Environment
Can California Kick the Oil Habit?
As the nation's third largest oil producer, California has a long history with the oil industry, yet it's also the birthplace of the American environmental movement. Lisa Margonelli makes the case for the Golden State reducing its oil addiction.
Morro Bay Could be Home to West Coast's First Offshore Wind Farm
If a Seattle company gets its way, in a few years there will be 100 floating wind turbines about 15 miles off San Luis Obispo County on the central California coast, generating about 1 gigawatt of electricity.
13 Million Acres at Stake in Timber Company Merger
Two timber companies announced a merger that will take effect in 2016, combining land holdings that reach nearly every corner of the country.
Madrid Takes Drastic Action to Curb Pollution
With a growing reputation for heavy local pollution, the city of Madrid will impose reduced speed limits and driving restrictions in its central core. On bad days, transit will be free to ride.
Researchers Finding Evidence of the Negative Impacts of Trees in Urban Settings
More and more evidence has emerged in recent years about the many benefits of trees in urban environments. Every now and then, however, a study finds evidence that tress might not always be as benevolent as they seem.
Can Climate Change be Addressed by Halting Drilling on Federal Lands?
A production-side approach to tackling climate change is the basis of new legislation by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). The "Keep it in the Ground Act" would prevent new drilling for any fossil fuel on federal lands or renewal of nonproductive leases.
Report: Cutting Urban Emissions Could Save $17 Trillion
Research from the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate recommends an emissions reduction program that might pay off big in the long term. Inter-city exchange and transit planning are key strategies.
Does a Surprising Rise in Pollution Mean a Return of London's Pea-Soup Fog?
London Mayor Boris Johnson has tabled strict air-pollution controls until 2020 despite evidence of increasing pollution levels in the city's center.
The Greening of Planning Credentials
As sustainability initiatives gain momentum, planners have a growing number of options for credentialing their green skills.
Rethinking the Definition of City
A city has always been understood and defined as a pattern of human settlement. This op-ed suggests that a city needs to be a product of its environment, rather than the environment simply being a product of it.
Breaking News: End of the Line for Keystone XL Pipeline
After TransCanada hit the "pause button," President Obama hit "reject." The seven-year saga has come to an end, announced President Obama in a noon White House statement to the press on Friday where he took no questions.
A Growing Mexico City Faces Infrastructural Hurdles
As Mexico City continues to add population, issues of sprawl, inequality, and water infrastructure remain challenges in the growing megalopolis.
San Francisco Leading the Way in Water Recycling
San Francisco's water district has become the first in the nation to require newly constructed large buildings to collect and reuse nonpotable water.
Not-So-Secret Climate Change Conspirators: T.V. Weather Reporters
TV weather reporters should be educators of the public about climate change. Yet they range from being outright deniers to keeping silent about this cataclysmic threat to life on Earth. An examination of why and what can be done about it.
Shell Gives Another Early Christmas Gift to Environmentalists
Shell Oil surprised the environmental community in September by announcing an end to Arctic drilling. What could come next? Shell is abandoning plans for the Carmon Creek oil-sands project in Alberta and taking a $2 billion write-down.
A Perfect Circle: Can the Shape of a City Affect Its Success?
Research into the various shapes of cities in India may be able to predict the economic success of the city's residents.
Will Electric Utilities Disrupt the Oil Industry in California?
A key bill had language allowing public utilities to enter into the electric vehicle charging industry—overlooked by the oil industry and a game-changer for EVs as it tackles one of their most formidable challenges.
Report: The Price of Driving Doesn't Match the Cost of Driving
The true cost of vehicle and road use is not reflected in the price drivers pay.
Op-Ed Calls Density the 'Mortal Enemy of Trees'—Debate Ensues
A surprising argument from an article in Seattle publication Crosscut this week: density is the mortal enemy of trees.
The Unexpected Unpleasantness of New York's New LED Street Lights
As New York rolls out its LED streetlights, one resident bemoans the ugly blue glow taking over the city.
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
