Environmental groups worry carbon sequestration could impact water supplies and pollute the same communities already impacted by oil and gas extraction.
The state of Louisiana gained approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to approve carbon capture projects, reports Sabrina Wilson for Fox 8.
State officials say the decision will allow energy companies to more quickly build and start operating carbon sequestration projects. “Patrick Courreges, communications director for the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, says Louisiana is equipped to handle the new responsibility.”
“However, environmentalists and environmental justice advocates do not trust Louisiana to approve and oversee carbon capture well projects,” Wilson adds. “There are concerns that wells would be built near communities that are already dealing with high cancer rates in Louisiana.” Advocates say the projects could impact groundwater supplies in areas already facing high cancer rates and other impacts of the oil and gas industry.
Mapping Groundwater Risks from Orphan Wells Across U.S. Aquifers
A new USGS study reveals that more than half of the nation’s documented orphan wells lie within aquifers supplying the vast majority of U.S. groundwater, posing widespread risks of contamination from aging, unplugged infrastructure.
Judge Sides With Oil Companies Over LA Drilling Ban
The decision invalidates a law that would have eliminated oil drilling in the city over the next 20 years. A proposed state law could still let cities regulate extraction.
High Ozone Levels Threaten New Mexico Oil Town
The small community of Loving, New Mexico has higher ozone levels than dense cities like Los Angeles.
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.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association