Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that the total carbon emissions of the transportation sector is now greater than the carbon emissions of energy utilities.
"For the first time since 1979, America’s cars, trucks, and airplanes emit more carbon dioxide than its power plants do," according to an article by Brad Plumer.
Plumer is sharing analysis by Sam Omri, executive director of the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago, using data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration's "Monthly Energy Review" from May 2016 [pdf].
Plumer's post also digs into why energy utilities have been easier to clean up than the transportation sector—namely, that coal was easier to transition from for utilities than oil has been for cars, trucks, and planes. The article provides a lot more detail about the size and scope of the remaining challenges facing the transportation sector in reducing carbon emissions.
FULL STORY: Power plants are no longer America’s biggest climate problem. Transportation is.
Large Michigan Utility to Go Coal-Free by 2050
Apparently Michigan's largest electricity supplier did not receive the Trump memo that the Clean Power Plan will be rolled back as they are proceeding on a plan that will achieve even higher carbon emission reductions.
Oil and Coal Will Continue To Be Energy Mainstays
Unless international carbon-capping treaties are implemented, fossil fuel consumption (with their greenhouse gas emissions) will increase 50% by 2030, largely resulting from growth in energy consumption in China and other developing nations.
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.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.
Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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