Government / Politics
Federal Lands Transfer Bill Withdrawn
Facing backlash from hunting and angling groups, Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz withdrew legislation that would have transferred millions of acres of federal lands to state governments in the West. But news wasn't good for other environmental bills.
Data Dispute Trump's Claims About Sanctuary Cities as Hotbeds of Crime
The "sanctuary cities" that President Trump has repeatedly characterized as incubators of crime are generally safer than other cities, according to a new analysis of FBI crime data.
Energy and Environmental Regulations Under Attack—by Congress
Two environmental regulations enacted by the Obama Administration are expected to be rescinded under the Congressional Review Act: the Stream Protection Rule that protects water from mountaintop coal mining and limits on flaring methane emissions.
Elaine Chao Confirmed as U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary
Elaine Chao, who served eight years as labor secretary under President George W. Bush, was confirmed on Jan. 31 as the Secretary of Transportation, on a 93-6 vote.
The Other $1 Trillion Infrastructure Plan
President Trump is not the only one proposing a huge infrastructure plan—Senate Democrats have their own. The cost is the same, but financing is different. The Democrats' plan does just what Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell warned against.
Get Ready for a Wave of Federal Land Transfers in Western States
It's the antithesis of what former President Obama and his predecessors did when they gave federal lands and waters more protection. But don't blame Trump's executive actions for this one (not yet, anyway), as it's being proposed by Congress.
Oregon Residents Could Soon Pay a Fee to Hit the Water
The state of Oregon will consider legislation that would raise $2.17 million a year by implementing a fee on non-motorized users of public waterways.
Cap-and-Trade Foes Have Their Day in Court
The biggest threat to California's cap-and-trade program, a critical component of the state's comprehensive effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, may not come from the Trump Administration but from a lawsuit heard in Sacramento on January 24.
Recalling Canada's Former, Climate Change-Denying Prime Minister
There are similarities between the policy actions of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservative government and the nascent Trump Administration. The differences in approach between these two examples are also telling.
Good Trump, Bad Trump
The Trump Administration is sending out mixed signals on public transit issues. Why?
Poll Appears to Show Opposition to Toll Financing for Trump Infrastructure Plan
A Washington Post/ABC News poll released Jan. 17 showed the exact opposite result of a Reuters/Ipsos poll released two days later on the financing for President Trump's $1 trillion infrastructure plan. However, the polls took different approaches.
Malls Take Action to Curb Troublemaking Teenagers
Some malls across the country have taken to enforcing bans on unaccompanied minors to quell potential trouble, but in California the bans are raising issues of civil libertiies.
Proposed Law Would Curb Late-Night Partying in New Orleans
A string of shootings on Bourbon Street in New Orleans have inspired the mayor to propose a package of new security measures. One of the proposals would cut back the city's all-night revelry.
Trump Reverses Obama's Rejections of Keystone XL and Dakota Access Pipelines
Fulfilling two campaign promises, President Trump conditionally approved two controversial pipelines to transport oil sands from Alberta and Bakken oil from North Dakota, certain to stir opposition from environmentalists and Native Americans.
To Meet Climate Change Goals, San Francisco Tries Networking
San Francisco's Business Council on Climate Change serves as a 'convener' between municipal government and the private sector to tackle issues related to climate change. Writer Andrew Wade spoke with the Council's executive director, Michael Parks.
EPA Nominee Scott Pruitt Could Weaken California's Efforts to Fight Climate Change
Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt suggested that as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency he might not allow California to set its own stricter motor vehicle emissions standards.
U.S. Gasoline Consumption Might Decline Despite Love Affair with SUVs
Gasoline consumption in the U.S. peaked in 2007, but began climbing in late 2014 with the decline in gas prices. Last year almost set a new record, but increases in gas prices, fuel efficiency and more EVs could reverse the direction—but when?
Indian Politician Wins Use of Bicycle Imagery, Symbolizing 'Balance'
A political feud over the image of the bicycle has just been resolved in the state of Uttar Predesh.
The Obama Administration Got a Final $500 Million to the U.N. Climate Fund
It may be the last U.S. contribution the fund sees for some time.
Poll: User Fees Preferred Over Tax and Bond Financing for Infrastructure
A Reuters' poll on a national infrastructure investment program shows some support for a plan similar to one suggested, though not detailed, by Elaine Chao, President Trump's nominee for transportation secretary.
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
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
