Photos: Green Cars at 2013 Washington Auto Show

Green cars have gone mainstream.

Only a few years ago, green cars were a novelty relegated to the back corner of the convention hall. But in 2013 car companies are putting their green cars front and center because of new federal fuel economy standards put into place because of concerns about greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change, high gas prices, and reducing America's dependence on foreign oil.

Green Traveler: Merrifield Mosaic District

Global warming is turning Northern Virginia into Southern California. On a recent sunny 70 degree January day I decided to bicycle over to the new Mosaic District in Merrifield. Growing up in Falls Church City, I remember seeing movies at the Multiplex Cinemas when Merrifield was a run-down industrial district.

All I can say is wow! Merrifield doesn't suck anymore! The old movie theater was torn down years ago to make way for the transit oriented development called Mosaic. And it's not just Mosaic, there are new hotels, condos and apartments and construction cranes rising up within walking distance of the Dunn Loring-Merrifield station on Metro's Orange Line. The bicycling infrastructure isn't quite there yet, but with the Silver Line coming to Tysons, Fairfax County has big plans to make the car-crazy county more bicycle-friendly.

Green Traveler: Obama Inauguration 2013

Washington, D.C. -- President Obama's climate change-themed second inaugural address wasn't the only environmentally friendly part of inauguration weekend in Washington, D.C. Here are a few green observations from the historic event in the nation's capital.

National Memo: Majority of Voters Want Climate Action

A new report that finds that a majority of American voters are concerned about climate change and want their elected leaders to take action. Click here to read my story at The National Memo.

National Memo: 5 Ways Obama Can Address Climate Change in Second Term

Photo credit: Rob Carr via Associated Press

Click here to ready my latest National Memo story on five ways President Obama can address climate change in his second term.

Guest Post: Gas v. Electric: Choosing the Right Water Heater for You

Hot water heaters consume a substantial portion of the electricity bill of a household. It is believed that water heating consumes roughly 15 percent of the overall energy used by a family. A water heater that is energy-efficient and economical should be preferred when you go buy a new hot water heater. The two types of storage tank or tankless water heaters available today are gas water heaters and electric water heaters. A few things to keep in mind when deciding which type of water heater is best for your household include the supply outlet or pipeline you have in your home, the space designated for your water heater, the amount of usage, and the energy source with which it has to be operated.

Gas Water Heaters

Gas hot water heaters primarily run on natural gas to heat your water. A small chamber filled with water is heated with the help of burning natural gas. These heaters were used before the invention of electrical appliances. Today, many natural gas water heaters are being used by households of various sizes. Natural gas is a cheaper source of fuel, and the cost is quite low when compared to electric hot water heater options. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a gas water heater.

National Memo: Big Oil Lobbyist Jack Gerard Lies About Industry Not Getting Subsidies

My latest National Memo story is published online about how American Petroleum Institute CEO Jack Gerard wrongly claims Big Oil doesn't get government subsidies and tax breaks.

Click here to read the story.