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Newton Reorganizes Sustainability Office, Shifts Focus to Implementation Amid Leadership Change

Newton Reorganizes Sustainability Office, Shifts Focus to Implementation Amid Leadership Change

The city of Newton is reorganizing its climate and sustainability office, integrating it into the Department of Public Works (DPW) and re-evaluating its leadership structure. Mayor Marc Laredo's administration announced that Sustainability Co-Chair Ann Berwick would be 'transitioning' out of her role, though Berwick stated she was 'abruptly fired' without a stated reason or discussion about the city's future sustainability plans. This change marks a shift in the city's approach to sustainability, moving from policy development to active implementation and climate adaptation strategies. Newton Chief Operations Officer Josh Morse explained that the reorganization aims to leverage the DPW's extensive resources and infrastructure capabilities to execute climate action plans more effectively. The city has a long history of environmental leadership, dating back to the 1970s with an 'energy engineer' position, and has since expanded its initiatives to include stormwater resiliency and phosphorus reduction program...
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Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting System Proposed to Combat Urban Heatwaves and Reduce Energy Demand

Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting System Proposed to Combat Urban Heatwaves and Reduce Energy Demand

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a study proposing a rooftop rainwater harvesting system designed to mitigate urban heatwaves and decrease air conditioning usage. This innovative system collects rainwater from rooftops and strategically sprays it onto buildings during hot weather. The study, which utilized process-based numerical simulations and artificial intelligence with Tokyo as a case study, found that cooling rooftops reduced the energy required for air conditioning. This reduction is attributed to cooler roofs transferring less heat into buildings and lower air conditioning use leading to less waste heat being released into the urban environment. The research indicates that the benefits of this approach become more significant during hotter years, suggesting its increasing importance as global temperatures rise. The system also offers a co-benefit of reducing extreme urban runoff, providing a natural solution to both thermal stress and hydrological extremes.
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Glastonbury Town Council Delays Vote on Connecticut Climate Superfund Resolution

Glastonbury Town Council Delays Vote on Connecticut Climate Superfund Resolution

The Glastonbury Town Council has not yet added a proposed municipal resolution supporting a Connecticut Climate Superfund to its agenda. This resolution aims to establish a state-level fund, modeled on the 'polluter pays' principle, where major fossil fuel companies responsible for significant historical greenhouse gas emissions would contribute payments. These funds, overseen by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, would then be used for eligible climate adaptation and infrastructure projects within the state. The proposal was brought forward by Glastonbury residents, including a local youth, who spoke during public comment before the Town Council, advocating for an additional source of funding to address climate-related damages, particularly those affecting local farms and infrastructure, which currently often fall to taxpayers and municipalities.
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Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro Implements Stricter Scrutiny for Data Center Projects

Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro Implements Stricter Scrutiny for Data Center Projects

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2026-05 on August 18, 2026, imposing new restrictions on the state's review of permits for data center projects. While not a complete moratorium, the order introduces requirements designed to slow development and increase local official influence. Key provisions include making all data center projects ineligible for the PA Permit Fast Track Program, prohibiting state agencies from entering into nondisclosure agreements related to these projects, and mandating the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to create a public map of all known data center projects. Crucially, the order prevents state permits from being issued until developers demonstrate compliance with local plans and secure all municipal approvals, effectively enhancing local power over these developments. The order also establishes a two-tiered review system, favoring developers who adhere to the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) standards, which incl...
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Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer and Councilmember Nick Richardson Propose Formalizing Data Center Ban

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer and Councilmember Nick Richardson Propose Formalizing Data Center Ban

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer and Councilmember Nick Richardson Propose Formalizing Data Center Ban
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Norman De-Annexation Proposal Raises Concerns Over Essential City Services

Norman De-Annexation Proposal Raises Concerns Over Essential City Services

A de-annexation proposal in Norman, Oklahoma, involving land located east of 60th Avenue, is currently under discussion and has not yet reached the full City Council for a vote. The proposal, initiated by Ward 8 Councilmember Scott Dixon, seeks to examine whether removing some rural land from Norman city limits could reduce general fund expenses, particularly those associated with maintaining roads in far eastern Norman. This area, primarily within Ward 5, is the city's largest and most rural council ward. Residents and city leaders have expressed significant concerns regarding the potential impact of de-annexation on essential services such as police protection, fire response, trash collection, and road maintenance. The idea is still in the study phase, with city staff tasked to analyze the financial implications and service changes.
The Corpus Christi Caller Times The Corpus Christi Caller Times
Inner Harbor lost. Water system should serve the people | Opinion

Inner Harbor lost. Water system should serve the people | Opinion

After the Inner Harbor desalination project was voted down a second time, Corpus Christi should terminate the project's permits, Armon Alex writes.
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U.S. Rep. Dina Titus Criticizes Boulder City Data Center Approval, Citing NEPA Violations

U.S. Rep. Dina Titus Criticizes Boulder City Data Center Approval, Citing NEPA Violations

U.S. Representative Dina Titus has voiced strong opposition to the proposed Boulder City data center, asserting that the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was not adequately followed in its approval process. Titus highlighted that using the same environmental study for a data center as for a solar farm is illogical, given their distinct environmental impacts. Her comments come as an administrative judge has issued a ruling that temporarily halts the project, providing relief to Boulder City residents who have actively campaigned against it. Titus emphasized the necessity for transparency and a new, comprehensive environmental study that includes public hearings and considers critical factors such as water usage and other environmental aspects, which she claims are currently overlooked under the existing NEPA process. This development is part of a broader trend in Southern Nevada, where other jurisdictions, including Nye and Clark Counties, are also re-evaluating or restricting data center developmen...
Florida Times-Union Florida Times-Union
Jacksonville enters national debate about Flock cameras

Jacksonville enters national debate about Flock cameras

Council member Jimmy Peluso explores Flock camera moratorium. Police say address privacy concerns without shutting off cameras that help solve crimes.
The Corpus Christi Caller Times The Corpus Christi Caller Times
Corpus Christi officials pause certain short-term rental permits

Corpus Christi officials pause certain short-term rental permits

Permits for some types of short-term rentals are on pause through Nov. 17 as Corpus Christi officials discuss possible changes to rules.
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Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman Appointed to National Association of Counties Committees

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman Appointed to National Association of Counties Committees

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman has been appointed to several committees for the National Association of Counties (NACo). Her appointments include serving as a member of the Justice and Public Safety Policy Steering Committee, the International Economic Development Innovation Council, and the Environment, Energy and Land Use Policy Committee. Additionally, Kerkman has been named vice chair of the Midsize County Caucus and a member of the Great Lakes Regional Forum. These roles will allow her to engage with county leaders nationwide, share Kenosha County's experiences, and bring best practices back to her community. Kerkman is a returning member to the Justice and Public Safety Policy Steering Committee and the International Economic Development Innovation Council, while her appointment to the Environment, Energy and Land Use Policy Committee is new.
The Knoxville News-Sentinel The Knoxville News-Sentinel
Union Avenue traffic change postponed until new hotel ready | Opinion

Union Avenue traffic change postponed until new hotel ready | Opinion

Plus, a look at how Sequoyah Hills voters leaned heavily Democratic in the last election.