Small scale hydroelectricity projects are popping up all over the country, especially in remote and environmentally sensitive places.
As many as 500 sites for small power plants have been identified in Washington alone.
Despite the green goals of renewable energy generation, the location of some of these facilities puts sensitive lands in danger.
"[T]he small-hydro trend is beginning to raise eyebrows in environmental and recreation circles, especially in the West where much of the activity is taking place. The concern is that dozens, if not hundreds of dams and small power plants could industrialize vast reaches of spectacular backcountry, while providing relatively little power. Aside from ruining prized whitewater rafting runs, the projects could kill fish, critics say, while carving up habitat for other wildlife, such as for bears and eagles, with roads, transmission lines and other infrastructure."
FULL STORY: Deep in the Wilderness, Power Companies Wade In

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.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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