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.
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.
Clean Air Zone Nets Health Authority Over £30K per Month
A new study links the zone to a 25 percent drop in GP visits for lung and heart conditions in its first year alone.
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.
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.
Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.
San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.
A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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.
Ascent Environmental
Borough of Carlisle
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