Energy
Debate: Growing the Economy From the Supply Side
Two economists discuss how specific kinds of deregulation could speed up growth. They emphasize planning issues: local overregulation of development and the high cost of infrastructure, among others.
Comparing Energy Costs in Cities Around the Country
Residents of Rust Belt cities might pay less for housing, but they pay a lot more for energy.
Building Industry Falling Short of the AIA's Carbon Reduction Goals
The American Institute of Architects gave a reality check regarding its ambitious and aggressive carbon reductions targets.
Germany Pushing Europe to Ban the Internal Combustion Engine by 2030
Germany has approved legislation calling for the end of the end of internal combustion engine by 2030. Whether the rest of Europe follows Germany's lead is to be determined.
Solar Power Passes Coal-Fired Electricity in U.K.
In a first for renewable energy in the United Kingdom, Solar Power accounted for more electricity than what was produced in Coal plants
Las Vegas Solar Arrays and the Future of Power Utilities
Casinos are energy intensive and often located in areas with specific resource constraints and surpluses (i.e., Las Vegas), thus they offer a perfect case study for the future of solar energy.
Hydropower Isn't Totally Carbon-Free
Hydroelectric generation itself doesn’t produce greenhouse gases, but it does rely on the creation of reservoirs that release methane into the air.
The Carbon Neutral Controversy Surrounding Biomass
A controversial biomass amendment added to the Senate's energy bill would make the burning of wood for energy purposes a renewable source of energy. While the proposal has broad, bipartisan Congressional support, many groups oppose it.
Planning for a Microgrid: Santa Monica Reclaims Industrial Space for Renewable Energy
Cities throughout California, including Santa Monica, have been awarded research and development funding through the California Energy Commission to plan community-scale microgrid solutions.
Clean Power Plan Showdown in U.S. Appeals Court on Tuesday
The Obama Administration's most powerful environmental initiative, the Clean Power Plan, was put on hold by the Supreme Court last February. It was heard by 10 judges of the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. on September 27.
If LEDs Are Bad for Our Health, What Should Cities Do Now?
A report from the American Medical Association says LED lights are bad for our health, inspiring some cities to re-evaluate the technology.
Bay Area City Rejects Crude-by-Rail Terminal, Could Set Precedent
Crude-by-rail opponents are hoping that Benicia's rejection of a proposed rail terminal for a Valero refinery will set a precedent: it was enabled by a U.S. Surface Transportation Board decision allowing the city to have the final word.
California Transit Agencies Bring Affordable Housing to Scale
From developer incentives to swapping parking for housing units, two transit systems have come up with plans that tackle the region's housing shortage and its economic inequality. What have they agreed to do, and who will hold them accountable?
JetBlue to Reduce Carbon Footprint with Large Purchase of Renewable Jet Fuel
Within ten years, passengers flying on JetBlue out of JFK will leaving a much lower carbon footprint, thanks to a fuel composed of 30 percent biofuel.
Trump Announces 'America First' Energy Plan
The Trump Campaign made a big play for the carbon industry's votes this week at an event in Pittsburgh.
Georgia's 'Highway of the Future' Gets a New Solar Array
A pilot project will install solar power along a highway through The Ray, a highway corridor named in memory of sustainable business pioneer Ray C. Anderson.
Gasoline Shortage Hits South and East Coast after Pipeline Rupture
The rupture reveals the hazards of pipelines, but also shows how important they are to the economy. Six governors declared states of emergency to deal with gasoline shortages resulting from the pipeline shutdown in Shelby County, Alabama.
Why Don't Environmentalists Support Washington's Carbon Tax Measure?
A largely revenue-neutral carbon tax proposal, similar to the carbon tax in British Columbia which began in 2008, qualified for the November ballot in Washington. Environmentalists and Democrats, not Big Oil, may cause it's defeat.
The Value of Garbage Has Changed Dramatically
Recycled metals, plastics, glass, and other materials are more economical than ever. Welcome to a new era of waste management.
Southern California Power Grid Will Soon Back Up on a Tesla Battery
Tesla just won a competitive bid to supply utility-scale power in Southern California—providing security in the event of a catastrophe like the Porter Ranch methane leak.
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
