Is America's Oil Capital Going Green?

The Economist takes notice of Houston's efforts to create a more sustainable and attractive city, a not uncomplicated task in the capital of America's energy industry.

2 minute read

July 15, 2012, 11:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Overhauled energy codes for buildings, an expanding light rail system, a new bike-sharing program, and LED bulbs in most traffic lights: does this sound like the description of America's infamously sprawling and regulation-averse fourth-largest city?

Adopting more sustainable practices makes sense for an increasing number of businesses and residents of Houston. "Laura Spanjian, the city's director of sustainability, says that
businesses are increasingly likely to get on board if they can see the
long-term savings or the competitive advantages that flow from creating a
more attractive city."

And the opinions of residents are changing as well. The annual Houston Area Survey from Rice's Kinder Institute, "found that 56% think a much better
public transport system is 'very important' for the city's future. A
similarly solid majority said the Metro system should use all its
revenue for improvements to public transport, rather than diverting
funds to mend potholes. In the 1990s, most respondents were more
concerned about the roads."

"People's views about houses have changed, too. In 2008 59% said they
would prefer a big house with a big garden, even if that meant they had
to use their car to go everywhere. Just 36% preferred a smaller house
within walking distance of shops and workplaces. By 2012, preferences
were running the other way: 51% liked the idea of a smaller house in a
more interesting district, and only 47% said they wanted the lavish
McMansion."

 

Friday, July 13, 2012 in The Economist

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

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?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

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.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

People sitting and walking in plaza in front of historic Benton County Courthouse in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners

How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

March 28, 2025 - Emily McCoy

Orange and white vintage-look streetcar on Market Street in San Francisco, CA.

San Francisco’s Muni Ridership Grew in 2024

The system saw its highest ridership since before the Covid-19 pandemic, but faces a severe budget shortage in the coming year.

April 4 - San Francisco Chronicle

Green and silver Max BRT bus at station in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Colorado Lawmakers Move to Protect BRT Funding

In the face of potential federal funding cuts, CDOT leaders reasserted their commitment to planned bus rapid transit projects.

April 4 - Colorado Public Radio

Low view of separated bike lanes in middle of Pennsylvania Avenue with U.S. Capitol dome visible at end of street at night.

Safe Streets Funding in Jeopardy

The Trump administration is specifically targeting bike infrastructure and other road safety projects in its funding cuts.

April 4 - Grist