http://www.governing.com/authors/rss/rss/?a=87486262 Brendan Schlauch was a contributor for GOVERNING. http://www.governing.com/topics/energy-env/The-Superbarrel-Solution.html As an engineer with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, John Chang is always on the lookout for ways to save water. Recently,... http://www.governing.com/topics/energy-env/Power-to-the-People.html For generations, Americans have consumed electricity in more or less the same manner. Energy flowed one way, from the power plant to the household. Consumers... http://www.governing.com/topics/finance/Six-Routes-to-a.html When the Philadelphia and Lancaster Turnpike opened in 1794, it was the first major toll road in the United States. It also was the first thoroughfare... http://www.governing.com/topics/energy-env/Methane-from-Landfills.html Methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases: It's 20 to 25 times more powerful in trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Although there... http://www.governing.com/topics/energy-env/Challenging-Office-Buildings-to.html Chicago's central business district, the Loop, is the city's economic engine. But all those skyscrapers are a climate-change engine, too: Commercial buildings account for 39 percent... http://www.governing.com/topics/mgmt/Still-for-Sale-Highways.html In April, when Chicago tried--but failed--to lease Midway Airport to private investors, the obituaries for public-private partnerships--PPPs--began appearing. Weak economic conditions and the bankruptcy of... http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/housing/Dues-Blues.html The housing slump is taking a toll on homeowner associations. http://www.governing.com/topics/energy-env/Recycling-Recession.html Recycling programs may be local in nature, but they're tied intrinsically to the global economy. That's never been clearer than in the past several months.... http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/Richmond-Scores-With-Regional.html In recent years, securing adequate staffing for emergency services has become increasingly challenging -- some would even argue it's approaching a national crisis.