The District of Columbia is challenging the federal government on climate action, with lawmakers proposing to outlaw a local coal-burning power plant that powers Congress.
A Washington, D.C. city council member has introduced a nonbinding climate resolution, echoing the concerns of 47 other U.S. cities and calling on the federal government to draw on the Clean Air Act to curb carbon emissions, reports Tim Craig. The resolution coincides with recently introduced legislation in the council to prohibit a Capitol Hill power plant, which heats and cools the U.S. Capitol, from burning coal.
According to Tommy Wells, the councilmember who represents the Capitol Hill district, the plant, which is located near several schools and has been connected to sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide emissions, is the last remaining in D.C. that still burns coal.
Eva Malecki, a spokesperson for the Architect of the Capitol, stated that the power plant burns natural gas 92% of the time, but that coal use is reserved for emergency or unsually cold conditions. Although Democratic leaders in the House and Senate pledged to stop the Capitol Hill power plant from burning coal in 2009, their efforts met resistance from coal-producing state representatives.
The District's challenge to the federal government raises questions about the ability of local lawmakers to question federal authority over congressional facilities. The District suffers many loopholes in local law enforcement because of its unique symbiosis with the federal government.
FULL STORY: D.C. Council bills aim for more aggressive action on environmental concerns
The New World Leader in the Fight Against Climate Change
With the Trump administration's abdication of its predecessor's position on fighting climate change, a void has been left in global climate change leadership. One expert believes that China may have already filled the leadership role.
Pacific Northwest Gears Up for Another Fossil Fuel Export Fight
Just two years after killing what would be the world's largest methanol plant at the Port of Tacoma, the project has reemerged at the Port of Kalama. According to the EIS for the plant, global CO2 emissions will be reduced, though increased locally.
Global Coal Consumption Grows After Three Years of Decline
The rise is attributed to Asian nations, particularly India and China, where coal-power plants are newer than in the West. It shows a growing disconnect between energy and climate goals, warned the International Energy Agency.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises
Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.
Brightline West Breaks Ground
The high-speed rail line will link Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.
Colorado Bans No-Fault Evictions
In most cases, landlords must provide a just cause for evicting tenants.
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HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
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HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
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