Environment
Oil Drilling Runoff Slides Past Regulation
Water runoff from oil drilling sites will now face far fewer regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency, allowing possibly contaminated dirt and debris to flow directly into streams and wetlands.
Melting Permafrost Could Make Global Warming Worse
A new study finds that melting permafrost in Siberia could make global warming significantly worse by releasing up to 500 billion tons of Carbon Dioxide into the atmosphere, almost as much as the 700 billion tons currently in the atmosphere.
Bush To Establish Largest Protected Ocean Area
President George Bush plans to establish the world's largest protected ocean site, an act which will preserve a sensitive coral reef ecosystem on islands and atolls near Hawaii.
Eco-Friendly Design And Construction Need To Go Mainstream
Auden Schendler wonders why you can't buy an eco-friendly house in any average subdivision in America.
EPA Weakens Groundwater Rule After Energy Industry Pressure
Environmentalists criticesd a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency decision to change a measure designed to protect groundwater near oil drilling sites and other construction zones.
American 'Eco-Philanthropists' Buy And Preserve Land In Chile
A rich married couple from California has bought more than 2 million acres of land in Chile in efforts to preserve a sensitive environment, but the land they own has literally divided the country in two and challenged local farmers' right to harvest.
The Double-Edged Sword Of Coal In China
Coal usage is transforming China into an industrial nation at an alarming cost to both the Chinese people and the world. A new coal plant built using antiquated technology goes up almost weekly. [View the video, "China's Dark Cloud".]
Spanish Neighborhood To Mix Housing And Agriculture In 'Sociopolis'
The new development in Valencia, Spain, harkens back to a 1,000-year-old way of life, integrating small agricultural lands with housing, using a modern, high-rising twist.
Global Warming: The Cost Of Inaction
Writer Elizabeth Kolbert warns that "reckless" delays in countering global warming can be dangerous.
Students' Research Ignites Political Firestorm
Why are politicians and the members of the logging industry attacking a graduate student's research paper?
L.A. May Run Partly On Wyoming Wind Power
The Los Angeles power department has approved a contract with a Wyoming wind farm to purchase the equivalent of 1% of the city's annual energy needs. The city council is expected to finalize the contract within weeks.
'Category 5 Foolishness'
An interview with environmentalist journalist and author David Helvarg about hurricanes, coastal development, New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, and Bush administration policies.
Federal Land Sale May Fund Local Wilderness Development In Utah
Population growth in scenic St. George, Utah, has officials trying to sell federal land to pay for municipal projects. Other western states may follow suit.
Great Lakes Wind Turbines Pose Formidable Risks, Enticing Rewards
The Great Lakes represent an excellent source of untapped wind energy, but the hurdles would be formidable, particularly the "visual pollution" aspect presented by the 400 foot machines.
India's 'Green Building' Revolution Gathers Momentum
India's "green building" pursue U.S. LEED (Leadership in energy and environmental design) certification.
Chinese Government Publishes Review Of Recent Environmental Policies
The State Council Information Office publishes a white paper entitled "Environmental Protection in China (1996-2005)", which "gives a systematic introduction to the unremitting efforts made...in environmental protection over the past ten years."
'Landmark' Bill To Allow Sale Of Public Land To Finance Development
Growth advocates applaud a bill to sell public land to finance local projects but conservationists are worried about what they consider a dangerous trend that benefits only developers.
Local Municipalities Voice Concerns, Sue, Over U.S. Emissions
From the Inuit to the City of Portland, a chorus of local entities are fed up with the lack of environmental initiatives and standards set at the national level, especially as pertaining to transportation-caused pollution, and many have begun to sue.
World's Desert Cities 'May be Living on Borrowed Time': UN Report
A new United Nations report states that while the world's desert cities are threatened by climate change and water depletion, they may also benefit from new investments in solar energy projects.
Coal Exports Devastate Oldest Colombian City
Colombian exports of coal have been great for the national economy but a disaster for its main port and oldest city, Santa Marta. Air quality, the fishing and tourism industries, and the marine environment all suffer the effects of exporting coal.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
