Energy

Western Governments Team Up Against Greenhouse Gases

With a regional goal of curbing greenhouse gas emissions, the Western governments of British Columbia, California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah have joined forces to push environmental policies the federal government has avoided.

June 15, 2007 - NPR

California Sues Municipalities for Bad Urban Planning

Using a technique typically used by advocates, California's Attorney General is trying to use lawsuits to persuade local governments to curb sprawl and prevent global warming.

June 11, 2007 - USA Today

Rainforest Vs. Oil Reserves: Will Preservation Prevail?

With significant oil reserves in its rainforests and rampant poverty, Ecuador has a dilemma. The country's president is asking the international community to compensate the country for its plans to protect the rainforest by not drilling for the oil.

June 11, 2007 - The Christian Science Monitor

The Price Of Cheap Energy: High Carbon Emissions

A state's carbon emissions is largely correlated with the source of its electricity -- the more coal power, the larger the carbon footprint, and the lower the electric rates.

June 10, 2007 - AP via Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Roof Tiles Make It Easier For Homeowners To Go Solar

New solar roof tiles allow eco-conscious and well-heeled homeowners to enjoy the benefits of low-cost energy without annoying their neighbors with traditional solar panels deemed unsightly by some communities.

June 9, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times

Quebec to Collect Canada's First Carbon Tax

Quebec will be the first province in Canada to impose a carbon tax, which will be used to fund public transit and other green energy initiatives.

June 9, 2007 - Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

Brooklyn Bio-Diesel Plants Welcomed As Part Of City’s Sustainability Plan

Brooklyn, New York, has a long and soiled history when it comes to fuel production. Now comes plans for two more plants, but so far they are welcomed by the city and surrounding neighbors.

June 6, 2007 - The New York Times

Why The Coal-To-Liquid Fuel Alternative Is 'Unacceptable'

Not all energy alternatives are created equal. In fact, some are twice as bad as gasoline from a global warming perspective. This editorial points the finger at coal-to-liquid as the worst of them and cautions Congress not to subsidize the technology

June 2, 2007 - The New York Times

A Vision For An Environmetally Friendly House In The Desert

Diller Scofidio + Renfro, in collaboration with the environmental-design firm Atelier Ten, have imagined a luxurious and sustainable house for the style and eco-conscious set.

May 26, 2007 - The New York Times

Blowback From Push For BioFuels May Be Gasoline Shortage

The President's goal of producing 35 billion gallons of biofuels by 2017 has created such uncertainty in the oil industry that they have reduced their investment in refinery capacity, possibly resulting in fuel shortages and higher gas prices.

May 24, 2007 - The New York Times

Gas Is More Expensive, But Still Cheap

Though Americans are complaining about rising gas prices, demand has barely budged. And when adjusted for inflation and considered as a percentage of household spending, prices are still below the peaks in the 1970s and 1980s.

May 24, 2007 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

George Monbiot: 'The Great Moral Issue Of The 21st Century'

British journalist and environmentalist George Monbiot talks about global warming, car fuel economy, electric vehicles, manipulation of science, biofuels, the "Axis of Evil" on climate change, and "the great moral issue" of our time.

May 23, 2007 - Democracy Now

New York's 'Green' Yellow Cabs

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently announced plans to convert the city's entire taxicab fleet to hybrid vehicles within 5 years.

May 22, 2007 - The New York Times

Sustainability: Required in Europe, Voluntary in America

Unlike European countries, the U.S. has no government standards for green building. Sustainable design is now commonplace in Europe, while American architects may comply with voluntary "green" standards.

May 22, 2007 - The New York Times

The Bright Side Of Rising Gas Prices

Transit officials in Minneapolis are happy about the rise in gas prices -- a trend that has caused an increase in ridership. The city's cyclists and environmentalists are also finding benefits.

May 20, 2007 - Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Modern Day Pioneers Choosing Life Off The Grid

A growing movement of eco-conscious homeowners are choosing to forgo commercial power service in favor of their home-based systems based on solar and wind generators.

May 18, 2007 - The New York Times

Global Cities Join Plan To 'Green' Public Buildings

A program spearheaded by former President Bill Clinton will see green upgrades made to public buildings in 15 global cities.

May 17, 2007 - The Chicago Tribune

Why Green Buildings Cannot Save The Planet

Building environment-friendly structures alone won't help; the real issues are much more complicated argues Jane Powell.

May 16, 2007 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Jatropha: Not Just A Homely Weed

The oil-rich plant is being trumpeted as a source for biodiesel by some nations and corporations that hope to cash in on it as 'the final solution.'

May 13, 2007 - The Christian Science Monitor

Oregon Requires State Agencies To Reduce Energy Use

Lawmakers in Oregon approved a bill to require state agencies to cut their energy consumption by 20% by 2015. Agencies will have to submit plans for how they will cut their energy use, which is expected to occur through facilities improvements.

May 13, 2007 - Statesman Journal

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.

Senior Manager Operations, Urban Planning

New York City School Construction Authority

Building Inspector

Village of Glen Ellyn

Manager of Model Development

Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.