Experts call for lighter batteries, diversification of fuels, and a shift away from private cars and towrad public transit.

The weight of electric car batteries should be cut in half for the vehicles to have a positive environmental impact, according to the CEO of auto manufacturer Stellantis Carlos Tavares, who made the comments during a virtual event for the Freedom of Mobility Forum.
According to an article in Transport Topics by Luke Ramseth, “Tavares said a lack of charging infrastructure remains a primary impediment to EV adoption. Chargers must be much more visible than they are today, he said, and shouldn’t require drivers to search for them.” Other industry experts also called for increased investment in biofuels.
Others at the event pointed out the need to move away from automobiles altogether. “Matthias Schmelzer, the German economic historian and climate activist, said that “we urgently need to shift the debate” away from cars, and toward better public transportation in cities.”
FULL STORY: Stellantis CEO Says EV Battery Weight Must Be Halved

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.

Interactive Map Reveals America's “Shade Deserts”
Launched by UCLA and American Forests to combat heat-related deaths, the tool maps the shade infrastructure for over 360 U.S. cities.

Bicycles and Books — In Sacramento, Libraries Now Offer Both
Adult library card holders can check out e-bikes and e-trikes for up to one week.

Colorado Landfills Emit as Much Pollution as 1M Cars
Landfills are the third-largest source of methane pollution in Colorado, after agriculture and fossil fuel extraction.
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
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)