With the aftermath of Sandy fresh on voters' minds, and the debate about the causes and effects of climate change seemingly reinvigorated, Grist examines whether those forces translated into support for green initiatives across the country.
It's probably a sad reflection of the state of America's political discourse around climate change that mere mention of "the destructive power of a warming planet" in President Obama's victory address last night is enough to warm the hearts of those who believe action must be taken to fight its causes and mitigate its effects. But many are hoping one positive outcome of the devastation wrought by Superstorm Sandy is a re-energized debate about climate change and adaptation.
So, did the winds of Sandy help drive support for "green ballot measures" during yesterday's elections? The results seem to be mixed, reports Lisa Hymas. Voters in Michigan rejected "the most important clean-energy vote" of the election. And, while it may be a stretch to tie Sandy to local elections hundreds and thousands of miles away from the effected areas, it appears that at least one contest may have gotten a boost from the storm. "With images of severe storm and flood damage from the East Coast fresh
in many voters' minds, Seattle residents overwhelmingly approved a $290
million, 30-year bond measure to reconstruct the aging Elliott Bay
seawall," The Seattle Times reported.
FULL STORY: Beyond Obama: Here are green ballot measures that won and lost
California Approves $10 Billion Bond for Water, Clean Energy, and Environmental Projects
Funds will be used to support water, wildfire prevention, environmental, and park projects, reflecting strong public support for climate resilience.
Will Voters Fund Transportation Measures in November?
An overview of key transportation-related ballot measures that will be decided in November’s election.
Property Taxes Cuts on the Ballot in at Least Eight States
From completely eliminating property tax to creating new exemptions, voters in eight states across the country will cast their votes on a variety of ballot measures that could have major implications for local budgets.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Wind Energy on the Rise Despite Federal Policy Reversal
The Trump administration is revoking federal support for renewable energy, but demand for new projects continues unabated.
Passengers Flock to Caltrain After Electrification
The new electric trains are running faster and more reliably, leading to strong ridership growth on the Bay Area rail system.
Texas Churches Rally Behind ‘Yes in God’s Back Yard’ Legislation
Religious leaders want the state to reduce zoning regulations to streamline leasing church-owned land to housing developers.
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
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