Urban Planning/Transportation / Public News Service

Shore Line East train service in December 2023 was 50.5% of what it was in 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, April 18, 2024

CT lawmakers consider bills to boost public transit

Two pieces of legislation in Connecticut could bolster public transportation if they make it through the General Assembly. Senate Bill 277 would …

The beans from the velvet mesquite are known as

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Food forests in southern Arizona help combat heat and hunger

By Max Graham for Grist.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Arizona News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News Serv…

Tax credits for home solar projects have been around for a while and local leaders in Wisconsin noted new federal policies have been more aggressive in helping governments, businesses and homeowners offset costs of installing panels. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, April 18, 2024

A snapshot of federal investments being put to use in WI

City and county governments are feeling the pinch of rising operating costs but in Wisconsin, federal incentives are driving a range of local …

A housing package passed in Salem aims to create more housing in Oregon cities of all sizes. (RG/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Next steps after OR legislators make 'groundbreaking' housing investments

Oregon lawmakers passed a major housing package in this year's session, but said easing the state's housing crisis will take more work. Bills passed …

Montana has more than 3 million acres of inaccessible public lands, tops in the West, according to the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

SB 442 veto override ballots due back this week

Ballots are due back in the Montana Secretary of State's office later this week, as lawmakers decide whether to override Gov. Greg Gianforte's veto …

Mayor Lenise Peterman spoke with a participant at the Coal Country at a Crossroads Listening Session. (United Today, Stronger Tomorrow)

Utah mayor calls for more federal dollars for rural communities

Federal and agency officials convened with stakeholders in Southeastern Utah to discuss how federal funds can help grow and strengthen local economies…

Colorado State University researchers identified a cybersecurity gap that could have exposed more than 14 million medium- and heavy-duty trucks that form the core of the U.S. shipping industry to hackers. (Adobe Stock)

Study: 14 million U.S. freight trucks vulnerable to hackers

New worker safety regulations meant to log how many hours truckers are on the road may have inadvertently exposed millions of U.S. 18-wheelers to …

NEVI covers planning, acquisition, installation and operational costs of the EV unit. (Adobe Stock/serperm73)

IA joins nationwide network of EV charging stations

Iowa is accepting bids from people who want an EV charging station on their land. It's part of a nationwide network of infrastructure designed to …

Salvage cranes from up and down the eastern seaboard have relocated to Baltimore. (Adobe Stock)

Patapsco River conditions slow progress on Key Bridge salvage

With temporary channels open to shallow draft vessels only a week after the collapse of the Key Bridge, officials see a much slower path to …

Older Coloradans who may have never been issued a birth certificate because they were born at home qualify for assistance getting vital documents, including identification cards but many cannot access Colorado's Necessary Documents Program. (Adobe Stock)

Cutting red tape to access IDs and other vital documents

Advocates are urging Colorado lawmakers to make key improvements to a state program seen as critical to helping people fleeing domestic violence or ex…

At least 55 of America's largest corporations paid no federal corporate income taxes in 2020, relying on the tax breaks preserved or expanded by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act as well as the 2020 CARES Act tax breaks. (Adobe Stock)

ME legislation aims to uncover corporate tax avoidance

Maine lawmakers are considering legislation to require corporations to reveal the amount of state income taxes they pay. Supporters of the bill say …

Decades of policies like redlining, that forced people of color into neighborhoods surrounded by industrial polluters, have led to a host of negative health outcomes, including cancers and premature death. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado lawmakers eye ways to reduce pollution in vulnerable communities

In 2021, Colorado lawmakers took a first step toward addressing decades of toxic pollution disproportionately impacting low-income neighborhoods and …

In the last 40 years, New York has endured at least 85 'billion-dollar disasters'. The most costly was Superstorm Sandy, with around $43 billion in damage. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NY bill can help climate-burdened communities

A new report shows the costs different regions of New York face from climate change. It says taxpayers were on the hook for more than $2 billion - …

A 2019 Homeland Security inspector general report found one in five TSA screeners were quitting after 6 months. One of the biggest reasons was low pay and lack of opportunity for advancement. (Adobe Stock)

NY TSA workers’ contract provides better working conditions

New York transportation safety officers will see improved working conditions thanks to a newly ratified contract. The new American Federation of …

A 2022 report finds failing to speed up transmission beyond the current pace will increase 2030 U.S. greenhouse-gas emissions by 800 million tons per year. (Adobe Stock)

NYS bill could speed up electric transmission installation

New York's Legislature is considering a bill to get clean-energy projects connected to the grid faster. It's called the RAPID Act, for "Renewable …

Making a big push to reduce pollution by 2030 is expected to create jobs spread across many industries, from building wind turbines and electric cars to cleaning up abandoned oil wells and developing new technologies. (Rh2010/Adobe Stock)

Advocates back tougher EPA emissions rules for cars, trucks

The Environmental Protection Agency has set new air pollution standards under the federal Clean Air Act for cars and light/medium vehicle models from …

A wide body of research has linked traffic pollution to premature death, lung cancer, asthma and other negative health impacts. (Adobe Stock)

Nurses, environmental groups welcome Biden's clean car standards

On Wednesday, the Biden administration announced new tailpipe pollution standards that will give automakers more time to ramp up production of zero-…

New EPA rules on vehicle emissions aim to save drivers money through reduced fuel and maintenance costs of electric and hybrid vehicles. (Tongpatong/Adobestock)

Environmental advocates cheer new EPA clean-car rules

Clean-air groups are calling the Biden administration's new rules on vehicle pollution the single biggest action the Environmental Protection Agency h…

Motor vehicle emissions contribute to ozone, particulate matter and air toxics, which are linked with premature death and other serious health impacts, including respiratory illness, cardiovascular problems and cancer. (rh2010/Adobe Stock)

EPA offers longer rollout for emissions rules on light-duty vehicles

The Environmental Protection Agency is setting stricter limits on vehicle tailpipe emissions through 2032 and giving automakers an additional three ye…

Arizona is now among the top 10 states with the most electric vehicle registrations. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed EPA rule aims to increase EV sales

In Arizona, four in every 1,000 people have electric cars and a federal rule soon to be finalized could increase those numbers. It is gaining support …

According to national data, traffic deaths increased by 10.5% in 2021 and traffic fatalities rose by<br />14% for drivers 65 and older. (Adobe Stock)

In making MN roads safer, law change sought for safety course

Traffic deaths are trending higher in Minnesota this year after a decline the previous year. Groups pushing for safer roads are convinced a small …

In addition to not having as many EV charging stations as some neighboring states, analysts said Wisconsin lacks fast-charging stations for the public to access. (Adobe Stock)

WI poised to hit fast track in adding EV charging stations

Wisconsin has lagged behind neighboring states in adding electric vehicle charging stations, but the Badger State is about to take a big leap forward …

Nearly eight in 10 Coloradans say they want to age in place in their communities, rather than entering assisted living facilities. (Adobe Stock)

Community-based services for older Coloradans at risk in Legislature

Advocates for people age 65 and older urged Colorado lawmakers to fully fund a program helping people remain in their homes and avoid placement in ass…

The National League of Cities is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. (Dave Newman / Adobe Stock)

Local NV leader attends Congressional City Conference in D.C.

Kristopher Dahir, Ward 5 city councilor in Sparks, is one of more than 2,800 city leaders in Washington, D.C., this week to discuss city topics and …

As of June 2023, the World Resources Institute estimates there are 2,277 electric school buses on order, delivered, and operating in the U.S. (Adobe Stock

VA school districts, parents working to get electric school buses

By Elizabeth McGowan for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for Virginia News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism …

The funding increase for community health centers also helps alleviate some of the burdens caused by threats to 340B, the low-cost prescription drug program. A Merck study finds 90% of older adults regularly take at least one prescription drug. (220 Selfmade Studio/Adobe Stock)

MI seniors applaud community health center funding increase

Older adults across Michigan and around the country are applauding a boost in funding for community health centers, thanks to Congress passing a …

Gov. Greg Gianforte vetoed SB 442 after the Montana Legislature adjourned, which could affect veterans' programs and other services. Critics of the veto now want lawmakers to override it. (Adobe Stock)

MT military veterans support veto override

A Montana court has denied Gov. Greg Gianforte's attempt to stop the Legislature from having an opportunity to override his veto of a bill that …

While robberies in the New York City Subway were down from 2022 to 2023, felony assaults rose from 556 in 2022 to 570 in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates denounce Gov. Hochul’s NYC subway safety plan

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's five-point New York City subway safety plan is being met with backlash from some community advocates. The plan calls …

Women have worked at the historic Wyoming State Hospital as doctors, nurses, administrators, secretaries, security guards, and in departments such as the post office, purchasing, and scheduling. Some families have several generations of women who have worked at the facility. <br />(Courtesy of Save the Old WSH)<br />

Wyoming women’s history rooted in hospital campus set for demolition

The state has plans to demolish 26 Wyoming State Hospital buildings in Evanston, but some local residents believe the site, which dates back to 1886…

In 2018, the nonprofit Decolonizing Wealth Project defined reparative philanthropy as

Report: Older foundations, regardless of intent, may have racist beginnings

A recent report details how great wealth that later made philanthropy possible around the country but most evidently in the District of Columbia…

Waymo is currently offering a free introductory ride-share service in Los Angeles and uses a paid model in San Francisco. (Waymo)

Backlash after regulators permit robotaxis on LA, SF freeways

A bill to grant local cities the ability to regulate autonomous vehicles is getting a lot more attention after the California Public Utilities Commiss…

Backers of establishing a cleaner standard for transportation fuel in Minnesota say it would apply to both in-state producers, as well fuel that's imported. (Adobe Stock)

MN transportation sector could be next in line for carbon-free standard

Minnesota already has a law calling for 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. Now, there's a similar plan for transportation, and a legislative …

Massachusetts has been losing roughly 5,000 acres of forest each year to housing and industrial development as well as large-scale solar power installations, according to Mass Audubon. (Adobe Stock)

MA reforestation plan aims to counter urban heat islands

A proposed urban reforestation program in Massachusetts aims to help cities mitigate the effects of climate change. Legislation would create a state …

Because of their large batteries, electric school buses can be used as backup power sources for utilities when they are not in use during the summer. (Adobe Stock)

'Checking under the hood' of the electric school bus movement

Most school buses on the nation's roadways are still powered by diesel engines but in North Dakota and elsewhere, there is hope about the push to …

According to the World Resources Institute, more than 1,200 electric school buses are operating in the United States, with several thousand more either on order or being delivered. (Adobe Stock)

Electric bus movement looks to accelerate

Most school and transit buses on the nation's roadways these days are still powered by diesel engines but in Wisconsin and elsewhere, there is hope …

In a new poll, 85% of North Dakota voters said they probably wouldn't buy an electric car the next time they purchased a vehicle. (Adobe Stock)

Poll on climate change shows some in ND yet to be convinced

North Dakota voters are divided on climate change matters, according to new polling data. To get more community buy-in for climate solutions…

The National Weather Service said November 2023 tied for the Indianapolis area's 34th warmest November since weather records began in 1871, placing it in the 78th percentile. (Adobe Stock)

University conference fosters conversation on climate change solutions

Indiana climate leaders gathered this month to share knowledge and create strategies to address the effects of climate change. Together, they are …

Utah has invested significantly in transportation over the last 30 years, and these investments will need to continue, according to a Guiding Our Growth survey. (Adobe Stock)

Group advocates for better transit options in rural Utah

A coalition of Utah stakeholders is launching the "Campaign for Public Transit in the 435," which will aim to bring better forms of transit to those w…

Studies show a correlation between ample tree canopy in urban areas and reduced heat-related ambulance calls during extreme heat events. (Adobe Stock)

New online tool helps Boston grow tree equity

A new online tool is helping community groups in Boston ensure all neighborhoods reap the benefits from urban tree canopies. The Tree Equity Score …

Data from 2021 estimated only 3.5% of organic waste generated in Baltimore was diverted for composting. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates see composting as alternative to incineration of Baltimore’s food waste

The founder of the Baltimore Compost Collective wants Baltimore to ditch trash incineration, fight climate change and grow healthier food. Marvin …

A 2020 Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action report finds transportation sources are responsible for 190 air pollution-related premature deaths annually in the state. (Adobe Stock)

VA adopts rule to sell only 'clean' cars starting in 2035

Virginia has adopted a new rule advancing clean car use. The Advanced Clean Cars II Rule requires carmakers to only sell zero-emission vehicles by 20…

Climate change infrastructure costs in New York could reach $10 billion annually by 2050. (Adobe Stock)

NY bill would make polluters pay for climate damage

A New York bill would make polluters pay for climate change damage the state endured. The Climate Change Superfund Act requires companies who've …

Juntos Park in Los Angeles� Glassell Park neighborhood is being renovated with funds from the Bezos Earth Fund�s Greening America�s Cities Initiative by a local non-profit community building environmental organization, Mujeres De la Tierra.(LA County Parks and Rec.)<br />

'GreenLatinos' offers $1 million in grants for green spaces in L.A.

Up to $1 million in grants are up for grabs in Los Angeles for local groups to build or expand community parks, gardens and green spaces. The Bezos …

New one- and two-family homes and townhouses would be required to have at least one EV-capable parking space. (Herr Loeffler/Adobe Stock)

'Better Buildings Act' would mandate electrification in new construction

With Maryland's commitment to be carbon neutral by 2045 on the horizon, the General Assembly is taking up the issue of building codes. During this …

In Georgia, more than 75,000 drivers own electric vehicles. (Adobe Stock)

Report details electric vehicle savings for GA drivers

Despite the common belief that electric vehicles are more expensive than gas-powered cars, the latest findings say EVs can actually save their …

Almost all of New Mexico's 2,000 school buses run on diesel fuel. (Thomas/AdobeStock)

Advocates for electric school buses want NM to follow Colorado's lead

Studies show the health of New Mexico children who ride school buses could improve if the buses were electric instead of diesel, and efforts are …

An American Public Transportation Association report found the average purchase price of a new car has increased 30% since 2019. The average price for a used car rose 40% in the same period, figures which may prompt more people to use public transit. (Adobe Stock)

CT advocates want public transit investments in state budget

In honor of Rosa Parks' birthday, Transit Equity Day is today. Connecticut advocates are calling for greater investment in public transit. In …

In the late 1800s, at the dawn of the automobile age, many people across the globe believed bicycles were the key to modern mobility. (University of Wyoming)

Historic Iron Riders GPS tour rounding the corner for Sheridan launch

Historians are heading into the final stretch as they work to launch a GPS-activated audio tour commemorating a 1,900-mile trek undertaken in 1897 by …

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Urban Planning and Transportation

CT lawmakers consider bills to boost public transit

Food forests in southern Arizona help combat heat and hunger

A snapshot of federal investments being put to use in WI

Next steps after OR legislators make 'groundbreaking' housing investments

SB 442 veto override ballots due back this week

Utah mayor calls for more federal dollars for rural communities

Study: 14 million U.S. freight trucks vulnerable to hackers

IA joins nationwide network of EV charging stations

Patapsco River conditions slow progress on Key Bridge salvage

Cutting red tape to access IDs and other vital documents

ME legislation aims to uncover corporate tax avoidance

Colorado lawmakers eye ways to reduce pollution in vulnerable communities

Report: NY bill can help climate-burdened communities

NY TSA workers’ contract provides better working conditions

NYS bill could speed up electric transmission installation

Advocates back tougher EPA emissions rules for cars, trucks

Nurses, environmental groups welcome Biden's clean car standards

Environmental advocates cheer new EPA clean-car rules

EPA offers longer rollout for emissions rules on light-duty vehicles

Proposed EPA rule aims to increase EV sales

In making MN roads safer, law change sought for safety course

WI poised to hit fast track in adding EV charging stations

Community-based services for older Coloradans at risk in Legislature

Local NV leader attends Congressional City Conference in D.C.

VA school districts, parents working to get electric school buses

MI seniors applaud community health center funding increase

MT military veterans support veto override

Advocates denounce Gov. Hochul’s NYC subway safety plan

Wyoming women’s history rooted in hospital campus set for demolition

Report: Older foundations, regardless of intent, may have racist beginnings

Backlash after regulators permit robotaxis on LA, SF freeways

MN transportation sector could be next in line for carbon-free standard

MA reforestation plan aims to counter urban heat islands

'Checking under the hood' of the electric school bus movement

Electric bus movement looks to accelerate

Poll on climate change shows some in ND yet to be convinced

University conference fosters conversation on climate change solutions

Group advocates for better transit options in rural Utah

New online tool helps Boston grow tree equity

Advocates see composting as alternative to incineration of Baltimore’s food waste

VA adopts rule to sell only 'clean' cars starting in 2035

NY bill would make polluters pay for climate damage

'GreenLatinos' offers $1 million in grants for green spaces in L.A.

'Better Buildings Act' would mandate electrification in new construction

Report details electric vehicle savings for GA drivers

Advocates for electric school buses want NM to follow Colorado's lead

CT advocates want public transit investments in state budget

Historic Iron Riders GPS tour rounding the corner for Sheridan launch