Colorado's Oil and Gas Conservation Commission has clamped down on drilling in the state, particularly around sensitive habitats. The booming energy industry in the state is fighting the decision.
"Developed after nearly 18 months of deliberation, including scores of public hearings, the regulations are highly specific on some points. One provision, for instance, requires companies extracting natural gas from certain coal seams to treat their water pits so as not to attract mosquitoes that could transmit West Nile virus to pregnant sage grouse.
Industry officials and environmentalists agree that no other state has introduced such rigorous controls on the oil and gas industry. But there is wide disagreement on the impact.
Michael Saul, an attorney for the National Wildlife Federation, said the regulations will ensure, for the first time, 'a voice for wildlife concerns' in the permit process without affecting 'the pace or intensity of development.' He hopes other states will follow suit.
Ken Wonstolen, an attorney for the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, said the regulations allow too much meddling, delay an already-slow permitting process and in general add 'a whole new set of burdensome regulation.'"
FULL STORY: Colorado Tightens Reins on Energy Extraction

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

Massachusetts Budget Helps Close MBTA Budget Gap
The budget signed by Gov. Maura Healey includes $470 million in MBTA funding for the next fiscal year.

Milwaukee Launches Vision Zero Plan
Seven years after the city signed its Complete Streets Policy, the city is doubling down on its efforts to eliminate traffic deaths.

Portland Raises Parking Fees to Pay for Street Maintenance
The city is struggling to bridge a massive budget gap at the Bureau of Transportation, which largely depleted its reserves during the Civd-19 pandemic.
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Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
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City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
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