October saw the first time the plug-in hybrid Volt outsell the all-electric Leaf; Consumer Reports rates Volt owners the most satisfied, but the car's potential to catch on fire is being investigated, and the $7,500 EV tax credit is under attack.
It's a car fraught with paradoxes. Despite the vehicle being officially investigated by the National Highway Transportation Safety Agency for a potential lithium battery defect that causes the vehicle to catch on fire, Volt owners are so satisfied according to Consumer Reports that most forgo the free loaner car during the investigation. The car's nemesis is none other than a congressman who is also a GM dealer. Go figure....
"In October, the Volt outsold the electric Nissan Leaf for the first time since April. Through October, GM sold 5,003 Volts - and it is now almost certain the company will not meet its sales target of 10,000 in 2011."
Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., who is also a (GM/Hyundai) auto dealer, said (Nov. 30) he wants Congress to end the $7,500 tax break for electric vehicles (and the 7,500 tax break for plug-in hybrids) . He said the Volt "has become the poster child of President Obama's failed green agenda."
Kelly noted the average annual income of Volt buyers is $175,000. [See Planetizen: Will President Obama's E.V. Tax Credits Only Subsidise The Rich?]
"In 2008, President George W. Bush signed into law a bill granting up to $7,500 tax credits for electric vehicles. In 2009, Congress expanded it from 250,000 industry-wide to 200,000 per manufacturer before it is phased out. The tax credit is estimated to cost at least $1 billion."
Thanks to Energy & Environment Daily
FULL STORY: Volt sales expected to rise; tax credit scrutinized

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont