Maine voters overwhelmingly supported a ballot measure that will halt construction on a hydroelectric transmission line that Massachusetts claims would reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
Bruce Mohl reports on the success of a Maine ballot measure that blocks further construction on a hydro-electricity transmission line that Massachusetts officials say could help the state meet its climate goals by importing cleaner energy from Quebec.
The Maine transmission line is the second attempt by Massachusetts to build a roughly $1 billion power cord to Quebec and its vast hydropower resources, which are considered crucial to [Massachusetts Governor] Baker’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Environmental groups in Maine, meanwhile, claim that the pipeline would impose "significant environmental harm" on that state, according to a statement from the Natural Resources Council of Maine quoted by Mohl. Part of the ballot measure, which passed by a 60 percent to 40 percent vote, calls for a two-thirds vote in the state legislature for any similar projects using public land, which the project will need in order to continue construction.
The Massachusetts Clean energy and Climate Plan for 2025 and 2030 lays out a framework for achieving emissions reductions and moving closer to the Commonwealth's goal of net zero GHG emissions by 2050.
Read the full story: Maine voters tell Mass. to stick its transmission line
Building a Just Energy Transition
A new book outlines a “four-plus pillars” framework for phasing out fossil fuels while addressing systemic inequities, emphasizing public support, dedicated funding, economic diversification, coalitions, and reforms that dismantle extractive systems.
Ratepayers Could Be on the Hook for Data Centers’ Energy Use
Without regulatory changes, data centers’ high demand for energy would be subsidized by taxpayers, according to a new study.
Art in Action: USC Event Calls for an Urgent Green Energy Transition
The El Respiro / Respire event at USC uses a large-scale human geochoreography to demand an urgent and equitable transition to green energy, blending art, activism, and community engagement to amplify the message of climate justice.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
US buildings threatened, destroyed by fires set to triple by 2060
Researchers found a high fire risk for socioeconomically vulnerable neighborhoods in the American West.
LA residents may be allowed to paint their own crosswalks
Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky put out a motion instructing the Los Angeles Department of Public Transportation to study the feasibility of allowing volunteers to paint crosswalks.
Dallas moves to overhaul its zoning code
The city's zoning reform will allow more multi-family and mixed-use developments.
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.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority