Environment
GM, Toyota, and Fiat Chrysler Back Trump on Weaker Auto Emissions Rule
The auto industry is divided on whether to back stronger emissions standard adopted by California and 13 other states. Three major automakers and three auto industry groups sided with Trump on Monday in a court battle over 'one national standard.'
Sudden Demise of Solar Project Raises Questions in Ohio
The Ohio Power Siting Board through a wrench in plans for a solar project in southern Ohio, raising questions about the viability of renewable energy in the state.
The Affluent, White Suburb With Toxic Polluters in its Midst
Ascension Parish, Louisiana, located between Baton Rouge and New Orleans along I-10, would look like a typical affluent, growing suburb, if it weren't for the toxic pollution emitted from nearby petrochemical facilities.
Wildfires and Public Health
California is being forced to reckon with numerous negative public health outcomes caused by wildfires.
Colorado Voters to Consider Tax on Gambling to Pay for Water Infrastructure
Colorado voters will have the chance to both legalize gambling and tax the new industry for revenue to contribute some of the money necessary to implement the state's water plan.
Big Box Stores Leading the Shift to Renewable Energy
The cheap price of solar and wind energy have corporations "falling all over themselves" to embrace renewable, according to this article. Target and Wal-Mart lead the green arms race.
When Noise Is a Matter of Life and Death
The world is noisier than ever, and the long-term effects of exposure are serious. Still, noise pollution isn’t considered a legitimate environmental hazard.
Illustrating the Size of California's Wildfires
Wildfires in California are getting both larger and more destructive. A simple but informative graphic from the San Francisco illustrates the scope of the destruction.
Planning Students Help Town Explore Relocation After Flooding
Flood ravaged village seeks assistance from planning students at the University of Nebraska to help the recovery process and explore the bold option of relocating their entire village to higher ground.
Poll: The Public Supports Development Limits in California's Wildfire Areas
An idea that is gaining support with the public as the state of California suffers through catastrophic fire season after catastrophic fire season is still a deeply difficult political proposition.
What if the Greenest Building Isn't the One Already Standing?
Renovating old buildings instead of demolishing them as the better "green" option is preservation orthodoxy. But what if the decision between renovation and demolition is less than clear-cut?
Report from London: Pollution Pricing Reduces Tailpipe Emissions
A new report shows that London's new emission fee, an additional driver charge that became operational 24/7 in April for all motor vehicles not meeting Euro standards that enter the congestion charge zone, has cut nitrogen oxide emissions by 31%.
Trump Administration Finds a Way to Divert California Water to Farmers
A new federal program will clear the way for more water to be delivered to the state of California's agriculture industry, overruling environmental safeguards that protected fish.
The Case for Banning SUVs
Global SUV ownership is skyrocketing, with consequences for carbon emissions and traffic safety. A few voices are now calling for bans on the large vehicles.
Awareness of Climate Change Threats Doesn't Motivate People to Act, Study Finds
Disaster preparedness efforts need to take into account that homeowners in vulnerable areas don’t take action even when the risks are clear.
Bipartisan Coalition of Mayors Support Tax Credits for Solar Power
One issue has solidly bipartisan support at the local level: tax credits for investments that build new solar power capacity.
Engaging, Then Planning, for Equity
The interdisciplinary work of the Kounkuey Design Initiative, led by executive director Chelina Odbert, and deeply committed to the homegrown potential of neighborhoods and communities.
New Models of Risk Assessment Needed in Wildfire Zones
About 350,000 residents have lost wildfire insurance in recent years, as a series of catastrophic fires have swept the state of California and insurance industry struggles to keep up with climate change.
Kayaking, Canvassing, and Cooking Classes: Cities Experiment With Climate Outreach
As cities across the U.S. commit to ambitious climate actions, they're seeking effective ways to engage with local communities.
Another Bay Area City Considers Urban Tolling
East Palo Alto has long suffered the toll that transbay traffic has imposed on this gateway to Silicon Valley from the East Bay in the form of air pollution and traffic congestion. Now the city is considering tolling the traffic.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
