Environment
CEQA–Exemption: Schwarzenegger’s Bargaining Chip
Gov. Schwarzenegger wants the California Environmental Quality Act- a requirement for major transportation projects- waived if he is to sign the $18 billion Democratic package that balances the budget and is crafted to circumvent Republican approval.
The Challenge of Water in Illegal Slums
This audio slideshow from Financial Times looks at the severe shortage of clean water in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and what some activists are trying to do to provide clean water for the dwellers of the city's illegal slums.
Parks May Allow Bikes on Trails
The Interior Department is proposing a rule change for National Parks that would open thousands of miles of park trails to mountain bikes. Conflicts between bikers and hikers are expected.
Save a City, Win a Prize
A California state arm called the Bay Conservation and Development Commission has announced plans for a $125,000 contest to come up with ideas for cities to deal with climate change in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Revisiting the Future of Ecotopia
Ecotopia is a '70s cult novel that imagines a future where the Pacific Northwest secedes from the U.S. to become an environmentally-conscious utopian state. The NY Times reflects on the influence of this under-recognized novel.
Environmental Concerns Surround Dubai Excess
The eccentric megaprojects keep coming in Dubai, leaving some to question the environmental wisdom of so much development in a notoriously water-poor desert.
Proposed Road Through Park Blocked
The federal government has blocked plans to build a 16-mile road through a Southern California state park, mainly over environmental concerns.
Zero-Emissions Bus in Sight
In spring of next year, Burbank, CA will debut the nation's first lightweight, zero-emissions bus.
Suburbs Benefit From an Urban President, Too
In fact, says one planner, suburbs and exurbs can expect to see some of the biggest changes of all, at least from infrastructure and transportation funding.
The Environmental Impact of Cement Plants
Cement is everywhere, and the building material makes a huge impact on the environment in terms of emissions, according to the San Francisco Sentinel. This article outlines the cement-making process.
Cuba Serves As Model For Urban Farming
With urban farms sprinkled throughout the island, Cuba is proving to be one of the world's most successful models of how to integrate agriculture into urban areas.
Is Urbanism Enough to Curb Global Warming?
Witold Rybczynski reports on a recent conference at the University of Pennsylvania at which planners emphasized technology. He thinks that there is more to it than that.
Houston Lights go LED
The city of Houston moves to convert all the bulbs at its traffic stops to LEDs, aiming to save energy and money.
Air Board Approves Diesel and Climate Protection Plans
In back-to-back rulings, the Californian Air Resources Board approved the nation's strongest climate protection plan and the strictest on-road diesel emissions plans that will mean the oldest, most polluting trucks and buses will soon be no more.
Understanding San Francisco's Congestion Pricing Study
In this op-ed, the executive director of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority makes a case for congestion pricing in the City, though he is quick to indicate the SFCTA is only studying the concept to see if it could be applied there.
Prince of Wales Says 'Green' Architecture Does Not Have To Be Modernist
Prince Charles makes a case for the commercial viability of green housing with traditional design, as opposed to the modernist styles typically associated with the future of low carbon homes.
Growing People And Jobs While Shrinking Traffic
As New York City faces its worst financial crisis in 2 decades, a NYC D.O.T. study was released showing that from 2003-2007, the increase in jobs and people was accompanied by a slight decrease in traffic due primarily to increased transit usage.
Rapid Buses To Serve Suburbs?
A local leader in the suburban Maryland/Washington DC area proposes aggressive use of "rapid buses" in dedicated lanes to accommodate growth, like other jurisdictions in the U.S.
Greenhouse Gas Plan Punts On Land Use Issue
In a surprising last-minute change, a new plan that outlines how California will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions does not include a concrete target for reductions attributable to less-sprawling land use patterns.
Friday Funny: Google Maps for Stinkiness
At the Japanese website Nioibu.com, visitors are geomapping odd odors, from gasoline fumes to curry.
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
