The ailing auto industry has many manufacturers in the Midwest transitioning to the renewable energy market, opening factories to build wind turbine parts and solar panels.
"The promise of wind and other forms of renewable energy has cast a ray of hope into an otherwise bleak economy, especially in the industrial Midwest.
'A couple years ago, there weren't that many people interested,' says Edward Wolking, head of the Great Lakes Manufacturing Council. 'Now they're just beating doors down.'
For those hoping renewable-energy technologies will save the economy of the Midwest, there's a long way to go."
The void left by the auto industry doesn't look to be filled any time soon by the renewable energy industry, but strong growth and increased demand are offering signs of hope for manufacturers.
FULL STORY: Can wind power save the Midwest?

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.

Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.

As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.

With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
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Smith Gee Studio
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Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
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