Energy

First: Oklahoma Can Regulate its Own Coal Ash
Oklahoma will now be able to regulate coal ash disposal without answering to federal regulators.

Trump Rebuffed by Federal Energy Commissioners on Coal and Nuclear Power Bailout
Last month the Trump administration directed Energy Secretary Rick Perry to require grid operators to purchase power from aging coal and nuclear power plants, enabling them to keep operating as a matter of "national security." Regulators disagree.

Bill Gates's Coalition of Rich Investors Buying In to Energy Storage
To reach goals in reducing emissions, Gates's group is looking to invest in technology that can provide energy in efficient ways by supplying clean power when the sun isn't shining and the wind isn't blowing.

There's More Renewable Energy Than Ever
But it's still not enough to produce a net reduction in emissions from energy production.

The Search for a New Green Building Standard
The need to slash emissions from buildings is increasingly urgent, and critics say LEED won't get us there.
Don't Forget the Green Benefits of Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) don't just help mitigate housing supply and affordability issues, they also offer significant sustainability benefits.

China Will Drive Electric Vehicle Market
Two new reports on the outlook of electric vehicles paint a bright future for the new technology. No country is more critical than China, where policies will force global auto companies to invest in clean technology if they want to have a future.

Keeping Old Coal Plants Operating Just Became a Matter of National Security
The president hopes to revitalize the nation's sagging coal industry by forcing utilities to purchase power from aging coal and nuclear power plants in the name of national defense. The news is already paying dividends for coal companies.
Meet the 'Zero-Carbon' Natural Gas Power Plant
A new natural gas power plant promises a revolution in carbon capture.

Rising Gas Prices: A Reminder That Supply Alone Won't Bring Energy Security
Memorial Day gas prices are the highest since 2014, The rising price of gas has already negated the tax savings from last year's tax cuts bill for low-income Americans. Retaining fuel economy standards would increase energy security.

Offshore Wind Energy Blowing Up in the United States
The U.S. offshore wind industry has gained momentum in the past year and a half.

Details of the Golden State's Residential Solar Requirement
San Francisco Chronicle energy reporter David R. Baker sheds some light on the nation's first state building code requiring that solar panels be included in new home construction, adopted by the California Energy Commission on May 9.

Federal Judge Strikes Down Oakland's Ban on Coal Exports
Shipping coal from Utah to export to Asia through a new cargo facility in Oakland, California took a significant step forward on May 15 with a strongly worded ruling condemning the adequacy of the city of Oakland's environmental analysis.
Coal Power Plants to Retire Faster Under Trump
Coal plants will retire faster than analysts had figured under the Clean Power Plan, which the Trump administration is repealing, yet the Department of Energy proposes to make building new coal plants a centerpiece of its energy policy.

Campaign Launched to Electrify School Buses
U.S. PIRG wants states to use funding from multi-billion dollar Volkswagen settlements to convert the nation's school bus fleet, 95% of which is diesel-powered, to zero-emission buses to reduce children's exposure to toxic air pollution.
New Guidelines to Streamline New Energy Storage Projects Adopted in New York City
The city of New York wants more capacity to store energy, so it's making the process of permitting energy storage projects easier to understand and follows.

Border Town Removes Licensing Barrier to Encourage Solar
On the U.S.-Mexico border just west of the Gulf of Mexico, Brownsville looks to take advantage of its sunny territory.

How the Lights in Our Cities Became Too Bright
“Why are lighting designers and experts nearly unified in their belief that outdoor lighting in past years has been excessive?”

California to Require Solar on New Residential Buildings
The California Energy Commission will decide on new energy standards for residential construction this week.

Op-Ed: 'Public Mood' Has Turned Against Cars in Cities
A survey of recent planning decisions demonstrates that cities are no longer necessarily looking to more and bigger highways to solve their traffic problems.
Pagination
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.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada