Energy Policy

Massachusetts

Even the Most Energy Efficient Cities Have Room for Improvement

The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy has released its third biannual City Energy Efficiency Scorecard.

May 13, 2017 - Next City

Palm Springs

California Stuck With an Expensive Overabundance of Energy Facilities

The Los Angeles Times uncovers a state with a lot more energy that it needs, which has regulators explaining their decisions residents and businesses opening their wallets.

February 6, 2017 - The Los Angeles Times

Pollution

Washington State's Big Climate Policy Experiment

On November 8, voters in the nation’s northwest corner will decide on I-732, which would create a carbon tax swap and potentially become a new model for fighting climate change.

November 5, 2016 - Pete Sullivan

What Does the Connected Home Mean for Energy Policy?

As cities look to the Internet of Things to reimagine urban infrastructure, one hope is that real-time data collection will help increase energy efficiency at the regional level. Where do homes outfitted with a network of smart devices fit in?

October 28, 2015 - VerdeXchange News

Rooftop Solar Panels

U.S. Cities Ranked By Energy Efficiency

According to an ACEEE report, Boston currently leads the way, with New York, Washington, DC, and San Francisco not far behind. Los Angeles, Washington, and Chicago show the most improvement since 2013.

June 2, 2015 - American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy

President Obama OKs Initial Crude Oil Export

An energy policy developed during the 1983 Arab oil embargo is loosening thanks to an order by the Commerce Department, though not as much as oil companies would like. Will gas prices rise? No, they will fall, argues energy expert Daniel Yergin.

June 25, 2014 - The Wall Street Journal

Environmental Groups Revolt Over Obama's Energy Strategy

Already under pressure from the fossil-fuel industry and Republicans over new environmental regulations, the Obama administration is facing a challenge from 18 of the nation's leading environmental groups over its "all of the above" energy strategy.

January 17, 2014 - The Washington Post

Is the Ban on U.S. Oil Exports Suppressing Gasoline Prices?

Yes, and that's a good thing, say opponents of lifting the 1975 ban on crude oil exports. Brad Plumer examines this argument and explains the two other chief reasons, the environment and refinery lobbying, to maintain the ban on exporting crude oil.

January 10, 2014 - The Washington Post - Wonkblog

Energy Boom Warrants Rethinking 1970's Energy Policies

Harkening back to the long lines at gas stations that erupted after the 1973 Arab oil embargo, followed by diminishing oil production, US crude oil exports were prohibited. With production booming, energy czar Ernest Moniz may reconsider that policy.

December 17, 2013 - The New York Times - Energy & Environment

California's Alternative Energy Strategy, or Lack Thereof, Heads for a Reckoning

California has set a deadline of 2020 to rely less on fossil fuels and more on alternative energy, but a report finds this strategy could end up emptying ratepayers' pockets and damaging the state's environmental resources, reports Julie Cart.

December 7, 2012 - The Los Angeles Times

Romney Unveils Energy Plan

In a campaign event this morning GOP Presidential candidate Mitt Romney was set to announce his energy strategy for America. Romney's plan focuses on decreasing regulation, while increasing off-shore drilling, to reach energy independence.

August 23, 2012 - The New York Times

Fossil Fuels Getting Massive Federal Subsidies, Renewables Not So Much

President Obama has proposed eliminating federal subsidies for fossil fuels in 2011, but for now they're still a $72 billion piece of the pie. Solar, wind and geothermal? $12.2 billion.

March 14, 2010 - ecopolitology

Energy Plan Might Stifle Growth, Say Governors

During an energy conference sponsored by the Southern Growth Policies Board, a number of governors said that taxes on energy production might drive up the cost of gas, which will could an impact on the whole industry.

June 11, 2009 - The Miami Herald

Nuclear Not the Answer, Says MIT Study

While nuclear energy is being touted as a possible savior for global warming, an updated MIT study says the technology hasn't progressed and is still too expensive.

May 24, 2009 - The Wall St. Journal

A Major Step Toward An Ambitious Energy Goal

The City of Austin is set to take in a record amount of solar power to advance towards a goal of deriving 30% of local energy from renewable sources by 2020.

February 2, 2009 - Austin American-Statesman

Smart Economic Stimulation

Economic stimulation is an important issue these days. Let’s be smart when choosing economic stimulation strategies.

November 30, 2008 - Todd Litman

Feds Plan 'Energy Corridors' Through National Parks

The Department of Energy is proposing to construct massive "energy corridors", land designated solely for the purpose of energy conduction like oil, hydrogen and electricity.

July 15, 2008 - Terrain.org: A Journal of the Built & Natural Environments

Don't Fill-er-up With Stupidity

People’s response to death typically proceeds through various stages: disbelief, denial, anger, bargaining, guilt, and eventually acceptance and hope. Motorists’ response to increased fuel price seems to follow similar stages:

May 18, 2008 - Todd Litman

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