Environment
Road Tolls Considered to Replace Declining Fuel Tax Revenues as EV Sales Grow
Iceland is thinking ahead when it comes to revenue losses resulting from its newly adopted "Climate Strategy" that calls for ending petrol-powered, fuel tax-paying motor vehicles by 2030. Widespread electronic road tolls are being considered.
PG&E Promises to Keep the Lights on After Declaring Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Pacific Gas and Electric has declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the face of "actual and potential" liability.
Carbon Tax-and-Dividend Bill to Be Reintroduced
Two members of Congress, a Democrat and a Republican, both from Florida, will reintroduce their bill to put a tax on carbon emissions and return the revenue to the people in the form of a dividend.
U.S. Appeals Court: Climate Crisis Justifies California Clean Fuels Rule
California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard, which requires fuel producers to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels by at least 10 percent by 2020, has been opposed by corn ethanol producers and the oil industry since its inception in 2011.
Draft Climate Action Plan Aims for Carbon Neutrality in San Antonio
The city of San Antonio is working on a plan to reduce its reliance on carbon-emitting fuels.
A Plan for More Low-Cost Lodging on the California Coast
The promise of the California Coastal Act—to maintain public access to the Pacific Coast—is challenged by the extreme costs of coastal property. A new plan aims to put vacations and overnight stays on the coast in reach for more Californians.
'Turning the Toxic Tide' in Florida
A series of editorial sets an environmental agenda for new political leadership in the state of Florida. Reform of the state's planning and development processes are included.
Tree Ordinance Update Almost Done, Atlanta Residents Want Better Enforcement of Existing Rules
Atlanta has wanted to update its tree ordinance since 2014.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo Proposes Plastic Bag Ban After Killing New York City's Bag Law
The Democratic governor proposed a ban on single-use plastic bags in his state-of-the-state address on Jan. 15. Nearly two years earlier, he signed a bill that prevented New York City from charging for bags as the District of Columbia and Boston do.
New Colorado Governor's First Executive Order: Get More EVs on the Road
Colorado will join California and nine other states in requiring that a percentage of new light-duty vehicle sales are zero-emissions, thanks to the first executive order signed by Democratic Gov. Jared Polis on Jan. 17.
London Starts New Program to Track Air Quality
A network of monitoring devices will bring together technology and data analytics to help inform residents about air pollution.
Desalination Plants Produce More Brine Than Fresh Water
The plants provide much-needed fresh water, but the environmental costs are immense.
Digging Into Soil Reveals Much About Cities
Soil often doesn’t get the attention that it deserves, but it is integral to the ecology of cities.
'Green Zones' an Immediate Success in Minneapolis
After years of planning and development, two Green Zones in Minneapolis are attracting desired investments and paving the way for more success.
Video: Urban Planning Trends to Watch in 2019
Feeling a little "tl;dr" about the "Urban Planning Trends to Watch in 2019" article published by Planetizen earlier this month?
EPA Enforcement Activities Hit 30-Year Low
Under the Trump administration, criminal prosecution of polluters is an historically rare activity.
Defense Department Calls Climate Change a National Security Threat
The new “Report on Effects of a Changing Climate to the Department of Defense” isn't the environmental win that it could be.
Needed: A New Approach to the Colorado River
In an interview with Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, former Arizona Governor and former Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbit recommends new approaches to the challenges facing the Colorado River watershed.
Coastal Virginia Testing a New Approach to Flood Planning
A new flood plan for Norfolk, Virginia aims to establish a new model for coastal resilience.
Waterline Breaks Plague Phoenix as City Struggles to Keep Up
Pipeline breaks are a daily occurrence in the city, but funding for an expanded pipe-replacement program has been a contentious issue.
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
