Oakland, Santa Monica and Palmdale have become the first cities in the state to choose "green power."
Several California cities have used their municipal clout to choose energy which comes from renewable sources. Santa Barbara, San Jose and Santa Cruz are next in line to choose this option. The additional costs are negligible -- Oakland is expected to pay an additional $100,000 on its $4 million electricity bill. In California, about 12% of electricity comes from renewable sources, much higer than the national average. However, in a twist of irony, the power "green" cities use isn't necessary generated by renewable sources, since all power (from convenetional and renewable sources) goes into an overall pool. Promoters say that buying green increases the market demand for energy from renewable sources.
Thanks to Laura Krafft
FULL STORY: Oakland Switches to 'Green' Power

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
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Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service