Air Pollution

Natural gas stove with blue flame

Fighting Climate Change in the Kitchen

With more cities banning the use of natural gas in new buildings, cooks are discovering the benefits of electric appliances.

December 30, 2021 - Los Angeles Times

Larimer Square

Colorado To Prioritize Climate Impacts in Transportation Projects

Under new state regulations, Colorado transportation projects will be required to reduce GHG emissions and promote more sustainable transportation modes.

December 22, 2021 - Denver Post

 Interstate 710 in East Los Angeles, California.

California Bill Could Ban Freeway Expansions in Underserved Neighborhoods

A proposed bill in the California State Legislature would bar the state from funding road construction in communities at risk for displacement and health impacts.

December 20, 2021 - Los Angeles Times

Looking out over Port of LA. A low fog rolling in over the whole area.

Port Logjam Contributing to Dismal L.A. Air Quality

Emissions from container ships idling outside Southern California's ports are adding to pollution that has blanketed the region in a noxious layer of smog.

December 16, 2021 - Curbed

Amazon Warehouse

The Impact of Amazon Warehouses on Communities

Often located in low-income communities of color, Amazon's warehouses contribute to public health impacts like poor air quality, noise pollution, and traffic congestion.

December 16, 2021 - Consumer Reports

Air Pollution

New Research on the Disparate Impacts of Air Pollution in the U.S.

Researchers at the University of Washington published a new study of the disparate impacts of air pollution in the United States

December 15, 2021 - The Washington Post

Biking in Denver

Study: More Bike Infrastructure Could Prevent 15,000 Deaths Annually

In addition to reducing air pollution and congestion, improving bike infrastructure could save thousands of lives each year, according to new research.

December 8, 2021 - Streetsblog USA

Children Playing

How Urban Design Affects Children's Cognitive Development

A European study suggests that good urban design can affect cognitive and motor function development in young children.

November 30, 2021 - Barcelona Institute for Global Health

Air Pollution

Mapping Cancer Risk From Toxic Air Pollution

An investigation by ProPublica has produced something the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has never been able to complete: a nationwide map of the cancer risks created by industrial sources of air pollution.

November 3, 2021 - ProPublica

Global warming and pollution

Study: Poor Air Quality Fuels COVID Transmission

Communities exposed to higher levels of air pollution experience higher rates of infection, particularly in areas with high population density.

November 1, 2021 - St. Louis Public Radio

Westfield Mall Uber Drop-Off

Study: Uber and Lyft Trips Cost the Planet More Than Trips in Personal Vehicles

The cost of 'deadheading'–the time ride-hailing drivers spend looking for fares–offsets any environmental benefits created by the industry, despite early claims that the apps would reduce congestion and air pollution.

October 5, 2021 - Bloomberg CityLab

Map showing I-270 Corridor Improvements Study Area

Colorado DOT To Study Air Quality Near I-270 Project—Residents Are Skeptical

The Colorado Department of Transportation has pledged to evaluate direct mitigation measures to reduce the impact of construction projects on nearby communities.

September 3, 2021 - Colorado Public Radio

Dallas Freeway Removal

The Freeway Removal Cause Gains Momentum—But Don't Forget Gentrification and Displacement

The case for freeway in urban areas isn't as unequivocal as it might seem. Plans to undo the damage of the legacies of past freeway planning need to ensure an inclusive future.

July 14, 2021 - Los Angeles Times

Louisiana

State Legislation Would Make Louisiana a 'Fossil Fuel Sanctuary State'

A Louisiana state legislator who is also the owner of oil company has proposed several laws that would remove regulations for the oil industry, including one that would prevent the local and state regulation of oil and gas companies.

May 13, 2021 - The Guardian

California

'Indirect Source Rule' Would Clean Up Warehouses in Southern California

Dr. Joe Lyou, CEO of the Coalition for Clean Air, walks through the legal necessity of South Coast AQMD's proposed Indirect Source Rule, which aims to accelerate the transition to zero-emission technologies and fleet electrification.

May 6, 2021 - The Planning Report

Dealer

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.

May 3, 2021 - The Washington Post

Electric Vehicle Charging

EVs Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, but They're Not Pollution-Free

To reduce harmful particulate matter emissions, we need fewer cars on the road—electric or otherwise, according to the findings of a recent report.

December 30, 2020 - Treehugger

I-94 North-South Project

Opinion: Proposed I-94 Expansion a 'Fiasco' for Milwaukee

An opinion piece published by Urban Milwaukee argues against a proposed expansion of three miles of Interstate 94 in Milwaukee.

November 22, 2020 - Urban Milwaukee

Pittsburgh Steel City

U.S. EPA To Reclassify Thousands of Major Polluters

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimated its new rule change will result in up to 1,258 tons of additional emissions of hazardous materials every year.

October 6, 2020 - The Hill

Asphalt Road

Hot Asphalt May Increase Air Pollution in Urban Areas

Research shows that road asphalt exposed to heat and sunlight may eventually become a significant emissions source.

September 21, 2020 - The Guardian

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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.