Oregon legislators are hard at work on two new "cap and invest" bills that would establish a "market-based, carrot-and-stick approach to reducing greenhouse gas pollution."
According to an article by Ted Sickinger, the state is moving forward on two bills that "will pit environmental advocates determined to see the state do more to combat climate change against business interests who believe the policy is either not ready for primetime or, worse, a job-killing energy sales tax that will deliver little benefit for the planet."
Strickland's article provides an explainer post for the concept of cap and invest—also known as cap and trade, a system already in place in Canada and California. Here's how Strickland describes the essential goal of the proposed bills: "The state would replace its current greenhouse gas reduction goals – which it’s projected to miss – with an economy-wide emissions limit that declines each year. Ultimately the target would ratchet down to meet the new emission caps: 45 percent below 1990 levels by 2035 and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050."
FULL STORY: Understanding Oregon's 'cap and invest' climate bills
Washington Voters Keep Carbon Tax
An initiative that would have ended the state’s “cap and invest” program failed, leaving the program in place.
Meet China's New Carbon Market
The world's largest emitter of CO2, China, has adopted a cap-and-trade program would open the world's largest carbon market as early as 2016.
EPA to Release 'Cornerstone' of President's Climate Initiative
On June 2, one of the most important and far-reaching programs to reduce carbon emissions will be unveiled by the EPA: a rule to require reduction of carbon emissions from existing power plants using a number of options, including cap and trade.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)