Environment
Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund Reenacted
Unlike Trump's suggested quarter-per-gallon gas tax, this 9-cents-per-barrel tax is real. Like the gas tax, it goes to a trust fund, to respond to oil spills rather than build and maintains roads. While small, it brings in $500 million annually.
The Vast Economic Footprint of the Outdoor Recreation Industry
The outdoor recreation industry grew faster in 2016 than the rest of the U.S. economy.
Where's the Interest in Electric Vehicles?
Policymakers, auto manufacturers, and especially advocates are very engaged in transitioning from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to electric vehicles. The problem is that interest isn't shared by the general public, according to research by UC Davis.
Montana Ski Resorts to Turn Wastewater into Snow
Using treated wastewater for snowmaking would have dual benefits for Big Sky, Montana.
How About a 'Climate Change National Park'?
One of the nuggets included in the Regional Plan Association's Forth Plan, released in late 2017, is a proposal to create a national park out of the New Jersey Meadowlands.
Seattle Looking for Better Tree Protections
Advocates and politicians are mustering ideas and support for new tree ordinances that line up with the city's climate goals.
How Urban Planning Is Changing in the 21st Century
Thanks to innovative advancements in permeable pavements and vertical farming, modern urban planning takes an action-oriented approach that retains its traditional focus of meeting residential needs.
Infrastructure, Unlike the Trump Administration, Can't Ignore Climate Change
How can President Trump, who has made environmental regulation rollbacks and climate denial trademarks of his administration, be expected to select projects for his infrastructure plan that must weather climate change?
It's Rural vs. Urban in Kentucky's Anti-Solar Energy Bill
A bill that would cut back on the feed-in tariffs paid by utilities to solar panel owners in Kentucky.
Bay Area Design Challenge Takes On Sea Level Rise
For the next several months, nine sites will be the focus of efforts to design for resilience as sea levels rise. Proposals involve "threading nature back into an urbanized terrain."
Mapping the Collision Course of Sprawl and Biodiversity
The expansion of the built environment proceeds with little regard for the loss of biodiversity, and the planning field isn't doing enough to help.
When the U.S. Economy Is 'Too Strong' to Spend on Infrastructure
A low unemployment rate means major investments by the federal government could ultimately harm the economy.
State Legislation Would Clear CEQA Obstructions for Road and Transit Projects
One legislator believes CEQA "is a key barrier to California meeting its ambitious climate change goals.”
U.S. Bank Stadium: Home to Super Bowl LII and a Death Trap for Migratory Birds
This isn't a joke about the Philadelphia Eagles. This story is about the deadly consequences of planning and architecture decisions.
Federal Plan for Renewable Energy Development in the California Desert on Trump's Cutting Board
The issue of wind and solar energy development has always been a hot button in the California desert, and the Trump Administration just pressed it.
Map of U.K. Development Types Reveals Wide Open Spaces
Satellite images make some of the best maps.
Rental Cars Will Be 100% Electric by 2030 in Spain's Balearic Islands
The government of the Balearic Islands drafts new law that requires rental car companies to phase out fossil fuel vehicles and to switch to a 100% electric fleet by 2030.
Homeland Security Waives More Than 30 Laws to Expedite Border Wall
In the drive to begin construction in New Mexico, the Trump Administration has bypassed dozens of federal environmental regulations.
U.S. EPA Ends the Obama-Era Clean Water Rule
The Trump Administration is rescinding another in a string of environmental regulations from the Obama Administration—this time it's the Clean Water Rule's protections for streams and waterways.
State of the Union: The Major Policy President Trump Missed
No, this post is not about the Russia investigation nor #MeToo, but the state of climate policy in the U.S. after President Trump's first year. Surprisingly, it's not as bad as one might think, no thanks to Trump though.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
