The COG Board of Directors’ policy committees helped advance the region’s work this year, including in the areas of equity, inclusive growth, resilience, mental health, and food security. Elected officials from across the region showed outstanding leadership as chairs of each committee, paving the way for more progress in 2022.
See the full story at COG.
More DMV News
Prince George’s Climate Action Plan Calls for Decreasing Emissions, Increasing Energy Efficiency
The Washington Informer
A 16-member county Climate Action Commission worked on recommendations this year to improve the environment.
City Makes Progress on LED Streetlight Replacement
ALX Now
Transportation and Environmental Services has been working with Dominion Energy to swap out the city’s street lamps with LED lights. So far, the city said around 40% of the city’s streetlights have been swapped.
Xcel, Dominion Dispute Global Utility Assessment, Say They are on Track to Meet 1.5 Degree Climate Target
Utility Dive
Electric utilities have taken a leading role — by necessity — in efforts to decarbonize the global economy. But two U.S. utilities disagree about the alleged inadequacy of their progress toward global climate benchmarks.
Virginia Air Board Adopts Clean Car Regulations
Virginia Mercury
The Virginia State Air Pollution Control Board approved regulations Thursday that set up the framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles as part of a California program the General Assembly embraced during its winter 2021 session.
National and International News
Billions for Climate Protection Fuel New Debate: Who Deserves It Most
New York Times
The new infrastructure law signed by President Biden includes almost $50 billion to protect communities against climate change, the largest such investment in United States history, and a recognition that the effects of warming are outpacing America’s ability to cope.
‘A Long Way To Go’: How ConEd, Xcel and 4 Other Utilities are Helping Cities Meet Big EV Goals
Utility Dive
Electric vehicles could finish 2021 as 5% of new car sales in the U.S., according to market observers, and are expected to make up a growing share in the years to come. Driven by city and state electrification goals, and now supported by federal infrastructure dollars, the years ahead will be a critical time for utilities working to drive beneficial electrification.
Pricing Carbon is Vital to US Climate Goals and Politically Unlikely, but There is Another Way, Analysts Say
Utility Dive
Imposing a federal price on carbon to drive decarbonization is both urgent and unlikely, but there may be a workaround, according to some economists and policymakers.
Diesel Trucks are Driving Environmental Injustice in Parts of the US
Green Biz
Low-income people of color in the U.S. are exposed to 28 percent more nitrogen dioxide in the air they breathe compared to their wealthier white counterparts, a new study using satellite measurements reports.
Spiking Gas Prices are a Preview of an Energy Transition Gone Wrong
Grist
As Americans face $5 per gallon at the pump and warnings of 50 percent increases to their home heating bills this winter, the country is getting a taste of the risks of a poorly managed energy transition.