Energy

Cleveland Considering Options for Derelict Lakefront Power Plant
A planning consultant hired by FirstEnergy is putting out the first speculative ideas for the future of a contaminated lakefront site of a most demolished power plant.

Sent A Strong Message, Los Angeles Leaders Respond With Planning Reforms
In the aftermath of the Measure S vote, members of the Los Angeles City Council have responded by pushing for expediting community plan updates and finding a sustainable source of funding for updating the region's plans.

FresYes: How Fresno Fueled and Funded a Comeback
Recently termed-out Mayor Ashley Swearengin sits down for an exclusive interview about how she planned for high speed rail investments, championed sustainable water management, and took steps to rebuild the local economy.

Coal Miners Are Going Back to Work, Proclaims Trump Upon Signing Executive Order
Flanked by coal miners, President Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday that begins the roll back of his predecessor's signature environmental rule, the Clean Power Plan, and other environmental regulations to facilitate energy production.

California Is 'Recruiting' U.S. EPA Employees
Under the Trump Administration, federal employees dedicated to causes like climate change mitigation face uncertain prospects. They could turn to accommodating state governments.

California Approves Nation's Toughest Methane Emissions Rule
While Congress is attempting to roll back a federal regulation on methane emissions, the California Air Resources Board approved a landmark rule that regulates methane emissions from onshore and offshore oil and gas production and storage facilities.

President Trump Approves Construction of Keystone XL Pipeline from Alberta to Nebraska
Following through on a January executive action, President Trump announced Friday that he was approving the oil pipeline that his predecessor had rejected over a year ago. Oil is already flowing from Steele City, Nebraska to Gulf Coast refineries.
Can Insurance Markets Jump-Start Resilience?
Risk-management experts are seeking creative ways to finance resilience investments that prevent damage from natural disasters. Insurance markets, with their direct stake in protecting homes and businesses, can be key partners in this effort.

Surprising Trump Effect: Many States Seek to Ramp-Up Renewable Energy Mandates
As President Trump rolls back climate and energy regulations, many states are attempting to require utilities to get more power from renewable sources. Also, fewer states are attempting to reduce or eliminate renewable energy requirements.

Carbon Entering the Atmosphere at Highest Rate Yet
Even if carbon emissions are reaching a "plateau," that still represents an unprecedented amount of the gas entering the atmosphere every year.

12 'World Changing Ideas'
Fast Company recently recognized the best ideas in social impact.
For Fracking's Sake, Another 'Burdensome' Environmental Regulation Repealed
The first and only federal regulation overseeing the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing on federal lands has been withdrawn upon orders issued by Ryan Zinke, the Secretary of the Interior.

Meet the Organizations Bringing Equity to the Clean Energy Sector
A clean environment isn't the only benefit of clean energy. Clean energy jobs are also providing economic mobility for many of the 3 million people employed in the industry.
Brooklyn Program a Leader in 'Microgrid' Electricity Generation
About 50 property owners in the trendiest of New York boroughs have launched a fledgling solar microgrid—sometimes called distributed or peer-to-peer generation. Someday, such arrangements could put a huge dent in the utility industry.
Canadian Prime Minister Wins Award for Being Pro-Oil Sands and Pro-Environment
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is treading a fine line between supporting the economy of oil-sands dependent western Canada and fighting climate change, as impossible as that might sound. His efforts were rewarded by the energy industry.

EPA Administrator Transitions from Climate Change Skeptic to Denier
Perhaps there never really was much difference between 'skepticism' and 'denial'. Scott Pruitt certainly proved that on Thursday when he answered CNBC's Joe Kernen's question if carbon emissions are the primary cause of climate change.

Popular Energy Star Program on The Budget Chopping Block
As details emerge from the Trump Administration's draft budget proceedings, more programs of relevance to the planning profession are queued up for the chopping block. The budget is still far from a done deal, however.

Legal Loophole Will Allow Rollback of Fuel Efficiency Standards
On Tuesday, the Trump administration anticipates unraveling two signature Obama environmental regulations: fuel efficiency standards for model year 2022-2025 light-duty vehicles and beginning the undoing of the Clean Power Plan.
EPA Administrator Withdraws Methane Emissions Requirement
No surprise here. Scott Pruitt agreed with nine state attorney generals, including his replacement in Oklahoma, to reverse a request enacted by his predecessor to require oil and gas drillers to record information on the release of methane emissions.

California Investing In 'Transformative Climate Communities'
The California Strategic Growth Council has $140 million in cap-and-trade revenue for the new Transformative Climate Community program. The aim of the program is to catalyze environmental and economic investment in disadvantaged communities.
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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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions