As renewable energy production grows in Republican-leaning states, lawmakers are becoming less resistant to supporting clean energy policies.

“I don’t want to be naïve or to echo the predictions of previous climate Pollyannas to say that Republican cooperation is right around the corner,” writes David Wallace-Wells in The New York Times about federal efforts to promote renewable and clean energy. “But the partisan landscape may be finally changing, indeed somewhat significantly.”
For proof, Wallace-Wells points to the relatively painless adoption of the Inflation Reduction Act, “The biggest piece of climate legislation in American history,” which met with much less backlash from Republican lawmakers than other progressive legislation.
“One big reason for that is the design of the bill itself, which was both smaller in size and more targeted in scope than many of the original Green New Deal proposals. In fact, it was designed in part to blunt backlash” by largely offering incentives rather than penalties and pumping billions of dollars into local economies in ‘red’ areas, where renewable energy production is booming. “All told, according to an analysis by the Rocky Mountain Institute, the Inflation Reduction Act could deliver, on average, nearly twice as much subsidy per capita to Republican states as Democratic ones.”
Ultimately, Wallace-Wells believes the contribution to local economies will likely win over ideology. “When the government is pouring money into your backyard, it’s hard to play the NIMBY for long.”
FULL STORY: Clean Energy Is Suddenly Less Polarizing Than You Think

The Slow Death of Ride Sharing
From the beginning, TNCs like Lyft and Uber touted shared rides as their key product. Now, Lyft is ending the practice.

Cool Walkability Planning
Shadeways (covered sidewalks) and pedways (enclosed, climate controlled walkways) can provide comfortable walkability in hot climates. The Cool Walkshed Index can help plan these facilities.

Congestion Pricing Could Be Coming to L.A.
The infamously car-centric city is weighing a proposed congestion pricing pilot program to reduce traffic and encourage public transit use.

Denver Makes ADU Rules More Flexible
The city hopes adjusting its regulations for accessory dwelling units will make the process more affordable for residents and help ease the city’s housing crunch.

Illinois Legislators Pass Controversial I-55 Road Expansion Legislation
Legislation to enable the addition of express toll lanes on Interstate 55 in the Southwest Side of Chicago, opposed by environmental justice advocates, cleared the Illinois General Assembly last month.

What Is ‘Arterial Rapid Transit?’
Atlanta is planning to build ‘BRT lite,’ a version of bus service that offers signal priority and fewer stops but keeps buses in mixed-traffic lanes.
Caltrans
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
City of Orange
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Montrose County
Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department
City of Lomita
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