Tomorrow, I fly to Atlanta to attend a three-day conference on renewable energy and other energy-related topics. Actually, the conference isn't in Atlanta itself, but in Rome, Georgia, about an hour-and-a-half outside the city if Google is correct. This means I will not only have to deal with what is rumored to be one of the most difficult to navigate airports in the country, but I will have to drive in at least some portion of Atlanta traffic. This will be a precusor to this year's annual Association of Commuter Transportation conference, also being held in Atlanta, though someone thought it would be a good idea to schedule it for August. August in Atlanta does not sound like an enjoyable experience.
Atlanta has a reputation, well earned, as one of the
suffering from some of the worst sprawl in the country
. Its growth over the last several decades has been unchecked and unbalanced, resulting in
poor air quality and long commute times. After having visited many cities - Seattle, as a primary example - who have led the way in combating sprawl, traffic congestion, and related air pollution issues, Atlanta is an example of a city that has not adequately met the challenges facing it. I'm not very excited about navigating Atlanta roads, but after
my recent ordeal with D.C. traffic, I think I'm better prepared.