The city could prohibit the construction of new fueling stations within city limits to discourage driving and pave the way for more renewable transportation infrastructure.
Providence, Rhode Island is considering a blanket ban on new gas stations as part of the city’s effort to reduce dependence on fossil-fueled vehicles and encourage the adoption of electric cars and more sustainable transportation modes.
The prohibition, which would be the first of its kind on the East Coast, would be part of an update to the city’s comprehensive plan, explains Lindsey McPherson in The Washington Times.
According to McPherson, “An earlier June draft of the comprehensive plan had the same goal but with softer language: ‘Discourage the development of new gas stations within City limits. Encourage the installation of electric vehicle charging stations when existing gas stations are updated/rehabilitated.’” The new language changes ‘discourage’ to ‘prohibit.’
The article notes that “The plan itself is not binding but guides the City Council as it considers zoning law changes that would enforce the goals outlined within it. The document also can be used in litigation to help settle disputes where the law is not clear.” The proposal would not affect existing gas stations.
FULL STORY: Providence, Rhode Island, lawmakers considering citywide ban on new gas station
California County Approves Underground Carbon Storage Project
Kern County supervisors voted to support a carbon storage project that will inject climate-warming gases into a former oil and gas field.
States Claim Highway Expansions Reduce Emissions
The argument is being used to channel climate funding to projects that expand automobile infrastructure, according to an analysis from Transportation for America.
Report: Americans Must Reduce Driving to Meet Climate Goals
A USDOT report calls for a set of strategies including but not limited to electrification of the transportation sector.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Healing Through Parks: Altadena’s Path to Recovery After the Eaton Fire
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena is uniting to restore Loma Alta Park, creating a renewed space for recreation, community gathering, and resilience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
A new UCLA study finds that while California has made progress in electric vehicle adoption, disadvantaged communities remain underserved in EV incentives, ownership, and charging access, requiring targeted policy changes to advance equity.
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.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research