News & Commentary

San Jose Ups Its Biking Game

September 30, 2019 DispatchSan Jose (California)Corey Binns

In this sprawling Bay Area city, more than half the carbon footprint comes from cars and trucks. So the city is focusing on growing its network of safe bike paths—and fast.

California Approves Novel Low-Income EV Charger Program

September 12, 2019 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaMiles Muller

PG&E will launch a new program to reduce barriers to electric vehicle (EV) adoption in low- and moderate-income communities in Northern California.

Albuquerque Commits to 100% Clean Light-Duty Fleet

September 9, 2019 Expert BlogNew Mexico, AlbuquerqueEloisa Portillo-Morales

Mayor Tim Keller pledged that any eligible new vehicles purchased for the city’s light-duty fleet will be electric, hybrids, or powered by alternative fuels. 

Colorado Revs Up, Adopts Zero Emission Vehicle Program

August 16, 2019 Expert BlogColoradoDr. Simon Mui

Colorado joins 10 other states that have already adopted ZEV programs.

Program to Electrify San Diego's Trucks and Buses Approved

August 15, 2019 Expert BlogSan Diego, CaliforniaMax Baumhefner, Miles Muller

San Diego Gas & Electric will deploy charging infrastructure to support around 6,000 electric buses, trucks, and other medium and heavy-duty vehicles—and a school bus vehicle-to-grid pilot project—under a decision by the California Public Utilities Commission.

California Moves to Make Paying for EV Charging Easier

August 12, 2019 Expert BlogCaliforniaMiles Muller

California recently approved regulations for public charging stations to ensure people can pay for charging as easily as they pay for gasoline. However, a bill moving through the California Legislature would unwind those regulations, making charging less accessible and less…

How Austin Plans to Grow—Without Adding More Cars to Its Roads

July 17, 2019 DispatchAustin, TexasMike Clark-Madison

By tackling transit, ride sharing, and more, the Texas capital hopes to embrace its big-city identity.

To Become a Less Car-Centric City, San Diego Takes Aim at Parking Lot Quotas

June 5, 2019 DispatchSan DiegoBecca Cudmore

In addition to cutting carbon pollution, Mayor Kevin Faulconer’s climate initiatives could give a boost to public transit and affordable housing options.

Portland Makes Strides to Cut Emissions and Move Beyond Four Wheels

March 4, 2019 DispatchPortland (Oregon)Becca Cudmore

The Rose City, a winner of the American Cities Climate Challenge, will reduce emissions as it revamps its transportation system—part of a new strategic plan called Central City in Motion.

Governor Polis Takes Bold Action to Advance EVs & Clean Air

January 17, 2019 Expert BlogColoradoDr. Simon Mui, Noah Long

Colorado's new governor is starting out the new year with a plan to reduce transportation carbon emissions to protect the environment and public health.

The Future of Seattle’s Ferries Is Electric

December 26, 2018 DispatchSeattle, WashingtonStarre Vartan

The largest ferry system in the United States prepares to stop using diesel fuel to help Washington achieve its climate action goals.

These Coloradans Want to Ditch Their Diesel School Buses

December 6, 2018 DispatchColoradoCorey Binns

Citing poor air quality and high asthma rates, local environmental advocates are pushing for a cleaner ride to school for their children.

In Long Beach, Touring a Toxic Neighborhood on Bike

October 24, 2018 DispatchLong Beach, CaliforniaCorey Binns

Residents who live near the country’s busiest ports are getting a new lens on the pollution in their backyards, and new tactics to help fight it.

Northam Brings Virginia's Energy Future into Sharper Focus

August 10, 2018 Expert BlogVirginiaWalton Shepherd

While the Trump administration puts the nation in reverse on cleaning up vehicle pollution, Governor Ralph Northam put the Commonwealth on the road to cleaner energy in announcing yesterday a $14 million investment in electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across…

Colorado Moves to Adopt Clean Car Standards

June 20, 2018 Expert BlogColoradoDr. Simon Mui, Noah Long

Colorado Envisions a Million Electric Vehicles on Its Roads

May 23, 2018 DispatchColoradoSteve Friess

Governor Hickenlooper wants to rev up the transition away from gas power, but there are a few roadblocks to clear.

Mass Transit: The Crucial Ingredient in the Recipe for a Boomtown

September 22, 2017 PerspectivesCaliforniaJeff Turrentine

How a single light-rail stop transformed a sleepy L.A. suburb into a vibrant, buzzing business hub.

Holding the Line Against Trump in the Golden State

March 30, 2017 DispatchCaliforniaElizabeth Svoboda

With a new series of bills, California promises to protect the environment no matter what happens on the federal level.

Airplanes vs. Bullet Trains: The Race Is On in Texas

July 13, 2016 Latest NewsTexasJeff Turrentine

Fifty years ago, Southwest Airlines revolutionized regional air travel. Now another Texas-based business is launching a counterrevolution on the ground—and the carbon savings could be huge.

Docking Diesel Pollution

March 29, 2016 NRDC in ActionLos Angeles, California, Long BeachNicole Greenfield

How NRDC is protecting the health of communities by helping clear the air at some of the world’s busiest ports.