Environment

Offshore Wind Zone Proposed for the East Coast
A "priority offshore wind zone" between Long Island and New Jersey could accelerate permits and help the industry gain a foothold in the United States.

'American Jobs Plan': Potential Sea Change for Federal Infrastructure Spending
After a week of speculation and rumor, the Biden administration today revealed its promised infrastructure plan.

Anticipation, Costs Rise as Details of Biden's Infrastructure Plan Emerge
The Biden administration's highly anticipated infrastructure spending plan is expected to go public this week. After weeks of speculation about the size and focus of the plan, recent reports reveal a growing package and new revenue streams.

The Surprising Ways Cities Work to Clean the Environment
Municipal programs and urban design offer cities multiple, perhaps surprising ways, to clean the environment.

Understanding Regional and Rural Park and Recreation Needs
The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation is doing a study to inventory and analyze the need for facilities like beaches, natural areas, open space, regional parks, trails, and local parks in rural areas.

Canadian Supreme Court Upholds Carbon Tax
A historic ruling in Canada allows the federal government to supersede the efforts of provinces in fighting the causes of climate change.

Seattle's 'Electrification Blueprint' Sets Ambitious Goals
The city's new transportation plan focuses on eliminating carbon emissions in its transportation sector, reducing congestion, and boosting public transit.

'Never Let a Good Crisis Go to Waste' and Planning in the Pandemic
The latest in a series of compendia collecting news and commentary focusing on the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic's effect on communities.

California's 'Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure'
The newly released Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure shifts the state's transportation priorities to focus on clean energy and livability.

Research Shows Urban Trees Stave off Depression
A new study shows that regular exposure to trees and green spaces has a powerful impact on depression and mental health.

Norfolk Plans for Resilience in the Face of Climate Change
The Ohio Creek Watershed Project aims to protect the city's coastline and prepare for future sea level rise.

Avoiding Crowds at National Parks
With the pandemic and associated restrictions for a long year, people want to get outside more than ever. National parks are popular destinations and some are getting plenty of visitors, but there are ways to avoid the crowds.

'Zoning for Coastal Flood Resiliency' Wins Planning Commission Approval in NYC
Emergency responses to Hurricane Sandy have turned into long-term lessons in New York City, as the nation's largest city crafts a response to sea-level rise and extreme weather by making changes to the zoning code of coastal areas.

Opinion: High-Rises Won't Sink San Francisco
The weight of large buildings may not be a major threat to coastal cities, despite recent claims.

Louisiana's $50 Billion Coastal Restoration Plan Moves Forward
A $50 billion plan to replenish lost coastal land could have significant impacts on local marine life and fishing industries.

Industry Wins a Round Over Building Efficiency Requirements
New regulations prohibit cities from enacting stricter efficiency standards in new buildings.

Can Emissions Reductions Last Beyond the Pandemic?
The dramatic reductions in carbon emissions during the last year only highlight how drastically humans must change behavior to meet climate goals.

Stories of Resilience From 2020
A year of intense challenges also offers a chance to break from the unsustainable, inequitable status quo.

Santa Monica Institutes 'Zero-Emissions Delivery Zone'
A new pilot program in Santa Monica aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide a testing ground for new technologies.

The Surprisingly Important Role of Symmetry in Healthy Places
New research suggests there might be a "symmetry deficit disorder" in today's built environments, with significant impacts on health, well-being, and even sustainability.
Pagination
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
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