California's SB 375 could have a big impact on the way the state grows, but without more funding for public transit, any gains would be offset by continued congestion and traffic problems.
"There's no question SB 375, written by Sacramento's Darrell Steinberg, represents a big step towards ending California's obsession with sprawl. The bill would encourage the development of regional land use plans directing new development to urban centers and near public transit stations. Transportation funding and reduced environmental review would then be tied to projects adhering to those plans. The strategy could help bring the type of growth our state needs to get people out of their cars and significantly reduce our contribution to climate change."
"But for the strategy to work, a crucial element of the effort must be addressed head-on: ensuring adequate state funding for public transit. Without this funding, SB 375 could end up being known for creating a series of plans that work great in theory-but have little real impact."
FULL STORY: Without Transit Funding, State’s Smart Growth Efforts Not Enough

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

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.

Minneapolis Bans Rent-Setting Software
Four cities have enacted restrictions on algorithmic software that can inflate rent costs.

Oakland to Add 244 New EV Chargers
Oakland plans to launch its new charging network at eight locations by the end of 2025.

Jane Goodall Inspires with Message of Hope, Resilience, and Environmental Action
Speaking in Pasadena, Jane Goodall offered a hopeful and inspirational message, urging global compassion, environmental responsibility, and the power of individual action to shape a better future.
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