Environment

In Need of Water to Grow, North Texas Looks to Controversial Reservoir
The Dallas-Fort Worth region is seeking to boost its water supply by building a new reservoir that opponents claim would destroy thousands of farms, homes, and jobs.

State Study Calls For Tsunami Evacuation Structures In Coastal Communities
A Washington state study recommends the construction of dozens of tsunami evacuation facilities along the Pacific Northwest coast.

Countries Underreport Greenhouse Gas Emissions
A Washington Post investigation found major discrepancies between actual emissions and the levels reported to the United Nations.

Fire Experts Weigh In On Management Practices
To fight increasingly devastating wildfires, government officials and landowners must develop new strategies that proactively address the biggest risk factors.

Study: Low-Rise Density Is Better for the Climate
New research analyzing carbon emissions throughout the life cycle of buildings shows that high-rises create more carbon emissions than dense, low-rise developments.

The Best Cities for Owning an Electric Car
Electric vehicles are a relatively new technology, and cities are still developing compatible infrastructures. Here are some of the best cities to own EVs right now.

Boston's New Bus-Riding Mayor Could Make a Real Impact on Climate Change Goals
Recently elected Boston mayor Michelle Wu, a bus rider herself, has the potential to be 'America's first actual climate mayor.'

Historic 'Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act' Passes Final Hurdle in Congress, Heads to Biden for Signature
Months after the Senate voted to approve the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in a historic moment of bipartisan legislation, the House of Representatives put the finishing touches on a $1.2 trillion bill with $550 million in new spending.

Study: Climate Change Overwhelmingly Responsible for 'Fire Weather'
New research points to global warming as the biggest factor in fueling longer, more destructive wildfire seasons.

Hydropower Pipeline Rejected By Maine Voters
Maine voters overwhelmingly supported a ballot measure that will halt construction on a hydroelectric transmission line that Massachusetts claims would reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.

What Is Infill Development?
Billed as an alternative to urban sprawl, infill development encourages the development of underused or vacant land in existing urban areas to increase density and place new development near existing resources and infrastructure.

Making The Switch To EVs Requires Robust Charging Infrastructure
With more states outlawing the sales of gas-powered vehicles and the federal government setting ambitious electrification goals, now is the time to invest in critical charging infrastructure.

To Fight Climate Change, Support Public Transit
Electric cars may garner a lot of attention these days, but significantly reducing carbon emissions and urban congestion means investing in high-quality mass transit.

Plan for Emissions-Free Zone Takes Shape in Seattle
The city of Seattle is working on a plan to create a zero-emissions zone to mitigate urban pollution and reduce carbon emissions in dense, congested parts of the city.

Mapping Cancer Risk From Toxic Air Pollution
An investigation by ProPublica has produced something the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has never been able to complete: a nationwide map of the cancer risks created by industrial sources of air pollution.

'Klimaticket' Provides Seamless Travel Across Austria For $3.50 Per Day
A newly launched annual train pass is geared toward reducing private car trips and simplifying travel across all of Austria's public transport systems.

Road Charge and Free Transit Considered in San Diego
The San Diego Association of Governments has proposed a mileage fee as part of its plan to modernize transportation and encourage public transit use as California aims to reduce carbon emissions and eliminate fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

Supreme Court To Hear Challenge to EPA Powers
The Court's decision could limit the agency's authority to regulate carbon emissions in the power sector.

Why and How Do Cities Plan for Extreme Heat?
C.J. Gabbe at Santa Clara University and Greg Pierce at the University of California, Los Angeles write about their recently published article in the Journal of Planning Education and Research.

Study: Poor Air Quality Fuels COVID Transmission
Communities exposed to higher levels of air pollution experience higher rates of infection, particularly in areas with high population density.
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