In an article about the ripple effects of high oil prices in the global economy, analyst Shlok Vaidya reserved a section for the economic straits that rural United States communities will find themselves in. The jury is out on how well they will be able to adapt.

A new study finds that 65% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. are under the direct or indirect control of individuals. However, many of those habits are difficult to change given land uses. Individuals may need incentives to adopt lower-impact lifestyles.

Think climate change falls outside your jurisdiction? Think again. In this Planners Training Service workshop, you'll learn how planners can mitigate climate change and help communities conserve energy. Find out how development patterns have contributed to climate change and excessive energy use — and learn how to implement local and regional policies that can make a difference.

The National Association of Counties' (NACo) Green Government initiative has been compiling information about the ways in which counties across the United States are putting sustainable practices into place. Their fact sheets cover a range of topics, from solar and geothermal energy in county facilities to choosing a "green team".

A new proposed traffic concurrency management plan in Alachua County, Fla. scraps extensive roadwork and instead creates a rapid transit system that would be subsidized in part by fees on new growth. Another part of the plan encourages denser, mixed-use development.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) adopted California’s first Long Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan on September 18th, 2008, as a single roadmap to achieve maximum energy savings across all major groups and sectors in California. This comprehensive Plan for 2009 to 2020 is the state’s first integrated framework of goals and strategies for saving energy, covering government, utility and private sector actions. It holds energy efficiency to its role as the highest priority resource in meeting California’s energy needs.

Gas shortages in the southeast United States are prompting companies to consider expanding their telework programs so employees can conserve fuel. Other options workers are weighing include greater use of carpools and public transit, along with alternative scheduling arrangements such as four-day work weeks.

This guidebook describes the characteristics and benefits of high-performance school buildings and details the process to help school planners ask the right questions of their design professionals to ensure the best school design possible. Written primarily for those who make decisions about the design and construction of K-12 schools, it is useful anyone advocating for school buildings that are cost-effective, sustainable, and healthy and productive for students, teachers, and staff.

Burning more wood for heat could save homeowners money in oil-dependent Maine, but a task force in the nation's most forested state cautioned that care is needed to avoid health problems and damage to the wood products industry.

AB 1358 requires cities and counties to identify how they will balance the needs of all roadway users when revising their general plans. These plans must address components of their transportation systems to ease gridlock and help with traffic flow, including bike lanes, sidewalks and audible pedestrian signals.