By molawrence on Posted in Development,Environmental,Land Use,Municipal,Real EstateWith the September 23rd implementation “deadline” less than two months away, many of the 122 local jurisdictions participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are moving ahead to take some type of action to respond to the Biological Opinion issued by the NOAA-National Marine Fisheries Service to FEMA Region X. As many will recall, … Continue Reading
By Tadas A. Kisielius on Posted in Climate Change,Development,Environmental,Land UseWithout much fanfare, Ecology last month issued its internal guidance for analyzing impacts of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during environmental review. This is the latest round in Ecology’s ongoing effort to identify the role of the State Environmental Policy Act (“SEPA”) in addressing GHG emissions and climate change. The guidance document represents Ecology’s effort to … Continue Reading
By Anna M. Nelson on Posted in Electric Vehicles,Energy Efficiency/Sustainability,EnvironmentalThe 2011 legislature passed ESHB 1478 (Laws of 2011, Ch. 353), effective July 22, 2011, which delays a variety of requirements that apply to cities, counties, and the state. One requirement of interest that is related to electric vehicles is a 3 year delay in the requirement for publicly owned vessels, vehicles, and construction equipment … Continue Reading
By Saira Rhodes on Posted in Development,Energy Efficiency/Sustainability,Land Use,Land Use Planning,MunicipalA recent New York Times article raises some interesting questions about how US cities might tackle increasing traffic congestion and subsequent pollution—by following the urban planning of many European cities, where trends are to make driving as irritating as possible, thereby almost forcing individuals to choose public transportation. Interesting concept—plan a city/development around people NOT cars. … Continue Reading
