Almost all of the United States faces moderate to severe drought at the start of an El Niño summer.
Data from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s drought monitor shows that 45 U.S. states are currently experiencing drought. Of the five that are drought-free — Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Alaska and Hawaii — only Ohio is "completely clear of any abnormally dry conditions whatsoever."
As Joe Wilkins explains in Futurism, "Some of the hardest hit states in the union include Colorado, with 96.5 percent of the state experiencing D1 levels of drought at a minimum, and 9.3 percent of the state under extreme D4 conditions. North Carolina is also parched, with at least 90.4 percent at D2 or above — characterized by voluntary and mandatory water use restrictions in some areas — 7.02 of which reaches the unholy threshold for D4." In the west, "drought deterioration was commonly observed across roughly the northern half of the region, amid significantly above-normal temperatures and mounting water-supply concerns."
Read the full story: All But Five US States Are Currently Experiencing Droughts
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Northwest rail fans eager for Sept. 30 debut of Amtrak’s Airo fleet
Get ready for that new train smell and more seats. But they won’t go faster or run more frequently on the Cascades route in Washington and Oregon.
LAX SkyLink opening delayed again, contractor won’t commit to new deadline
The project was supposed to open its doors to the public in 2023.
Caltrain may slash over one-third of its stations
If Bay Area voters reject two transit tax measures, Caltrain, BART and AC Transit will see steep service cuts.
A 'dangerous' precedent: North Carolina successfully pressures communities into voting for toll roads
Two mayors resigned from the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization after it voted in favor of the toll roads.
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.
City of Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello