By Duncan M. Greene on Posted in Climate Change,Energy Efficiency/SustainabilityThe EPA has published the final version of its latest Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks, covering trends in domestic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and sequestration between 1990 and 2010. Despite trends to “Go Green,” the report found that U.S. emissions totaled 6,822 million metric tons CO2-equivalent in 2010, a 3.2% increase relative … Continue Reading
By Katie F. Cote, AICP on Posted in Climate Change,Environmental,Land UseThe Department of the Interior (DOI) has proposed to extend the duration of Endangered Species Act (ESA) “take” permits allowing for non-purposeful disturbance or harm to golden and bald eagles. If finalized, the rule would extend the term of such permits to thirty years, on the grounds that long-term authorizations are necessary for the financing … Continue Reading
By molawrence on Posted in Development,Environmental,Land Use,Municipal,Real EstateOn April 12, 2012, Judge Martinez, U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, issued a decision denying the National Wildlife Federation’s request for a preliminary injunction to halt the sale of flood insurance and floodplain map revisions in the Puget Sound stating that the NWF failed to demonstrate likely environmental harm absent the requested injunction. … Continue Reading
By Katie F. Cote, AICP on Posted in Development,Environmental,Land Use,Land Use Planning,MunicipalOn the final day of the Washington State 2012 Special Session, 2ESSB 6406 was passed by the House and Senate and is on its way to the Governor’s desk. In a session light on land use issues, some have called this bill the most significant land use bill of the session. The bill was able … Continue Reading
By Ray Liaw on Posted in Development,Environmental,Land Use,MunicipalIdaho Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter signed House Bill 464, which prevents cities and counties in the state from banning oil and gas drilling operations. The bill would still allow local governments to pass “reasonable local ordinances” that regulate zoning and planning issues related to oil and gas operations, while all other activities would be … Continue Reading
By Shannon Angielski on Posted in Climate Change,Development,Energy Efficiency/Sustainability,Environmental,Land Use,MunicipalWe are pleased to announce the launch of our Federal Funding Resource Center – www.vnf.com/funding – an online information tool designed to inform our clients and friends about key energy-, environment-, and resource-related federal funding opportunities across a range of federal agencies including the Departments of Energy, Defense, Agriculture, and the Interior. The Federal Funding … Continue Reading
