Note: We’ve been having some server problems — please pardon those and the resultant late and light posting today.

• The mayor of Charlotte laments how difficult it is to use stimulus funds “to build transit systems or major power generating facilities, upgrade water systems, or undertake significant environmental cleanups.” You know, lasting stuff. Instead it’s all about “filling potholes.” (WSJ)
• Montreal’s cutting edge Bixi bicycle-sharing system is expanding to Boston and London. The details are still hazy for Boston, but London is planning to install 400 stations with 10,000 bikes. (Green Inc.)
• Last week, we alerted you to the idea of using the sewer-dwelling robots to deliver packages, thus keeping trucks off the streets. A new idea in this vein: mini tunneling robots that dig their own underground delivery tubes. (Wired)
• An small family-run auto parts maker in Michigan is scrambling to find new lines of business. They borrowed $12 million to retool and start making wind turbine parts–but are finding no demand for them. (WaPo)
• Does the Chevy Volt actually get 230 mpg? There is ongoing debate. But now Nissan claims their LEAF gets 367 mpg. So, ha. But charging either of these cars remains a big issue if you are a street parker. What to do? “I don’t know,” admits GM’s CEO. (TNR The Vine)
• During WWII, German soldiers created ingenious sail-powered rail cars to get supplies to the front lines in Russia at a time when access to oil supplies was very limited. Literally, “Enviro Nazis.” (Inventing Green)

Tags: HEADLINES