Energy

Electric Cars

Federal Government May Make About-Face on EV Purchases

The incoming administration appears poised to slash funding for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.

December 19, 2024 - Wired

Red and white Barcelona Metro train passing through station.

Barcelona Metro Uses Regenerative Braking to Power Stations, Charge EVs

Energy created when trains brake is harnessed to power the trains themselves, station infrastructure, and street-level electric car chargers.

December 19, 2024 - Associated Press

Row of USPS trucks parked in outdoor parking lot.

USPS Electrification Project Far Behind Schedule

The manufacturer of the electric mail trucks ordered by the Postal Service is plagued by problems that are slowing production to around one truck per day.

December 18, 2024 - The Washington Post

Photovoltaic solar panels on red-tile rooftops in California neighborhood.

California Leads in Solar Rooftops

A combination of state and local incentives and building code mandates has helped California far outpace other states in residential rooftop solar permits.

December 17, 2024 - Fast Company

Close-up of standard grey parking meter on Chicago street.

Busting Common Planning Myths

Will removing parking minimums put a strain on existing parking supply? Are long-range traffic forecasts the best tool to guide decisions about our streets? Are one-way streets better than two-way streets?

December 16, 2024 - Kittelson Myth Buster Website

Aerial view of harbor with modern buildings in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Retrofitting Old Cities for Sustainability

Explore strategies for retrofitting old cities to enhance sustainability while preserving historical integrity and managing logistical challenges.

December 15, 2024 - Devin Partida

Heavy traffic on freeway in San Diego, California.

Why Traffic Never Gets Better

Despite abundant research showing that roadway expansions provide limited congestion relief and increase long-term traffic problems, they still occur due to wishful thinking: advocates claim that “this” project is different.

December 12, 2024 - Greater Greater Washington

Close-up of front corner of grey Rivian truck with charger plugged in.

Rivian Joins Movement Toward Universal EV Charging

As more automakers like Tesla, Ford, and Rivian make their charging infrastructure compatible, the shift could lead to the faster development of a nationwide EV charging network.

December 10, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Busy subway station with people walking on platform and train stopped.

Freedom to Move: Investing in Transportation Choices for a Clean, Prosperous, and Just Future

This Union of Concerned Scientists study examines why and how to improve resource-efficient travel options to achieve diverse goals. It estimates that more efficient transport could save up to $201 billion in energy and $128 billion in health costs.

December 9, 2024 - Freedom to Move: Investing in Transportation Choices for a Clean, Prosperous, and Just Future

Close-up of hand holding small white square thermoelectric generator in lab with computer in background.

Harnessing Waste Heat Through Thermoelectricity

Heat from industrial installations and buildings can be captured to create renewable electricity.

December 3, 2024 - Fast Company

Car parked at EV charging station in parking lot in Carlsbad, California.

California Governor Vows to Protect EV Credits

If the federal government eliminates the tax credit for electric vehicles, the governor will need legislative support to restart a state-level incentive program.

December 1, 2024 - The Hill

Orange and white steam pipes in New York City releasing white steam against background of red brick buildings.

“Steam Loops” Can Power Large Buildings With Clean Energy

Underground steam pipe systems in New York, Boston, and other cities could hold the key to renewable power generation.

November 28, 2024 - Bloomberg CityLab

Close-up of geometric green leaf logo and "Electric Cleaner Air for London" white text on side of red London bus.

London Launches Electric Buses

The new buses can charge at either end of their route in minutes without returning to garages for charging.

November 26, 2024 - BBC

Rendering of truck and cars driving on green electric vehicle charging roadway lane.

UCLA Will Build California’s First EV Charging Roadway

The ¾-mile segment will allow electric shuttles and buses to charge while driving.

November 21, 2024 - KTLA

Large ocean wave cresting.

First US ‘On-Shore’ Wave Energy Project Planned for Port of Los Angeles

The technology uses the motion of waves to create energy.

November 21, 2024 - New Atlas

View of cars in traffic from behind with visible tailpipe emissions

Report: 14 States Increased Per-Capita Carbon Emissions

Many of the states on the list are red-leaning states that fought against federal environmental reporting regulations.

November 20, 2024 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of pipe labeled with yellow and black Natural Gas sticker.

Louisiana Planning Massive ‘Mystery’ Data Center

The center would be powered by a new, 1,500-megawatt natural gas plant, which critics say will drive up emissions and contribute negatively to the region’s air quality.

November 19, 2024 - Floodlight

Solar and Wind Energy

Why Renewables Aren’t Going Anywhere

The worldwide transition to renewable energy sources is already underway as climate change creates more significant impacts on the global supply chain and economy.

November 14, 2024 - Forbes

Large roof with solar panels and Los Angeles hills in background.

How Los Angeles County is Advancing Sustainability

A recently released report by the Chief Sustainability Office (CSO) shows that L.A. County is making progress on meeting the goals of the OurCounty Sustainability Plan.

November 13, 2024 - Los Angeles County Chief Sustainability Office

Close-up of four Tesla sedans parked and plugged in at charging station.

The Future of Electric Vehicles Under Trump

Will Elon Musk’s influence temper Trump’s anti-EV stance?

November 12, 2024 - Wired

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.