The American Power Act sets limits on greenhouse gas emissions, creates a cap, trade, and dividend program that rebates funds to energy bill payers, directs $6 billion yearly to targeted transportation programs, and curtails EPA's climate authority.
The bill, sponsored by Senators Kerry (D-MA) and Lieberman (I-CT) was released on May 12 to much political uncertainty as the lone Republican sponsor, Lindsay Graham (SC), withdrew earlier. Finding 60 votes to overcome a Republican filibuster will be a major challenge. It has the support of President Obama.
"It would require oil companies to obtain emissions permits at a set price not set by the trading market. That essentially mimics the so-called "linked fee" - which itself approximated a gasoline tax - that drafters scrapped after the White House raised concerns it would damage the bill in the eyes of voters. Still, as written, the bill would likely raise fuel costs.
The legislation would immediately send two-thirds of the revenues from emissions permit sales directly back to consumers as refunds on their utility bills.
As written, the bill would stop the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act and restrict state environmental powers."
From Transportation For America:
It provides $6.25 billion in funding split three ways, including the TIGER grant program and Highway Trust Fund, intended to reduce oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
From The New York Times:
"The bill's overall goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent (compared with 2005 levels) by 2020, and by 83 percent by 2050. The targets match those in a House bill passed last year and in the Obama administration's announced policy goal."
Thanks to California League of Conservation Voters (The Daily Green)
FULL STORY: Senators to introduce climate change-energy bill, but outlook is uncertain

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

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

Portland Council Tentatively Approves Sidewalk Repair Plan
The proposal would address sidewalk needs in Portland’s District 1 and District 4.

Expanding Access to Design Education at Honolulu Community College
Honolulu Community College’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies program highlights the role of community colleges in preparing nontraditional students for careers in architectural and construction technologies.

Integrating Human Rights Into Energy and Extractive Sector Transitions
Why just transition efforts must move beyond economic considerations by embedding human rights principles into business practices to ensure equitable, transparent, and accountable outcomes for affected communities and workers.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions