Urban Planning/Transportation / Public News Service

The Empire Builder currently provides rail passenger service through Montana's Hi-Line, paralleling U.S. Highway 2 through the northern part of the state. The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority hopes to expand service through eastern and southern Montana. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, April 18, 2025

Passenger rail funding bill narrowly fails Montana Senate vote

Communities in southern and eastern Montana were connected to passenger rail lines running from Chicago to Seattle until 1979. An effort to fund the …

Federal data show in 2023, an estimated 3,275 people were killed nationwide in distracted driving-related crashes. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

MN police chief: Drivers need to break cell phone habit

Law enforcement agencies are still trying to get the message through about the dangers and costs that stem from distracted driving. A Minnesota …

Places such as data centers are pushing up electricity demand across the United States. In Minnesota, observers say that's one of several issues complicating the proposed sale of Minnesota Power to a private equity firm. (Adobe Stock)

Ratepayers sound off on proposed sale of Minnesota Power

Public hearings continue tonight and tomorrow for the proposed sale of Minnesota's second largest utility. The deal is drawing a lot of attention…

Supporters of the pause have said it would not affect the number of electric vehicles sold in Maryland. (Adobe Stock)

MD automakers, health groups rally against delay in vehicle pollution standards

A bill would effectively delay implementation of clean car and truck programs in Maryland, but electric-vehicle manufacturers and health groups are …

Rural leaders in North Dakota said if they want to take advantage of people willing to relocate to their towns, they need to replace amenities that were lost over time, such as housing, retail and other needs. (Adobe Stock)

Could easy-to-grab data aid small-town planning? ND officials think so

North Dakota has launched a new centralized online data hub and small-town mayors see it as an asset because information is power in trying to make th…

Energy industry experts predict Ohio could lose 18,400 clean energy jobs by 2030 if Congress repeals the clean energy investment and tax credits included in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. (Adobe Stock)

Repeal of climate tax credits could cost thousands of Ohio jobs

Federal clean energy investment and tax credits have led to a surge of thousands of new jobs for Ohioans but a budget bill pending in Congress could b…

Tennessee's aviation infrastructure earned a

Report Card: TN gets 'C' for its infrastructure

Tennessee gets a grade of "C" in a new Report Card about the condition of America's infrastructure. The American Society of Civil Engineers said the …

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers latest Report Card, 5.4% of the 12,974 bridges in Arkansas were structurally deficient in 2024. (Retrophoto/Adobe Stock)

Report: Major upgrades needed for AR infrastructure

The latest infrastructure Report Card from the American Society of Civil Engineers said Arkansas lags behind the rest of the nation when it comes to t…

A McKinsey analysis suggested global demand for data-center capacity could rise at an annual rate of between 19% and 22% from 2023 to 2030 to reach an annual demand of 171 to 219 gigawatts. (Adobe Stock)

High-impact data centers could pose WV energy, environment threats

Large, energy-intense buildings used in Bitcoin mining, cloud computing and artificial intelligence data processing industries could become more …

Bridges in Pennsylvania get a grade of 'D-plus' on the American Society of Civil Engineers report card, which said the state has the second-highest number of bridges in poor condition compared to other states. (Steven/Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br /><br />

Report Card: PA gets 'C-minus' for its infrastructure

Pennsylvania gets a grade of "C-minus" in a new Report Card about the condition of America's infrastructure. The American Society of Civil Engineers …

In the 2025 Report Card for America's Infrastructure, Montana scored a

Montana scores ‘C-minus’ on infrastructure report card

Montana scored a "C-minus" on a new Report Card for America's infrastructure. The American Society of Civil Engineers said the state's performance …

The nation's roadways still face a $684 billion funding gap over the next 10 years, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers. (Adobe Stock)

Has infrastructure improved in AZ, US? Not by much

A new report has found some progress has been made to improve the nation's aging infrastructure, but a lot more needs to be done. This week…

The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority was established in 1965 to unify regional transit, evolving into today's RideKC system of buses, streetcars and more. (Matthew/Adobe Stock)

Riders, IRIS and union bus drivers fight Kansas City transit cuts

Kansas City transit riders and workers are fighting proposed cuts, warning of a looming public transit crisis. Hundreds of advocates of the Kansas …

Homelessness among families with children in Colorado grew by 134% in 2024. (Adobe Stock)

Low-income Coloradans face severe affordable housing shortage

There are only 26 affordable housing units in Colorado for every 100 low-income households, according to a new report listing Colorado as the sixth …

According to the World Health Organization, climate change presents a fundamental threat to human health. (Adobe Stock)

Health and climate: A growing crisis in Florida

As the warming climate continues to reshape the environment, its impact on people's health is becoming increasingly evident in Florida. Doctors and …

The senior population is projected to exceed 95 million by 2060, indicating a growing demand for senior housing and related services. (WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

Cities in MI take action to become age-friendly

As Michigan's senior population steadily increases, the need for communities that prioritize their well-being becomes more critical. With nearly 2 …

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon Department of Transportation mapped out wildlife collision

Wildlife crossings would make OR highways safer, save money

New legislation would help build more wildlife crossings across Oregon highways to make roads safer for people and animals. Research shows that …

Scranton received $68.7 million in federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act. (Brandon/Adobe Stock)

Scranton mayor puts bipartisan infrastructure law funding to work

A Pennsylvania city is leveraging funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to improve road safety, housing, and more. The largest …

The Stark Area Regional Transit Authority is partnering with energy company Enbridge and the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub, or ARCH2, to make fuel at its Ohio site using solar power. (Kathiann M. Kowalski/Canary Media)

Ohio regional transit group plans shift to 'green' hydrogen for bus fleet

By Kathiann M. Kowalski for Canary Media.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-…

The Trump administration is mandating many federal employees work in the office full-time, which puts remote workers who live in rural Wisconsin, far from their office buildings, at risk. (Adobe Stock). <br />

As federal cuts hit Wisconsinites, one group pitches in to help

Communities in Wisconsin are feeling the widespread effects of federal cuts and some organizations are pitching in to help those who have experienced …

New York City's program is the only one charging drivers to get into the congested area, but New York isn't the only city with congestion pricing. (Adobe Stock)

NYers push back on federal attempts to end 'congestion pricing'

As the U.S. Department of Transportation tries to end New York City's congestion pricing program, the move is getting some pushback from people who …

The New York Metropolitan Transit Authority estimates up to 48% of bus riders and 14% of subway riders board public transit without paying. (Adobe Stock)

Fully funding NYC public transit could reduce fare evasion, crime

By Justin A. Davis for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for New York News Connection reporting for the Yes! Media-Public News Service …

Each year, visitors flock to Monte Vista in Colorado's San Luis Valley for a chance to see Greater Sandhill Cranes. (Adobe Stock)

Connecting the recreation dots with a two mile bike and pedestrian trail

By Ilana Newman for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Collabora…

AARP Community Challenge grants have helped launch community gardens, which help improve livability for residents in a number of ways. (Adobe Stock)

Grants available to make Colorado communities more livable

AARP Colorado is accepting applications from nonprofits and local governments across the state for this year's Community Challenge grant program…

A home burns in a Los Angeles neighborhood during recent wind-driven wildfires spreading throughout several Southern California communities. (Adobe Stock)

CA towns, cities must adapt as dangers of bigger wildfires loom

By Amy McDermott for the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for for California News Service reporting…

Virginia motorists collide with many animals, including bald eagles, according to Meg Gammage-Tucker, president of the Wildlife Center of Virginia. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates push for program to decrease wildlife collisions in VA

Virginia is the ninth-likeliest state for a driver to hit wildlife but environmental advocates are working to change it. One in 76 people in …

A new ordinance allows Accessory Dwelling Units, often called

La Crosse uses AARP grant to inspire housing solutions

The city of La Crosse is hoping a new online design library of Accessory Dwelling Units will help inspire residents to build one. The units have …

The transportation sector accounts for about a third of Oregon's climate emissions and the state hopes to cut the numbers by putting more electric vehicles on the road. (zinkevych/Adobe Stock)

OR electric vehicle drivers show love this week

A coalition of clean car advocates has declared the days leading up to Valentine's Day EV Love Story Week. The effort comes in the midst of …

Electric vehicle registration went up by nearly 25,000 cars between September 2023 and 2024 in North Carolina. (Nick Starichenko/Adobe Stock)

Electric vehicle drivers show love for pollution-free cars

Electric vehicles in North Carolina and around the country are getting love this week. A coalition of clean vehicle advocates has declared the week …

According to industry estimates from last fall, nearly 5,000 electric school buses are in operation across the United States. (Adobe Stock)

ND electric school bus efforts may have to pump the brakes

Some North Dakota school districts are part of a movement that has embraced electric school buses, but the federal funding shakeup carried out by the …

According to Consumer Reports, a majority of Americans support regulations that push automakers to deliver new vehicles that cost less to fuel and have fewer emissions. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Fuel efficiency top of mind for AR car shoppers

Americans continue to see improving fuel economy as the most significant change they want from vehicle manufacturers when they offer new products…

The Indiana Vehicle Fuel Dashboard reports in 2024, the state had nearly 15,000 state-registered electric vehicles. (Adobe Stock)

IN EV charger station installs on pause

The number of registered electric vehicles in Indiana rose from 13,000 in 2023 to nearly 15,000 in 2024. However, plans to install more EV chargers …

According to Edmunds, EVs and PHEVs combined made up 8.5% of the vehicles sold in May 2024, while gas-powered vehicles made up 82.4% of the market that same month. (Wikimedia Commons)

Survey: NC drivers want carmakers to keep improving fuel efficiency

Americans continue to say improved fuel economy is the most significant change they want from vehicle manufacturers when they offer new products…

Nationwide, electric vehicle sales are expected to hit 50% within a decade, increasing the demand for charging infrastructure. (Graham/Adobe Stock)

MI invests millions to install EV chargers at multifamily properties

As electric vehicle demand grows in Michigan, a new $5 million program will expand charging station access to places like apartments and condos…

Consumer Reports found rising fuel economy and emissions standards save drivers more than $9,000 per vehicle compared with 2001 models. (noppadon/Adobe Stock) Consumer Reports found that rising fuel economy and emissions standards save drivers more than $9,000 per vehicle compared with 2001 models. (noppadon/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Better fuel economy on Americans' wish list

The Big Three automakers in Michigan have been working for years to improve fuel economy and a new survey from Consumer Reports revealed fuel efficien…

Among respondents to a Consumer Reports survey, 95% said fuel economy is at least somewhat important when buying a vehicle. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Virginians want better fuel economy standards

A new survey finds the vast majority of Virginians want automakers to continue improving their vehicles' fuel efficiency. Large majorities of …

According to Edmunds auto data, EVs and plug-in hybrid EVs combined made up 8.5% of the vehicles sold in May 2024, while gas-powered cars made up 82.4% of the U.S. market in the same month. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Georgia drivers say carmakers should continue to improve fuel efficiency

Americans continue to see improving fuel economy as the most significant change they want from vehicle manufacturers when they offer new products…

Just 27% of Americans agree automakers care about lowering fuel costs for their customers, according to Consumer Reports. (Adobe Stock)

Arizona drivers prioritize better fuel economy

Spending less money at the gas pump is important for Arizona drivers, according to a new survey. Chris Harto, senior policy analyst for …

According to the state's energy secretary, Indiana is retiring power plants faster than replacing them, jeopardizing energy production and prompting her support for House Bill 1007. (Adobe stock)

Indiana debates nuclear energy for power grid

Indiana lawmakers are advancing a plan to bring nuclear energy to the state. House Bill 1007 would establish a framework for investing in advanced …

AARP Community Challenge Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to tens of thousands for larger projects. (Robert Cowie)

OR town's pocket park makes a big impact

Sometimes small changes can have a big impact. For the Southern Oregon town of Chiloquin, a park that used to be a parking lot is creating space for …

Wyoming's House Bill 62 would amend the crimes of prostitution and solicitation to include acts of sexual contact. The state remains one of few in the country to approve criminalizing child survivors of trafficking, according to Shared Hope International. (Adobe Stock)

WY energy industry has opportunity to track down human traffickers

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and educators are training workers in key industries to recognize and report the crime…

The hottest year on record was 2024, as average global temperatures continue to rise due to the use of fossil fuels. (Adobe Stock)

Worker's coalition aims to address climate emergency, economic inequality

As President Donald Trump abandons a promise the U.S. made in Paris nearly a decade ago, organized workers across Colorado are joining forces to …

With a 2020 population of 56,795, Brookhaven ranks as the second-largest city entirely within DeKalb County, trailing only Stonecrest. (Marcus Jones/Adobe Stock)

Brookhaven mayor focuses on sustainability at national mayors conference

John Park, mayor of Brookhaven, joined more than 250 mayors at the 93rd annual winter meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C…

Sustainable aviation fuel is a liquid fuel used in commercial aviation. It reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80%, according to the International Air Transport Association. (Adobe Stock)

Future of sustainable aviation fuel in MT, U.S. depends on policy

Montana is a U.S. leader in the growing industry of sustainable aviation fuel. Experts in the field, and in the agricultural sector, hope to see new …

Montgomery, home to a population of 200,603 as of 2020, stands as the second-largest city in Alabama, following Birmingham. (Adobe Stock)

Montgomery mayor seeks housing solutions at U.S. Conference of Mayors

More than 250 mayors from cities in Alabama and across the country gathered this weekend to tackle the nation's most prominent issues at the 93rd annu…

People in Alabama will experience increased risks from heat, rainfall and fires due to climate change over the next 30 years, according to ClimateCheck. (Ramon Cliff/Adobe Stock)

Report: AL needs to make energy efficiency a priority

A new report contended Alabama needs to invest more in energy efficiency so it can do more to lower power bills and curb the effects of climate change…

According to the Texas Tree Foundation, the lack of trees and green spaces contributes significantly to the

TX nonprofit calls trees good for your health, cooling your neighborhood

By María Ramos Pacheco for The Dallas Morning News.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism …

Last year, electric vehicles accounted for nearly 9% of all new vehicles sold in the Commonwealth of Virginia. (Adobe Stock)

Bill would build more EV charging stations in rural VA

Virginians are buying more electric vehicles and need more charging stations but they are not being built across the state equally. House Bill 1791 …

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Urban Planning and Transportation