Energy

Hurricane Sandy caused power outages that also prevented the use of hundreds of solar panels in the greater New York area. Solar companies are now working on decentralizing the system to make solar energy a backup source, reports Diane Cardwell.

November 25, 2012 - The New York Times

The public is increasingly showing support for hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas - and it's reflected at the ballot box as many pro-drilling candidates were elected. In fact, the debate has shifted from banning to what to do with new tax revenue.

November 24, 2012 - USA Today

Compared to Europe's high-speed rail, paved roads, and underground power lines, America lags behind with its unreliable trains, potholes, and overhead power lines. Uwe E. Reinhardt questions why Americans put up with the decaying infrastructure.

November 20, 2012 - The New York Times

California residential utility customers will receive a 'climate dividend', about $30 twice a year as part of the nation's first comprehensive 'cap & trade' program if the CA Public Utility Commission accepts a staff proposal at its Dec. 20 meeting,

November 20, 2012 - San Francisco Chronicle

Even in cities without world-class transit systems, transit can reduce car ownership to some extent.

November 18, 2012 - Michael Lewyn

In the wake of massive power outages in the Northeast, lighting designer Linnaea Tillett describes pre-industrial techniques for lighting and wayfinding that just might be worth revisiting.

November 18, 2012 - Metropolis POV Blog

Confirming an earlier Dept. of Energy report, the International Energy Agency's World Energy Outlook indicates not only that U.S. oil production will surpass Saudi Arabia's by 2020, but that it will be a net exporter by 2030 - thanks to fracking.

November 14, 2012 - Bloomberg News

Across the strait from Singapore, Iskandar Malaysia is being planned as the world’s next eco mega-city. Its architects and developers hope it will offer an alternative to Asia's polluted cities and a glimpse of the future of urban living.

November 10, 2012 - The Guardian

With only 25% of gas stations in NYC operating, the mayor has instituted odd-even rationing that has proven effective in reducing lines in NJ. Meanwhile, MTA announced most transit and subway service have been restored to pre-Hurricane Sandy levels.

November 10, 2012 - The New York Times - N.Y. / Region

Pres. Obama was accused of 'waging a war on coal' - rightly or wrongly, and the fossil fuel industry pumped funds heavily into his opponent's campaign, while environmentalists backed the president. How will this affect federal energy policy?

November 9, 2012 - The Washington Post - Health & Science

In a project initiated by the Sustainability Institute, and backed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, development experts are taking innovative steps to address South Africa’s housing shortage.

November 8, 2012 - The New York Times

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is trying to salvage a plan to increase the country's reliance on renewable energy to at least 35 percent by 2020 amid rising energy prices and mounting criticism

November 5, 2012 - The New York Times

It's 1973 again in 12 counties - this time Hurricane Sandy, rather than OPEC, is to blame. For those carrying gas cans rather than driving (or pushing) cars to the stations, they're exempt. The military and FEMA will deliver more fuel to NY and NJ.

November 5, 2012 - The Star-Ledger (New Jersey)

Qatar Airlines is gearing up their jets to run on a fuel derived from natural gas - so don't expect to see fuel tanks holding liquefied gas. Similar to the "Messerschmitt Fuel" in World War II that was derived from coal, they are called synfuels.

October 31, 2012 - The New York Times - Green Blog

With supporting evidence from a USA TODAY analysis, Thomas Frank examines the LEED points system and finds that certification, and the tax breaks and other rewards that go with it, can be easily obtained without proven environmental impact.

October 30, 2012 - USA Today

Surging oil and natural gas production has transformed the domestic energy paradigm. With the U.S. on track to replace Saudi Arabia as the world's largest oil producer, will the U.S finally meet President Nixon's 1973 goal of 'energy independence'?

October 28, 2012 - NPR Morning Edition

Justin Gillis discusses the controversy over President Obama's and Governor Romney's decision to skirt the topic of climate change during the presidential debates.

October 25, 2012 - The New York Times

You read that right, Sweden's trash problem is that it doesn't have enough of it. Due to a spectacularly successful rate of recycling, the country doesn't have enough garbage to power its waste-to-energy program. It's solution: import trash.

October 24, 2012 - Fast Company Co.Exist

Although "two of the hottest buzzwords in urban planning" - resilience and sustainability - are often used interchangeably, in many cases they actually work against each other. David Biello examines why both are crucial for the future of our cities.

October 23, 2012 - Slate

Electric-car-battery manufacturer A123 Systems received $249 million in federal grants. It filed for bankruptcy on Oct. 16, prompting Bloomberg reporter Angela Greiling Keane to look at the progress of President Obama's goal of 1 million EVs by 2015

October 19, 2012 - San Francisco Chronicle