One of the Pacific Northwest's remaining coal export facility proposals was dealt what could be a final blow in state court last week. Some are describing such projects as zombies "shambling forward unaware that their heart has stopped beating…"
"A judge has reaffirmed Oregon's rejection of a project that would've turned the state into a way station for coal exports to Asia," reports Rob Davis.
"An Oregon administrative law judge ruled that Oregon Department of State Lands acted lawfully when it rejected a developer's proposed coal export terminal at the Port of Morrow in 2014."
The decision sided with Oregon over the case made by the states of Wyoming and Montana—that Oregon's decision to block the coal facility "impeded interstate commerce."
Davis describes the ruling as a "coda" for coal exporting plans in Oregon. Back when coal was peaking, in 2010, Oregon and Washington was faced with nice export terminal project proposals. Since coal prices have collapsed, "just one export proposal remains alive, in Longview, where a major backer, Arch Coal, recently sold its 38 percent stake," reports Davis.
FULL STORY: Oregon lawfully rejected Morrow coal export terminal, judge rules
Charlottesville Comprehensive Plan Update Attracts Opponents
An updated version of the Charlottesville comprehensive plan update is now available for public comment, and a recent article in the local paper lets plan opponents air their grievances.
ADUs, Minimum Lot Sizes, and Quadplexes Under Discussion in Traverse City
Zoning changes for everything from housing density to minimum lot sizes are under consideration for a city on the shores of Lake Michigan.
State Supreme Court Clears Way for Defunct Airport Redevelopment in Maryland
The legal controversies over a zoning amendment approved in 2019 went all the way to the top court in the state of Maryland, but by the time the court ruled, the Bowie City Council had already repealed the amendment in question.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises
Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.
Brightline West Breaks Ground
The high-speed rail line will link Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.
Colorado Bans No-Fault Evictions
In most cases, landlords must provide a just cause for evicting tenants.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.
