Environment
The Penalty for Fourth of July Fireworks: A Spike in Air Pollution
It's not just the ears of dogs that suffer the consequences of the nation's loudest celebration—it's also our lungs. Louisville provides the proof.
Lawsuits Slow Progress of California's $17 Billion WaterFix Project
Environmentalists and the fishing industry filed lawsuits just a few days after a massive plan to build tunnels to move water under the San Joaquin-Sacramento River Delta in California received a green light from the federal government.
Appeals Court Rebuffs Trump's EPA on Methane Emissions Suspension
In a win for the environment, a D.C. Circuit panel ruled that EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt could not arbitrarily suspend the starting date of a landmark Obama rule that would reduce methane emissions from new and modified oil and gas wells.
Volvo Makes History in Embrace of Electric Vehicle Technology
In a major announcement that could shake-up the auto industry, Volvo Cars declared it will initiate a gradual divorce from autos solely powered by internal combustion in two years. The Chinese-owned company wants to reduce its environmental impact.
Charging Anxiety, Not Price Anxiety, the Biggest Impediment to Electric Vehicle Adoption
California legislators hoping to entice motorists to purchase electric vehicles with more generous rebates or other perks are missing the real obstacle for many consumers, according to a new study on electric vehicle charging.
One Developer's Idea for Regional Housing Solutions in Southern California
New housing development is off to a slow start in Los Angeles in 2017. Although the city defeated an anti-growth ballot measure, LA is still faced with a number of policy and legal challenges to building an adequate supply of affordable housing.
U.S. Conference of Mayors Sets Target for 100 Percent Renewable Energy
The Annual Meeting of the United States Conference of Mayors wrapped up in Miami Beach earlier this week, culminating with a display of climate change solidarity.
L.A. Metro CEO Challenges Trump on Infrastructure Funding
President Trump’s most recent transportation budget is projected to cut transportation spending by 13 percent, potentially undercutting many of Los Angeles' ambitious projects to continue the build-out of a full public transportation system.
Climate Change Having Dramatic Effect on Mountains
The ecology of mountains around the world is changing as summer plants bloom earlier and forests march up hill to newly temperate ground.
Los Angeles Metro Begins Conversion to Renewable Natural Gas Buses
At a June 22 meeting, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority board ordered 295 buses that will be fueled with renewable natural gas. An expected purchase of 35 electric buses was delayed until next month's meeting.
Three Questions to Ask Yourself About Climate Action
Looking for ways to make a difference in advocating for climate friendly policies? Start with three simple questions.
Seattle Tackling Equity Challenges With Global Lens
Seattle is faced with an affordable housing crisis that has led the new Planning & Community Development Director Sam Assefa to look globally for solutions.
Workers Returning, Carefully, to the Scene of Epic Landslide on the California Coast
Engineers are searching for solid ground along the California coast at the scene of a massive landslide that wiped out California Highway 1 near San Luis Obispo.
Climate Change Is Shrinking the Colorado River
Documenting the effects of climate change on the West's most vital source of water.
As Medical Cannabis Grows, So Does the Space Needed for It
Despite its medicinal benefits, cannabis will negatively impact the environment if we don’t plan accordingly.
Louisville's Sprawl Threatens One of its Last Clean-Running Streams
New subdivision planning and construction is expected to expand the footprint of the Louisville metropolitan area. The question is whether those new developments will protect or harm the beloved Floyds Fork.
The Dutch: Ready to Export Their Flood Control Expertise
For those who want it, the Netherlands is willing to share the fruits of its centuries-long relationship with the unruly seas. In Rotterdam, lots of local urban solutions are also on display.
Louisiana's Subsidence Problem Looks Dire
According to a new study, the state's coastal lands are sinking at a quicker rate than previously estimated.
Feds Change Course, Approve $15.5 Billion California Water Project
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service gave a crucial green light for the intensely controversial and ambitious California WaterFix project, which would pump water around the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
Mapping Rooftop Solar to Make It a Social Norm
Debuted in 2015, Google's Project Sunroof is designed make it easier for homeowners to go solar. Now the tool is harnessing peer pressure to "create a social norm" around solar.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
