Environment
Nation's Largest Offshore Wind Farm Gets Green Light From New Jersey
There are still approvals necessary to get to the finish line, but the Ocean Wind offshore wind project took a big step forward late last week.
Saving Habitat: Just as Much for Humans as for Everything Else
Edward O. Wilson, famed for pressing for the conservation of half of the planet's land and oceans, recently turned 90 years old.
Carbon Neutrality: What Does it Mean, and Is it Possible?
Are 'zero carbon' goals the most effective way to cut greenhouse gases, or are they the most politically feasible strategies? NPR climate and environment reporter, Nathan Rott, explores the challenge in an interview on All Things Considered.
As the Mississippi River Rises, So Does the Threat to New Orleans
Climate change and channelization have made high water levels the norm along the river. But low-lying New Orleans lies in its path, and the consequences could be monumental.
As Sea Levels Rise, Some Cities Will Be Saved While Others Will Be Left Behind
U.S. coastal cities need to prepare for the effects of climate change, but the pot of funding is limited. There’s no way around the fact that there will be winners and there will be losers.
Polluted Chicago Water Travels Over 1,000 Miles and Wreaks Havoc in the Gulf
An algae bloom in the Gulf of Mexico has resulted in an oxygen-starved area the size of Massachusetts. Part of the problem is sewage runoff flowing south from Chicago.
Boston’s Seaport District, Where Building Started Before Flood Preparation
The Boston waterfront has been booming, but the area is extremely vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels. Measures to address those risks have come just recently.
It's Official: Obama's Clean Power Plan Has Been Replaced by the Trump Administration
It took less than a year for the EPA to finalize the Affordable Clean Energy rule, which will allow older coal-burning plants to continue operating, in the Trump administration's most consequential environmental rollback accomplished to date.
Community Composting Network Launching in Philadelphia
The city of Philadelphia is seeking 25 locations around the city for composting facilities that will help the city achieve its goals of zero waste and litter.
New York Sets Ambitious, Net-Zero Climate Emissions Target
The state of New York's new Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act is described by the New York Times as one of the most ambitious climate targets by any state legislature in the world.
Debating the Merits of Hydrogen and Batteries for Buses
To switch to fully electric bus fleets, transit agencies can invest in batteries and hydrogen fuel cells. Both have their advantages.
California to Study a Ban on Sales of Cars with Internal Combustion Engines
California Assemblyman Phil Ting has tried unsuccessfully for the last two years to end the sale of new gas and diesel-powered passenger motor vehicles by 2040. He achieved some success by securing funds in an approved budget bill to study a ban.
California Looks North for a Climate Partner
California has been lonely for the last seven years as the only state that prices carbon emissions from most sources. Oregon is expected to decide this month whether to join them.
Wild LA: An Excellent and Beautifully Illustrated Resource for L.A.’s Biodiversity
Los Angeled has plenty of urban wildlife, but people don’t usually associate the city with the term biodiversity. L.A. County park planner Clement Lau offers a book review on the a book on that subject, "Wild LA."
2020 Presidential Campaign: Media Coverage of Climate Strategies
Mayor Pete Buttigieg was criticized for supporting carbon capture and carbon taxes, while Vice President Biden was accused of lifting phrases about carbon capture from a "pro-industry" group. But did the media get these stories right?
Report Details the Many Risks of Climate Change Facing Queens
The Regional Plan Association recently released a report targeting the climate risks associated with the older housing stock in Central Queens, New York City.
A Route Through the City, S.F. Crosstown Trail Opens
After five years of planning, a San Francisco trail now runs across the city linking neighborhoods and greenspaces.
Summertime Ethanol Restriction Lifted to Help Corn Farmers—But at What Cost?
President Trump made good on his promise last October to lift the E15 ban in time for the summer driving season. Not mentioned by the Des Moines Register are the downsides to allowing the higher ethanol blend to be sold during the summer, e.g., smog.
Hanford Nuclear Waste Cleanup Stalls Amid Legal Turmoil
A cleanup of nuclear weapons waste at Washington State's Hanford Site was first outlined in 1989. But now, as state officials wrangle with the federal government, deadlines set in 2016 may still not be met.
On the Massive Carbon Savings of Gentle Density
A thought experiment compares the carbon impact of three new single family homes with the same block if it contained a duplex, a triplex, and a fourplex.
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
