The timing of the announcement of deeply ambitious energy goals by the city of Portland and the county of Multnomah was not coincidental.
"On the day the Trump administration withdrew from the Paris climate agreement, the City of Portland and Multnomah County committed to a goal of meeting 100 percent of community energy needs with renewable power by 2050," reports Ted Sickinger. Community energy needs include transportation and industry for the entire county.
The city's version of the resolution represents a "veritable Christmas tree of commitments," writes Sickinger. Included in the resolution are commitments for "more energy efficiency, demand control, community-based renewable energy, job training, transit expansion, electric buses, minority- and women-owned business participation, and climate justice measures such as rate protections, low transit fares and job training for low-income residents that could be disproportionately affected by climate change and the transition to clean power."
The article includes quotes from a statement by Portland Ted Wheeler saying the action by the city and county "will serve as a beacon of hope" on a day that "the United States is effectively turning its back on the rest of the world."
FULL STORY: Portland, Multnomah County set 100% renewable energy goal
Report: U.S. Greenhouse Gas Reductions Not Hitting Paris Agreement Goal
The United States is making modest gains in the power and transportation sectors, but emissions in the industrial sector are holding steady, absent new reduction initiatives.
Carbon Emissions Back on the Rise—Along With Cleaner Energy
Climate-friendly government policies and recent investments by energy companies are accelerating the growth of renewables.
Stacey Abrams Leads New Effort to Mobilize Climate Action in the U.S. South
The South has some catching up to do on implementing plans to curb carbon emissions and prepare for climate change, but the region, collectively, has a lot of reasons to do so.
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.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.
New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution
A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.
Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
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