The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on January 9 announced urban planning design assistance to help the capital cities of Michigan, Washington, and Wisconsin develop greener designs, including the use of renewable energy technologies. This is the fourth year of the Greening America's Capitals program, an EPA program conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Partnership for Sustainable Communities. The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing and transportation choices, reinforces existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

To date, 15 capital cities have received assistance. EPA will assist Lansing, Michigan, in transforming a 14-acre parking lot in between the state capitol and the Hall of Justice into a public park that showcases green infrastructure and renewable energy technologies. The agency will also assist Madison, Wisconsin, to explore ways to make pedestrian and bicycle improvements and add green infrastructure, such as trees and rain gardens, to streets in the Triangle Neighborhood. Finally, EPA will help Olympia, Washington, to incorporate green infrastructure along Capitol Way to reduce stormwater runoff, improve bicycle access to businesses and the waterfront, and adapt to climate change.