Environment Watch
Stanford Campus Plan Would Protect 5,000 Acres
Submitted by jstephens on 2 August 2010 - 10:10amLike any visionary railroad baron, Leland Stanford hung on to some of the land at the end of the line -- in his case, the original Transcontinental Railroad. Stanford might not have imagined, however, that the ultimate fate of much of his land would depend not on the iron horse but instead on frogs, salamanders, and trout.
In the century since the Governor Stanford first deeded land to the university that bears his name, several of its native species have qualified for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act, thus restricting Stanford University's ability to develop or otherwise use the land to fulfill its academic mission. The Stanford Habitat Conservation Plan is intended to ensure the land’s long-term protection even as the university grows.
Low-Cost Housing Goes Affordably Green in Chula Vista
Submitted by jstephens on 8 March 2010 - 5:48amHey you, Mr./Ms. Conventional Apartment Developer! Yes, you. Don’t attempt to ignore me by rolling up your construction–loan documents and sticking them in your ears.
State Adopts Guidelines For Analyzing GHG Emissions
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 11 January 2010 - 12:00pmNew California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines that urge public agencies to quantify and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from projects whenever possible have gone into effect. Outgoing Natural Resources Secretary Michael Chrisman signed the guideline amendments on December 30.
Federal Climate Legislation May Complement State Efforts
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 18 September 2009 - 3:19pmWith the election of President Obama and the emergence of a Democratic majority in Congress, it appears that the federal government may soon pass sweeping legislation to address greenhouse gas emissions. Based on a preponderance of research linking greenhouse gas emissions to urban sprawl and reliance on automobiles, a national program may usher in the next great trend in urban planning. If so, California may find itself well ahead of its fellow states.
State Funding Doesn't Match GHG Goals, Committee Says
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 29 July 2009 - 11:09amCalifornia’s continuing budget woes, coupled with the nation’s stubborn recession, could hinder the state’s ability to meet its ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. This is one of the chief concerns of the Regional Targets Advisory Committee, which will recommend how the California Air Resources Board should allocate greenhouse gas emissions-reduction targets among the state’s metropolitan planning organizations.
SD County's Creeks, Farmland Key To New Habitat Plan
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 15 July 2009 - 9:37amSan Diego County has been a national leader in habitat conservation planning, setting aside areas where rare and endangered species can thrive in the midst of ongoing development. Now, 12 years after a plan for the southern, inland part of the county was adopted, a second habitat plan has been released, this time for the inland North County.
CEQA Guidelines Proposed For GHG Emissions Analysis
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 29 April 2009 - 9:37amThe Governor’s Office of Planning and Research has completed proposed California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines for greenhouse gas emissions. The guidelines now move to the Natural Resources Agency, which intends to invite additional comment and conduct at least two public hearings this summer before releasing a final version.
Studies Urge State To Prepare For Inevitable Climate Change
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 25 November 2008 - 1:08pmTwo recently released studies warn that California is not moving quickly enough to prepare for climate change, while a third study found that the San Diego region is not adapting. Meanwhile, Gov. Schwarzenegger signed an executive order directing state agencies to study the situation and recommend actions quickly.
Water Data Drought Prevents Good Planning, Report Finds
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 5 September 2008 - 12:17pmState laws approved seven years ago requiring water assurances for large development projects appear to be of minimal aid in determining whether the state and regions have enough water for the future. That’s the conclusion of a California Research Bureau (CRB) report released with zero fanfare in August.
Climate Change May Compel Reconsideration Of Habitat Plans
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 30 July 2008 - 2:27pmThe majority of California’s unique plant species could lose most of their geographic ranges during the next 100 years because of climate change, according to a newly released report by biologists at several universities. The finding could have dramatic implications for land management in California, especially in areas with local or regional habitat plans.