Fossil Fuels

Trans Alaska Oil Pipeline

The Geography of Oil and Gas Pipeline Accidents [Updated]

Safety is one trigger in the heated debate over whether fossil fuels should be transported by pipeline. While the industry insists the method is safer than others, the spread of accidents since 1986 is substantial.

December 8, 2016 - CityLab

Beijing Skyline

Peak Coal: China's Carbon Emissions Drop as the Use of Coal Slows

In the long struggle to reduce the impacts of climate change, we may have finally hit a positive milestone, as China's use of coal peaked in 2014.

August 10, 2016 - The Guardian

Texas Suburb

Op-Ed: The Texas Miracle Won't Last

As economic migration continues to swell its population, Texas has been heralded by some as a new California. But Johnny Sanphillippo argues that the Lone Star State's boom just isn't sustainable.

June 22, 2016 - Strong Towns

Oil

Interior Department Secretary Jumps Into Fossil Fuel Debate

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell expressed a surprisingly pro-industry viewpoint in response to the growing "keep it in the ground" environmental movement.

May 9, 2016 - The Desert Sun

Another Coal Project Bites the Dust

Arch Coal's plans to develop a mine in Otter Creek Valley, east of Billings, is the latest casualty in the death throes of the coal industry.

March 12, 2016 - Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Oil Rigs

North Dakota's Oil Boom Falters

As oil prices dip to around $30 a barrel, fears are setting in that North Dakota's oil fields have been overdeveloped. If the current boom goes bust, these towns might find themselves nearly empty.

February 15, 2016 - New York Times

Coal Mining

Appalachian Coal's Last Wheezing Breath

As the nation abandons old-school West Virginia coal, a scarred and cratered landscape remains. Can residents build a new economy and overcome the legacy of an often-brutal industry?

September 18, 2015 - Grist

How the Coal Industry Collapsed

The writing is on the wall for what's left of the coal industry.

June 2, 2015 - Fusion

Voltage Transformer

Costa Rica Off Fossil Fuels for 75 Days and Counting

Kudos are in order for the Central American nation of Costa Rica. We suspect running your country without burning fossil fuels is its own reward, however.

March 23, 2015 - Science Alert

As the Seas Rise, Cities 'Dither'

The world’s coastal cities now face an impossible situation as a result of climate change. While the impacts and catastrophes become inevitable, why do cities like San Francisco dither rather than act?

April 14, 2014 - SPUR

This California Jail is Off the Grid

The Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, California isn’t your average prison complex. Its independent power system, or microgrid, sets it apart from its peers—and saves an estimated $100,000 a year.

November 3, 2013 - The Atlantic

Why We Should Forget That Fukushima Ever Happened

Nuclear power has saved 370 times more lives than it has ended in the last four decades, says a NASA paper. Despite the horrors of Japan's ongoing nuclear disaster, we'll need to rely on nuclear power for the sake of the environment and human health.

April 8, 2013 - Fast Company Co.Exist

Cleantech Startups Partner with Fossil Fuel Giants

With little investment from venture capitalists, cleantech startups are relying increasingly on traditional energy corporations for financial support.

March 27, 2013 - The Washington Post

The Limits of Wind Power

A new study by the Reason Foundation evaluates wind power and finds that wind power is limited in practice due to the increased need for power storage, the decrease in grid reliability, and the increased operating costs.

October 8, 2012 - Reason Foundation

S.F. to Shutter Lone Fossil Fuel Power Plant

After years of debate, San Francisco plans to close the diesel- and natural gas-burning Potrero Hill Plant, one of the dirtiest facilities in California, by January 1, reports John Coté.

December 24, 2010 - San Francisco Chronicle

Awash In Natural Gas

A veteran gas producer claims that the U.S. may be 'drowning in natural gas'. Interestingly, the gas has always been there - it's technology advancements that make the Marcellus shale deposits from N.Y. to W.V. and accessible.

September 23, 2009 - NPR-Morning Edition

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.