Environment
Utah Valleys Square Off in an Old-Fashioned Water War
The Central Iron County Water Conservancy District wants new sources of water so communities in the Cedar Valley in Utah can continue to grow. It's a story as old as the American West.
Study: How California Can Shift Away From Car-Oriented Development
While the state continues to rely on driving as a primary means of transportation, fighting climate change and the worsening housing crisis means implementing policies that encourage infill development, higher density, and public transit.
U.S. to Help European Union Achieve Energy Security
President Joe Biden and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced in Brussels the formation of a joint task force to help the European Union reduce dependence on Russian energy in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Colorado Proposal Would Fund Free Summer Transit
The state is weighing a plan to offer free transit rides during ozone-heavy months in an effort to improve the state's air quality.
'Greening' L.A.'s Schoolyards
Advocates for increasing green space on school campuses say giving students a more healthy outdoor environment can also reduce the urban heat island effect and improve public health in historically underserved communities.
New 'Human-Centered' EV Charging Stations Aim To Improve User Experience
Volkswagen-owned Electrify America plans to make its new charging stations more user-friendly with solar panel awnings and waiting lounges.
Free From AARP: Walk Audit Tool Kit and Worksheets
AARP recently published an all new, 28-page, image-filled guide—and 11 downloadable worksheets—for how to assess and report on the safety and walkability of a street, intersection, or neighborhood.
Fifty Years After the Clean Water Act, Half of U.S. Waters Are Unsafe for Humans and Fish
A study of U.S. waterways shows that around half of lakes, rivers, and streams in the U.S. are too toxic to swim or fish in.
Outdated Electric Grid Could Hamper Texas Transition to Renewables
Although Texas easily has the potential to phase out coal with the renewable energy projects in the works around the state, its aging transmission lines and outdated infrastructure could delay the transition.
What Is a Density Bonus?
A density bonus offers development permissions beyond what's allowed by a zoning code as an incentive for developers to contribute to desired policy goals. Density bonus programs can offer numerous forms of incentives, and can be used as an incentive to address a variety of policy goals.
FEMA Flood Mitigation Initiative Will Pay Homeowners To Move
The Swift Current grant program will distribute $60 million to homeowners in high-risk counties to help pay for flood mitigation measures or relocation.
Chumash Tribe Opposes Offshore Wind in Proposed Marine Sanctuary
Environmentalists decry the proposed wind farm as harmful to the fragile ecosystem of the Central California coast.
Sanctioning Russian Energy Exports
European leaders chose not to join the U.S. in an embargo of Russian energy products largely because of dependence on natural gas. Similarly, the world needs the 11% of crude oil that Russia exports. What can the U.S. do to lessen this dependence?
EV Charging Stations Gaining Ground
High gas prices are prompting more cities to invest in electric car charging infrastructure.
Five Ways to Build a Sustainable Community through Volunteering
Practicing sustainability can improve communities and the lives of those living there. One of the best ways to encourage sustainable living is through volunteering.
Booming Arizona Must Confront its Water Problem
Even as more people and companies flock to the state for its climate and economic opportunities, Arizona's water supplies are facing historic shortages.
NOAA Expects U.S. Drought To Continue and Spread
Low rainfall and unusually high temperatures are contributing to worsening drought conditions in more than half of the continental United States.
Cincinnati To Electrify Municipal Fleet by 2035
The city of Cincinnati will beef up its efforts to shift to renewable energy starting next week with electric police cars, fire trucks, and other city vehicles.
We Now Can Build Really Tall Skyscrapers. But Why?
The new book Super Tall, by architect and writer Stefan Al, explains how the new generation of skyscrapers are built and how they fit into their respective urban fabrics.
Mapping Biodiversity Risk
A partnership of researchers has created the most detailed map yet of the places where biodiversity is most at risk in the United States.
Pagination
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