Water runoff from oil drilling sites will now face far fewer regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency, allowing possibly contaminated dirt and debris to flow directly into streams and wetlands.
The new exemptions were approved with the 2005 Energy Bill and went into effect last week. The Bush Administration helped push these exemptions, which are considered by environmentalists to be as highly beneficial to the oil industry as they are harmful to U.S. streams, rivers, wetlands, and groundwater.
"The industry lobbied to extend the exemption to those construction activities, and Congress agreed in last year's Energy Bill."
"Runoff of toxic substances, such as grease or petroleum byproducts, still would require a permit. Where the EPA and Bush administration went further, environmentalists say, is in allowing sediment, such as dirt and debris, to flow from drilling sites into streams without regulation."
FULL STORY: White House played a role in easing drilling-runoff rules
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
The City of Broken Sidewalks
Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?
Housing as a Climate Resilience Strategy
Ensuring that housing, including in informal settlements, is safe and healthy for its residents is a key tool in the fight to build more sustainable and equitable communities in the face of climate migration.
Southeast LA Road Safety Advocates Call for Improved Infrastructure
Streets in southeastern Los Angeles County have a severe lack of protected bike lanes and traffic safety measures, leading to high numbers of fatalities in a community where many residents depend on walking and biking for daily needs.
USDOT: Low-Income Households Bear Highest Transportation Cost Burden
Transportation costs are the second-highest household expenditure behind housing for all income levels.
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 Prescott
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Village of Glen Ellyn
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
CORP - COnsulting Research Projects
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners