State and local agencies would be tasked with evaluating and offsetting the carbon emissions caused by new transportation projects.
Under a draft rule proposed by Colorado's Department of Transportation, "state and local governments would need to consider, measure and potentially offset the climate-warming effects of transportation projects," reports Nathaniel Minor. "If the total emissions do not fit within a set budget, the releases would have to be offset through cleaner projects like new transit service, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and local zoning decisions that result in more density."
In response, "[t]wo environmental groups cautiously lauded the proposed rule and said it comes at a crucial time for the state transportation agency." But the rule "could cause some friction between local governments that want certain projects built and the state, which would be in the position of enforcing the emissions budgets." Some critics worry that delaying road expansion projects "just keeps more cars on the road," but research consistently suggests that expanded roads encourage more drivers to use them.
"The state Transportation Commission will consider public comments on the proposed rule through Oct. 15 before voting at its November meeting."
FULL STORY: A Proposed Rule Would Target Colorado’s Polluting Road Projects
Infrastructure Funding Could Lead to Higher Carbon Emissions
Billions in federal infrastructure funding slated to go to states with few strings attached could fund roadway construction and widening projects that will raise greenhouse gas emissions and worsen climate change.
States Claim Highway Expansions Reduce Emissions
The argument is being used to channel climate funding to projects that expand automobile infrastructure, according to an analysis from Transportation for America.
Wales Cancels Major Road Building Projects
All road building and expansion projects are halted until they can pass strict new environmental requirements.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Map: Where Senate Republicans Want to Sell Your Public Lands
For public land advocates, the Senate Republicans’ proposal to sell millions of acres of public land in the West is “the biggest fight of their careers.”
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
Platform Pilsner: Vancouver Transit Agency Releases... a Beer?
TransLink will receive a portion of every sale of the four-pack.
Toronto Weighs Cheaper Transit, Parking Hikes for Major Events
Special event rates would take effect during large festivals, sports games and concerts to ‘discourage driving, manage congestion and free up space for transit.”
Berlin to Consider Car-Free Zone Larger Than Manhattan
The area bound by the 22-mile Ringbahn would still allow 12 uses of a private automobile per year per person, and several other exemptions.
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)