State developers are worried by a dramatic increase of activityunder the 1973 Endangered Species Act as protection agencies designatelarge areas as critical habitat throughout California.
While federal biologists say the new designations are virtually meaningless and aredone only to satisfy court orders, some environmentalists assert theywill have a profound effect on housing construction by preventing sprawlinto these areas. The Center for Biological Diversity, [http://www.sw-center.org/swcbd/] has actively sued nine times in the last two years to ensure habitat designated under the Endangered Species Act is protected, and environmentalists are confident that such lawsuits will add more meaning to "critical habitat" designations.
Thanks to California 2000 Project
FULL STORY: State Developers Feel Pinch of Habitat Law

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.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”
Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.

Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.

German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
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