PBS NewsHour reports on a new study that shows a lack of air quality regulations on fracking in the Texas Eagle Ford Shale play. NPR looks at new rules developed by regulators in Colorado, the first in the nation to restrict methane emissions.
Judy Woodruff of the PBS NewsHour interviews Jim Morris of the Center for Public Integrity, one of the co-authors of a new report written with Inside Climate News and The Weather Channel investigating how fracking is impacting air quality in one of American's largest shale formations, Texas' Eagle Ford Shale play.
Morris states that they found "all manner of toxic chemicals that are associated with oil and gas production that appear to be making people sick, (e.g.) benzene, which can cause cancer, sulfur dioxide, which causes severe lung problems."
Among the findings reported by Inside Climate News is that "Texas' air monitoring system is so flawed that the state knows almost nothing about the extent of the pollution in the Eagle Ford."
Only five permanent air monitors are installed in the 20,000-square-mile region, and all are at the fringes of the shale play, far from the heavy drilling areas where emissions are highest.
Elizabeth Shogren of NPR reports on a state taking a different approach toward emissions from fracking, the first to restrict methane emissions. Shogren interviews Dr. Larry Wolk, executive director of Colorado's Department of Public Health and Environment.
Wolk "says the rules will help his state clean up its smog problem and fight climate change. Three of Colorado's largest drilling companies helped craft the rules. Dan Grossman from Environmental Defense Fund worked with the companies to come up with the rules."
Of course, Colorado's citizens may have played a role in getting the state to take a pro-active role in addressing emissions from energy production. As we posted last November, "(f)racking bans passed overwhelmingly in the Front Range cities of Boulder, Fort Collins and Lafayette." Broomfield, the fourth city to hold a fracking moratorium referendum, passed it by 20 votes, but a judge will rule on its validity.
FULL STORY: NPR: Colorado Becomes First State To Restrict Methane Emissions

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions