Biden Administration

Biden Administration Seeks More Protection for Wetlands
In a reversal from Trump-era policy, the Biden administration wants to reinstate protections that prevent the contamination of streams and waterways.

Biden Administration Extends Eviction Moratorium, Implements Stronger Eviction Protections
The Biden administration is promising a "whole-of-government" approach to prevent an impending wave of displacement and effectively distribute rental assistance.

The Biden Administration's Ambiguous Position on Drilling in Alaska
The administration's support of a Conoco-Phillips project is at odds with its suspension of Trump-era oil leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

$75 Billion 'Connect US' Plan Would Expand Amtrak Service All Over the Country
New attention for a plan to greatly expand Amtrak service in dozens of cities and regions around the United States.

Developer Drops Keystone XL Plans
It's the latest turn of the screw for a project that has depended on the occupant in the White House.

American Jobs to Build Electric Vehicles Excludes Miners
Mining jobs needed to produce the metals for processing into battery parts used to build electric vehicles in America will not be developed in the U.S. but in Australia, Brazil and Canada, mainly to avoid battles with environmentalists.

Funding Biden's Infrastructure Plan: Should Users or Corporations Pay?
After determining the size and scope of President Biden's infrastructure package, the next biggest challenge is determining how to pay for it. The partisan divide is steep, but Roll Call exposes division within the Democrats' ranks.

On the Essential Role of Land Use in the Fight Against Climate Change
The country cannot hope to achieve its goals for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions without fundamentally rethinking its land use and development patterns, according to this article.

Biden's Infrastructure Targets Shift as Negotiations Commence
The Biden administration announced late last week that they would reduce the spending proposed in the American Jobs Plan from $2.25 trillion to $1.7 trillion, although there is some question about the true significance of those changes.

How Much Will Buttigieg Change Federal Transportation Policy?
The USDOT secretary is making big promises, but an entrenched system makes it difficult to implement long-lasting, systemic change.

Can the U.S. Preserve 30 Percent of its Lands and Waters?
The Biden administration released its preliminary report on a plan to conserve 30 percent of the nation's lands and waters by 2030, one big, ambitious component of the administration's climate plans.

Pandemic Endgame: Redefining the Herd Immunity Goal
So much for vaccines enabling the U.S. to achieve the cherished goal of herd immunity for COVID-19. It is becoming increasingly clear to many public health experts that likely will not happen, according to a New York Times global health reporter.

Biden Administration Hits Automotive Emissions Reset Button
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has rolled back Trump administration reductions of auto emission standards enacted by the Trump administration, and is taking first steps toward a new emissions agreement with automakers.

More Need Than Ever for Drought Resilience on the Colorado River
The effects of climate change are already cutting deeply into the lifeblood of the U.S. West—the Colorado River.

Housing Vouchers Prove an Effective Tool Against Homelessness
The Biden administration plans to expand the federal housing voucher program, which currently provides rental assistance to 2.3 million U.S. households.

GOP Counterproposal Aims to Restore the Infrastructure Status Quo
Of the $568 billion in spending proposed by the "Republican Roadmap," $299 billion would go to infrastructure for cars.

Biden Pledges Big Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions
At the "Leaders Summit on Climate" today, President Joe Biden has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the United States by 50-52 percent from 2005 levels by the year 2030.

The Pandemic's Next Phase in the U.S.: When Vaccine Supply Exceeds Demand
The 'light at the end of the tunnel' has become brighter after the vaccination rate tripled since President Biden took office. According to an analysis, a vaccination enthusiasm tipping point will be reached in 2-4 weeks that could dim the light.

What Planners Need to Know, and Ask, About the American Jobs Plan
The American Planning Association has a breakdown of the massive $2 trillion jobs plan that would change the course of federal infrastructure policy.

Change Would Expand the Definition of Rural to Cover More of the Country
Details on a proposed change of definition for Metropolitan Statistical Areas that would greatly expand the area of the country deemed rural.
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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