To meet ambitious climate and decarbonization goals, some states are barring local governments from restricting wind and solar development.
According to an Associated Press article in the U.S. News & World Report, over a dozen U.S. states have passed laws that bar local jurisdictions from blocking renewable energy projects with zoning restrictions in response to a number of challenges from local groups that have blocked or delayed renewable projects.
In Michigan, over two dozen projects were derailed by local zoning rules. Around the country, at least 228 jurisdictions have imposed rules that restrict renewable energy development. In some cases, the concerns are environmental, while others center on the potential loss of farmland. Now, Michigan law still requires developers to go through the local process, but if denied, the decision can be overturned by a state commission if the project meets certain requirements.
Dan Scripps, chair of Michigan’s Public Service Commission, argues that renewable energy projects are vitally important to the entire state and can’t be limited by local concerns. States including Michigan require public utilities to transition away from fossil fuels by 2040 in alignment with federal goals.
FULL STORY: States With Big Climate Goals Strip Local Power to Block Green Projects
Ohio Counties Can Now Ban Renewable Energy Projects
A new state law allows counties to deny wind and solar projects in their jurisdictions, and at least ten counties have already moved to implement bans.
Study: States approved 90% of renewable energy projects between 2018 and 2024
Ohio had the highest rejection rate for wind and solar proposals.
Feds Terminate $7.56 Billion for Clean Energy Projects
The Department of Energy canceled awards to over 200 renewable energy projects.
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.
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.
Guerilla urbanists are building DIY bus stop benches in Chicago
A before-and-after of one of the bus stops with a new bench. The new benches are not officially sanctioned or permitted, but the residents who placed them hope they will be the start of a network of DIY benches across the city.
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