Back in January 2015, the Obama Administration pitched a proposal to allow offshore oil exploration along the Atlantic Coast. As more local stakeholders reveal their verdicts on the idea, some are finding reason to oppose.
"[Virginia Beach's] hotel association has come out against offshore drilling, becoming the latest group to question the benefits of exploring for oil and natural gas off the city’s beaches," reports Aaron Applegate.
The local opposition is in response to a proposal by the Obama Administration "to allow drilling for oil and gas in federal waters in an undetermined area somewhere off Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia." Planetizen correspondent Irvin Dawid detailed that proposal when it was announced.
Applegate mentions that offshore drilling enjoys the support of the state political leaders and the Virginia Beach City Council, though local entertainment and tourism industries have begun to line up with environmentalists to oppose the proposal.
FULL STORY: Virginia Beach hoteliers oppose offshore drilling
Court Ruling Overthrows Obama Administration's Fracking Regulations
Opponents of federal oversight rejoice: a ruling by U.S. District Judge Scott Skavdahl reiterates the limitations of the federal government to regulate fracking.
Drilling, seismic surveys in Alaska would require no environmental review under new Trump proposal
Seismic surveys can scar tundra and disturb wildlife, including female polar bears, and drilling has been known to alter caribou behavior and Arctic migration patterns.
Trump aims to give part of Yosemite to private developer
The unprecedented move would be the first time the federal government has given national park land to private developers.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project
Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.
Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project
The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.
Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin
The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.
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.
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Journal of the American Planning Association