This paper examines the relative merits of compact cities or urban sprawl (suburban settlement patterns) as a spatial solution to environmental problems (such as climate control), automobile dependence, economic development, infrastructure costs and the quality of urban life.

This working paper considers the effects of two California bills related to greenhouse gas (GHG) regulation – SB 375 (land use and transportation) and SB 97 (new CEQA Guidelines for GHG planning) – on local land use and regional transportation planning – in particular to contribute to...