Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy

Major Wind Power Transmission Line Approved by BLM

The new power line will connect the nation’s largest onshore wind project to southwestern states.

April 21, 2023 - Grist

Texas Wind

A Sea Change in the Politics of Clean Energy

As renewable energy production grows in Republican-leaning states, lawmakers are becoming less resistant to supporting clean energy policies.

March 10, 2023 - The New York Times

Solar panels on green inclined field on old landfill site in The Netherlands

New Tax Credit Could Boost Solar Energy Production on Landfills

Incentives aimed at brownfield development of renewable energy projects could give momentum to building solar farms on an underutilized property: closed municipal landfills.

March 5, 2023 - Governing

Geothermal heat pump installed on wall next to water boiler

Houston Co-Housing Project to Use Geothermal Heating and Cooling

The development will also include communal kitchens, community gardens, and other shared spaces aimed at bringing neighbors together.

February 28, 2023 - Houston Chronicle

View of empty beach with wooden fishing pier going out into Atlantic Ocean at sunset in New Jersey

New Jersey Offshore Wind Projects Face Opposition

Local critics of Gov. Phil Murphy’s plan to install hundreds of wind turbines off the New Jersey coast plan to sue the state to stop or delay the projects, citing aesthetic, environmental, and economic concerns.

February 23, 2023 - Governing

Power lines against sunset sky and snowy landscape in rural Minnesota

Minnesota Utilities to Go Carbon-Free by 2040

If signed by the governor, a new state law would require all utilities in the state to switch to renewable energy within two decades.

February 7, 2023 - Route Fifty

Overhead view of parking lot with solar panel canopies over parking spots and red car driving in

The Slow Growth of Solar Carports

Placing solar panels over parking lots has multiple benefits, but higher costs have prevented their widespread adoption in U.S. cities.

January 6, 2023 - CNET

Power transmission lines surrounded by orange California poppies and silhouette of mountains in background

Why California’s Power Lines Take So Long to Build

The years-long permitting process for new transmission lines is slowing the state’s shift to clean energy.

January 2, 2023 - Governing

Solar panels in a green field

U.S. Renewables To Outpace Coal and Nuclear in 2022

The production of renewable energy in the United States is on track to surpass other energy sources this year, but the nation must maintain record high production levels to meet its climate goals.

November 28, 2022 - Scientific American

Traffic light with green light on and green right turn arrow on

Tampa Pilots Solar Sidewalks

The city is testing solar panels embedded in sidewalks as a backup power supply for traffic lights.

November 23, 2022 - Smart Cities Dive

Solar panels shading cars in parking lot in Avignon, France

France Mandates Solar Panels Over Parking Lots Nationwide

By 2028, all French parking lots with more than 80 spots will have to be covered with solar panels, providing both shade and renewable energy.

November 11, 2022 - Jalopnik

Crowd of activists protesting conditions at Rikers Island with one woman in front speaking into microphone

Envisioning a Sustainable Future for Rikers Island

With the prison complex slated to close by 2027, the city has an opportunity to transform the island into a renewable energy and research hub.

November 8, 2022 - Time Out NY

Solar panels on a rooftop with two workers in hard hats and safety vests walking between panels

How Buildings Can Lead the Way to a Decarbonized Future

A public utilities building in Santa Rosa shows how innovations in architecture and grid management can reduce energy use and prepare buildings for a more sustainable energy future.

November 1, 2022 - Next City

Line of offshore wind turbines with sunset over sea in the background

West Coast Offshore Wind Takes a Step Forward

The federal government announced a lease sale for locations along the California coast approved for offshore wind energy production.

October 20, 2022 - CNN

Offshore wind turbines at Barrow Offshore Wind off Walney Island in the Irish Sea

Offshore Wind Energy Faces Challenges on West Coast

Unique geography and high costs have stymied offshore wind energy production in California, but new incentives and innovations could soon make it more accessible.

October 11, 2022 - OC Register

Solar array and wind turbines in California with mountains in background

How California Kept the Lights On

To stave off rolling blackouts during a record heat wave, California relied on dramatic conservation by households and a growing renewable energy sector.

September 21, 2022 - High Country News

Array of solar panels in the foreground with palm trees and mountains in background, Death Valley, California

California’s Energy Emergency: Fodder for Democrats and Republicans

What are the lessons to be learned from California's 10-day power grid emergency this month? Democrats and Republicans in Congress have their own takeaways, and both may be right.

September 19, 2022 - E&E News

Wind Turbine

The Nation's Largest Wind Farm: Planned in Wyoming, Built for California

This project could "save California," according to the Los Angeles Times. But it won't be easy.

September 4, 2022 - Los Angeles Times

Solar panels in a green field

Local Control for Solar; State Preemption for Oil and Gas

A solar energy facility planned for Fairfield County, Ohio is in critical condition after local governments express their displeasure.

September 2, 2022 - Ohio Capital Journal

Wind turbines on farm in Paulding County, Ohio

Ohio Counties Can Now Ban Renewable Energy Projects

A new state law allows counties to deny wind and solar projects in their jurisdictions, and at least ten counties have already moved to implement bans.

August 26, 2022 - Cleveland Scene

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.