Environment

Trump Ends Infrastructure Week by Streamlining the Permitting Process
President Trump made a compelling case for reducing the length of time needed to construct major infrastructure projects to justify the creation of a new White House council to streamline permitting. Only one problem: it already exists.

New York Unveils Design Guidelines for Climate Resiliency
New York is piloting new building design guidelines aimed at improving the city's climate resiliency.

California Progress Report: GDP Increases While GHGs Fall
California is demonstrating that improving the economy and the environment go hand in hand. A new inventory report from the state's Air Resources Board notes changes in gross domestic product, population, and greenhouse gas emissions since 2000.

Green Building Advocates Want Pennsylvania to 'Unfreeze' the State's Energy Codes
Two icehouses have arrived in Harrisburg on a mission from the Central Pennsylvania chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council.

Urban Planning Agencies and the UN's Sustainable Development Guidelines
A new report from France shows how to deploy urban planning agencies in the pursuit of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by 193 countries in 193 nations in 2015.

New Podcast 'Terrestrial' Makes Climate Change Personal
Terrestrial is all about how the changing environment impacts, and is impacted by, our personal lives.

The New Boardwalk at Rockaway Beach Showcases Coastal Resilience
The new boardwalk at Rockaway Beach shows how sea level rise is requiring new design and infrastructure decisions for the resilience of coastal communities.

Let the Climate Resistance Begin
States and cities are reacting to President Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement on Thursday. Three states formed the U.S. Climate Alliance; by Monday, it had grown to 13. Initially 30 mayors signed in support; it's now over 200.

Concern Grows Over the Fate of the Country's 'Largest Land Conservation Feat'
Western governors are concerned with signals from the Trump Administration about its intentions to kill a compromise deal to protect 165 million acres of habitat for the sage grouse.

Mayors and Governors Can Do More on Climate Change Than Just to Denounce Trump
The Paris Agreement gave public officials an opportunity to criticize the President on his climate denial, but these statements ring truer when the officials seek out climate solutions at home as well.

Op-Ed: Slow Growth Fails the Paris Accords Too
Many local leaders spoke strongly against President Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Accords, but local land use and transportation policies still sorely lack any consideration of climate impact.

Transit Agencies Move Toward Electric Buses
Transit agencies from Washington to Florida are beginning to make the switch from diesel and natural gas-powered buses to battery electric buses, some faster than others.

Climate Change Will Be Worse for Big Cities
Blame it on the urban heat island effect.

Portland Region's Commitment to 100 Percent Renewables Includes Transportation
The timing of the announcement of deeply ambitious energy goals by the city of Portland and the county of Multnomah was not coincidental.

The Dakota Access Pipeline Now Pumping Oil
Adding insult to injury in a bad week for environmental causes, the Dakota Access pipeline began shipping oil this week.

Breaking News: Trump Orders Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement
The decision means the U.S. will join Syria and Nicaragua as the only nations not to subscribe to the global agreement to reduce greenhouse gases. Trump attempted to leave the door ajar by stating that he would attempt to negotiate "a better deal."

Only High Cost Premiums Can Make Urban Farming Pencil Out
Throwing cold water on the latest "techno-optimism" for indoor, urban agriculture.
Fracking Opponents Charge Gov. Jerry Brown with Environmental Hypocrisy
The California governor, known for his outspoken climate advocacy, signed the nation's toughest fracking regulation bill in 2013. His response to those who want to ban fracking is that priority must be on reducing oil consumption.

EPA Alleges Fiat Chrysler Cheated Tests Measuring Carbon Pumped Into Atmosphere
The U.S. government will sue Fiat Chrysler Automobiles over software that allowed cars to pass emissions tests while letting out more pollutants than would be allowed.

A 'Brand New, Improved' Cap-and-Trade System for California
A California state senator has proposed to overhaul California’s cap-and-trade system explains the changes he wants to see.
Pagination
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.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont