Lawmakers in Oregon approved a bill to require state agencies to cut their energy consumption by 20% by 2015. Agencies will have to submit plans for how they will cut their energy use, which is expected to occur through facilities improvements.
"The proposal, which now advances to the Senate, could mean more sunlight and natural breezes will be flowing through Oregon's state universities, prisons and other government buildings as agencies look to cut energy use through skylights and more efficient cooling systems."
"Although the proposal requires state agencies to submit plans to the Oregon Department of Energy on how they will meet the reduction requirement, there is no penalty for not meeting the standards. Agencies failing to reduce their energy use in the allotted time must submit a biennial energy conservation plan to the department."
FULL STORY: Oregon lawmakers pass green standards for state buildings

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

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.

Trump Approves Futuristic Automated Texas-Mexico Cargo Corridor
The project could remove tens of thousands of commercial trucks from roadways.

Austin's First Single Stair Apartment Building is Officially Underway
Eliminating the requirement for two staircases in multi-story residential buildings lets developers use smaller lots and more flexible designs to create denser housing.

Atlanta Bus System Redesign Will Nearly Triple Access
MARTA's Next Gen Bus Network will retool over 100 bus routes, expand frequent service.
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