Some recent studies show that the winds are slowing in the U.S., but others say it is speeding up. Regardless, variable winds could have a great impact on the wind power industry.
Research over 30 years shows a decline in wind speed of up to 1% in the Midwest and northeastern states, but flawed wind measurement technology may be more to blame than climate change or urban development.
"If average wind speeds really were to decline, it could affect urban areas that rely on the wind to disperse air pollution. Farmers would also see less ventilation of their crops, which could cause added heat stress on the plants. It would also mean that estimates of wind power potential would have to be scaled back (one recent study found that an extensive network of land-based wind farms potentially could supply more than 16 times the current U.S. power consumption)."
FULL STORY: Are America's Winds Taking a Breather?
Washington Tribes Oppose Wind Project
Tribal communities claim that a major wind energy project threatens sensitive cultural and environmental resources.
California’s Shift to Renewables: Successes and Challenges
The state aims to run on 100 percent renewable energy by 2045.
Rural Areas Benefiting From Wind Energy Revenue
For some rural districts, tax revenue from wind energy projects can have a major impact on local school districts and infrastructure.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?
San Francisco Opens Park on Former Great Highway
The Sunset Dunes park’s grand opening attracted both fans and detractors.
Oregon Legislature to Consider Transit Funding Laws
One proposal would increase the state’s payroll tax by .08% to fund transit agencies and expand service.
Housing Vouchers as a Key Piece of Houston’s Housing Strategy
The Houston Housing Authority supports 19,000 households through the housing voucher program.
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.
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
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