Environmental Review
New Rule on Environmental Impacts of Driving, Long Awaited, Goes Into Effect Today
At long last, California law will consider the amount of driving, rather than vehicle delay, when evaluating the environmental impacts of new developments. This is a more common-sense approximation of their environmental impacts.
Trump to Suspend Environmental Regulation for Economic Emergency
Reports from the White House indicate that the Trump administration is planning to rollback federal environmental protections to expedite highway and other projects.
Criticism for Plans for Massive Inland Port Plan Near the Great Salt Lake
The Utah Inland Port Authority has moved forward quickly with a plan to build a massive inland port complex, despite the objections of local officials in Salt Lake City.
New York City Congestion Pricing Confounded by Federal Delay
While New York City's congestion pricing scheme waits for needed federal approval, political support seems to waver.
Bill Would Allow Homeless Shelters to Skip Environmental Review in California
Environmental review required by the California Environmental Quality Act would no longer apply to the construction of homeless shelters under a law proposed in the California State Legislature.
Reports: Full Environmental Review Likely for Portland Freeway Widening Project
An initial environmental assessment for a project to widen I-5 in Portland claimed the project would improve air quality, congestion, and traffic safety. Critics of the project weren't convinced.
Judge Halts Sales of New Coal Mining Leases on Federal Lands
Once again, the president's efforts to undo his predecessor's environmental legacy were thwarted by a court ruling. In this case, the Interior Department's failure to conduct an environmental review of a Trump executive order ran afoul of NEPA.
Green New Deal Needs to Push for Better Transit Policies
The plan points to transit’s role in a cleaner and more sustainable future, but comprehensive changes in transportation policy are also needed.
Yes, Trump Can Recoup the $3.5 Billion Awarded to California High-Speed Rail
The beleaguered project is still very much alive, despite some media claims to the contrary. As for the Trump administration's claim to two grants awarded to the now-$77 billion project, the state has a deadline to meet if it wants to keep them.
Updated: Last Minute Opposition to Minneapolis 2040 From Environmental Groups
A coalition of opposition groups claims that density is bad for the environment, and that the Minneapolis 2040 comprehensive plan should be stopped.
Pacific Northwest Gears Up for Another Fossil Fuel Export Fight
Just two years after killing what would be the world's largest methanol plant at the Port of Tacoma, the project has reemerged at the Port of Kalama. According to the EIS for the plant, global CO2 emissions will be reduced, though increased locally.
Standing Sioux Tribe Wins Court Case on Dakota Access Pipeline
A federal judge ruled that the Army Corps of Engineers failed to fully comply with NEPA in allowing the controversial pipeline to cross under the Missouri River. The judge did not order Energy Transfers Partners to cease operations of the pipeline.
Trump Ends Infrastructure Week by Streamlining the Permitting Process
President Trump made a compelling case for reducing the length of time needed to construct major infrastructure projects to justify the creation of a new White House council to streamline permitting. Only one problem: it already exists.
I-70 Expansion in Denver Still Facing Scrutiny
A planned expansion of Interstate 70 through Denver might have federal approval, but a growing coalition of local groups and state political leaders are pushing back on the idea.
Environmentalists Defeat Wind Energy Project in Southeast Oregon
Plans for a wind energy facility have been vacated after environmentalists successfully challenged the environmental review for the project.
Army Corps to Grant Permit for Completion of Dakota Access Pipeline
Elections have consequences. Per a Jan. 24 executive memo, the Army Corps of Engineers indicated that it will grant Dakota Access LLC the final permit to tunnel under the Missouri River and complete the controversial pipeline.
13 Years Later—Environmental Review for San Francisco Bus Rapid Transit Project Complete
The California Environmental Quality Act-mandated review process for a proposed bus rapid transit project in San Francisco took 13 years to complete.
'Biological Assessment' Released for Big California Tunnels Project
The plans for one of California's most expensive, and controversial, projects are moving forward as the clock ticks on the Obama Administration's time in power.
First Cash Announced to Jumpstart Amtrak Gateway Project
The much-needed Amtrak Gateway project to replace the century-old railroad tunnels under the Hudson River between New Jersey and Manhattan received its first financial injection plus some good planning news that will expedite the $20 billion project.
California's New Guidelines for Cell Towers Upends Planning Process
California Assembly Bill AB 57 has tied the hands of local governments in reviewing the location of new cell towers, bypassing normal environmental and public review procedures.
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.
