Pollutants from methane, propane, and fuel oil are on the rise, leading to a growing public health crisis.
A report from air quality and atmospheric science consulting company Sonoma Technology reveals that New Yorkers are suffering from high levels of respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease, and other illnesses due to increased air pollution, much of which comes from buildings.
As an article in BK Reader explains, “In the New York City metro area alone, the maximum daily ozone pollution from buildings rose 58% from 2016 to 2023.” The pollutants are a result of emissions from methane gas, propane, and fuel oil, commonly used for domestic water heating.
Some proposed state legislation, including the NY HEAT Act, the Bucks for Boilers Act, and the Green Affordable Pre-Electrification Fund, could help New Yorkers switch to cleaner appliances and electric equipment.
To address air quality concerns, some California cities enacted bans on new natural gas appliances, but many suspended them after a Ninth Circuit court forced Berkeley to reverse its ban.
FULL STORY: Air Pollution from Buildings Driving Health Crisis in New York
Poorest NYC Neighborhoods Pay Price for Delivery Boom
The rise of ‘last-mile’ e-commerce warehouses — and their attendant truck traffic and air pollution — is disproportionately impacting the most historically disadvantaged parts of the city.
Comment: EPA Cuts will Send Atlanta Back to Eye-burning Ozone, Lung-damaging Smog, and Raw Sewage in the Chattahoochee River
A veteran political journalist takes stock of the hard-earned ground Georgia stands to lose with slashed environmental protection.
Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution
Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.
From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.
New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
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