Last fall's Republican victories might mean that state legislatures will turn back the clock on laws requiring renewable energy.
According to an article by Elizabeth Daigneau, "in the wake of a Republican wave in several states in November, attacks on renewable energy standards may resurface in Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio, to name a few."
Daigneau lays out the case made by either side of the issue and examines the political situation in Kansas, specifically, where a bill to repeal the state's 2009 renewable portfolio standard (RPS) was narrowly defeated in the Kansas House two years ago. However, with five new seats in the same body of the state legislature, Republicans are mobilizing to try to rescind the RPS again.
The actions come despite the overwhelming popularity of the state's RPS, according to at least one poll. "A poll commissioned last year by the pro-renewable Climate + Energy Project in Kansas found that among Kansas voters, 73 percent of Republicans, 75 percent of independents and 82 percent of Democrats support the 2009 RPS law," reports Daigneau.
FULL STORY: Republican Wave Boosts Anti-Renewable Energy Efforts -- Again
Shuttering a Large Coal Plant: A Tale of Two States
Environmentalists in California are upset that Los Angeles will build a new 840-megawatt natural gas plant to replace a 1,800-megawatt coal plant. The coal plant has been crucial to the economic development of Millard County, Utah.
The Ohio 'Clean Air' Energy Bill Cuts Out Wind and Solar Credits
Nuclear power is the big winner in a new comprehensive energy bill moving through the State Legislature in Ohio.
Mixed Results on Renewable Energy Initiatives
Two western states had very similar renewable energy initiatives on the ballot sponsored by NextGen America requiring utilities to get 50 percent of electricity by 2030. It passed in Nevada but was rejected in Arizona.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Healing Through Parks: Altadena’s Path to Recovery After the Eaton Fire
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena is uniting to restore Loma Alta Park, creating a renewed space for recreation, community gathering, and resilience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
A new UCLA study finds that while California has made progress in electric vehicle adoption, disadvantaged communities remain underserved in EV incentives, ownership, and charging access, requiring targeted policy changes to advance equity.
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 Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research