Recent Streetsblog USA posts about Energy

Department of Energy Gets Basic Math Wrong in its Rail Analysis

By Elana Schor | Sep 11, 2009 | 5 Comments

When it comes to the carbon consumption of cars, trains, and buses, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DoE) Transportation Energy Data Book [PDF] is an indispensable resource. But this year’s Data Book contains an eyebrow-raising error in its analysis of rail’s energy use. (Image: DoE) Page 66 of the Data Book, reprinted on the DoE’s […]

Consensus on National Transport Goals Still Eludes Industry Pros

By Elana Schor | Sep 10, 2009 | No Comments

Policymakers and private-sector players seem to be struggling to agree on how — and whether — to set national performance targets for America’s transportation system, as evidenced by today’s debate at a high-profile infrastructure conference. (Photo: UVA) "Performance-based" is a popular buzzword in transportation circles, where clear and definable national standards are seen as the […]

Oil Industry Tears Page from Health Care Playbook to Battle Climate Bill

By Elana Schor | Aug 14, 2009 | 1 Comment

Protesters march against the health care bill. The sign at far left reads "Cap and Trade + Socialized Medicine = No More USA…" (Photo: MassLive.com) Thanks to conservative groups that have worked for months to stoke false rumors about Congress’ health care effort, a wave of negative "town hall" stories is now dominating the media […]

Electrified Transportation’s Big Week in Washington

By Elana Schor | Aug 7, 2009 | 1 Comment

While lawmakers were approving billions of dollars to entice auto buyers into moderate fuel-efficiency progress this week, the Obama administration was ramping up its push for electrified transportation. The Chevy Volt (Photo: TreeHugger) The president awarded $2.4 billion in grants to electric battery companies on Wednesday, with more than half of General Motors’ $241 million […]

White Roof, Green Roof: Cities Share Climate Solutions on the Hill

By Elana Schor | Jul 22, 2009 | 2 Comments

The green roof at Chicago’s City Hall, with the adjacent Cook County building visible at bottom. (Photo: 2modern) When Energy Secretary Steven Chu observed that simply painting roofs white would go a long way in reducing emissions, he was mocked by conservatives but hailed by advocates who have long understood the power of small-scale actions […]

GOPer Offers Alternative Climate Plan: More Nuke, Less ‘Energy Sprawl’

By Elana Schor | Jul 13, 2009 | No Comments

Lamar Alexander (TN), the GOP’s third-ranked leader in the Senate, today unveiled an energy plan that is intended to serve as a counterpoint to the climate change bill being assembled by senior Democrats. His proposal focused largely on one promise: 100 new nuclear plants in the next 20 years. Wind farms require a lot of […]

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