Experts say it's only a matter of time until suburbs enter a new era of energy efficiency that redefines the landscape of residential living.
Marc Gunther examines the rapidly approaching future of solar suburbs—i.e., "a truly green suburb, one in which energy-efficient homes are powered by rooftop solar panels and electric cars glide quietly down the streets."
Gunther cites three examples of communities furthering this goal, including energy efficient homes built in Palm Springs, the Solar Benefits Colorado program, and the work of Green Mountain Power in Vermont, a local utility selling energy efficiency products and, thus, less energy.
According to Gunther, these examples are steps toward the future of solar suburbs, which "[bear] little resemblance to the suburbs of today — with their big, inefficient homes, two or three gasoline-powered cars in the driveway, shopping malls, and vast parking lots." But, Gunther adds, "if all goes well, advances in technology, combined with smart policy, could lower the costs of solar power, electric cars, and batteries and drive a clean energy revolution in the suburbs."
The article goes into more detail about the technological and policy advancements that will be necessary to achieve a complete energy efficiency overhaul of the suburbs.
FULL STORY: Beyond Sprawl: A New Vision of The Solar Suburbs of the Future

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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