Energy
The Carbon Neutral Controversy Surrounding Biomass
A controversial biomass amendment added to the Senate's energy bill would make the burning of wood for energy purposes a renewable source of energy. While the proposal has broad, bipartisan Congressional support, many groups oppose it.
Planning for a Microgrid: Santa Monica Reclaims Industrial Space for Renewable Energy
Cities throughout California, including Santa Monica, have been awarded research and development funding through the California Energy Commission to plan community-scale microgrid solutions.
Clean Power Plan Showdown in U.S. Appeals Court on Tuesday
The Obama Administration's most powerful environmental initiative, the Clean Power Plan, was put on hold by the Supreme Court last February. It was heard by 10 judges of the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. on September 27.
If LEDs Are Bad for Our Health, What Should Cities Do Now?
A report from the American Medical Association says LED lights are bad for our health, inspiring some cities to re-evaluate the technology.
Bay Area City Rejects Crude-by-Rail Terminal, Could Set Precedent
Crude-by-rail opponents are hoping that Benicia's rejection of a proposed rail terminal for a Valero refinery will set a precedent: it was enabled by a U.S. Surface Transportation Board decision allowing the city to have the final word.
California Transit Agencies Bring Affordable Housing to Scale
From developer incentives to swapping parking for housing units, two transit systems have come up with plans that tackle the region's housing shortage and its economic inequality. What have they agreed to do, and who will hold them accountable?
JetBlue to Reduce Carbon Footprint with Large Purchase of Renewable Jet Fuel
Within ten years, passengers flying on JetBlue out of JFK will leaving a much lower carbon footprint, thanks to a fuel composed of 30 percent biofuel.
Trump Announces 'America First' Energy Plan
The Trump Campaign made a big play for the carbon industry's votes this week at an event in Pittsburgh.
Georgia's 'Highway of the Future' Gets a New Solar Array
A pilot project will install solar power along a highway through The Ray, a highway corridor named in memory of sustainable business pioneer Ray C. Anderson.
Gasoline Shortage Hits South and East Coast after Pipeline Rupture
The rupture reveals the hazards of pipelines, but also shows how important they are to the economy. Six governors declared states of emergency to deal with gasoline shortages resulting from the pipeline shutdown in Shelby County, Alabama.
Why Don't Environmentalists Support Washington's Carbon Tax Measure?
A largely revenue-neutral carbon tax proposal, similar to the carbon tax in British Columbia which began in 2008, qualified for the November ballot in Washington. Environmentalists and Democrats, not Big Oil, may cause it's defeat.
The Value of Garbage Has Changed Dramatically
Recycled metals, plastics, glass, and other materials are more economical than ever. Welcome to a new era of waste management.
Southern California Power Grid Will Soon Back Up on a Tesla Battery
Tesla just won a competitive bid to supply utility-scale power in Southern California—providing security in the event of a catastrophe like the Porter Ranch methane leak.
Editorial: A Compelling Case for a Carbon Tax
With record amounts of gasoline burned by America's passenger vehicle fleet which is increasing composed of light trucks rather than cars, and with Americans driving record distances, The Washington Post argues it's time for a carbon tax.
Dakota Access Protest Dealt Legal Setback
The federal judge ruled against a challenge that would have halted construction on the $3.8 billion pipeline project connecting North Dakota to Illinois.
Anti-Fracking Initiatives Fail Before Getting to the Ballot in Colorado
An initiative to prohibit fracking within 2,500 feet of an occupied building and another that would have allowed local governments to ban fracking will no longer be on the ballot in Colorado.
Cap-and-Trade Bill Boosts California's Struggling Biomass Facilities
California's new rigorous renewable portfolio standard of 50 percent by 2030 will support a renewable energy source that serves the dual purpose of reducing forest fire hazards.
The Price of Solar Power Keeps Falling
It's getting a lot cheaper to install solar power, and a lot easier to imagine a solar-powered future.
Native American Protest Grows in Response to North Dakota Pipeline Project
Comparisons to Wounded Knee have been common as a growing number of Native Americans are gathering in North Dakota to protest the construction of a new crude oil pipeline.
What's Powering the Texas Wind Energy Industry?
The Wall Street Journal provides detailed coverage of the Texas wind energy industry, as well as the prospects for even greater adoption of renewable energy in the state.
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.
Ada County Highway District
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
