Pollutants from methane, propane, and fuel oil are on the rise, leading to a growing public health crisis.
A report from air quality and atmospheric science consulting company Sonoma Technology reveals that New Yorkers are suffering from high levels of respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease, and other illnesses due to increased air pollution, much of which comes from buildings.
As an article in BK Reader explains, “In the New York City metro area alone, the maximum daily ozone pollution from buildings rose 58% from 2016 to 2023.” The pollutants are a result of emissions from methane gas, propane, and fuel oil, commonly used for domestic water heating.
Some proposed state legislation, including the NY HEAT Act, the Bucks for Boilers Act, and the Green Affordable Pre-Electrification Fund, could help New Yorkers switch to cleaner appliances and electric equipment.
To address air quality concerns, some California cities enacted bans on new natural gas appliances, but many suspended them after a Ninth Circuit court forced Berkeley to reverse its ban.
FULL STORY: Air Pollution from Buildings Driving Health Crisis in New York
Clean Air Zone Nets Health Authority Over £30K per Month
A new study links the zone to a 25 percent drop in GP visits for lung and heart conditions in its first year alone.
New Jersey to Consider Charging Fossil Fuel Companies for Pollution
A proposed law would make companies liable for damages caused by burning fossil fuels.
Balancing TOD and Public Health
Building housing near transportation networks can improve density and walkability, but can also have serious health consequences for residents.
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.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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