Environment

BLM Allocates Funding to Study Renewables Impact on Public Lands
The large-scale study will assess how proposed solar farms and other renewable energy projects could impact animals, plants, and habitats.

Peak Car? Check Your Data
There is evidence that automobile travel is peaking while demand for non-auto modes is growing, but double-check your data sources to be sure.

How Did the US Fare on its 2023 Climate Goals?
Climate experts are divided on how much progress the nation made.

HUD Resiliency Awards Target Affordable Multifamily Housing
The Green and Resilient Retrofit program aims to reduce vulnerability to climate challenges and improve energy efficiency in multifamily buildings.

‘Green Roads for Water’ Meshes Transportation With Water Conservation
Simple, sometimes ancient designs can transform roadways into environmental conservation tools.

The Year in Good Climate News
Despite the ups and downs, there are reasons to feel optimistic.

Seattle to Host 2024 Urban Parks Conference
In June 2024, City Parks Alliance, in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation, will hold the Greater & Greener conference, which will include a mix of indoor sessions and outdoor experiences focusing on urban parks.

The Year in Urban Wildlife
A roundup of stories about the creatures that share our cities.

Serving Communities Through Mobile Recreation
Tulsa Parks has launched a new program called “Rec ‘N’ Roll” to provide recreational opportunities to more kids in underserved areas.

California's Lone Operating Nuclear Plant Gets Five-Year Extension
The Pacific Gas and Electric Company's Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant received approval from the California PUC to operate its two reactors until 2029 and 2030. Five days later, the NRC issued a temporary license renewal.

New York Flood Control Plan Takes Lessons From the Dutch
The Netherlands has a long history of flood mitigation. U.S. cities, threatened by coastal flooding and erosion, are taking note.

California Approves Wastewater Recycling Rules
The complex set of regulations will ensure recycled water makes it to taps safely.

COP28: Beginning of the End for Fossil Fuels?
A deal came together “quickly and unexpectedly" on the final night of the nearly 2-week United Nations climate talks in Dubai, UAE, according to a series of articles by Washington Post climate reporters.

GAO: Washington State Slow on Clean Water Reporting
The Clean Water Act mandates reporting of ‘impaired waters’ to support conservation and restoration efforts.

‘Reverse Migration’ Brings New Risk: Climate Change
Black Americans are flocking to southern states, but many popular destinations face growing threats from extreme weather.

Carbon Capture Plan Draws Conservationist Concerns
The Forest Service says storing carbon dioxide under national forest lands is essential to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting climate goals.

Creating a New Park Where It is Most Needed
Los Angeles County just celebrated the grand opening of its newest park. Located in the community of Walnut Park, Nogales Park offers a gathering space and recreational amenities long desired by residents.

SLC Reveals Plan for Historic Park
Residents have called for preserving the unique mix of art and nature in Allen Park.

All We Want for the Holidays is…
Here are a dozen timely gift ideas for creating better communities.

Planetizen’s Top Posts of 2023
The most-read articles on Planetizen in 2023.
Pagination
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