Environment
Oregon Residents Could Soon Pay a Fee to Hit the Water
The state of Oregon will consider legislation that would raise $2.17 million a year by implementing a fee on non-motorized users of public waterways.
Cap-and-Trade Foes Have Their Day in Court
The biggest threat to California's cap-and-trade program, a critical component of the state's comprehensive effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, may not come from the Trump Administration but from a lawsuit heard in Sacramento on January 24.
Recalling Canada's Former, Climate Change-Denying Prime Minister
There are similarities between the policy actions of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservative government and the nascent Trump Administration. The differences in approach between these two examples are also telling.
Trump Reverses Obama's Rejections of Keystone XL and Dakota Access Pipelines
Fulfilling two campaign promises, President Trump conditionally approved two controversial pipelines to transport oil sands from Alberta and Bakken oil from North Dakota, certain to stir opposition from environmentalists and Native Americans.
Buying a Diesel Car Today Is Selfish and Irresponsible
We all know that pollution, like tobacco, kills! We also know that diesel fuel is extremely dirty. Unfortunately, until a few years ago, the automobile industry had deceived us into believing that diesel was as clean or cleaner than gasoline.
To Meet Climate Change Goals, San Francisco Tries Networking
San Francisco's Business Council on Climate Change serves as a 'convener' between municipal government and the private sector to tackle issues related to climate change. Writer Andrew Wade spoke with the Council's executive director, Michael Parks.
EPA Nominee Scott Pruitt Could Weaken California's Efforts to Fight Climate Change
Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt suggested that as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency he might not allow California to set its own stricter motor vehicle emissions standards.
Sunday's Deadly Tornadoes a Reminder of the Risks of Mobile Homes
The effects of tornadoes like those that touched down in South Georgia on Sunday are exacerbated in areas where many residents live in mobile homes.
The Obama Administration Got a Final $500 Million to the U.N. Climate Fund
It may be the last U.S. contribution the fund sees for some time.
Legal Battle Over Wildlife Refuges in Northern California and Southern Oregon
A lawsuit marks the latest twist in an ongoing legal battle over what conservationists consider one of the most important waterfowl sanctuaries in the country.
Climate Change Removed from White House Website
Well, that didn't take long! Goodbye Obama Clean Action Plan and restrictive environmental regulations; hello shale oil and gas revolution.
The Most Ambitious Land-Use Planning Effort in the U.S.—Not Where You Might Think
A 20-year, voluntary, bottom-up, large-scale, long-term planning effort in Utah has managed to bridge the divide between Mormons and non-Mormons, environmentalists and mining interests, farmers and city-dwellers.
China Cancels 103 Coal Power Plants; Still Has Too Much Coal Capacity
The cuts mean that China is on target to meet its coal power generation limit for year 2020. But even with the cancellations, China will have surplus coal power resulting in underutilization of renewable power due to preference for coal by utilities.
Over 275 Architects Agree: Trump Should Focus on Climate Change
An open letter to President-elect Donald Trump, signed by 276 architecture and design firms, argues that the country's new leader should build the economy by protecting the environment.
Inland Empire Community Looking for Ways to Meet Environmental Standards
Those who live in Bloomington, east of L.A., face factories on all sides and a high incidence of asthma. Some feel polluters should be made to 'clean up their messes' with punishments rather than government funds.
Washington Supreme Court Rules Against Oil Terminal in Grays Harbor
The Quinault Indian Nation won a decision against the Contanda Company, which had planned to use the terminal to ship oil from Washington's Pacific cost.
EPA Rejects Automakers' Bid to Reduce Fuel Economy Standards in Midterm Review
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ruled that existing technology allows for increased efficiency in model years 2022 to 2025. The 2011 rule to achieve 54.5 mpg by 2025 required a 'midterm evaluation' to see if the final target was achievable.
Rewilding Cities: Wellness and Nature
When nature is integrated into urbanism, wellness surges. Hazel Borys looks at the benefits.
Preservationists Organize to Protect 3,000 Acres of Forest Near Seattle
A timber company is nearing the end of its deal to log the Port Gamble Forest, so local preservationists are raising money to protect the forest from development.
Proposed Law Would Require Solar Panels on All New Home Construction in California
So far four cities in California require solar panels on all new residential construction, with San Francisco as the most populous example. A proposed law would expand that requirement to the rest of the state.
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
