Pollutants from methane, propane, and fuel oil are on the rise, leading to a growing public health crisis.
A report from air quality and atmospheric science consulting company Sonoma Technology reveals that New Yorkers are suffering from high levels of respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease, and other illnesses due to increased air pollution, much of which comes from buildings.
As an article in BK Reader explains, “In the New York City metro area alone, the maximum daily ozone pollution from buildings rose 58% from 2016 to 2023.” The pollutants are a result of emissions from methane gas, propane, and fuel oil, commonly used for domestic water heating.
Some proposed state legislation, including the NY HEAT Act, the Bucks for Boilers Act, and the Green Affordable Pre-Electrification Fund, could help New Yorkers switch to cleaner appliances and electric equipment.
To address air quality concerns, some California cities enacted bans on new natural gas appliances, but many suspended them after a Ninth Circuit court forced Berkeley to reverse its ban.
FULL STORY: Air Pollution from Buildings Driving Health Crisis in New York
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.
Study: Air Pollution Disproportionately Impacts Communities of Color
The negative effects of poor air quality occur at higher rates in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, according to new research.
Opinion: To Improve Health Outcomes, Invest in Public Transit
A medical student calls for improving public transit to boost the health of people and the environment.
How Would Project 2025 Affect America’s Transportation System?
Long story short, it would — and not in a good way.
But... Europe
European cities and nations tend to have less violent crime than the United States. Is government social welfare spending the magic bullet that explains this difference?
First Model Homes Revealed in Disney-Built Community
Disney’s Cotino, in the Southern California desert, is the first of the company’s ‘Storybook Living’ developments.
Housing Top of Mind for Nevada Voters
The Silver State is the nation’s most unaffordable housing market for extremely low-income households.
California Governor Vetoes Autonomous Truck Ban, Approves New Guidelines for AVs
A new law will allow police to issue citations to self-driving car operators and create stricter guidelines for crashes and interactions with first responders.
Banning Right Turns on Red Just One Step Toward Vision Zero
Experts caution that blanket bans on right turns on red make only a slight contribution to reducing fatal crashes, and other interventions are needed to bring down traffic fatalities.
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 El Paso
Ada County Highway District
Placer County
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Cornell University's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP), the Department of City and Regional Planning (CRP)
Lehigh Valley Planning Commission
City of Portland, ME
Baton Rouge Area Foundation