EPA regulation of industrial GHGs. Dig in
Sydney: Precinct Power
A controversial plan advances in Sydney Australia, or dense, but energy efficient development able to send electric power to where its most needed. Learn more
Conservatives Use The O Word
ObamaRail is becoming the new ObamaCare for the right. Why is 'rail' a four letter word?
CEO: Europe Must Regulate To Go Green
A French executive warns the EU that regulations are needed to support green economic growth or China will dominate it. Plug in
India: Tiger Popuation Up
OK, this story has nothing to do with urban sustainability, but it shows how tricky environmental measurement and verification can be. Roar in
Germany: Watch What You Wish For
Will German election results lead to burning more coal? Stay tuned
Come To The Fair
The 2014 East River Cleantech Expo aims to bring the world to New York City and make some changes. Start now
Energy Efficiency: Making It Work
Which policy options ensure that building energy efficiency laws really deliver? Find out
March 26, 2011
Japan: Spring Forward
To cope with rolling electric blackouts following the earthquake, Japan may adopt daylight savings time. Get set
March 25, 2011
Testing, Testing
NYC muni buldings will be test site for brand new energy efficiency products and for boosting local employment. 1,2, 1,2,
Some Like It Off
A California utility bows to customers who oppose smart meters in their homes by offering to turn the devices off. Oh
EV Power
Forget batteries to power electric cars, think ultracapacitors. Ultra what?
Republican Support For The EPA
Former EPA chiefs who served under Republican presidents defend the agency and oppose stripping its regulatory powers. Anyone listening?
France's Nuclear Embrace
Will France start to shift away from its dependence on nuclear power? Look into it
Norway: Hydro-power Alert
Two years of low rain fall imperils the hydro-power system Norway relies upon for domestic electric and its role as Europe's 'green battery'. Plug in
Breathing Can Cause Death
Research finds that people with lung transplants who live near large traffic arteries are more likely to die from organ failure than other recipients. Learn more
Make Your Vote Count
Vote in Treehugger's 2011 poll for the best green watchdogs, green blogs, green policies (you get the idea). The ballot
NYC's Ambitious Waterfront Plan
A serious plan for remaking New York City's waterfront and its relation to the rest of the metropolis merits serious consideration. Dive in
The 2012 Climate
Reviewing the climate records of potential Republican Presidential contenders turns up some surprises, but not many. Look back
Choices Will Be Made
Join the tough, fractious and critical discussion about making energy choices. Think hard & learn more about the next generation of nuclear power plants slated for Georgia.
City Centers 2025
Pay a virtual visit to the world's leading cities of 2025. Enter here
March 24, 2011
Japan Could Go Icelandic
Iceland, a very geologically active nation, relies geothermal power -- should Japan? Look into it
Koch Lab Gets RGGI CO2 Dollars
A new MIT lab building named for David Koch gets energy efficiency technology with the help of state RGGI dollars. Any objection?
Less Arctic
The maximum expanse of Arctic sea ice for the winter of 2010-2011 ties with the all-time low. Dip in
International Wind Power Deal Dies
A joint venture with German and Indian firms to develop wind power collapses. Spin out
Call To Free NRC From Captivity
UK Carbon Tax Aids Nukes and Renewables
A new UK tax creates a guaranteed price for carbon while boosting revenue for nuclear and renewable power suppliers. Pay in
March 23, 2011
Greening A Greene House And More
A 1903 house built by Charles & Henry Greene gets a sustainable restoration. and Carnegie Hall renovations go for LEED Silver
China: April Is Atomic Month
China will start construction of a helium-cooled nuclear power plant in April, adding to its current 10.82 GW reactor fleet Fired up
UK: Caving In On Zero
The UK will go lax on definitions of zero-carbon homes to satisfy developers. Criteria count
Japan's Energy Plans
According to official sources, Japan will stick with nuclear power, seeing blackouts as the only alternative. WSJ
Feel The Burn
New York City revives the idea of incinerating or using other technologies to get rid of its waste. Won't keep on truckin
Cap and Trade Derailed
A court order in California may succeed, after a voter referendum failed, in halting the state's carbon cap and trade program. Explain that
March 22, 2011
Rethinking Nuclear Safety
What are the greatest dangers posed by US nuclear power plants? Look into it
Germany: CO2 Ups and Downs
Germany's CO2 emissions were up 4.8% last year, but down from 2008 levels. Please explain
War On Wheels
Need a break from news about foreign wars? Cycle to New York's bike lane battles
UK: Carbon Capture Defunded
The UK drops plans to finance carbon capture projects with utility bill surcharges, saying carbon market revenues will have to do. Stay tuned
Rewrite To Get It Right
Senators Bingaman and Murkowski circulate a clean energy policy White Paper seeking public input on what to do. Learn more
A New Climate-Flood Link
UK researchers find people who have been in floods are more concerned about climate change. Are you experienced?
India: PV Floats
India will use an Australian technology for a PV power plant that floats on water. Smart or stunt?
Built In 1909, LEED Gold Today
In New York City, renovations at a 102-year old building earn LEED Gold for Core and Shell. Never too old
March 21, 2011
Above The Waterline
Can the Mayor's new waterfront plan make New York City more reslient when faced wtih higher tides and fiercer storms? Find out
Touch The Earth
The Tangible Earth is a computerized media installation that offers new ways to see our planetary situation. Get terrestrial
The Sports Pages
Six major league sports organizations join up to form the Green Sports Alliance. Play ball
St. Paul Gets Solar
Built with federal stimulus funds, St Paul, Minnesota unveils a one megawatt solar thermal installation. Get connected
NYC's Bike Lane Battle
To deploy economics arguments in the NYC bike lane battle, the external costs of cars must be included. The Economist
UK: The Color Of Money
Will UK funding for its Green Investment Bank be just Pale green?
France: Trust In Nuclear Power
A poll by the state-owned electric utility finds French public opinion favors domestic nuclear power 55-45%. Learn more
London: Making A Green Run
The UK Green Party picks a candidate to run for the Mayor of London. Who is she?
Uranium Prices Plunge
In the wake of Japan's nuclear power woes, the price of uranium mining shares sinks 15-20%. Dig in
March 18, 2011
Britta's Windowfarms
A New York City, web-savvy, eco-entrepreneur would like to sell you her windowfarm. Grow with crowdsourcing
Turkey: Undeterred
In the wake of Fukushima and a history of 14 earthquakes over the last century, Turkey affirms its plan for Russia to build it a nuclear power plant. Really?
Japan: High Speed Good News
Outside the earthquake epicenter, Japan's high speed train system was resilient and safe. All aboard
Blowing Our Way
New wind power capacity in the US is just behind that of new natural gas plants and competitive cost cutting ideas are circulating. Plug in
A New Google Search
Google Ventures puts $20 million into developing mobile refineries that make biofuels from wood chips and agricultural waste. Don't be evil
Compare Chernobyl And Fukushima
Design features of the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear power plants shed some light on different ways things can go wrong. Let's hope
Radiation-Illness Unknowns
Medical understanding of how radiation exposure makes people sick is incomplete. Learn more
Green Tide Ebbs
The list of lost green initiatives keeps on growing. Come on down
March 17, 2011
World: Nuclear Reactor Map
Check out this map that tags every planned, opened or shut nuclear power plant on the planet. Get the picture
Scotland: Tide Power Coming In
Scotland okays construction of the world's biggest tide-powered electric generator in the outer Hebridies. Dip in
Will Turkey Nix Nuke Plants?
Greenpeace urges Turkey, an earthquake-prone nation, to drop plans for developing nuclear power while the country agrees to a sustainability plan with the European Reconstruction and Development Bank.
Learning From Nuclear 'Near Misses'
The Union Of Concerned Scientists reports on fourteen 'near misses' at US nuclear power plants in 2010 and identifies what worked for the NRC and what did not. Fine print
The Science Terminators
Nature fears the Congressional rush to overturn EPA's authority to regulate GHGs shows science has lost its power to convince. Stay tuned
Illuminating Light Bulb Standards
Separate fact from fiction on federal light bulb efficiency standards. That's bright
North Pole: Theater of War?
The US Navy is warned that melting polar regions could be a magnet for international conflict in a race for natural resources. Strategic thinking
March 16, 2011
Making It Safer to Inhale
The EPA proposes limits on mercury lead, arsenic, chromium and other airborne toxic emissions from coal-fired power plants and the usual suspects object. Absorb that
China: Amber Light For New Nukes
China suspends construction approvals for nuclear generators pending new safety rules. Stay tuned
An Inconvenient Question
The New Republic asks "Do we need nuclear power?" The answer is...
Ferries Make A Splash
Is more ferry service a feasible transit option for New York City? Look into it
The iBank Idea
A proposal for a national infrastructure bank has numerous supporters, but its prospects are uncertain. Invest some time
Global Energy: The Known Unknowns
The unfolding disaster is Japan is just one part of the instability facing world energy supplies and markets. Consider this
March 15, 2011
NYC Covers The Waterfront
New York City launches a plan for its 520 mile long waterfront with short and long terms goals. Get it here
25 Energy Star Cities
See if you live in a city that's a top Energy Star and how much you're saving on carbon emissions. The list
EZ Job Creation
Consider the argument that investment in mass transit is a key job growth strategy for New York. Where's the Gov?
EU: Carbon Market At 2-Year High
The price of CO2 emissions trading permits is at its highest since 2008 in the EU-ETS. Blip or trend?
GHG: No Threat, No Rules
An amendment to the House bill to strip EPA's power to regulate GHG's specifies that it goes into effect only if climate change won't hurt the US economy. Follow Matsui
Cali: Shake Rattle and Roll
Operators of two California nuclear power plants claim their facilities are built to withstand strong earthquakes. Elvis lives!
Powering Ahead On Nuclear Power
The Department of Energy affirms its support for nuclear power. Learn more
Some Nuisance
State Attorneys General, respondents in the upcoming Supreme Court hearing on whether CO2 emissions will be declared a common law nuisance, ask the Court not to act. Get briefed
March 14, 2011
Is California Dreaming?
It's going to take a lot of efficiency to cut California's GHG emissions 80% by 2050. Start here
Germany: Aging Out The Atom
Reversing its position on repermitting 17 old nuclear power plants, Germany will review their safety and reconsider its energy policy. WSJ UPDATE: Seven pre-1980 plants to be shut
Before The Disaster
A WSJ poll conducted last month found elimination of subsidies to build nuclear power plants topped the list of federal spending cuts ideas. Check it out
Debating Disaster
Although it's too soon to know the full extent of what happened or will happen at Japan's crippled nuclear power plants, the debate over lessons learned has begun. Start here & Don't stop
When Solar Isn't Simple
Realizing the dream of using North African sun to power Europe is going to be complicated. Look into it
March 13, 2011
Korea: Smart Infrastructure
South Korea installs wireless sensors to gather data on conditions of bridges and other infrastructure facilities. Measure to manage
March 11, 2011
French Fracking
France extends a moratorium on the use of hydrofracking for fossil fuels until June 15. Learn more
Drilling Is Not A Plan
Obama calls for a comprehensive plan to ensure America's energy future. Stay tuned
Real World Experiment
Scientists don't know much about the impact of acidifying oceans on marine life, but with more CO2 entering the world's waters, they will find out. The acid test
Utility Invesments Clouded By Uncertainty
Will financing of American utilities become easier with CO2 emissions rules? Look into it
Creative Destruction
John Stewart grills Rand Paul about the benefits of having environmental laws. Watch it
60 Is The New 40
Action on a federal green light permitting the 40-year old Vermont Yankee nuclear generator to run for another 20 years could be halted by the state legislature. Forever young?
March 10, 2011
What Republicans Want
House Republicans want to pass energy legislation based on the premise that what America needs now is more domestic drilling for fossil fuels. And don't forget Senator Inhofe
The Devil's In The Details
Crafting regulations after a law is key ot its impact and the public has the right to comment on New York City's draft building Benchmarking law rules by March 21. Fine print
Russian Heat Wave
A new scientific paper finds last summer's blistering Russian heat wave was not the result of global warming, but it is a warning of what a hotter world will be like. Whew!
Small Reactor Legislation
What's in the Senate bill for developing and demonstrating small modular nuclear reactors? Find out
Mad Men Pitch Rail
Mad Men make the pitch for high speed rail.. Sold!
Under The Ice Sheets
Drill into the scientific meaning of recent findings about Antarctic ice. Who knew!
PA: Fracking Anyone?
Pennsylvania's pending budget bill would grant the Department of Community and Economic Development, headed by a former energy industry executive, power to 'expedite any permit or action pending in an agency where the creation of jobs may be impacted'. Drill down
March 09, 2011
Rate That Building
Check out this library of building rating systems and how they cam make performance comparisons possible. Off the shelf
Fission Ahead
A bi-partisan Senate bill would accelerate construction of small modular nuclear reactors by pre-approving specific designs and other means. [E&E Daily 03.09, Subscribers only]
Trouble Ahead
The US fuel-oil supply chain is seizing up and prices could soar. Look into it and then Look out
Build Better Mousetraps
Inventors and investors at MIT's green tech conference hope the start-up world will beat path to their door. Knock, knock
Fill 'Er Up With Hydrodgen
The UK rolls out a road test of hydrogen-powered vans. Look under the hood
Think Outside The Box-Paint Your Roof
What do climate change action, peak oil, economic security and painting your roof white have in common? Here's what
Food, Drink & Fuel
Soon, Japanese vending machines will be plug-in refueling sites for electric cars. Get connected
Science Fails
Scientists' testimony on climate change at Congressional hearings falls on deniers' deaf ears. Say what?
March 08, 2011
LNG Export Venture
A South African firm and a Canadian natural gas driller explore a project to covert natural gas to LNG for export. No more imports?
Let's Talk It Over
Social scientists look for ways to talk with climate doubters to prevent long-term political deadlocks. Fine print
On The Cusp Of Crisis
The Chairman of the Hess Corporation warns industry executives and politicians about a global energy crisis likely to be triggered by oil demand. Pay attention
A Paradox Makes The Point
Frigid temperatures in the Bering Sea offer insights into the workings of climate change. Dive in
EPA To OK: Scrub Or Switch
EPA orders coal-fired power plants in Oklahoma to add emissions scrubbers or switch to natural gas. Stay tuned
NYC's Conversion Experience
With final rules on the way, New Yorkers will soon be converting their boilers from dirty, unhealthy #6 home heating oil to cleaner #4 oil or something even better. Do it!
Spotlight On ARPA-E
Want to learn more about recent developments at ARPA-E, the federal agency created to fund the research and development of cutting edge energy technologies? Plug in
Shareholder Power
Twenty public-traded US firms agree to comply with the demands of shareholder environmental resolutions. Stock up
Live Blog Of House Climate Science Hearings
Can't be there? Keep up with them here & get the legal ABC's on what the Clean Air Act can and cannot do
UK: Green Collar Apprentices
The UK will fund the training of 1,000 young apprentices learning how to insulate homes and save energy. Learn more
March 07, 2011
WSJ: Not The Paper Of Record
What happens when the Wall Street Journal prints an article about the EPA that contains factual errors? Look into it
UAE: Solar Power Potential
Abu Dhabi and European investors raise $600 million for a 100 MW concentrated solar plant in the UAE. Plug in
From Farmhouse To Your House
Since sustainable cities can't survive without productive farms, the impact of climate change on agriculture is a critical matter. Make a connection
Australia: Semi-High Performance
Australia leads on high performance commercial buildings but lags on green homes. No worries?
BRT For USA
What can US cities learn form 120 cities around the world with bus rapid transit systems? Enter here
EU: Carbon Goals Without Means
While the EU upholds its GHG cutting goals, it is silent on how to use permits to achieve them. Learn more
March Madness - Capitol Climate Week
This could be a pivotal week for the EPA and climate action in Washington. Don't miss Tuesday's climate science hearings while Waxman waxes wroth.
NYC: Benchmarking Begins
The deadline for owners to submit the first annual report measuring building energy and water use is May 1 and compliance consultants are in high gear.
Matchmaking
Here's how to link communities with investors to forge a local, livable, sustainable future. Step-by-step
March 04, 2011
UK: Shifting From Coal
Now, biomass is 12% of the fuel burned in the UK's biggest coal fired power plant. Learn more
Save Our EPA Funding!
Follow the trail of EPA's proposed budget cuts that Republicans want to restore.
China: Infrasructure Diplomacy
China is building a high speed rail link to Laos. Fast company
Less Sunny Italy
An Italian government decree ends subsidies for solar power installations on May 31. Why?
Anatomy Of A Cut
California utilities have come close to meeting the current target of getting 20% of their power from renewables. Here's how
Closed-Loop Messaging
Grist raises the alarm that climate change advocates haven't learned the important lessons of Climategate. Get it
Glory Fails
Glory, the NASA satellite for measuring aerosols and studying how the Sun interacts with the atmosphere to anticipate future climate change impacts, failed to achieve orbit after its launch. Come on down
Built That Way
These 1899 drawings illustrate that density and verticality are in Manhattan's DNA. Enjoy
March 03, 2011
Glaciology
Scientists rethink the behavior of glaciers and its implications for climate studies. Chill
Destination Gowanus
Despite its designation as a Superfund site, new housing (some LEED-rated) is being built and bought near the Gowanus Canal. And away we go
The Price Of Oil Addiction
The UK faces the worst economic shock in forty years as oil soars to $100 a barrel. Time to detox
Pressure Eases On EPA
A key House Republican says he will drop restrictions on EPA's climate program to get a budget deal. Stay tuned
Eye Witness News
New Yorker Bruce Rosen attended this week's City Council oversight hearings on hydrofracking for natural gas upstate and took some notes.
Fracking Abroad
The US is not the only nation where hydrofracking for natural gas extraction arouses controversy. Drill down
Effiiciency Investment Leaders
In 2010, public sources, not private investments, dominate energy efficiency investments around the globe. Trend or blip?
Navy Green
The Navy urges the military to go green as an essential part of enhancing national security. Aye-aye
Fracking For Oil
Domestic oil production is at its highest level since 2002, with extraction boosted by hydrofracking. The new normal?
LA Lights Up
Los Angeles goes green, saves money and grows jobs by converting its streetlights from incandescents to LEDs. See here
March 02, 2011
What's New At ARPA-E
Catch up with what's happening at ARPA-E on the new energy technology front. Dr. M explains it all for you
Carbon Market Failure
The once-lively European carbon emissions trading market is moribund. What can save it?
Tell Me Why
It's official - warmer worldwide temperatures create more moisture in the atmosphere which in turn fuel heavier winter snows and spring floods. And that's not all
Not The SOS
Duke Energy CEO Jim Rogers wants to see major federal R&D dollars go toward making wind and solar power as cheap as coal. Learn more
More Power To The NY People
A long-stalled plan to bring more electricity into New York City from New Jersey gets the green light. Plug in
UK: Time To Measure Up
With homes and government buildings being energy benchmarked and making the results public, commercial buildings to do the same. It's right to know
More Oil For The Capitol
The House votes to end use of biodegradable cafeteria utensils and replace them with oil-based styrofoam products.
Is This For Real?
Ever wish you could figure out if the promises made by promoters of new energy tech products are credible? Start here
Toronto: Seeing The Subway
Toronto raises the bar on new subway design. Enter here
March 01, 2011
Schwarzenegger: Overturn The Old Energy Order
As collapsing of old regimes making headlines, Arnold Schwarzenegger calls on ARPA-E to end the old energy order and advance better times. Stay tuned
Biophilia For City Life
What is biolphilia and how can it make our cities places of resilience? Find out
With Friends Like These
While Senator Murkowski praises ARPA-E, she opposes funding requested by President Obama for cutting-edge energy technologies. No!
Remix For Swiss Power Mix
With four aging nuclear power plants and domestic controversy over their replacement, Swiss hydropower may no longer be on tap for export. Look into it
WI Power Plants For Sale?
Wisconsin Governor Walker wants to sell state-owned power plants and Koch Industries might be in the market. Pay to play
Sustainable Is The New Black
Don't miss the latest trend, greening the apparel supply chain! Timeless