Environmentalists and regulators support a bill that would streamline the permitting and construction of power plants in California.
Assemblyman Anthony Peschetti, R-Sacramento, is drafting a bill that would speed the construction of power plants to bolster California's shaky energy supply. While environmentalists are wary, they state support of streamlining the process, as long as it does not compromise environmental regulations. The bill would limit the permit processing time by the California Energy Commission to six months, which is half the time currently allowed. However, Peschetti does not know what shortcuts will be taken to accomplish this goal. Republicans assert the public review process causes extensive delays that could be bypassed. Ralph Cavanaugh of the Natural Resources Defense Council emphasizes that conservation is the most important tool, as there are a sufficient number of power plants already in the works to meet increasing energy demands. He supports a bill by Assemblyman Roderick Wright, D-Los Angeles, that extends for 10 years more a 4-year-old fund for energy efficiency programs and the creation of renewable energy sources.
Thanks to California 2000 Project
FULL STORY: Lawmakers eye shortcuts in plant permit rules
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie