With gradual growth in the amount of plans for energy efficient buildings and a rise in applications for LEED certification, Idaho is joining with many other states in a push to build more environmentally-friendly homes and buildings.
"In April, a model home in Hidden Springs became the first home in Idaho to receive a national gold rating for its greenness - one of only six homes in the nation to receive the high rating."
"Unstable energy supplies and prices, environmental and health concerns are driving the green building movement."
"In 2005, the Ada County Courthouse became the first building in Idaho to receive LEED certification. Since then, three more commercial buildings and six homes have been certified and at least a dozen more are under way, Duby said."
"Many local builders and suppliers are embracing green building practices, Duby said. More than 100 Idaho builders, architects and contractors have obtained LEED credentials."
FULL STORY: Greener buildings are gaining ground

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop
When it comes to solving traffic problems, the current federal administration is on track for failure, waste, and hypocrisy.

San Francisco Turns On California’s First Speed Cameras
The city is the first in the state to use automated traffic enforcement to reduce speeding and traffic deaths.

Shaping LA’s Future: Public Voting Opens for LA2050 Grants
The LA2050 Grants Challenge invites Angelenos to vote on the top issues facing Los Angeles, helping direct $3 million in funding to organizations working to build a more connected and resilient region.

Chicago Transit Agencies on Brink of Major Crisis
Without additional funding, regional transit agencies will be forced to cut services by 40 percent.
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