Energy
Japanese Breakthrough Could Revolutionize Natural Gas Extraction
Japan is looking to unleash a new source of natural gas in the same way that fracking and horizontal drilling has revolutionized natural gas drilling in the U.S. It's called methane hydrate or 'flammable ice', and is the most prevalent energy source.
5 Cities Leading the Effort to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Claire Martin examines research conducted by engineering firm Arup and the Clinton Climate Initiative into the actions that cities are taking to reduce their emissions and identifies five cities, including one surprise, that are leading the charge.
WorldGBC Report: Green Buildings Are Business-Friendly
Green buildings "make business sense," says Jane Hanley, World Green Building Council CEO.
Can Rail Fill the Gap if Keystone XL Isn't Approved?
"Yes it can", at least to some extent appears to be the answer according to the WSJ. While the Keystone XL pipeline can move 830,000 barrels of oil a day, rail shipments are set to double this year to 200,000 barrels. Not so, according to the NRDC.
Will an Energy Miracle Solve the 'Defining Challenge of the 21st Century'?
Supplying power and transportation to 10 billion people while limiting hazardous emissions may be the defining challenge of the century. Many energy analysts think renewables won't get us there, and are betting on a nuclear energy miracle.
Will Chavez's Successor Unleash Venezuela's Massive Oil Wealth?
For all his intentions to help the poorest in his country, Hugo Chávez's handling of the golden goose - Venezuela's massive oil wealth, was badly mishandled during his reign. Output decreased, debt increased, and he left behind a polarized society.
Can the UN's Goals of Expanding Energy Access While Curtailing Global Warming be Reconciled?
"The United Nations has set two huge energy-related goals for the coming century," says Brad Plumer. While bringing electricity to 1.3 billion people without it and curtailing fossil fuel use seem to be at odds, the U.N. has a plan to achieve both.
Obama Adds to Cabinet with Energy and Environmental Nominees
As had been rumored, President Obama formally announced Ernest Moniz as his nominee for energy secretary and Gina McCarthy as EPA administrator on Monday. The nominees have attracted criticism from both sides of the aisle.
Energy Boom or Bubble? Conflicting Reports
Two reports claim wildly opposite views on where the current shale gas boom is headed. David Hughes, a Canadian geologist and fellow of the Post Carbon Institute disputes projections of energy independence. A Univ. of Texas study confirms the boom.
Philadelphia Pioneers Energy Efficiency Innovation
In last month's State of the Union address, President Obama described his desire to increasing the efficiency of homes and businesses throughout the country. Philadelphia is already ahead of the game, reports Laurie Actman.
Off-shore Wind Energy: Bogged Down in Regulations
Creating a centralized authority for approving infrastructure projects can help the U.S. to meet environmental goals, experts say.
Biofuel Boom Threatens Life on the Plains
A new study finds that high commodity prices and a biofuels rush have led to rates of grassland loss in America's northern Plains “comparable to deforestation rates in Brazil, Malaysia, and Indonesia.” Brad Plumer discusses the impacts.
Could New York be Carbon-Free by 2050?
A new report shows that New York City could be 90 percent carbon-free by 2050, "without breaking the bank," if it upgrades heating systems and transportation to renewable electricity, reports Taz Loomans.
Will 'Fracking Proponent' Be Obama's Next Energy Secretary?
Sources said that Ernest Moniz, former Energy Department undersecretary for President Clinton may replace Steven Chu as Energy Secretary. He now directs MIT's Energy Initiative and serves on Obama's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.
Can D.C. Become America's 'Healthiest, Greenest and Most Livable' City?
With the release of his new "Sustainable D.C." plan, Mayor Vincent Gray has outlined dozens of initiatives "that he hopes will vastly change how residents and visitors experience and travel across the city," reports Tim Craig.
Could a Federal Carbon Tax Put Money in Your Pocket?
A carbon tax based on Alaska's Permanent Fund, where tax revenues are returned to residents, is the model for legislation proposed by Senators Boxer (D-CA) and Sanders (I-VT) in response to Pres. Obama's call for Congress to act on climate change.
Burned by Sandy, Hoboken Seeks to Become Model for Hurricane Resilience
The low-lying city of 50,000 across the Hudson River from Manhattan was badly damaged by Hurricane Sandy. Mayor Dawn Zimmer wants to city to serve as a model for how to develop a uniquely urban approach to extreme storm preparation.
State of the Union Recap: Energy, Economy, Infrastructure and Environment
In an address heavy on President Obama's domestic agenda for the first year of his second term, issues of importance to planners and urbanists got plenty of play, including: the environment, energy, infrastructure, and the economy.
Geologists Dispute Predictions of a "Saudi America"
While holding out promise for oil industry advocates, shale oil extraction in the United States appears to obey the law of diminishing returns.
Australian Wind Energy Cheaper Than Coal and Natural Gas
In carbon-tax friendly Australia wind energy production is now cheaper than coal and natural gas.
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
