The Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis, Minnesota Citizens for the Protection of Migratory Birds, and Smart Growth Minneapolis sued Minneapolis on environmental grounds after the city approved its landmark Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

"Hennepin County Judge Joseph R. Klein dismissed a lawsuit this week alleging the 2040 Comprehensive Plan could be disastrous for the environment, allowing the plan to proceed unhampered by the courts," reports Andy Mannix.
"Hennepin County Judge Joseph R. Klein dismissed a lawsuit this week alleging the 2040 Comprehensive Plan could be disastrous for the environment, allowing the plan to proceed unhampered by the courts," adds Mannix.
Klein had the last word, however, ruling this week "that the law didn't require the city to conduct a review before it approved the plan last December, and there isn't evidence to support claims that the plan poses of a serious threat to the environment."
More coverage from January offers additional perspective on the motivations of the lawsuit. Opposition from environmental groups threatened to derail the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan at the 11th hour, back in December 2018.
FULL STORY: Judge dismisses lawsuit against Minneapolis 2040 plan

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.

California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.

HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
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