Land use and transportation planning will play key roles in an effort by Los Angeles County to achieve carbon neutrality in 30 years.

"The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has adopted an ambitious climate and sustainability plan that sets the county to go carbon neutral by 2050," reports Jason Plautz.
The OurCounty plan is described on its website as the "boldest county sustainability plan in the nation." At the heart of the plan's approach, according to the website, is an intersectional approach to sustainability:
For example, an action to support local water [pdf] supplies can provide new or improved parks and open space [pdf], while also reducing energy [pdf] from pumping water into Los Angeles from hundreds of miles away. Reducing energy use also reduces air and climate pollution [pdf] as power plants are used less, which also contributes to improved public health [pdf].
As Plautz explains, the result of that approach is 150 strategies focused on health, food systems, transit-oriented development, and housing affordability. "The plan says county officials will use zoning policies to promote thriving places for current and future generations,'" adds Plautz.
FULL STORY: Los Angeles County passes ambitious climate plan

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.

Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.

Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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