Urban Planning/Transportation / Public News Service

A parklet is an elevated public space, usually converted from a parking space and used to enhance community experience and support local businesses. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, June 19, 2025

AARP grant funds help enhance WI communities

Eight Wisconsin cities, including four rural communities, will receive improvements to help make their communities more livable. Eleven grantees …

Shipping pollution also contributes to cardiovascular health issues and cancer in port communities. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Advocate: Shore powered cargo ships help ocean, port community health

June is World Oceans Month, and advocates are warning that industrial shipping pollution hurts both oceans and port communities. At least 31 …

Critics of the federal reconciliation bill said it could worsen pollution and climate change by slashing clean energy incentives, boosting fossil fuel development and rolling back emissions rules. (industrieblick/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Could Congress' big budget bill derail PA's clean energy progress?

Pennsylvania's clean energy progress could stall if the U.S. Senate passes what's known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." The legislation would …

Local leaders from small farming towns often report a dilemma: They want to rebuild local roads to attract businesses and residents but lack the tax base to help fund improvements. (Adobe Stock)

ND eyes improvements for crumbling roads in farming towns

It is not just the weather or commodity prices farmers have to worry about. Many rural communities struggle to keep their roads and bridges in good …

NV congresswoman supports keeping AM radio in new cars

Rep. Susie Lee, D-Nev., said AM radio is essential to keeping Nevadans informed, especially in emergency situations, which is why she is one of many …

Upgrades to the Arkansas Water Plan include structural analysis of flood mitigation infrastructure and programs, and proposed solutions to reduce the impacts of flooding. (Adobe Stock)

Funding approved for AR water projects

Arkansas lawmakers passed several bills during this year's legislative session to upgrade and improve the state's water and wastewater systems…

The average cost for a gallon of regular gas is about $3.24 in Pennsylvania, according to AAA. (Dusan Petkovic/AdobeStock)

Survey: Gasoline burden highest among Black and Latino drivers in PA

As federal electric vehicle incentives face potential rollbacks, a new study highlighted the burden of gasoline costs on Black and Latino …

Ohio imposes a $200 annual registration fee on electric vehicles, exceeding the standard fee for gasoline-powered cars. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio EV fans concerned as federal tax credits face elimination

One thing prompting some Ohioans to make the switch to an electric vehicle has been a $7,500 federal tax credit for the purchase but it might be going…

A new study found 21 million Americans are considered

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Study: Hispanic and Black gasoline 'superusers' could see savings with an EV

A new study showed the top 10% of drivers by gas consumption, otherwise known as "superusers," use 35% of the gas supply. It found the cost of gas …

The average cost for a gallon of regular gas is about $3 in Wisconsin. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Blacks, Latinos disproportionately burdened by gas costs

As federal electric vehicle incentives face potential rollbacks, a new study is highlighting the burden of gasoline costs on Black and Latino drivers …

As part of Illinois' Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, consumers can receive rebates of up to $4,000 for electric vehicle purchases. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Black, Latino drivers burdened as ‘superusers’ of gasoline

As federal electric vehicle incentives face potential rollbacks, a new study is highlighting the burden of gasoline costs on Black and Latino drivers…

Landfill regulations are managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. In Harris County, 78% of the methane emissions come from three privately owned landfills over which the city has no jurisdiction. (rob245/Adobe Stock)

Houston officials look at options for growing trash problem

By Elena Bruess for Houston Landing.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Houston Landing/MIT Climate Change Engage…

The Great American Rail-Trail utilizes more than 150 existing trails but has more than 80 gaps. Montana's section is 25.3% complete. (Adobe Stock)

U.S. Transportation Secretary reviews Montana bike corridor grant

The U.S. Department of Transportation has frozen millions in grant dollars awarded by the Biden administration, leaving those counting on them in …

Albany County has the lowest homeownership rate of all counties in Wyoming, at just 51%, according to a 2024 statewide housing needs assessment. (Adobe Stock)

Local groups build toward workforce-attainable housing project in Laramie

Laramie, Wyoming is short on affordable housing but a new partnership aims to help. Albany County's population grew nearly 7% between 2010 and 2021 …

The Habitat Conservation Fund has protected many species, including the pika, which lives at high elevations in the Sierra Nevadas. (Beth Pratt/NWF)

CA Senate to consider extension of Habitat Conservation Fund

California's Habitat Conservation Fund escaped the budget axe for the past two years -- but this week, the state Senate is considering a bill to …

In Arizona's 6h Congressional district - which encompasses parts of Greenlee, Cochise,Pima and Pinal and Graham counties, two new clean energy projects have created 245 jobs, according to Climate Power. (Adobe Stock)

Could clean energy tax credits cease to exist? AZ advocates say much is at stake

The Republican backed tax-package being considered in Congress includes provisions that would repeal clean energy tax credits that some say have been …

Along Minnesota's Iron Range, taconite mining is one of the heavily scrutinized industries in the push to protect surrounding resources, like Lake Superior. (Adobe Stock)

How will Great Lakes region fare with diminished EPA enforcement?

Minnesota has its own carbon emissions reduction goals in place but under a changing federal Environmental Protection Agency, it is an open question …

Currently, 10 Tesla vehicle models, including the Cybertruck, currently qualify for a $7,500 tax credit. (Adobe Stock)

Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill' could end EV tax credits for Utahns

Utah is embracing electric vehicles but President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" could eliminate a $7,500 EV tax credit which helps buyers af…

10 Tesla vehicle models qualify for the $7,500 IRA tax credit. (Adobe Stock)

Tax incentives for NV's EVs could end up on the chopping block

Supporters of electric vehicles in Nevada cite several advantages to owning one, but 2026 budget negotiations underway in Congress include …

The International Energy Association's Global EV Outlook projects more than 25% of cars sold worldwide in 2025 will be electric vehicles. (Adobe Stock)

Federal cuts threaten EV incentives for Missouri motorists

Missouri has more than 13,000 all-electric vehicles registered, according to recent U.S. Department of Energy figures. However, threats to federal …

Federal budget cuts could mean EV tax credit loss for Ohio drivers

Supporters of electric vehicle ownership say there are a number of advantages to owning one. Studies show EVs can convert 85% to 90% of their energy …

According to the Argonne National Laboratory, consumers can save more than $6000 in lifetime repair and maintenance costs from an EV compared to a gas-fueled vehicle. (Adobe Stock)

IN electric vehicle owners may lose 4-figure tax credit

Supporters of electric vehicle ownership said there are a number of advantages to owning one. Studies show EVs can convert 85% to 90% of their …

In 2022, U.S. subsidies for fossil-fuel companies totaled $757 billion, according to the International Monetary Fund. The figure included uncompensated costs of negative health effects and environmental degradation. (Adobe Stock)

IRA cuts would remove $1.58 billion from two Republican-led CO districts

Congress is set to claw back $6.5 billion in climate-related Inflation Reduction Act investments to help pay for the Trump administration's priorities…

Frontier Airlines had the worst ratio of complaints to boarded passengers, according to the report by the U.S. PIRG Education Fund. (Adobe Stock)

Flyers fed up with U.S. airlines, complaints soar to new heights

New data show Arizona's two largest airports have fared well for on-time departures and arrivals but the same cannot be said about U.S. airlines in …

According to the Indianapolis Office of Sustainability, the Thriving Buildings program is expected to save $16 million in utility costs between 2021 and 2030. (Adobe Stock)

Energy data help IN large building owners reduce utility bills

A bill before Indiana legislators that would have prevented city officials from requesting energy information from large commercial buildings failed i…

The prohibition on rent increases of more than 10% on most units in fire-affected areas will be lifted when the state of emergency expires next January. (Andriy Blokhin/Adobe Stock)

Housing attorneys sue over rental price gouging in LA after the fires

Rents in Los Angeles were already high before the firestorm earlier this year, but now a coalition of housing groups is suing six landlords for price …

Michigan plans to build 100,000 vehicle charging stations for 2 million electric vehicles by 2030. (Mike Mareen/Adobe Stock)

MI 'clean fuels' backers speak out as Congress could end EV tax credits

A Michigan group is speaking out after a top congressional leader's comment that lawmakers will most likely scrap the $7,500 federal tax credit for bu…

The American Lung Association reports more than 2.6 million Ohioans, including over 600,000 children and 500,000 people with asthma, are at higher risk from air pollution exposure. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio cities brace for impact of federal EV rollback proposals

As air pollution levels rise in parts of Ohio, new federal proposals could roll back protections that limit emissions from gas-powered vehicles…

As WA air quality worsens, Congress rolls back protections

Air pollution in Washington is getting worse, according to a new report citing transportation emissions as the primary culprit. Eight of the 12 …

A number of Virginia cities in rural parts of the state, such as Charlottesville, Lynchburg and others, rank nationally for high air quality and low air pollution levels. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Resistance to stricter vehicle emissions will affect air quality

A new report found the country needs cleaner vehicles to combat worsening air quality across Virginia but Republican lawmakers are looking to repeal s…

The Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act included tax credits and incentives to promote electric vehicle adoption in New Mexico. (See Less/Adobe Stock)

U.S. veterans who hold elective office want environmental investments restored

A bipartisan group of current and former elected officials said the continued use of fossil fuels threatens global security and they want funding for …

Nebraska emitted about 81 million metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2021, 26th highest in the country, according to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. (Adobe Stock)

New report stresses EVs for Nebraskans' lung health

A new report from the American Lung Association found air pollution continues to be a problem even as Congress stymies efforts to bolster the electric…

Pollution in PA worsens amid ongoing clean-vehicle policy debate

Air pollution in Pennsylvania is getting worse, according to a new report citing transportation emissions as the primary culprit. The American Lung …

Davis, Duchesne, Salt Lake, Tooele, Uintah, Utah and Weber counties all received a letter grade of

Multiple UT counties get 'F' in clean air report

Utah counties are struggling when it comes to clean air, according to a new report from the American Lung Association and advocates said Utahns will …

Bloomington, California, residents protest a warehouse project proposed for their neighborhood in September 2024. (Concerned Neighbors of Bloomington)

Environmental groups fight plan to add warehouses in CA's Inland Empire

A big warehouse project proposed for the Inland Empire is being challenged in court Wednesday by a coalition of environmental justice groups…

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, passenger vehicles emit about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, on average. (Chris Ahern Photo/Adobe Stock)

Detroit area pollution worsens, as 'clean vehicle' debate rolls on

Air pollution in the Motor City area is getting worse, according to a new report citing transportation emissions as the primary culprit. The …

Maricopa, Gila, Pima and Pinal counties all received a letter grade of

AZ has some of nation's dirtiest air. Tailpipe pollution is part of problem

Arizona is ranked as having some of the worst areas for polluted air, according to a new report by the American Lung Association and advocates said …

Air pollution harms everyone's health but is a particular danger to babies, the elderly, people with heart or lung disease and people who work outside. (mmg1design/Adobe Stock)

13 CA counties get 'F' in new clean air report

California has some of the dirtiest air in the nation, according to the American Lung Association's new State of the Air report. Researchers looked …

Churchill, Clark and Washoe counties all have received a letter grade of

NV gets poor grades for air quality. Advocates urge strong emission standards

Nevada's counties have ranked as having some of the poorest air quality, according to a new report by the American Lung Association and advocates …

Experts say scammers blast text messages out in hopes they reach someone who has a car and drives where there may be tolls, where the scenario of owing a fee could be believable. (Adobe Stock)

Unpaid toll text scams on the rise in WI

Scam text messages impersonating the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and toll authorities are on the rise, despite the fact Wisconsin does not …

The net loss of college educated people through migration from Nebraska to other states has more than quadrupled in the last decade, according to the Aksarben Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Omaha counters NE 'brain drain' with 'brain gain'

A new report shows housing and transportation are key factors that can keep young professionals from leaving Nebraska for opportunities elsewhere…

The average driver in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District travels 9,300 miles and spends $1,398 on 430 gallons of gasoline annually, according to a report by Coltura. (Adobe Stock)

Congress could roll back Nebraska's choice on emissions standards

Congress could vote today on a measure to eliminate Nebraska's ability to set its own auto emission standards, which are among the most stringent in …

Under the Congressional Review Act, Congress has 60 legislative days to disapprove of new regulations. If no disapproval occurs, regulations remain in effect. (Herr Loeffler/Adobe Stock)

MI clean fuels expert speaks out as Congress aims to scrap EPA waivers

A Michigan clean fuels expert is weighing in as three Congressional resolutions introduced last week take aim at Environmental Protection Agency waive…

In the last two years, more than 100,000 jobs in EV manufacturing have been created. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

Congressional vote could slow WA's electric vehicle transition

Congress is voting this week whether to roll back states' authority to set their own, stricter clean car and truck emissions standards, which could …

A new report finds that many rural drivers spend more than $500 a month on gas, which can eat up to 15% of their paycheck. (Zedspider/Adobe Stock)

Congress considers rolling back CA clean car standards

Congress on Wednesday is expected to vote on a bill that would roll back California's authority to set strict clean car and truck standards. …

The United States has announced investments of more than $150 billion in electric vehicle manufacturing and charging infrastructure since 2021, contributing to a 40% increase in EV sales in 2022, according to the Department of Energy. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio's EV progress at risk as Congress considers emissions rollback

Congress is preparing to vote Wednesday on whether to roll back Ohio's authority to set tougher vehicle emissions standards. New research from …

More than 66,000 southeastern Arizona drivers pay more than $4,000 a year for gasoline, according to research from the nonprofit Coltura. (Adobe Stock)

How would rolling back EV standards affect AZ drivers?

Next week, Congress is expected to vote on whether to roll back states' authority to set their own clean car and truck standards. Research shows …

About 58,000 northern Nevada drivers pay more than $4,000 a year for gasoline, according to research from the nonprofit Coltura. (Adobe Stock)

NV adopted CA's 'clean car' standard, rule now under GOP examination

Next week, Congress is expected to vote on whether to roll back states' authority to set their own clean car and truck standards. Data show some …

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Urban Planning and Transportation