A new rule calling for emissions reduction plans as part of highway projects has led to two canceled road expansions and a shift toward greener transportation investments.
A Colorado state policy enacted in 2021 requires the state’s Department of Transportation (CDOT) to demonstrate how any new proposed highway project would reduce greenhouse gas emissions to qualify for state funding.
In a piece on MSN, Leslie Satter explains how the policy has impacted road projects in the state. “Within a year, the department nixed two major highway widening projects and redirected $100 million to greener alternatives like better public transit. Regional planners in Denver followed suit, reallocating a whopping $900 million from highways to eco-friendly mobility projects, including bike lanes and faster buses, the Times reported.”
The new policy discourages highway expansions and “puts people and the planet before pavement,” forcing transportation planners to shift their priorities and plan for a more sustainable transportation system.
Opinion: California Must Walk the Walk on Transportation Emissions
While state leaders tout their climate goals at COP28, residents back home continue to fight highway expansion projects that induce traffic and increase emissions.
NRDC Releases State Transportation Scorecard
The Getting Transportation Right report highlights which states are making the most progress on reducing transportation emissions and improving access to clean transportation options.
Report: Some Rural States Ahead of More Urbanized Ones in Reducing Transportation Emissions
This is a largely unintended consequence of states with lower populations and resources focusing on repairing existing roads and infrastructure rather than expanding and building new roads.
Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units
Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.
Without International Immigrants, the Rural US Population Would Be Falling 58%
Census data shows that population growth in rural areas is due in large part to international migrants.
Dead End: Nine Highways Ready for Retirement
The Freeways Without Futures report describes the nation’s most promising highway removal proposals.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada