Energy

A movement to shed light on the worldwide loss of dark skies aims to minimize light pollution in order to increase public opportunities for stargazing, while also serving as a money-saving measure for cities, reports Kate Galbraith.

October 18, 2012 - The New York Times

Is the idea of "farming up" really taking off? Vertical farming could yield long-term environmental benefits, but still faces many obstacles.

October 18, 2012 - The Wall Street Journal

"You think 50 cents in one week is bad - wait till the state adopts the Low Carbon Fuel Standard", warns one critic, predicting increases three times as much. The regulation was devised by the CA Air Resources Board to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

October 16, 2012 - San Francisco Chronicle

Is Clay Chapman the Joel Salatin of homebuilding? At $80/SF for a custom, multi-century, structural masonry and timber frame home, he just might be. Scott Doyon enumerates the similarities, and challenges others to get involved.

October 16, 2012 - PlaceShakers

Norway takes this responsibility seriously. Not only will it double its carbon tax, in existence since 1991, but it will use revenues to invest in renewable energy and food security in the developing world while expanding its own oil exploration.

October 15, 2012 - Guardian - U.K.

California has relied more on federal subsidies to develop its growing alternative energy industry than any other state in the country. With Mitt Romney seeking to trim such aid, the upcoming election will determine the fate of state energy policy.

October 14, 2012 - Los Angeles Times

During the first week of Oct, gas prices were falling through much of the country while spiking an unprecedented 50 cents in CA due to some unique circumstances - bad air requiring a unique fuel blend and a 'perfect storm' of refinery mishaps.

October 14, 2012 - San Jose Mercury News

Architectural Record explores the rebirth of the American city through the lens of three cities reinventing themselves through public initiatives, architecture, and urban design: Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Oklahoma City.

October 12, 2012 - Architectural Record

Ever wonder how the greenhouse gas emissions of your home compare to your neighbor's, or the supermarket down the street, or the office tower you work in? New software helps visualize such information in three dimensions across an entire city.

October 10, 2012 - The Atlantic Cities

The Wall Street Journal invites Mark Muro, with the Brookings Institution, and David Kreutzer, with the Heritage Foundation, to debate the merits of government subsidies for the development of wind and solar power in the United States.

October 10, 2012 - The Wall Street Journal

The news of the escalating gas prices was ubiquitous - local media news reports led with gas station prices that had risen 20-50 cents overnight, or stations that had closed early for lack of gas. Finally, Gov. Brown acted to alleviate the 'crisis'.

October 9, 2012 - The New York Times - U.S.

John M. Broder looks at the obstacles that stand in the way of Mitt Romney's campaign pledge to “take a weed whacker” to a variety of federal pollution and public health rules.

October 9, 2012 - The New York Times

A new study by the Reason Foundation evaluates wind power and finds that wind power is limited in practice due to the increased need for power storage, the decrease in grid reliability, and the increased operating costs.

October 8, 2012 - Reason Foundation

Chris Bentley reports on the complex discussions centered around what to do with the sites of two massive coal plants closing this month in Chicago. As Bentley notes, "what happens to these 132 acres in Chicago could have nationwide implications."

September 26, 2012 - The Architect's Newspaper

In response to a New York Times investigation in to the energy wastage of Internet companies and their vast, electricity-sucking data centers, Will Oremus argues that we all need to take a look at our own online carbon footprints.

September 26, 2012 - Slate.com

In the first article of a series exploring how the physical structures that support the explosion in digital information are effecting the environment, James Glanz examines the wasteful manner in which technology companies consume energy.

September 25, 2012 - The New York Times

In the developed world, increased urbanization can be a net boon for the environment. Yet, writes Bryan Walsh, if not planned for carefully, the rapid urbanization of developing world could have a dramatic impact on climate change and biodiversity.

September 24, 2012 - Time

Dr. Jay Apt offers four cost-effective steps for cities to maintain essential services when the next big blackout hits.

September 21, 2012 - The Wall Street Journal

With only 50,000 electric cars on the road now, many charging stations are free - but what happens when the number multiplies? Electric car charging companies are counting on the number increasing and are determining "how to charge for the charge."

September 20, 2012 - The Wall Street Journal

NYT Economic Scene columnist Eduardo Porter makes a strong case against the new 54.5 mpg by 2025 fuel efficiency standards, arguing instead for higher gas taxes. Critiquing the piece, Reuter's economics blogger, Felix Salmon calls for both measures.

September 15, 2012 - The New York Times - Business Day