Energy

Large solar panel installation and wind turbines with Southern California desert mountains in background.

California’s Shift to Renewables: Successes and Challenges

The state aims to run on 100 percent renewable energy by 2045.

August 22, 2024 - CALmatters

Distant view of brown oil pump jack in a flat desert with cloudy blue sky.

High Ozone Levels Threaten New Mexico Oil Town

The small community of Loving, New Mexico has higher ozone levels than dense cities like Los Angeles.

August 22, 2024 - KUNM

Construction site of offshore wind farm near the Dutch coast.

US Offshore Wind Industry Gains Momentum

Federal support for offshore wind projects is helping the industry grow, with nine projects approved so far this year.

August 20, 2024 - Sierra

Green oil well behind a fence next to a small street in California.

California Could Extend Oil Well Monitoring Deadlines

Legislators are considering extending the deadline for new oil well safety regulations by up to 54 months, sparking controversy over whether the delay benefits the oil industry at the expense of public health.

August 19, 2024 - CALmatters

Bike parked on urban sidewalk with large street trees.

Sustainable Urban Design: A New Tool and Approach on The Talking Headways Podcast

Discover how the Sustainable Urban Design Framework helps planners create livable, sustainable communities. Nico Larco from the University of Oregon explores a new tool and book in the latest “Talking Headways” podcast.

August 14, 2024 - Streetsblog USA

Black and purple hybrid Phoenix Public Transit bus.

Phoenix Launches Hybrid Bus Fleet

The city aims to have a zero-emissions transit fleet by 2040.

August 13, 2024 - KTAR

Close-up of traffic congestion from behind cars on a freeway in the San Francisco Bay Area.

States Claim Highway Expansions Reduce Emissions

The argument is being used to channel climate funding to projects that expand automobile infrastructure, according to an analysis from Transportation for America.

August 12, 2024 - Bloomberg CityLab

View looking up at Zilker Studios apartment building in Austin, Texas.

What Makes Affordable Housing Green?

There's no one way to determine what makes “green” housing. Here's a breakdown of the standards and considerations used by the affordable housing industry.

August 6, 2024 - Shelterforce Magazine

Servers in a data center.

Data Centers Gaining Ground in Central Ohio

Massive data centers are gobbling up energy resources and tax breaks while creating few jobs in the region.

August 1, 2024 - Governing

Brick New York City apartment building exterior with fire escape stairs and AC window units.

Beating Extreme Heat Through Community Efforts

U.S. cities don't provide residents with enough protection against heat, the deadliest weather-related killer in the world. In New York City, one organization came together to distribute ACs to neighbors in need.

August 1, 2024 - Shelterforce Magazine

Aerial view of hydrogen storage hub in green field.

First Federal Funding for Hydrogen Hubs Awarded to California and Pacific Northwest

The U.S. Department of Energy announced on July 17 that the first grant to build the nation's seven proposed 'hydrogen hubs' would go to California. The ultimate goal is to decarbonize transportation fuels used in port operations.

July 31, 2024 - Irvin Dawid

Two people helping an older woman outdoors suffering from heat stroke.

Essential Strategies for Combating Extreme Heat

Cities can protect residents from extreme heat by enhancing natural and built infrastructure, establishing heat response strategies, and implementing national policies for worker safety and disaster response.

July 30, 2024 - Fast Company

Aerial view of electric bus parked next to silver SUV in parking lot in Austin, Texas. Bus says "All eelctric buses" on side.

Austin Transit Agency Backs Down on Electric Bus Pledge

Technology problems, short ranges, and supply chain issues hinder Cap Metro’s ambitious electrification plan.

July 30, 2024 - KUT

Solar panels installed ona hillside with Lake Mead, Nevada in background.

Rural Nevada Counties Struggle to Keep up with Solar Projects

Local officials are calling for state regulations that would require federal land managers to enter agreements with local jurisdictions before moving forward with major renewable energy projects.

July 28, 2024 - The Daily Yonder

Electric car charging area in a parking lot at a Costco in Clermont, Florida.

Florida Law Bars Cities From Regulating EV Chargers

Under the new law, cities cannot require charging infrastructure in local codes.

July 28, 2024 - JD Supra

Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Rural Areas Benefiting From Wind Energy Revenue

For some rural districts, tax revenue from wind energy projects can have a major impact on local school districts and infrastructure.

July 26, 2024 - Fast Company

Aerial view of Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum entrance arch with name and Olympic rings.

LA is Electrifying its Bus Fleet, but Olympic Transit Challenges Remain

The region is preparing its transit system to handle the more than one million visitors expected during the 2028 Olympic Games.

July 25, 2024 - Mass Transit

Natural gas power plant with two tall smokestacks against blue and purple sunset sky

Power Plants: A Win for the EPA

New rules from the US Environmental Protection Agency to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants survived an attempt by 25 Republican-led states to block their implementation while their case is litigated.

July 22, 2024 - Irvin Dawid

Fenced-in oil pump in residential neighborhood

Millions in California at Risk Where Oil Wells and Wildfires Converge

Those living near oil and gas wells face increased risks from wildfires, which threaten these infrastructures and could lead to explosions, pollution, and other hazards, particularly affecting communities of color.

July 22, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

Close-up of white air conditioning window unit in window of brown brick building.

Thousands of NYC Shelter Residents Lack Air Conditioning

Even in the depths of extreme heat, many shelters prohibit residents from installing AC units.

July 18, 2024 - The New York Times

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.