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
FULL STORY: Big Coal Dominates While Smart Growthers Snooze

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.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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