Environment

Designing Safe Passage for Steelhead Trout Through the L.A. River
The Southern California steelhead was added to the federal endangered species list in 1997. Today, planners are working to create a new home for the trout in the L.A. River.

A New Study Asserts the Importance of Urban Trees in Conservation Efforts
Data collected from 13 million tree planting records in 473 urban areas across 73 countries provides insight into the role of urban trees in biodiversity conservation.

Reducing Emissions From Transportation Would Produce Huge Health Benefits, Study Says
New research suggests that cutting greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector would have tremendous benefits to public health.

Park Planning in a Pandemic
In pursuit of a grant for park development, Los Angeles County engages community members virtually to gather input and design a new park.

U.S. EPA To Reclassify Thousands of Major Polluters
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimated its new rule change will result in up to 1,258 tons of additional emissions of hazardous materials every year.

The Social Dynamics of Houston's Urban Expansion
A new study published in the Land Use Policy journal explains how Houston's rapid expansion occurred, and why it matters.

Boston Launches a 20-Year Urban Forestry Plan
The forthcoming Boston Urban Forestry Plan is expected to support communities that have been disproportionately exposed to environmental stressors.

Ambitious New Boston Common Master Plan Revealed
The oldest city park in the United States, used as a cow pasture until the 19th century, is slated for a major upgrade.

The End of New Hydraulic Fracking Permits in California Would Still be a Half Measure
As part of a series of dramatic environmental announcements in September, Gov. Gavin Newsom has promised to work with legislators to end new hydraulic fracking permits in California.

Local Opposition to Ohio DOT's I-77 Widening Plans Near Akron
The Ohio Department of Transportation wants to add lanes to Interstate 77 outside Akron to reduce congestion. Some local officials think the project will connect the region to the East Coast; others think the money would be better spent locally.

Landmark Environmental Justice Law Signed in New Jersey
New Jersey is now home to one of the "most stringent" environmental justice laws in the country.

Study: Oahu Could Lose 40 Percent of its Beaches by 2050
A new study calls for changes to coastal management policies to better protect sandy shorelines retreating under the pressure of rising sea levels.

Americans Aren't Likely to Start Driving at Pre-Pandemic Levels Soon
Vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and gasoline production trends point to VMT in the United States staying ten to 12 percent lower than in 2019 for the next few months, at least.

New Google Map Layer Shows COVID-19 Infection Rates
A new layer showing the seven-day average of confirmed COVID-19 cases started rolling out to Android and iPhones last week.

Gone by 2035: Gas-Powered Car Sales Have an Expiration Date in California
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced yesterday an executive order that would ban the sale of cars powered by internal combustion engines by 2035. California is the first state in the country to take such action.

Pandemic Reveals the Importance of Open Space to Health and Well-Being
Hong Kong provides a lesson in the importance of open space for the health and well-being of residents, especially during the isolation and distancing of a pandemic.

Bringing Urban Orchards to Food Deserts in Ohio
The Common Orchard Project has planted ten orchards in vacant lots in Cincinnati. The organization hopes to plant 100 urban orchards by the end of the decade.

10 of America's Most Beautiful Parks
With the pandemic, people need to see and experience beauty, nature, and parks more than ever. Learn more about some of America's urban oases.

Georgia's Fight to Save the Salt Marshes Continues to Pay Off 50 Years Later
When it comes to protecting the state from sea-level rise, Georgia is a step ahead of the rest thanks to a piece of legislation celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Hot Asphalt May Increase Air Pollution in Urban Areas
Research shows that road asphalt exposed to heat and sunlight may eventually become a significant emissions source.
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