Planning & Growth

1st National Criteria For Sustainable Landscapes Released

The nation's first set of voluntary criteria for planning, design, construction, and maintenance of landscapes.was announced Nov. 6, 2009.

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EPA Develops "Green Home" Site

This new tool is broken out by space type (e.g., kitchen, bathroom, garage, yard), and covers a wide range of indoor and outdoor energy, toxicity, consumption, and environmental impact issues — even topics such as finding a greener mortgage.

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Supreme Court Property Rights Case Has Environmental Implications

The Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on Dec. 2, 2009. The case, which started with legal action in 2004, involves a dispute over restoration of a stretch of Florida panhandle beaches damaged by storms.

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"Debate Follows Bills to Remove Clotheslines Bans"

State lawmakers in some states are overriding local ordinances that ban drying laundry outdoors. While some people like clotheslines as an energy-saver, others think them an eyesore.

Planning & Growth

Public

National (U.S.)

Source: NYTimes, 10/13/2009

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"Lawsuit Accuses FEMA of Ignoring Species Threats"

"The Federal Emergency Management Agency is being sued again over accusations that it violated the Endangered Species Act by issuing flood insurance without determining whether development would impact imperiled plants and animals."

Planning & Growth

Public

National (U.S.)

Source: AP, 09/17/2009

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October 6, 2009 to October 7, 2009

The Natural Step: Strategic Sustainability for Leaders - Level 1 Course

Companies and communities can thrive within naturally sustainable systems. The workshops focus on The Natural Step Framework, a proven, science-based method for achieving strategic sustainability. “Green initiatives are a good start, but not enough,” according to TNS-USA Executive Director, Regina Hauser. “We use a comprehensive framework that helps people develop a vision and strategies for long term sustainability, building on short term successes.” Learn More: http://www.naturalstepusa.org/SSFL

Workshops and Fellowships

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"NJ Suits Put Farmland Development Under Microscope"

A tangle of New Jersey lawsuits raises issues about what restrictions should be placed on builders seeking to develop farmland where pesticides were formerly used.

Planning & Growth

Public

National (U.S.)

Source: AP, 08/03/2009

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October 20, 2009 to October 22, 2009

Resilient Cities: Urban Strategies for Transition Times

North American cities are scrambling to comprehend and manage the shift toward ecological practices and greater resilience. This event will explore strategies to make cities more robust, and also feature a shoulder program on green media.

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Feds Focus on 24 Solar Sites in 6 Western States

Good solar potential, relative proximity to existing or potential energy transmission corridors, and the perception of the fewest conflicts with existing land uses and the natural environment were factors in site selection.

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October 6, 2009 to October 7, 2009

Gearing Up for a Low Carbon Economy

The Canadian Institute's conference will offer an in-depth look at how Canadian and U.S. carbon initiatives compare and contrast, and the most up-to-date carbon policy information from both sides of the border.

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