Environment

Greening Cement

A growing number of local governments are turning to "green cement" resolutions to rectify North Texas' status as a shameless failure when it comes to complying with clean air standards.

November 24, 2008 - The Dallas Observer

Top 10 Books - 2009

Planetizen is pleased to release its eighth annual list of the ten best books in the planning field. With titles covering some of the most timely issues in planning, the list gives readers an overview of the best ideas and writing in the field.

November 24, 2008 - Abhijeet Chavan

How Much Does Bad Air In LA and Central Valley Cost California?

An economic study has been published showing that the costs of air pollution to the 20 million Californians living in the state’s (and nation’s) two most polluted regions, the LA basin and San Joaquin Valley, to be around $28 billion annually.

November 21, 2008 - San Francisco Chronicle

Would $3 Gas Balance California's Budget?

Energy expert Severin Borenstein suggests a novel strategy to ensure California drivers don't lose their gas-saving habits and vehicle preferences learned when gas cost $4.50/gallon - a 'variable gas surcharge' to stabilize gas prices at $3/gallon.

November 21, 2008 - The Sacramento Bee

Change Comes to Committee on Energy and Commerce

Representative Henry A. Waxman of California replaces the current chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, who has served in the post since 1981. Waxman's nomination was applauded by environmental groups.

November 21, 2008 - The New York Times

Killer Brown Clouds On The Rise

A U.N. report details the severity of the 'brown cloud' phenomenon affecting much of Asia and other parts of the planet. In addition to reducing sunlight and causing premature death, the clouds affect weather patterns, harvests, and glacier declines

November 20, 2008 - The New York Times

Pine Beetles' Wrath Spreads

The scourge of the pine beetle is wreaking havoc on forests all up and down North America, leaving behind millions of acres of dead trees.

November 20, 2008 - The New York Times

Officials Working Out Nitty-Gritty of Rail Project

Views are already beginning to clash as the California high-speed rail project begins its development process. But until environmental and design reports are available, many questions are to be left unanswered.

November 19, 2008 - Palo Alto Daily News

Master-Planned Mixed-Use in Central Ohio

While the goal of these walkable communities is to attract young urban professionals, the benefits, of course, extend beyond that.

November 19, 2008 - The Columbus Dispatch

California Not Ready for Climate Change

Authors of a recent study have concluded that California is unprepared to face global warming challenges, and water and electricity agencies in particular have been urged to act immediately.

November 19, 2008 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Brad Pitt on Transportation

The celeb narrates the PBS series e2, which tackles transportation in its third season.

November 18, 2008 - e2

Water Quality Pact to Cross State Borders

The state governments of Missouri and Arkansas are expected to sign an agreement this year to create a watershed and aquifer protection pact geared at controlling water quality from sources that cross state boundaries.

November 17, 2008 - Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Deal Brokered for Biggest Dam Removal Project in U.S.

Officials have brokered a deal to remove dams from the Klamath River in the Pacific Northwest -- a plan intended to counteract sharp declines in salmon counts and appease environmentalists. But the plan is also meeting criticism.

November 17, 2008 - Los Angeles Times

The Obama Administration: An Opportunity to Rebuild and Renew America

Congressman Earl Blumenauer of Oregon thinks that an Obama administration, working with Congress, could effect change and create a new vision to Rebuild and Renew America.

November 17, 2008 - Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)

Texas Canyon Preserved to Avoid Sprawl

Development has been creeping closer and closer to Palo Duro Canyon in Texas, the country's second biggest canyon. But despite a recent sale of nearby land to developers, preservationists have secured the deed to prevent sprawl from moving in.

November 16, 2008 - NPR

Austin Aims For Greener Events and Festivals

Officials in Austin, Texas, are drafting what's believed to be the nation's most substantive sustainability policy for special events--including measures to reduce waste and conserve water and energy.

November 15, 2008 - Austin American-Statesman

Has SF Opened the Door for Tax-Free Transit Benefits?

San Francisco recently became the first city to mandate tax-free transportation benefit plans for companies with more than 20 workers. Currently unbeknown to many employers, the move may cause other cities to catch on.

November 13, 2008 - Chicago Tribune

FEMA Redraws Flood Maps

FEMA has redone official maps of flood-prone areas across the country, designating some as flood zones for the first time.

November 13, 2008 - USA Today

To Re-Imagine Cities, Re-Imagine Urban Design

Oil is running out and the climate is changing. How this impacts cities will largely be determined by how the urban design field reacts.

November 13, 2008 - Nate Berg

Green Building Industry Staying Afloat

While many construction and development projects are finding trouble getting funded, sustainable design firms are hanging in there.

November 12, 2008 - The Architect's Newspaper

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.

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.