The demand for oil and gas is pushing exploration and drilling activities to an all time high in the Rocky Mountain region and communities are concerned that environmental impacts from this activity are not being addressed.
"County and state officials, as well as environmental groups, say one prime source of the mud choking the region's streams and creeks is the construction of some 9,546 oil and gas wells in western Colorado"
In Colorado local communities historically have had little control over drilling activities that are located on nearby federal lands. Now state-enacted water quality rules covering well exploration and production have been nullified by congressional revisions to the federal Clean Water Act that will ease environmental restrictions on such activities. With drilling activity at record levels in the western part of the United States communities here are questioning whether or not be they will be able to adequately protect their water resources.
Thanks to Patrick Olsen
FULL STORY: Drilling's role in runoff awash in murky claims

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont