Internet search giant Google has announced plans for the long-term purchase of power produced by a 100 megawatt wind power plant being built in Oklahoma.
"Google's Green Energy Czar Bill Weihl ... told me in an interview on Wednesday that the 100.8 MW wind farm in Oklahoma will be built over the next six to nine months and Google has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement to buy the power. NextEra Energy Resources was looking for an anchor tenant to buy the power, and often, developers can use an anchor tenant to get a better financing rate.
Google wouldn't disclose other financial terms of the deal, but Weihl said over the long term, he expects Google to make a decent amount of money on the deal."
Officials say the move to wind energy could be a test for a possible new model where renewable energy powers its data centers.
FULL STORY: Google to Buy Another 100MW of Wind Power via Google Energy

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