Energy

Combined NHTSA & EPA Standards for New Cars Issued

Normally fuel economy standards are set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Due to the 2007 Supreme Court ruling on the Clean Air Act, the new rules are jointly issued by the EPA to regulate tailpipe emissions as well as CAFE.

April 5, 2010 - Union Of Concerned Scientists

Reducing Oil Dependency Strikes a Chord With Americans

A new poll from Transportation for America shows that Americans respond to the call to reduce oil dependency, particularly when told how much of the U.S.'s oil intake goes to transportation.

April 3, 2010 - Grist

A Closer Look at Dockside Green

Dockside Green, a development in Victoria, B.C., is a breathtaking model of urban regeneration, brownfield reuse, green design, and community building, says Ken Pirie.

April 1, 2010 - Terrain.org: A Journal of the Built & Natural Environments

Obama: Drill, Baby, Drill

President Barack Obama has lifted a ban on drilling for oil off the coast of the eastern U.S. Critics say the move won't meet the stated goal of achieving energy independence, while proponents say this is only the first step that needs to be taken.

April 1, 2010 - The New York Times

Renewable Energy Convergence

One source of renewable energy isn't going to cut it; the future is in using multiple sources, and even combining them in a single power plant, says blogger jnshere.

March 29, 2010 - Renewable Energy World

Wampanoag Indians Fight Windmill Farm

The giant Cape Wind turbine farm project has overcome significant opposition, but now two Massachusetts tribes are attempting to block its construction, claiming cultural and religious issues.

March 27, 2010 - The Los Angeles Times

Moving from Sustainability to "Transition"

In response to the threats of peak oil and climate change, thousands of people around the world are engaging in local "Transition" initiatives to promote resilience and "reskilling" to prepare for the expected "energy descent."

March 25, 2010 - AlterNet

Alternative Energy Lights Up Streets in Suburban Chicago

Downers Grove, IL has won accolades for being the first residential subdivision to install a hybrid solar-wind powered street lighting system, reports TribLocal.

March 24, 2010 - TribLocal (Chicago Tribune)

Sequestering CO2 In Sidewalk Cement

A Silicon Valley startup is proposing to turn carbon dioxide emissions from coal and gas power plants into cement that can be used for everyday construction.

March 24, 2010 - ASLA's The Dirt blog

Finding a Home For America's Nuclear Waste

The Federal government has scrapped plans to make Nevada's Yucca Mountain the nation's main storage facility for nuclear waste, which raises the question: where will the waste go?

March 24, 2010 - The Christian Science Monitor

Does Greater Efficiency Encourage Greater Waste?

Jevon's Paradox is the idea that the more efficient a resource becomes, the more it is consumed. With new future fuels in the works, those promoting sustainability and conservation find themselves at odds with innovation.

March 22, 2010 - Fast Company

The Return of Nuclear Power

Pres. Obama has come out in favor of developing more nuclear power plants, and the public is warming up to the idea because of the climate change benefits of switching from coal. Hendrik Hertzberg looks at the politics of atomic power.

March 22, 2010 - The New Yorker

The Car Reconsidered

When most people use their cars in urban settings, what sort of vehicle is optimal? MIT's Media Lab asks the question, in their quest to invent the next generation of personal mobility.

March 18, 2010 - Metropolis Magazine

Illinois Opens Door to New Nuclear Plants

State legislators in Illinois have lifted a 23-year ban on building nuclear plants within the state.

March 17, 2010 - Chicago Sun-Times

Fossil Fuels Getting Massive Federal Subsidies, Renewables Not So Much

President Obama has proposed eliminating federal subsidies for fossil fuels in 2011, but for now they're still a $72 billion piece of the pie. Solar, wind and geothermal? $12.2 billion.

March 14, 2010 - ecopolitology

A Green Mega Mansion?

Approved plans for a 10,000 square foot mansion in Berkeley, California have been classified "green" by the city's environmental rating system. Neighbors and environmentalists, however, say the house is hardly an environmental model.

March 12, 2010 - The New York Times

'Smart Meter' System Not Popular With New York Landlords

In an effort to track and reduce energy use, large buildings in New York City have been eligible for a system that monitors energy use by the hour. But few building owners have signed up.

March 11, 2010 - The New York Times

Harvard Report: Gas Taxes Not Vehicle Credits Necessary To Reduce Emissions

$7 gas is necessary according to a new report if transportation emissions are to be reduced to EPA targets by 2020. What's more, providing tax credits for electric and hybrid vehicles would backfire. The report recommends steep gas tax increases.

March 8, 2010 - The New York Times - Science

Putting Good Energy with the Bad

Facing resistance when siting green energy projects like wind turbines, energy companies are considering brownfields like the Leviathan Mine in California's Alpine County.

March 5, 2010 - Next100 (PG&E blog)

The Complexity of Carbon Reduction in Planning

Warren Karlenzig delves into the unique challenges of reducing carbon in cities, where efforts may be misplaced. Should your city focus on green building, traffic emissions or water treatment?

March 4, 2010 - Common Current

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.