A coalition of government bodies from eight states around the country has sued the Trump Administration, claiming that the U.S. DOT unlawfully suspended an emissions accounting rule.
"A coalition of eight states has filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s decision to suspend a federal clean transportation rule," according to a post by Amanda Klein for the NRDC.
At the center of the legal controversy is the Greenhouse Gas Performance Measure, enacted in January as part of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) Act. The measure "would require state departments of transportation to benchmark and measure on-road greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within their jurisdictions, and set locally appropriate targets for GHG emissions reductions on national highways," according to Klein. For more on the potential benefits of the measure, see additional commentary from Angie Schmitt.
The Trump Administration decided to suspend the rule created by the measure, which the lawsuit's plaintiff's claim is in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act.
According to Klein, the new lawsuit is similar to a suit brought forward by environmental groups like the NRDC, Clean Air Carolina, and US PIRG in July. Transportation has become a larger focus of environmental legal controversy. Several cities and counties in California have also launched lawsuits against the oil industry, arguing that fossil fuel interests knowingly neglected the impacts of climate change and sea level rise on coastal communities.
FULL STORY: States Sue Administration Over Clean Transportation Rule
California Adopts CEQA Reforms for Infrastructure, Leaves Out Residential
The state of California adopted reforms to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pertaining to climate-friendly infrastructure projects, but residential development interests hoping for relief from CEQA will have to wait.
Supreme Court Guts the U.S. EPA’s Ability to Limit Carbon Emissions
The consequences of this ruling have long been foretold. With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency now officially barred from the fight against climate change, Congress will have to act to reduce carbon emissions.
Biden Administration Hits Automotive Emissions Reset Button
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has rolled back Trump administration reductions of auto emission standards enacted by the Trump administration, and is taking first steps toward a new emissions agreement with automakers.
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.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions