Environment
Cities Team Up To Reuse Water
Cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are working together to save water and use reclaimed water for non-drinking purposes.
Brouhaha Over Bush Era Water Policy
The Department of the Interior is alleged to have generated electric energy by limiting water flow to the Grand Canyon, at the expense of the landmarks' ecology--despite having access to scientific findings that warned against doing so.
Global Warming Slips In Public's Consciousness
Global warming has slipped precipitously in the public's mind as a top concern, as the nation's recession took the number one slot in a Pew Research Center telephone poll. In fact, it ranked last in a list of 20 issues, yet 'energy' was #6.
White Light, White Streets
Fighting global warming could be as simple as a paint job -- a global, sun-reflecting, white-wash paint job, according to scientist Hashem Akbari.
"Eco-Unfriendly" Manitoba?
New statistics show that the province of Manitoba throws out more, recycles less and conserves less water than any other province in Canada.
Coastal-Heartland Energy Divide (Amongst Democrats)
It's not Blue vs. Red, but Green vs. Brown when it comes to energy policy debates on Capitol Hill.
Turning Unbuilt Project Sites Into Open Space
DeLuca Homes planned to build condos in Bucks County, PA- until the bottom fell out of the market. Now they're one of many developers cutting deals with governments to create open space.
How 'Level of Service' Measurements Ruin Cities
"Level of service" is a ranking used by transportation engineers to assess the performance of roads. Streetsblog argues that LOS distorts the development of mobility infrastructure by prioritizing cars over people.
The Green Stimulus Plan- In Canada
A proposal for a comprehensive green stimulus plan, backed by a powerful group of environmentalists, unions, and associations, was submitted to Canada's Prime Minister Harper last week.
Obama To EPA: Allow CA To Set Its Own Emission Standards
In a move that will disappoint auto manufacturers and labor but was met with great applause by the environmental community, Obama has taken the first step to granting CA's request for a waiver so it can set its own, stricter emission standards.
Urban Light Affecting Animal Behavior
Light reflecting from streets and glass buildings in cities have been found in a recent study to disrupt animal behavior.
Emissions, Not Gas Prices, Increase Transit Use
Boise's degrading air quality and the fear it may lead to a loss in federal transportation funding is causing local governments to improve public transit options to get commuters out of their cars. The alternative, smog testing of cars, is resisted.
Cities Gone Wild!
Architects form the University of British Columbia are calling on cities to "go wild" -- mainly by integrating ecological features into the cityscape to make it more self-contained. The result would be both sustainable and exciting, they say.
Friday Funny: Sustainability Buzzword Generator
Need a sustainable slogan to show your green cred? Look no further than Building Magazine's Sustainability Buzzword Generator.
Climate Change, Rapid Urbanization Contribute to Disaster Toll
2008 saw one of the greatest number of deaths worldwide from natural disasters. Factors contributing to the high number of deaths include extreme weather brought about by climate change, as well as rapid urbanization in vulnerable areas.
The Tortoise and the Glare
Plans to scrape hundreds of thousands of acres of the Mojave Desert for solar panel installations may endanger wildlife and are pitting environmentalists against each other.
Giving Highways New Life
The author of this article offers a few ideas on how to better use our 46,000 miles of highway. From the integration of rail lines to the development of electricity distribution grids, the interstate has more potential than it seems.
Alternative Energy Grid Vs. Locals and Enviros
PBS' NOW goes to California to look at new state requirements for renewable energy, and the battle over where the new infrastructure will go.
Carbon Emitters Anonymous
Berkeley, California has launched a citywide program that offers support to residents who wish to reduce their carbon footprints. Like Alcoholics Anonymous, these support groups are "part social, part confessional and partly about accountability."
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
