Coal is still the largest power source in the United States: 45% of our energy comes from it. News21 has an evocative multimedia site exploring our inescapable dependence on coal.
News21 digs deep to tell the story of American coal from the mine to your outlet. Miners and mining towns play a big part in the telling, people who are struck by the tragedy of coal mining (worker deaths, poisoned wells) but also the jobs and income that drive their towns. A video called "Wyoming to Chicago" traces a mine in Wyoming's Powder River Basin directly to the Fisk Generating Station in a low-income community in Chicago, where they estimated $117 million in health problems are attributable directly to the power plant.
"It fuels the world 'til they find something better," says one interviewee.
FULL STORY: Coal: A Love Story
Federal Judge Strikes Down Oakland's Ban on Coal Exports
Shipping coal from Utah to export to Asia through a new cargo facility in Oakland, California took a significant step forward on May 15 with a strongly worded ruling condemning the adequacy of the city of Oakland's environmental analysis.
Environmental Justice Wins With Coal Ban in Oakland
The City Council in Oakland, California took its first, substantive steps toward banning the handling and storage of coal in the city.
Bioremediation for Environmental Justice
Bioremediation uses plants, fungi, and microbes to clean up polluted land in place, offering a nature-based option for restoring contaminated sites in overburdened communities.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
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.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)