Canada's recent change to a Liberal government means Stephen Harper's legacy in oil gas is at risk. Change is coming.
"We won’t have to wait much longer to see how Prime Minister Justin Trudeau plans to apply his grand claim that 'we’re back' to the climate change file. Catherine McKenna, his Environment and Climate Change Minister, will be on point at the United Nations conference in Paris later this month to explain how Canada’s Conservative-era status as 'an emerging energy superpower' will transform to meet 'our international obligations to protect the planet.'"
"Whether it’s with a carbon tax, cap-and-trade or some hybrid system, the Liberals see the solution in a price on carbon emissions. This market-oriented strategy is suppose to encourage the energy sector to move away from carbon-intensive projects, such as the oil sands, and toward new green technologies. But whatever the plan, it’s unlikely that it will result in drastic cuts to fossil-fuel production. Instead, Big Oil will embrace big carbon."
FULL STORY: Canada’s climate solution may offer more comfort than change
Prime Minister Trudeau Extends Carbon Pricing Throughout Canada
A carbon tax-and-dividend plan goes into effect on January 1 in the four Canadian provinces that don't price carbon emissions. Revenues will be rebated to residents, small businesses, and public institutions as Climate Action Incentive payments.
President Trump Approves Construction of Keystone XL Pipeline from Alberta to Nebraska
Following through on a January executive action, President Trump announced Friday that he was approving the oil pipeline that his predecessor had rejected over a year ago. Oil is already flowing from Steele City, Nebraska to Gulf Coast refineries.
Canadian Prime Minister Wins Award for Being Pro-Oil Sands and Pro-Environment
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is treading a fine line between supporting the economy of oil-sands dependent western Canada and fighting climate change, as impossible as that might sound. His efforts were rewarded by the energy industry.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
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The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
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