The coal industry, electric utilities and manufacturers are in line to get trillions of dollars in federal funding to reduce carbon emissions, leaving virtually no money for smart growth and transit solutions to climate change.
"Some of planners' favorite ways of combating climate change are facing major obstacles, including "smart growth." In Washington, DC, the coal companies and utilities are doing a better job of lobbying than are the proponents of smart growth and transportation alternatives, reports Bill Fulton. Planning and transit advocates -- who want to reduce reliance on the automobile and therefore cut tailpipe emissions -- have simply not been involved in the climate change bill that would direct up to $4.5 trillion over 50 years toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions."
"Meanwhile, in California, a coalition of environmental justice advocates has announced its firm opposition to a cap and trade system that many people see as essential to the state meeting its greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. The EJ advocates have important allies in their fight against what they contend is business as usual at the expense of poor people."
Thanks to Paul Shigley
Read the full story: Big Coal Dominates While Smart Growthers Snooze
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Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
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Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
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