Smart Growthers Snooze, EJ Advocates Roar, Carbon Solutions Wither

"Some of planners' favorite ways of combating climate change are facing major obstacles, including "smart growth." In Washington, DC, the coal companies and utilities are doing a better job of lobbying than are the proponents of smart growth and transportation alternatives, reports Bill Fulton. Planning and transit advocates -- who want to reduce reliance on the automobile and therefore cut tailpipe emissions -- have simply not been involved in the climate change bill that would direct up to $4.5 trillion over 50 years toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions."

"Meanwhile, in California, a coalition of environmental justice advocates has announced its firm opposition to a cap and trade system that many people see as essential to the state meeting its greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. The EJ advocates have important allies in their fight against what they contend is business as usual at the expense of poor people."