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.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project
Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.
Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project
The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.
Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin
The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.
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.
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Journal of the American Planning Association