Urban Planning/Transportation / Public News Service

Collapse of the 90-year-old Lake Dunlap Dam spillway in 2019 because of aging structural steel highlighted infrastructure needs in Texas. (Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority)

U.S. Infrastructure Bill Signed, 'Build Back Better Act' on Deck

AUSTIN, Texas -- With the massive infrastructure bill now signed into law by President Joe Biden, environmental advocates are keeping the pressure on …

Advocates of President Joe Biden's Build Back Better agenda say it would create millions of well-paying jobs. (ehrlif/Adobe Stock)

MI Officials Urge Bold Action as COP26 Concludes

MARTIN, Mich. -- As leaders from around the world meet in Scotland, the United States' plan to tackle climate change is coming into focus. The Build …

Virginia will benefit from the new infrastructure plan's $3.5 billion national investment in weatherization, which will reduce energy costs for families. (Adobe stock)

New Infrastructure Deal Called Critical to Climate Progress in Virginia

ASHBURN, Va. - Some Virginia lawmakers are applauding Friday's passage of President Joe Biden's infrastructure plan, claiming it's a critical step …

Advocates for clean energy say installation of air-source or ground-source heat pumps would be best to use in the switch to electricity for heating, cooling and cooking. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates Urge Faster Electrification of NY Buildings

ALBANY, N.Y. - Groups in support of renewable energy are pushing for legislation and other initiatives to accelerate complete electrification of …

In April 2020, half of all eligible visits were performed via telehealth. (Adobe Stock)

Telehealth Going Strong Even After Pandemic Closures

DENVER - The use of telehealth services - a combination of telephone, video and other online tools - peaked during COVID closures, and Coloradans …

Valley-Wide provides medical, dental, behavioral-health, physical-therapy and pharmacy services at 15 primary health-care centers, nine dental clinics, and four physical therapy clinics, strategically located throughout multiple rural counties in Southern Colorado. (Adobe Stock)

Wheelchair-Accessible Van Connects San Luis Valley Residents to Health Care

ALAMOSA, Colo. -- The Valley-Wide Ride, a transportation service introduced last year to help San Luis Valley residents get to health centers…

From 2007 to 2018, Colorado state and local governments cut public health spending per resident by more than 45%. (Adobe Stock)

Report: TABOR Blunted State’s COVID Response

DENVER -- Colorado's ability to respond to COVID-19 was blunted by decades of disinvestment in critical public services, according to a new report…

Advocates are calling on state and federal lawmakers to shift policies, such as replacing the term "playground" with "outdoor learning environment" in regulations to support the creation of more nature-based spaces. (Adobe Stock)

Children's Advocates Urge Lawmakers to Expand Access to Outdoor Learning

DENVER -- As Congress considers making significant investments in the nation's child-care system, children's advocates say now is the time to make …

Working Americans pay a higher tax rate on their wages than people who are wealthy pay for passive income gained through investments in stocks and bonds. (Adobe Stock)

Wealthy Coloradans Urge Congress to Raise Their Taxes

DENVER - Some 200 wealthy taxpayers and business owners, including 14 in Colorado, are asking Congress to raise their taxes. An open letter …

The transportation sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse-gas emissions in New York state, according to the state's Department of Environmental Conservation. (Adobe Stock)

As Extreme Weather Continues, NY Pushes to Reduce Vehicle Emissions

ALBANY, N.Y. - Clean-energy groups are touting new zero-emissions vehicle initiatives in New York, part of the state's ongoing effort to reduce the …

A new report says a 29 percent reduction in transportation emissions from 2014 is needed to meet a 2030 clean air target. (Adobe Stock)

Report: CT Not On Track To Meet Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals

HARTFORD, Conn. - A new report reveals Connecticut is not on track to meet either of its 2030 or 2050 greenhouse gas emissions goals, and advocates …

The majority of Pennsylvania's greenhouse-gas emissions are from energy consumption. (Adobe Stock)

PA Becomes 2nd State to Offer Climate-Change Leadership Training

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvania is now the second state in the country to launch a program focused on training state and local leaders on tackling …

In a national survey, 50% of school transportation coordinators said the rate of pay is a major factor that affects their ability to recruit and retain school bus drivers. (Adobe Stock)

Better Pay, Community Trust Linked to School Bus Driver Shortage

MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa -- Iowa school districts are reporting bus driver shortages as the academic year gets underway. Transportation officials said more …

When drivers fill up their tanks in Massachusetts, they pay 24 cents per gallon to the state and a little more than 18 cents per gallon to the federal government. (blackday/Adobe Stock)

MA Ballot Initiative to Ban Fuel Tax Gets Pushback

BOSTON -- Advocates for clean transportation are fighting a proposed ballot initiative, which would prevent Massachusetts from taxing gas and other …

This summer's unprecedented heat waves, droughts, fires and severe storms are occurring now, where global temperatures have only risen 1.2 degrees Celsius. Scientists project that average temperatures will rise by 2 degrees Celsius in the next two decades. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Less Than a Decade Remains for Action on Climate Change

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Less than a decade remains to avoid potentially catastrophic impacts of a warming planet, according to the latest report from top …

There are 818 bridges in poor condition in Texas, according to a Biden administration report on the country's infrastructure. (heiyeuiu/Pixabay)

How Much Will Infrastructure Bill Benefit Texans?

DALLAS, Texas - As the largest investment in the country's infrastructure inches forward, Texas stands to benefit considerably from new jobs and …

The Reconnecting Communities Initiative would work to eliminate certain highways that dissect neighborhoods in cities including Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven and Waterbury. (Adobe Stock)

Infrastructure Bill Shortchanges CT Climate-Justice Program

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Connecticut is expected to see over $500 billion in federal funds to modernize roads, bridges, transit, broadband and more…

Texas is home to the Regional Center of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development, one of only seven centers in the United States and 168 worldwide based on a United Nations program to develop global sustainability goals. (anncapictures/Pixabay)

Connecting Texas' Sustainability Goals, Nationally and Beyond

ARLINGTON, Texas - Three Texas cities are taking part in a challenge this year to create Sustainable Development Goals that help eliminate poverty…

Las Vegas' free Arrow shuttle service runs from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily. (City of Las Vegas)

Las Vegas' New Shuttle for People Experiencing Homelessness Gains Popularity

LAS VEGAS - Las Vegas is trying to make it easier for people experiencing homelessness to get to their appointments with social service agencies by in…

The 2017 4th National Climate Assessment project concluded that, for the 83% of Americans who live in cities, the experience of extreme heat can vary across neighborhoods by as much as 20 degrees. (avMachine713/Pixabay)

Houston Site of Study on Extreme Heat Risk in Coastal Communities

HOUSTON - Cities in the southern United States, especially large urban communities along the coasts, are facing extreme heat attributable to climate …

Pennsylvania's parks and recreation economy provides an estimated $1.9 billion annually in state and local tax revenue. (Adobe Stock)

PA Mayors Call on Congress to Pass Parks, Jobs & Equity Act

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- A petition signed by 19 mayors from across Pennsylvania urges the state's congressional delegation to pass the Parks, Jobs…

With federal support, Colorado could increase its solar housing stock by more than 440,000, according to the 30 Million Solar Homes report. (Adobe Stock)

Report: More Solar Investment Could Transform CO Economy

CRAIG, Colo. -- What would it look like if one in four households in the country was solar-powered? A new report from the "30 Million Solar Homes" …

Nearly 6% of workers telecommuted in 2018, up from 2% in 1980, according to a New York Times report. Researchers project that 20% of work will be done from home post-COVID. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for Colorado Companies to Reduce Air Pollution Post-COVID

DENVER -- As offices and businesses begin to open their doors after COVID-19 shutdowns, a new guidebook offers ways for CEOs and other commuters to …

If New Mexico opts into Advanced Clean Car standards, it will join Colorado, Nevada and 15 other states. (swenergy.org)

NM Coalition Makes Speedier Push for Electric Vehicles

SANTA FE, N.M. -- New Mexicans who want to impact climate change by driving an electric vehicle have several roadblocks, and they won't end soon if …

The bipartisan infrastructure framework includes $5 billion to invest in Western water storage. (Andy/Adobe Stock)

Rural U.S., Climate Resilience Seen as Winners in Infrastructure Package

BOISE, Idaho -- Supporters from both sides of the aisle are touting a $1.2 trillion infrastructure framework taking shape in Washington, D.C…

Almost one-third of Colorado's electricity was generated from renewable sources in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Energy Chief's Visit Spotlights Colorado Clean-Energy Advances

DENVER -- U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm was in Denver Thursday to promote President Joe Biden's plans to transition the nation's energy …

Since 2000, Hennepin and Ramsey counties have seen an increase of nearly 30,000 Black households, but the number of homes owned by Black families declined. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Corporate-Owned Rentals Cut Into Black Homeownership

MINNEAPOLIS -- Long known for its homeownership disparities, the Twin Cities region has seen a widening of the gap between Black residents and their …

Michigan's Oakland County has the highest number of advanced-energy jobs in the state. (romaset/Adobe Stock)

Report: EV Technology, Manufacturing to Create Job Growth in MI

DETROIT -- A new report predicts Michigan's economy would see major benefits from the Biden administration's proposed $274 billion investment to elect…

Wind and solar account for about 5,000 jobs in New Mexico, but solar and other advanced energy technologies are expected to boost the state's job growth to 7% this year, according to a report by Advanced Energy Economy. (westernresourceadvocates.org)

Advanced Energy Expected to Boost NM 2021 Job Growth

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Advanced energy technologies, including solar, wind, electric vehicles and smart grid improvements, are expected to boost job …

Federal investments to switch to electric vehicles would generate $231 billion in additional tax revenue for federal, state, and local governments. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Investment in EV Infrastructure Could Add $1.3 Trillion to U.S. GDP

DENVER -- As the Biden administration and Congress continue to wrangle over the size and scope of a federal infrastructure package, a new report …

A new report from Advanced Energy Economy finds that Illinois clean-energy jobs are expected to grow 7% in 2021. (I Viewfinder/Adobe Stock)

Report: Transportation Electrification Would Benefit IL Economy, Job Market

CHICAGO -- A new report showed the economy of Illinois could see major benefits from the Biden administration's proposed $274 billion investment to el…

The infrastructure plan now before Congress includes funding to increase the number of E-V charging stations, such as this one at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. (Tonythetigerson/Twenty 20)

Report: Investments in Electric Vehicles Help Power CA's Recovery

LOS ANGELES -- The U.S. economy would see a five-fold return from every tax dollar invested in electric vehicles and the grid, according to a new …

According to Advanced Energy Economy, each dollar of public investment into electric vehicles generates $2.60 of direct private investment. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Electric Transportation Investment Would Boost FL Economy

MIAMI - Florida would benefit from the federal government's proposed $274 billion investment in electric vehicles and infrastructure, according to a …

Both energy and climate advocates agree investment in electrifying transportation would have positive economic and health benefits for Pennsylvanians. (Andrew Roberts/Unsplash)

Report: Push for Electric Vehicles in American Jobs Plan would Benefit PA

PHILADELPHIA - A new report predicts big benefits for Pennsylvania, and millions of jobs nationwide, if Congress decides to invest in upgrading the …

Switching to electric vehicles would save consumers, governments and businesses $19 billion each year, according to a new report by Advanced Energy Economy. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Shift to Electric Vehicles an Economic Boon for Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. - As negotiations in Congress continue on a federal infrastructure package, a report out today predicts the American Jobs Plan's …

Michigan has 24 public fast-charging EV locations across the state, so drivers on long trips can stop and recharge their vehicle's battery in about 30 minutes. (Consumers Energy)

New MI Program Puts Millions into Electric Vehicle-Charging Stations

LANSING, Mich. - A new $3 million program will help Michigan businesses switch their fleets to electric vehicles. The "PowerMIFleet" program from …

Collisions between cars and mountain lions are a particular concern on highways along the mountain ranges of Southern California. (Mia and Steve Metsdagh/Wikimedia Commons)

Wildlife Crossings Bill to Reduce Collisions Heads to U.S. House

AGOURA, Calif. - California drivers collided with animals more than 2,200 times in 2019, and three people lost their lives in those accidents…

West Virginia received a "D" grade on statewide infrastructure in a 2021 report from the American Society of Civil Engineers. (Adobe Stock)

WV Groups: Corporate Taxes Should Fund American Jobs, Families Plan

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Former West Virginia Lt. Gov. Jeff Kessler and the Huntington-based Service Employees International Union Local 1199 are among …

Research from Harvard School of Public Health shows potential pollution reduction from the Transportation Climate Initiative would prevent 300 deaths a year in the Northeast. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Transportation Climate Bill Needs Vote in Special Session

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Connecticut environment and health advocates are pushing for the Transportation and Climate Initiative to get a vote in the …

From transportation to housing, Bismarck is resetting its vision for the city's livability factors, hearing from older residents. (Adobe Stock)

Is Your City Age-Friendly? Bismarck Tackles That Question

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Bismarck is laying out its vision for future planning. As ideas come together, it has become the first North Dakota city to adopt a …

Groups say the Illinois Clean Energy Jobs Act would expand access to solar power. (anatoliy_gleb/Adobe Stock)

IL Lawmakers to Vote on Clean-Energy Jobs Act in Special Session

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Lawmakers are returning to Springfield for a special session this week for a vote on the Clean Energy Jobs Act, aimed at …

Hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing contributes $5 billion in economic activity each year in Colorado. (Ryan Moehring/USFWS)

Report: Colorado on Track to Protect Wildlife Migration Corridors

DENVER -- A new report backs up Colorado's efforts to tap the best available science, including advances in GPS and radio tracking technologies…

Early data from the National Safety Council show an 8% increase in motor vehicle deaths across the nation between 2019 and 2020, even though people drove less during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

NY Group Rallies for Crash Victim Rights and Safety Act

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Advocates for traffic safety finished a 1,000-mile trip around the state today, to bring attention to proposed reforms to curb the 1,0…

Wildlife crossings can help reduce animal-vehicle collisions, which cause more than 200 human fatalities and more than 26,000 injuries each year. (Adobe Stock)

Wildlife Crossings Reduce Collisions, Impact of Roads in Natural Areas

Charleston, W.Va. - Wildlife crossings such as green bridges or other structures that allow animals to cross roadways safely have been shown to …

A new report from the Arizona Public Interest Research Group Education Fund says that while Arizona's towing laws are not the worst in the country, they could do with some improvements. (bluaz/Adobe Stock)

Report: AZ Needs Better Protection for Car Owners Against Predatory Towing

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- If you drive a car or pickup to get around in Arizona, odds are you eventually will have to deal with it being involuntarily …

In accordance with a TSA face-mask requirement extension through mid-September, all travelers - even those who are fully vaccinated - must wear masks and practice COVID-safe behavior at all U.S. airports, and aboard commercial aircraft. (Adobe Stock)

As COVID Restrictions Loosen, Safety Urged on Public Transportation

TAMPA, Fla. - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that people two weeks out from receiving their last dose of the COVID-19 …

Ann Arbor is committing to a target of carbon neutrality within the next decade. The city currently has 135 electric-vehicle charging stations, including two that are free of charge. (Michael Flippo/Adobe Stock)

Local MI Communities Join Global Campaign for Carbon Neutrality by 2050

FERNDALE, Mich. -- Mayors and county commissioners are joining a global campaign to cut greenhouse-gas emissions in half by 2030 and to zero by 2050 …

Since cuts to federal public housing budgets began in the 1980s, the deficit of affordable housing units in the United States has increased to 7 million. (Galatas)

Judge Dismisses Legal Challenge to Denver Homeless Encampment

DENVER -- A Denver District Court judge dismissed a lawsuit yesterday meant to block efforts to create a legal homeless encampment in Denver's Park Hi…

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