Energy Policy and Smart Growth American Planning Association 2003 Legislative and Policy Conference May 11-13, 2003

Speakers Megan Lewis, AICP, Senior Research Associate, APA Naomi Friedman, Director of Sustainable Markets, Center for the New American Dream Alexandra Tietz, Counsel to the House Governmental Reform Committee

Session Summary Linkage between energy policy and planning. Connection of energy issues to smart growth and sustainability issues. Research opportunities to promote energy conservation and efficiency. Status of current federal energy legislation.

Land-Use Planning and Energy APA last visited this topic in depth in the mid-1970s. Emphasis was on energy conservation and preventing another crisis. Solar power, heating, and cooling was the renewable technology. Few communities made modifications to the built environment to address energy issues.

Village Homes, Davis, Calif. Pioneering solar- oriented subdivision Street and path orientation to allow natural heating and cooling Bike and pedestrian- oriented streets, and narrow streets. Natural stormwater drainage system

Energy Today Alternative energy sources now: solar, wind, hydrogen, landfill gas, biomass, and cogeneration. Connected to broader issues to reduce dependence on foreign oil sources. Connected to other issues of smart growth, sustainability, equity, and environmental quality.

Energy Statistics – Consumption

Energy Statistics – Spending

Energy Statistics – Sources

Energy Statistics – Renewables

Energy Statistics – Additional Data U.S. produces only 38 percent of the oil it consumes. World fossil fuel reserves, particularly petroleum, are expected at current consumption levels to peak by 2010 and be depleted by Drilling in the ANWR will yield only 2 percent of U.S. consumption demand at its production peak.

General Conclusions Issues of supply, cost, and energy sources suggest a need for a policy shift that: Encourages adoption of renewable energy sources in all sectors Promotes energy efficiency in systems that use non-renewable sources Supports such efforts on the local level, where land-use and transportation decisions are made.

Why planners? Global issue COMMUNITY ISSUE Individual issue

APA Policy Guidance on Energy APA addresses energy policy in its policy guides on: Smart Growth (2002) Sustainability (2000) APA is also developing a stand-alone energy policy. Energy conservation and efficiency is an APA legislative priority for 2003.

APA Policy Guide on Smart Growth (2002) “Energy conservation is a major benefit and result of Smart Growth, helping to create more sustainable development and allow people to meet current needs without compromising the needs of future generations.”

Smart Growth and Energy Development patterns that minimize vehicular miles traveled. Transportation policy and funding that supports different transportation modes. Regulations and financial programs that support the use of alternative energy sources and “green” building approaches.

APA Policy Guide on Sustainability (2000) Local and regional development patterns that expand choice and opportunities Resilient, diverse, and self- sufficient local economies Communities with a healthy economy, environment, and social climate

Sustainability and Energy Policy Land use Transportation Housing and building Economic development Open space and recreation Infrastructure Resource conservation Reduce dependence upon fossil fuels, extracted underground metals, and minerals, in the areas of:

Land-Use Actions Compact development Mixed uses Pedestrian-friendly development Transit-oriented development Home-based occupations and work Local food production and agriculture

Transportation Actions Reduce vehicle trips Use alternative modes of transportation Development and use of alternative fuel vehicles Provide affordable, efficient transportation alternatives

Transportation Actions Street design that: Encourages pedestrian and bike use and discourages high speed traffic Supports/enhances neighborhood connection to other neighborhoods and commercial developments

Housing and Building Actions Solar-orientation Regenerative energy for heating and cooling Housing near employment centers Building materials with low “embodied energy” Housing that shares resources and living spaces (cohousing)

Economic Development Actions Reduce employee and product transport vehicle trips (Transportation) Use regenerative energy alternatives ( Housing and Building ) Are locally based or have home-based work opportunities ( Land Use )

Open Space/Recreation Actions Provide facilities within walking and biking distance Use local materials and native plants in construction Design to reduce dependence on landscaping and maintenance resources Preserve green spaces in urban areas for cooling benefits

Infrastructure Actions Promote facilities that use renewable energy sources Support design approaches that focus on pollution prevention, re-use, and recycling Direct development to areas with existing transportation systems

Resource Conservation Actions Minimize energy use Encourage develop- ment of renewable energy sources ( Infrastructure ) Promote recycling of waste materials Develop community gardens ( Land Use )

APA Working Paper on Energy Energy Conservation Energy and Weatherization Assistance Facility Siting Transportation Alternative Energy Sources Building Design

Barriers to Achieving Energy Goals FINANCIAL PERCEPTIVE REGULATORY

Overcoming Financial Barriers Incentive programs:grants, rebates, and loans Examples on Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) website. Relief programs: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Weatherization Assistance for Low Income Persons (Wx)

Overcoming Regulatory Barriers Adopt regulations that promote and encourage smart growth Site plan standards that allow for cluster, solar orientation, narrow streets, etc. Building codes that capture efficiencies and promote use of approaches like BIPV. Adopt energy facility siting regulations for alternative energy facilities Examples of rules, regulations, and policies in the DSIRE database.

Overcoming Perception Barriers Compact land patterns encourage creation of community Financial freedom to pursue jobs and housing that may be currently out of reach Air quality improvements and improved public health Energy sources will change – a matter of when and how

In the Future… Different, Yet the Same

Selected Resources APA Policy Guides: Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE): U.S. Department of Energy National Renewable Energy Lab: U.S. Department of Energy, Smart Communities Network: Rocky Mountain Institute: address: