Energy
Motorists have OPEC to Thank for Lowest Oil Prices in Five Years
American motorists are enjoying the lowest gasoline prices in five years because OPEC chose not to reduce oil output in the hopes that decreased oil prices will be lower than the cost needed to frack oil from shale.
Outdoor Gyms Burn Calories, Harness Energy
A new type of public workout station harnesses the energy from people exercising and inserts it into the local energy network.
Supreme Court to Review EPA's Mercury Standard
The top court's decision on Tuesday to review the first-ever regulation of mercury is a setback for Obama's environmental agenda, in part because it has implications for other EPA initiatives including Wednesday's proposal to tighten the ozone rule.
Massive Oil-By-Rail Facility Proposed for Port of Vancouver
A proposed oil-by-rail facility proposed for the Port of Vancouver could set a new standard for capacity.
Utility Customers Owe $3.3 Billion for Shuttered California Nuclear Plant
The California Public Utilities Commission has ruled on the issue of who should pay the remaining costs after a radiation leak forced an early end to California's San Onofre nuclear plant in 2012.
Did Obama Bet on the Wrong Electric Vehicle Technology?
With Toyota's long-waited fuel cell electric vehicle (FCV) hitting showrooms in the U.S. this week, Kenneth Chang, science reporter for The New York Times, delves further into the technology, starting with how it fared under two administrations.
Can a Net Zero Cottage Work in the Suburbs?
In its first year alone, Zero Cottage has produced 22 percent more energy than it consumes. But can such an urban project be replicated in a suburban setting?
If Keystone Bill Becomes Law, Would it be Built?
It's not a foregone conclusion that President Obama would veto a bill expected in the Senate next week to allow the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. But if it were to pass and Obama signs it, would it be built? CNBC investigates.
Will the Historic Climate Accord Survive the U.S. Political Process?
While environmentalists were hailing the historic carbon emissions reduction agreement between the leaders of the United States and China, the world's two largest emitters, Republican leaders wasted no time in slamming the accord.
Breaking News: China and U.S. Agree to Emissions Reduction Plan
A surprise, groundbreaking agreement between China and the United States was unveiled in Beijing at the end of the APEC conference, providing hope that the world can reduce the threat from climate change.
Environmental Regulations a Top Priority for the New Republican Majority
Rolling back the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's tough climate regulations could be the first of many new energy and environmental goals for the GOP majority of the 114th Congress.
Campaign 2014 Results: Transportation, Energy, Conservation Measures
We've covered a wide variety of ballot measures that appeared on the Nov. 4, 2014 ballot. While the media has focused greatly on Congressional and gubernatorial outcomes, we'll look at the results of the state and local measures we've covered here.
Drilling Bans on Three California County Ballots Today
San Benito and Santa Barbara County voters will decide on fracking ban measures on Tuesday that go beyond the controversial extraction technology by including acidization and "steam flooding." Mendocino County will also have a fracking ban measure.
Ohio Takes Two Steps Back on Energy
"After a few years of progress, a new national ranking of state energy efficiency policies confirms that Ohio is now falling fast behind competing states," reports David Beach.
Campaign 2014: Controversial Conservation Ballot in North Dakota
Should the state dedicate five percent of its substantial oil and natural gas taxes to conservation efforts? Outdoors groups, hunters, and environmental activists say yes; energy companies say no, and millions of dollars are being spent on each side.
Report Predicts Early End to Shale Boom
The current shale boom can't last forever. A new report says it will end much sooner that the federal government realizes.
The Environmental Downside of Falling Oil Prices
Ben Adler of Grist writes how falling oil prices will affect climate change. Cheaper gas prices may encourage more driving and more truck sales at the expense of hybrid, electric, and fuel efficient cars, but the news may not be all bad.
Freight Rail Conundrum: Speed vs. Safety
Safety would win hands down for passenger rail, but for-profit railroads have a bottom line to consider. Regulators have proposed reduced train speeds, opposed by railroads, to prevent fiery derailments that have resulted from shipping shale oil.
Keeping Cities in the Dark
There's a third dimension to sprawl: all those photons that emanate from street lights, houses, and vehicles. As author Paul Bogard discusses in The End of Night, light pollution is an overlooked menace that presents a new frontier for planners.
Fracking's Formidable Foe
The worthy foe is not environmental regulations nor the the government or public demanding fracking moratoriums and bans. It is the falling global price of oil. Two radio reports explore how the global glut of oil affects U.S. shale oil production.
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
