The Brazilian government has approved a new hydroelectric dam in the Amazon. Many locals and environmentalists are fuming.
The dam will create a massive reservoir, which has many locals and environmentalists concerned about the social impacts and damages to the ecosystem. Officials counter that no locals will be displaced.
"According to the Brazilian energy ministry the dam, expected to start production in 2015, will cost around R$20bn (£6.8bn) and will eventually produce around 11,000 GW of electricity.
But environmentalists and indigenous leaders have strongly apposed the plans, which the government admits would see around 500 sq km of land flooded and activists believe would see thousands displaced.
'We want to make sure that Belo Monte does not destroy the ecosystems and the biodiversity that we have taken care of for millennia,' Megaron Tuxucumarrae, a leader of the Kayapo Indians said. 'We are opposed to dams on the Xingu and will fight to protect our river.'"
FULL STORY: Brazil to build controversial Belo Monte hydroelectric dam in Amazon rainforest

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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