Energy

Two workers in white hard hats looking up at large photovoltaic solar panels.

‘Green Bank’ Network To Fund Climate Projects

The federal government announced a $20 billion investment to support low-interest loans for climate and clean energy projects.

April 8, 2024 - Inside Climate News

Joshua tree sillhouetted against starry night sky in the Mojave Desert.

Preserving LA’s Dark Skies

Learn about the importance of dark skies for the health and enjoyment of individuals and wildlife, and how L.A. County's Rural Outdoor Lighting District is helping to reduce light pollution.

April 1, 2024 - Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning

Close-up of car tailpipe with smoke coming out.

Texas Court Vacates Federal Emissions Rule

The decision vacates a USDOT rule that would have required states to establish emission reduction plans.

March 31, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Rural bus stop

Congress Hears Rural Transportation Challenges

A Congressional subcommittee heard testimony from rural transportation officials, transit providers, and lawmakers.

March 26, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Aerial view of copper strip mine in New Mexico.

Opinion: Proposed Mining Law Could Have Devastating Consequences

A federal bill could give mining companies more leeway than ever before.

March 26, 2024 - Albuquerque Journal

Power lines and towers at a substation

Power Demand is Surging in US

The U.S. has entered a new power paradigm according to a new energy analysis that warns of unprecedented new demands for power, largely from “new manufacturing, industrial, and data center facilities,” and the grid is not prepared for the surge.

March 25, 2024 - The New York Times

Close-up of white electric car charging symbol on black pavement in parking spaces.

How New Federal Rule Could Impact EV Adoption

An adjustment to federal pollution limits will require a greater share of low-carbon vehicles, but the rule also gives automakers some flexibility in deploying electric and hybrid cars.

March 22, 2024 - The Hill

Group of donkeys walking under photovoltaic solar panels in green field.

Making Solar Energy Land Use More Efficient

How an ‘ecovoltaic’ approach can balance energy production with conservation of sensitive land.

March 20, 2024 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Close-up on dozens of anti-climate change signs at protest with people not visible.

Resilience Matters: Building Sustainable Futures

A new e-book highlights the work of people and organizations planning more resilient cities.

March 14, 2024 - Island Press

Worker in safety vest and white hard hat installing rooftop solar panel.

New Solar Capacity Outpaces New Fossil Fuels in the US

Solar energy still makes up just 5 percent of the nation’s energy mix, but could grow faster in coming years.

March 13, 2024 - Popular Mechanics

Black Mesa, Navajo Nation

Federal Regulators Reject Energy Projects on Navajo Land

The decision signals a new policy that respects tribal sovereignty and requires collaboration with local tribes.

February 22, 2024 - The Land Desk

"It's The Climate" sign over street in Grants Pass, Oregon.

Oregon Town Seeks Funding for Ambitious Resilience Plan

Like other rural communities, Grants Pass is eager to access federal funding aimed at sustainability initiatives, but faces challenges when it comes to meeting grant requirements.

February 18, 2024 - The Daily Yonder

Traffic on a busy city street.

Calculating Vehicle Travel Reduction Benefits

The Rocky Mountain Institute's new Smarter MODES Calculator quantifies economic, social and environmental benefits provided by shifts from automobile travel to more resource-efficient modes. This includes benefits that are often overlooked or undervalued in conventional planning.

February 15, 2024 - Smarter MODES Calculator

CLose-up of pothole in asphalt road filled with water reflecting grey cloudy sky.

Poor Road Quality Leading to Higher Gas Use

Commuters in Massachusetts communities with worse roads use more gas, with the costs disproportionately impacting low-income households.

February 15, 2024 - University of Massachusetts Amherst

Close-up of line of cars at electric vehicle charging station

Chicago Readies Region for EV Charging

Chicago-area municipalities can take advantage of a new grant program to prepare their infrastructure for electric vehicles.

February 14, 2024 - Energy News Network

Google street view of brick three-story public housing buildings in Dorchester, MA.

Geothermal Network Project To Benefit Boston Public Housing

A pilot program seeks to be a model for electrifying groups of buildings or entire neighborhoods.

February 13, 2024 - Utility Dive

San Francisco, California

Climate Change Concerns Rising Among Americans

More Americans than ever agree climate change is happening—but fewer agree on what to do about it.

January 30, 2024 - NBC News

Solar panels in a green field

What Happens to Defunct Solar Plants?

In most states, solar companies are required to provide an end-to-end plan for solar power installations.

January 29, 2024 - Inside Climate News

Vacant Tesla charging station in asphalt parking lot next to Interstate 10 in Arizona.

Arizona Building Out its EV Charging Network

The state will add 21 new fast-charging stations in the next two years along interstate highways.

January 23, 2024 - Arizona Daily Star

Close-up of rooftop solar panel on sandy peach with tall palm trees.

Puerto Rico Pilot Program Harnesses Household Renewables

The experiment could become the largest renewable energy grid of its kind.

January 22, 2024 - Next City

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.