Suzy Khimm reports on a new study that demonstrates politicians affect the way that Americans view the issue of climate change more than almost anything else, including news, weather, or science.
Politicians often say they listen to the opinions of their constituents to make their policy decisions, however what happens when opinions are formed in reverse? Khimm writes about the findings of a new paper in the journal Climatic Change that concluded that votes on environmental legislation, and specifically by the GOP, "have a particularly outsized effect" on public opinion about climate change.
"'In an extremely partisan environment, Republican votes against environmental bills legitimate public opinion opposed to action on climate change,' the authors write. 'When the Republicans increase voting support for environmental bills, it reduces partisanship and increases public support for actions to address climate change.'"
"Interestingly, the paper adds, Democratic support for environmental legislation 'had no significant effect on public concern,' probably because their positions have remained mostly constant in recent years."
FULL STORY: Study: GOP votes drive public opinion on climate change
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.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie