Environment

Recreational Vehicle

Legislation to End Sales of Gas and Diesel Passenger Vehicles in California Reintroduced

Assemblymembers Phil Ting and Ash Kalra have reintroduced the Clean Cars 2040 Act with the goal of banning the sale of passenger vehicles powered by internal combustion engines by 2040, with the California Air Resources Board playing a lead role.

December 10, 2018 - SF Gate

Carbon Tax

Major Increase in Global Carbon Emissions Projected for 2018

The report from the Global Carbon Project, an international group of scientists who track greenhouse gas emissions, comes as a surprise as emissions had been relatively flat for the last four years. Global emissions this year will increase 2.7%.

December 7, 2018 - The New York Times

Minneapolis Buildings

Updated: Last Minute Opposition to Minneapolis 2040 From Environmental Groups

A coalition of opposition groups claims that density is bad for the environment, and that the Minneapolis 2040 comprehensive plan should be stopped.

December 6, 2018 - Star Tribune

Macron Protest

President Macron Acquiesces to Yellow Vests' Demands on Fuel Tax Hike

Despite statements to the contrary just a week ago, Macron reversed position and caved to the demonstrators' demands that upcoming fuel tax hikes be suspended.

December 5, 2018 - CityLab

Coal-Fired Power Plant

Investigation Reveals the Failures of 'Clean Coal'

As the federal government sends massive subsidies to encourage so-called clean coal technology, coal-burning power plants aren't sending less pollution into the air and into the earth.

December 5, 2018 - Reuters

Bonner Bridge

Climate Change Won't Be Kind to the Carolinas

The 4th National Climate Assessment brought the reality of climate change to the regional and local level. The Carolinas provide a particularly poignant case study.

December 4, 2018 - The Charlotte Observer

Washington D.C. Aerial

D.C. Council Supports Clean Energy Legislation

The bill, which the council is likely to pass later this month, includes more ambitious renewable energy and clean vehicle mandates.

December 3, 2018 - Utility Dive

Dar es Salaam

Compact Cities Are Environmentally and Economically More Sustainable

Sprawl leads to more emissions, but the economic costs are also high. Policies and strategies that ensure compact growth are essential.

December 3, 2018 - World Resources Institute

Northern California Wilidfires

A Regional Breakdown of Climate Change in the U.S.

No corner of the county will escape unscathed.

December 1, 2018 - Grist

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston's Metropolitan Area Planning Council Announces Resilience Grant Program

The Accelerating Climate Resiliency Mini Grant Program will award grants to six to 15 projects, policies, and actions to protect people from the impacts of climate change.

December 1, 2018 - Metropolitan Area Planning Council

egislative Assembly of Ontario

Ontario Orders a 'Carbon Trust Fund' to Replace its Cap-and-Trade Program

Premier Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservatives party have left their mark on Ontario's signature climate change policy.

December 1, 2018 - The Star

Invasive Species

Price Triples for Keeping Asian Carp Out of Lake Michigan

It's been expensive year for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' efforts to prevent environmental catastrophe in Lake Michigan.

December 1, 2018 - Associated Press via Chicago Tribune

Flooding in Howard Beach

New Report Assesses Threat From Urban Flooding

Researchers from the University of Maryland and Texas A&M surveyed stormwater officials and synthesized the results. Their conclusion: "Rainwater is taking its toll on metropolitan America"

November 30, 2018 - Slate

Macron Protest

France Drops Road Tolling Plans Amid Fuel Tax Protests

Controversial London-style congestion pricing won't be coming to French cities due to concerns sparked by the 'Yellow Vest' protests over an upcoming fuel tax hike, but President Macron stated the fuel tax increases will go forward in January.

November 30, 2018 - Reuters

Farmland New Hampshire

Farm Bill Compromise Reached After SNAP Controversies Resolved

After a political stalemate, lawmakers now say they have a farm bill that will pass both the House and Senate.

November 30, 2018 - The Washington Post

Electric Cars

Electric Vehicles Alone Will Not Reduce Emissions to Meet California's Climate Goal

According to a new report by the California Air Resources Board, even if electric vehicle sales were to increase tenfold, it would not reduce emissions from transportation enough to meet a 2030 climate goal. A major reduction in driving is needed.

November 29, 2018 - Los Angeles Times

American Car

Ford Follows GM to Prioritize SUVs

The efficient days of the post-auto industry bailout are over. American car companies are committing to larger, less efficient vehicles to keep up with the preferences of American consumers.

November 29, 2018 - Associated Press

River Barge

Port Plan Raises Flood Concerns Near St. Louis

The eternal battle between jurisdictions over how to control flooding along the Mississippi River continues.

November 28, 2018 - St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Coal Mining and Power Station

Climate Report Written by Federal Government Warns of Dire Impact on Economy

The second volume of the Fourth National Climate Assessment, released on Black Friday to presumably draw less attention from the American public, was well-covered by the media. Unlike Volume 1, there was greater focus on economic impacts.

November 27, 2018 - The New York Times

University of Washington

What's Next After Carbon Pricing Initiative Fails Twice?

Carbon pricing proponents in the U.S. saw their second defeat in two years in the same state when Washington voters soundly defeated I-1631, a carbon fee that would fund emission reductions. Unlike I-732 in 2016, environmentalists were unified.

November 26, 2018 - Grist

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