Energy
Climate/Energy Gas Tax Nixed
Despite many reports to the contrary, the developing climate legislation by Senators Graham, Lieberman, and Kerry to be unveiled April 26 will not include a fuel fee, reports The Hill. And don't blame the oil industry - they supported the gas tax.
Small Towns Seek to Buy Back Energy Infrastructure
Small German towns that had sold off their energy utilities to large corporations in the 1990s are trying to buy them back. They want to be back in on the lucrative energy market, but have large and formidable opponents.
Denmark Leading the Way on Garbage to Energy Conversion
Clean-tech incinerators are making their way into Danish neighborhoods. Why is the U.S. not implementing this technology? Environmental groups hate them, and land fills have been abundant.
U.S. Armed Forces Predicting Peak Oil
Surplus oil production capacity could go away in the next two years and shortages could get serious by 2015, says a new report from the U.S. Joint Forces.
Giving Neighborhoods a Role in PlaNYC
New York City's long-term sustainability plan is coming up on its three-year anniversary. Tom Angotti says that now's the time to take its broad citywide efforts down to the neighborhood level.
Green Building Flourishes in New Orleans
With more than 500 energy-efficient homes with environmentally friendly features are being built in New Orleans. This rise in green building is being called one of the positive legacies of Hurricane Katrina.
Planning for Sustainability, Japanese-Style
Artist and student of architecture Azby Brown has spent 25 years in Japan, and today sees a number of design principles that drive the Japanese way of building and living that can be used by designers.
Wind Goes From Curse to Boon for Struggling Texas Town
Roscoe, Texas is a rural town that was declining by degrees for decades, with a fierce wind that made crops difficult. A local started a wind farm business and the town is turning around, turning its curse into a blessing.
Combined NHTSA & EPA Standards for New Cars Issued
Normally fuel economy standards are set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Due to the 2007 Supreme Court ruling on the Clean Air Act, the new rules are jointly issued by the EPA to regulate tailpipe emissions as well as CAFE.
Reducing Oil Dependency Strikes a Chord With Americans
A new poll from Transportation for America shows that Americans respond to the call to reduce oil dependency, particularly when told how much of the U.S.'s oil intake goes to transportation.
A Closer Look at Dockside Green
Dockside Green, a development in Victoria, B.C., is a breathtaking model of urban regeneration, brownfield reuse, green design, and community building, says Ken Pirie.
Obama: Drill, Baby, Drill
President Barack Obama has lifted a ban on drilling for oil off the coast of the eastern U.S. Critics say the move won't meet the stated goal of achieving energy independence, while proponents say this is only the first step that needs to be taken.
Renewable Energy Convergence
One source of renewable energy isn't going to cut it; the future is in using multiple sources, and even combining them in a single power plant, says blogger jnshere.
Wampanoag Indians Fight Windmill Farm
The giant Cape Wind turbine farm project has overcome significant opposition, but now two Massachusetts tribes are attempting to block its construction, claiming cultural and religious issues.
Moving from Sustainability to "Transition"
In response to the threats of peak oil and climate change, thousands of people around the world are engaging in local "Transition" initiatives to promote resilience and "reskilling" to prepare for the expected "energy descent."
Alternative Energy Lights Up Streets in Suburban Chicago
Downers Grove, IL has won accolades for being the first residential subdivision to install a hybrid solar-wind powered street lighting system, reports TribLocal.
Sequestering CO2 In Sidewalk Cement
A Silicon Valley startup is proposing to turn carbon dioxide emissions from coal and gas power plants into cement that can be used for everyday construction.
Finding a Home For America's Nuclear Waste
The Federal government has scrapped plans to make Nevada's Yucca Mountain the nation's main storage facility for nuclear waste, which raises the question: where will the waste go?
Does Greater Efficiency Encourage Greater Waste?
Jevon's Paradox is the idea that the more efficient a resource becomes, the more it is consumed. With new future fuels in the works, those promoting sustainability and conservation find themselves at odds with innovation.
The Return of Nuclear Power
Pres. Obama has come out in favor of developing more nuclear power plants, and the public is warming up to the idea because of the climate change benefits of switching from coal. Hendrik Hertzberg looks at the politics of atomic power.
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.
Tyler Technologies
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
