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
Judge Overturns Township’s Ban on Cemeteries
Brooks Township in Michigan ran afoul of the state constitution when it instituted a blanket cemetery ban with the intent to block a green cemetery.
Charlottesville Comprehensive Plan Update Attracts Opponents
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ADUs, Minimum Lot Sizes, and Quadplexes Under Discussion in Traverse City
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Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
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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
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USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
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Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
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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.
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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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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