Two new reports published by the Department of Energy detail the remarkable rise in wind power in the United States. Energy derived from the wind can now power more than 15 millions homes.
With findings that show the amount of electricity generated by wind and solar power has more than doubled in the United States since 2008, the 2012 Wind Technology Market report (PDF) and the 2012 Market Report on Wind Technologies in Distributed Applications (PDF) may help soothe those anxious about the pace of alternative energy development in the United States.
"Despite the good news, a statement put out with the reports cautions that future years may not display such strong growth for wind," writes Zak Stone. "The report expects that 2013 'will be a slow year for new capacity additions, due in part to continued policy uncertainty and project development timelines.' Things will pick up in 2014, but 'projections for 2015 and beyond are much less certain.'"
Read the full story: This Wind Power Thing Is Really Happening
How Voters in Ohio Could Determine the Future of California's Energy Industry
California has relied more on federal subsidies to develop its growing alternative energy industry than any other state in the country. With Mitt Romney seeking to trim such aid, the upcoming election will determine the fate of state energy policy.
California’s Shift to Renewables: Successes and Challenges
The state aims to run on 100 percent renewable energy by 2045.
Zoning Stands in the Way of Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is cheap as ever, but zoning isn’t keeping up with the market.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
Chicago voters approve permanent festival grounds, penalty for vacant property owners
Currently, major summer and fall festivals take over public parks for weeks at a time, drawing criticism from nearby residents
NYC votes to cut outdoor dining red tape, speed up permitting
New York City also voted to allow the Department of Transportation to begin work on urgent projects before notifying elected officials.
California appears to reject Prop. 45
The proposition would have expanded the projects that qualify for a streamlined environmental review, effectively paring down the California Environmental Quality Act.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority