Let me start with a disclaimer: I am not a transportation planner. At the points where transportation planning shares borders with engineering, I tend to zone out and start doodling in the margins. I do, however, have a lifelong interest in transportation, which is why I share the excitement of some of my more transportation-focused colleagues about potential changes in how California measures transportation impacts of projects.
Greenhouse Gases
Stockholm's Congestion Pricing Cuts Traffic, Boosts Clean Vehicle Sales
Stockholm's congestion charge is not only reducing traffic and greenhouse gas emissions, it's also increasing sales of alternative fuel vehicles.
The New York Times
Differences in City Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Different cities have different levels of greenhouse gas emissions. A new study looks at how they are different and why.
The Economist
Oil Crunch Coming
Peak oil will happen at least 10 years earlier than most governments are expecting, and an oil crunch will occur in the next 5 years, says Dr Fatih Birol, chief economist at the International Energy Agency.
The Independent (UK)
California Cities Object To Greenhouse Gas Law
California's SB 375 attempts to require cities to develop in a way that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. But some cities say the new law is misguided, and the state should focus on zero-emission vehicles instead.
California Planning & Development Report
Students Give Up Wheels for Their Own Two Feet
This piece from the New York Times looks at a program in Italy the encourages children to walk to school.
The New York Times
New Highway Plans Clash With Greehouse Gas Reduction Plans
While the California Air Resources Board is proceeding with implementation of laws to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, highway planners are considering projects to accommodate more cars. Bill Fulton comments.
California Planning & Development Report
Legislation Edges California Closer to True Urban Planning
Recently approved legislation tying land use planning to greenhouse gas emissions is being sold as critically important by both detractors and supporters. But Bill Fulton argues that SB 375 provides only one step in an ongoing evolution.
California Planning & Development Report
Climate Change Actually Is A Matter of Individual Choice
A new study finds that 65% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. are under the direct or indirect control of individuals. However, many of those habits are difficult to change given land uses.
The Wall St. Journal
Fairbanks' Emissions Exceed National Average
Greenhouse gas emissions in Fairbanks, Alaska are significantly higher than the national average, according to one report.
Anchorage Daily News
Emissions Study Comes to Cities' Defense
According to one study, cities are often wrongly blamed for 75 to 80% of greenhouse gas emissions; the figure is closer to 40%.
Terra Daily
Fighting Bike Lanes and Emissions in San Francisco
One vocal San Francisco man has halted progress on the city's expansive bicycle master plan, claiming that the more space allotted to bicycles, the more traffic congestion -- and greenhouse gas emissions -- there will be.
The Wall Street Journal
Historic Land Use Bill's Steam Could Run Out
A California bill that seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by controlling land use may be one of the most important land use bills in years, according to Bill Fulton. But if it passes, the progress it makes could be short lived.
California Planning and Development Report
A Micro Approach to A Macro Problem
This article from The Washington Post looks at what local municipalities are doing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Washington Post
Time to Adapt to a Warmer World is Now
Public officials and scientists are starting to say that adaptation to climate change is just as important as trying to stem climate change. One way to adapt is to embrace smart growth principles that reduce energy usage, according to this article.
California Planning & Development Report
Climate Change May Prompt Revolution In Transportation Planning
Transportation planners and public officials have begun to consider ways to reconfigure cities and alter driving patterns in order to reduce vehicle miles traveled and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
InTransition Magazine




















