Climate

Polar bears for smarter growth

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Maybe you’ve seen it: a new commerical by automaker Nissan featuring the company’s latest car, a meandering polar bear and global climate change. The car in question is the Nissan LEAF, “the first 100% electric, no gas, no tailpipe vehicle.” Nissan certainly seems to be seeking the support of the eco-conscious set here, both with the commercial and the car itself. But in a post yesterday about the LEAF, Grist writer Jonathan Hiskes astutely notes that zero-emissions or not, no car is going to be as green as public transit options.

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EPA proposes rules on Clean Air Act permitting for greenhouse gas emissions

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From the EPA Press Release: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing two rules to ensure that businesses planning to build new, large facilities or make major expansions to existing ones will be able to obtain Clean Air Act permits that address their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In the spring of 2010, EPA finalized … Continued

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ICLEI launches "Planet Earth" magazine featuring local government innovations

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ICLEI has launched a new digital magazine covering the innovative practices of local governments “to make their communities cleaner, more economically prosperous, and more livable.” As the magazine’s name Planet Earth suggests, coverage focuses on the environmental aspects of livability, from climate change to energy efficiency. The first issue is chock full of features including: … Continued

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Webinar: Sustainable Siting of Federal Facilities

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The U.S. Department of Transportation announced earlier this month that it was leading an interagency initiative to site federal facilities based upon sustainability criteria. This initiative will help the federal government meet greenhouse gas reduction goals. On August 9 from 1:00-2:30pm, federal leaders from DOT, EPA and the General Services Administration will host a webinar … Continued

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Federal grant round-up: $495 million for state, local, tribal governments

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A steady stream of federal grant opportunities for sustainable communities has been released in the past month. To make sure no program is overlooked, EPA distributed a list (available below) of all current and upcoming funding opportunities for sustainable communities and related programs that tackle climate and energy challenges. (If you’re choosing which HUD regional … Continued

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WH Chat on Energy & Climate Change Legislation on 6/29

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On Tuesday, the White House will be answering questions on federal energy and climate change legislation, an issue with direct relevance for state and local sustainability. All are invited to participate online. From The White House Blog: On Tuesday, President Obama will meet with a bipartisan group of Senators to discuss the need for comprehensive … Continued

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EPA Releases RFP for $10M in Climate Showcase Communities Grants

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Thanks to $10 million in grants now available from the EPA Climate Showcase Communities program, approximately 25 local and tribal communities will move one step closer toward a green, sustainable future. With grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, grant recipients will also receive technical assistance from the EPA Local Climate and Energy Program. Climate Showcase … Continued

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California developers call SB 375 “a pro-growth strategy” that’s good for business

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Will California’s plans for reducing dangerous climate-changing emissions help or hinder the building and development market? California’s most prominent association of real estate developers answered that question emphatically last week, saying that California’s law requiring regions to reduce emissions through smarter land use, transportation, and housing decisions is good for business.

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Climate bill to be released within weeks: Washington Update

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Senate Lawmakers Working on New Climate and Energy Bill
LEGISLATION EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED MID-APRIL

After months of meetings with congressional members, stakeholders and industry leaders, Senators John Kerry (D-MA) Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) have decided to wait to release their climate and energy bill for a few more weeks to ensure they have broad support for the proposal. Senator Kerry has indicated that the bill could be introduced the week of April 19, although any concrete timeline for its passage remains uncertain.

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Encouraging developers to take a "GreenTRIP"

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Smart Growth America coalition member TransForm has developed a certification program called GreenTRIP to encourage building the kinds of places we need to reduce our carbon emissions. The certification program rewards developers and municipalities that reduce traffic and greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. It acts as a complement to the LEED for Neighborhood Development program (LEED-ND), one that focuses specifically on the place transportation occupies in sustainable land use.

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