A columnist says Pittsburgh's goal to run its government entirely on renewable energy by 2030 is like Trump's Wall: Not gonna happen.
Brian O'Neill doesn't have a problem with the goal of trying to run cleaner engines to clean the air and reduce carbon footprints, but skepticism at the attainability of the goal inspires this column.
O'Neill speaks with Grant Ervin, the city’s chief resilience officer, to discuss the idea of setting lofty, perhaps impossible goals (the example of Vision Zero comes to mind). To justify the city's lofty goal setting, Ervin presented two analogies, both referencing local institutions—the Bloomfield Bridge Tavern and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Bloomfield Bridge Tavern used to have a sign that read "The Worst form of failure is the Failure to Try" (capitalization from the original). The general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates entered the current season predicting a .500 team—mediocrity at best. "'What type of team goes on the field without trying to win the championship?' Mr. Ervin asked. The goal of 100 percent renewable energy in 12 years 'creates a North Star.'"
FULL STORY: Brian O'Neill: Pittsburgh's version of Trump's Wall will keep out the dirty air
The 'Marshall Plan for Middle America' Plans $600 Million in Clean Energy Investments
A coalition of leaders in the Appalachian region recently released the "Marshall Plan for Middle America" to create jobs and transition the states of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky away from fossil fuels.
Climate Mayors Make Their Case to Climate Senators at their First Hearing
Five "climate mayors" addressed the Senate Democrats’ Special Committee on the Climate Crisis at their fist hearing on July 17, titled, “A Blueprint for Success: U.S. Climate Action at the Local Level.” Transportation was a major issue.
Advocates Press for Harder Questions While Pittsburgh Experiments With Self-Driving Cars
Five self-driving car companies are currently operating in Pittsburgh, without much critical rigor in asking about the consequences of the technology to the city.
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
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