Solar Cities

Cleaner, Smarter is the motto emblazoned on buses in the reconstructed New Orleans. As the "Big Easy" gears up for Mardi Gras, it's getting praise from environmentalists for solar-powered houses and hybrid mass transit.

New Orleans is one of 25 American Cities selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to serve as a national model for solar power. Let's hope it doesn't take another Katrina to make other cities follow their example.

• After Katrina, New Orleans is going green (Associated Press)
• Solar America Cities (US Department of Energy)
• Solar Projects in New Orleans (US Department of Energy)
• Solar Home Designs