President Barack Obama has lifted a ban on drilling for oil off the coast of the eastern U.S. Critics say the move won't meet the stated goal of achieving energy independence, while proponents say this is only the first step that needs to be taken.
The decision stunned many environmentalists, but also irked others who argue that the plan is short-sighted in retaining a ban on drilling along the Pacific coast and on the Atlantic coast north of New Jersey.
"Mr. Obama, speaking at Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington, anticipated the reaction and tried to blunt the criticism.
'Ultimately, we need to move beyond the tired debates of the left and the right, between business leaders and environmentalists, between those who would claim drilling is a cure all and those who would claim it has no place,' he said. 'Because this issue is just too important to allow our progress to languish while we fight the same old battles over and over again.'"
FULL STORY: Obama’s Oil Drilling Plan Draws Critics From Both Sides
Shell Gives Another Early Christmas Gift to Environmentalists
Shell Oil surprised the environmental community in September by announcing an end to Arctic drilling. What could come next? Shell is abandoning plans for the Carmon Creek oil-sands project in Alberta and taking a $2 billion write-down.
$7 Billion Later, Shell to Withdraw from Arctic Oil Drilling
Environmentalists could have saved themselves a lot of demonstrating had they known that Shell Oil would pack up their drilling rigs after only six weeks of exploratory drilling in the Chukchi Sea off Alaska. Insufficient oil and other reasons cited.
Local Opposition Growing to Atlantic Coast Drilling Plans
Back in January 2015, the Obama Administration pitched a proposal to allow offshore oil exploration along the Atlantic Coast. As more local stakeholders reveal their verdicts on the idea, some are finding reason to oppose.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie