Environment
Electric Vehicles Require Real Progress—Not Lip Service—on Equity
Communities of color are already being left behind as the nation prepares the infrastructure for an electric future.
Mapping Environmental Justice to Census Tracts
The Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, version 1.0, is now available on the internet.
Constitutional Protections for Environmental Rights Latest Roadblock for NYC Megaproject
The latest in a series of lawsuits against a megaproject proposed for Manhattan is the first to sue on the grounds provided by a constitutional amendment approved by the state of New York a year ago.
In Reversal, Ontario Government Could Open Toronto Greenbelt to Development
The Toronto Greenbelt was an urban growth boundary created in 2005 as one of the most obvious political victories for the Smart Growth movement in North America. A new bill would reverse course on the region’s growth policies.
King County Water Treatment Station Set to Open
The facility is part of a plan to protect the Duwamish River from polluted runoff from overflowing sewer pipes.
COP27 Climate Negotiations Produce a Mixed Bag
Negotiators at this year’s COP27 climate change meetings can claim progress on some tricky issues, but stagnation reigns on the fundamental issue of emission reductions.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Issues 2022 Grants
The organization awarded 25 grants for projects that promote outdoor recreation and access to trail facilities for underserved communities.
New Scoping Plan Sets Carbon Neutrality Goal for California
California has long led the nation in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A law approved in 2006 still provides direction for the state’s efforts.
Largest Dam Removal in U.S. History Clears Final Regulatory Hurdle
Four dams are coming down along the Klamath River. The final decision to remove the dams is a milestone political and legal victory for indigenous tribes living in Southern Oregon and Northern California.
European Cities Act on Density
The sprawling mass of suburbia has been a disaster for the environment. But now smaller, denser cities herald a renaissance in city living.
Report: Sustainability Goals Go Unmet in Many Global Cities
Cities around the world are failing to achieve progress toward their sustainability and public health goals, new research finds.
Arizona’s Growth Threatens Water Supplies
New communities are popping up across Arizona’s desert, evading water consumption restrictions and straining the state’s groundwater supplies.
Los Angeles County Launches Environmental Justice Department
The new department will develop plans for addressing the impacts of air and water pollution, extreme heat, and climate change on vulnerable communities.
Comprehensive Transportation Emission Reduction Planning
Many jurisdictions have ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and are developing plans to achieve them. This column discusses the factors that should be considered in this planning process.
Colorado River Compact Needs 21st Century Update
While the historic agreement set a new precedent for water rights, its inherent flaws, growing demand, and the threat of climate change make much of it obsolete for today’s needs.
Federal Protection Proposed for Chesapeake Bay
Two Maryland lawmakers will introduce legislation to create the Chesapeake Bay National Recreation Area to protect the region’s important ecological and cultural resources.
Proposed Legislation Sounds Alarm on Mississippi River Drought
Without concerted restoration efforts, the river’s historically low levels could dramatically impact shipping activities and economic development throughout the region.
The United Nations Calls on U.S. Planners to Break Land Use, Transportation Status Quo
“We are on a highway to climate hell with our foot on the accelerator.”
New Green Development Rules Take Effect in Austin
The city updated its development code to include more robust protection for local wetlands and stricter sustainable stormwater infrastructure requirements.
Tracking Boston’s Emissions Reduction Progress
The Boston Foundation published the “Inaugural Boston Climate Progress Report” earlier this month. Other U.S. cities should follow their lead.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
