The demand for oil and gas is pushing exploration and drilling activities to an all time high in the Rocky Mountain region and communities are concerned that environmental impacts from this activity are not being addressed.
"County and state officials, as well as environmental groups, say one prime source of the mud choking the region's streams and creeks is the construction of some 9,546 oil and gas wells in western Colorado"
In Colorado local communities historically have had little control over drilling activities that are located on nearby federal lands. Now state-enacted water quality rules covering well exploration and production have been nullified by congressional revisions to the federal Clean Water Act that will ease environmental restrictions on such activities. With drilling activity at record levels in the western part of the United States communities here are questioning whether or not be they will be able to adequately protect their water resources.
Thanks to Patrick Olsen
FULL STORY: Drilling's role in runoff awash in murky claims

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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