While federal policy may become less friendly to environmental efforts, support from state legislators and agencies can prevent the state from backsliding.
According to an article by Sammy Herdman in Colorado Newsline, Colorado voters and policymakers remain concerned about environmental issues, signaling that conservation work in the state will continue despite potential changes in federal policy.
Fortunately for Colorado, progress toward mitigating climate change is statutory in the state. In 2019, the Colorado Legislature passed a law mandating the implementation of policies to achieve the state’s emission reduction goals, which include 50% by 2030, and 100% by 2050, compared to 2005 levels.
Federal priorities outlined in Project 2025 could threaten Colorado public lands that conservationists have fought for decades to protect, such as the Thompson Divide. However, many of the changes needed to reverse conservation policy and pollution standards would be difficult or time-consuming to pass.
For Herdman, the state doesn’t need to backslide in its progress. “Although the Trump administration received the mandate of most American voters — by a slim plurality — Coloradans have not given the mandate to renege on climate commitments, public lands protections, and regulations to protect clean air.”
FULL STORY: Despite Trump, Colorado’s environmental work will continue
California Lawmakers Move to Protect Waterways
Anticipating that the Trump EPA will reinstate a 2017 policy that excluded seasonal wetlands and waterways from environmental protections.
Western Conservationists, Tribes File Legal Motion to Defend Public Lands Rule
Some states and industry groups have sued to stop the Bureau of Land Management from enforcing the new rule, which promotes the conservation and restoration of public lands and shifts focus away from extractive uses.
Assessing Biden's '30 by 30' Conservation Plan
The president's ambitious commitment to protect 30% of U.S. land and water by 2030 might be too broad in attempting to satisfy all land users.
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 Community Science Connects People, Parks, and Biodiversity
Community science engages people of all backgrounds in documenting local biodiversity, strengthening connections to nature, and contributing to global efforts like the City Nature Challenge to build a more inclusive and resilient future.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Dear Tesla Driver: “It’s not You, It’s Him.”
Amidst a booming bumper sticker industry, one writer offers solace to those asking, “Does this car make me look fascist?”
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 Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
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