Environment

When nature is integrated into urbanism, wellness surges. Hazel Borys looks at the benefits.

January 17, 2017 - PlaceShakers

A timber company is nearing the end of its deal to log the Port Gamble Forest, so local preservationists are raising money to protect the forest from development.

January 16, 2017 - The Seattle Times

So far four cities in California require solar panels on all new residential construction, with San Francisco as the most populous example. A proposed law would expand that requirement to the rest of the state.

January 16, 2017 - San Francisco Chronicle

The country's first "clean coal" facility has also been described as "the world's largest post-combustion carbon capture system."

January 16, 2017 - The Washington Post

Republican legislators in the state of Wyoming are choosing sides in the energy market—with dire consequences for consumers and the environment.

January 15, 2017 - Billings Gazette

Similar violation but new player—Fiat Chrysler, accused by U.S. EPA of willfully violating emissions standards for certain models of diesel Jeeps and Ram pickups. The charge comes a day after DOJ settled civil and criminal suits with Volkswagen.

January 13, 2017 - The New York Times

The concept of the circular economy is starting to take hold on governments and business throughout the world. Peter Moskowitz discusses the various ways the concept is being translated into practical, real-world solutions.

January 11, 2017 - Doggerel

Continuing a string of high-profile infrastructure announcements, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a deal to shut down the Indian Point Nuclear Plant, located less than 30 miles from Midtown Manhattan.

January 11, 2017 - The New York Times

Last year set two notable vehicle records. First, the most cars ever sold, at 17.54 million. Second, light trucks accounted for almost 61 percent of all sales. Sales of more fuel efficient car fell, though electric vehicle sales increased.

January 10, 2017 - The Drive

A new study has once again linked the perils of living near a pollution source to public health, this time finding that dementia risks increase in people who live near a major road.

January 10, 2017 - Mother Jones

With the price of the Portland Harbor Superfund Site already ballooning, critics of the plan for the Portland Harbor Superfund Site expect the project to cost even more than currently estimated.

January 9, 2017 - OPB

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finally spoken out about the risks posed by fracking to drinking water supplies. The Trump Administration seems very unlikely to head the warning.

January 8, 2017 - The New York Times

Seven oil companies, including Chevron, have been injecting wastewater into 10 aquifers for decades despite never receiving permission from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to do so. The aquifers are not currently used for drinking water.

January 7, 2017 - San Francisco Chronicle

Boston Mayor, Martin Walsh's, climate change plan is one of the most thorough in the country. The question remains: Will any of the plan be put into action?

January 6, 2017 - Next City

The capital of Catalunya is suffering from persistent high pollution due to car density and the largest number of motorcycles in Europe. City administrators, aware of the situation, have been unwilling to take any action that would upset drivers.

January 6, 2017 - Cities of the Future

In Sacramento, a protracted fight involving the California Environmental Quality Act downsized a proposed development. It also added fuel to the pro-Trump, anti-development fire that swept the nation on November 8.

January 5, 2017 - California Planning & Development Report

A smart city pilot project, already in place at three locations in Chicago and on the way to two more, deploys sophisticated data gathering technology to measure the simple act of rainwater running downhill. Better green infrastructure will follow.

January 4, 2017 - Data-Smart City Solutions

Michigan has joined a small but growing list of states that have passed laws prohibiting municipalities from banning single-use plastic bags or charging for bags, as is done in California. Critics assail it as an 'attack on local control.'

January 2, 2017 - MLive

The California Apartment Association released a report on what it will take to solve the state's chronic housing shortage. Cities that are loath to permit new residential developments, both affordable and market rate, will not be pleased.

January 1, 2017 - Los Angeles Times

There's a trend here.

January 1, 2017 - The Atlantic