A columnist says Pittsburgh's goal to run its government entirely on renewable energy by 2030 is like Trump's Wall: Not gonna happen.
Brian O'Neill doesn't have a problem with the goal of trying to run cleaner engines to clean the air and reduce carbon footprints, but skepticism at the attainability of the goal inspires this column.
O'Neill speaks with Grant Ervin, the city’s chief resilience officer, to discuss the idea of setting lofty, perhaps impossible goals (the example of Vision Zero comes to mind). To justify the city's lofty goal setting, Ervin presented two analogies, both referencing local institutions—the Bloomfield Bridge Tavern and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Bloomfield Bridge Tavern used to have a sign that read "The Worst form of failure is the Failure to Try" (capitalization from the original). The general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates entered the current season predicting a .500 team—mediocrity at best. "'What type of team goes on the field without trying to win the championship?' Mr. Ervin asked. The goal of 100 percent renewable energy in 12 years 'creates a North Star.'"
FULL STORY: Brian O'Neill: Pittsburgh's version of Trump's Wall will keep out the dirty air
The 'Marshall Plan for Middle America' Plans $600 Million in Clean Energy Investments
A coalition of leaders in the Appalachian region recently released the "Marshall Plan for Middle America" to create jobs and transition the states of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky away from fossil fuels.
Climate Mayors Make Their Case to Climate Senators at their First Hearing
Five "climate mayors" addressed the Senate Democrats’ Special Committee on the Climate Crisis at their fist hearing on July 17, titled, “A Blueprint for Success: U.S. Climate Action at the Local Level.” Transportation was a major issue.
Advocates Press for Harder Questions While Pittsburgh Experiments With Self-Driving Cars
Five self-driving car companies are currently operating in Pittsburgh, without much critical rigor in asking about the consequences of the technology to the city.
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 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.
In These Cities, Most New Housing is Under 441 Square Feet
With loosened restrictions on “micro-housing,” tiny units now make up as much as 66% of newly constructed housing.
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)