Environmental Laws

"Environmentall sensitive area" sign on rustic wooden fence with tall green grass in background.

Misuse of Environmental Laws Betrays Their Intent

How laws written to protect natural resources and biodiversity are being reinterpreted by NIMBY groups to block development.

October 24, 2023 - Governing

A view of the Manhattan Bridge with the Empire State Building in the distance.

Constitutional Protections for Environmental Rights Latest Roadblock for NYC Megaproject

The latest in a series of lawsuits against a megaproject proposed for Manhattan is the first to sue on the grounds provided by a constitutional amendment approved by the state of New York a year ago.

November 27, 2022 - StreetsBlog NYC

great lakes

Report Faults the EPA for Lack of Environmental Enforcement in Great Lakes States

A report by the Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC) shows a decrease in environmental enforcement in six Midwest states. The ELPC calls for increased funding. The EPA states the claims errors in data reporting are responsible for the drop.

April 28, 2020 - Urban Milwaukee

Seattle

To Clear Obstacles to Housing Affordability, Environmental Law Reformed in Washington

State and local lawmakers hope that recent reforms to the Washington State Environmental Policy Act are only an initial step toward ending the law's use as a tool for delaying affordable housing plans.

January 8, 2020 - Crosscut

State capital building

Oregon Proposed 'Cap and Invest' Bill, Explained

Oregon legislators are hard at work on two new "cap and invest" bills that would establish a "market-based, carrot-and-stick approach to reducing greenhouse gas pollution."

January 14, 2018 - The Oregonian

Are California's Green Laws Killing Jobs?

California republicans are arguing that the state's environmental laws are hurting the economy. This editorial from the Los Angeles Times questions the wisdom of that argument and wonders what negative impacts would come from lifting CEQA.

March 11, 2010 - Los Angeles Times

California Plan Would Block Projects From Environmental Lawsuits

California is looking to fast-track a pilot project that would exempt some construction projects from environment-related legal challenges. It's a move aimed at speeding development and creating jobs, but critics say it will harm the environment.

February 12, 2010 - The Desert Sun

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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.