ASC's Intersections Newsletter — April 14, 2023
Nora's Note
Eyeing the end of fossil fuel reliance. 2022 was a record year for renewable energy production worldwide, with renewables surging past coal for the first time in the US. Though many are eager to proclaim the “beginning of the end” for fossil fuel reliance, progress in the renewable energy transition has not been easy or even. Just as renewable energy expansion is fueling job growth in the US and abroad, widespread misinformation and political lobbying continue to impede greater adoption of renewables, making public understanding of and support for a full energy transition hard to achieve. Adequate understanding of the sources of such misinformation and dedicated public outreach will be key to overcoming such opposition while ensuring local input is taken into account.
Transportation
Adirondack train line reopens, including stops in Saratoga Springs, NYC and Montreal. Following years of suspended service, the Amtrak Adirondack line reopened at a ribbon cutting ceremony in Saratoga Springs last Monday. Pre-pandemic, the Adirondack line connected residents, students, tourists, and businesses with New York’s Capital Region, serving 117,490 total riders in 2019. The reopening of the Adirondack train line will continue to improve the public transit system within the state and help move toward lower carbon emissions in the region. Read more about the reopening of the Adirondack line here. (Source: Mass Transit)
NJ Spotlight News: NJ commits another $70M to electric buses, trucks and more
Mass Transit: OLI awarding $230,925 in competitive rail safety awareness grants for programs in 12 states
Smart Cities Dive: To prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions, US DOT launches $350M pilot program
Bangor Daily News: This Mainer is converting classic cars to electric vehicles
Energy/Environment
NY moves toward public ownership, operation of renewable power in budget negotiated by state leaders. Governor Kathy Hochul and lawmakers are working to finalize the New York State budget, originally due April 1st. The Assembly is negotiating the incorporation of the Build Public Renewables Act (BPRA) which advances publicly owned, renewable energy, led by the New York Power Authority (NYPA). The legislation would enable NYPA to expand its production capacity and produce 100% renewable energy by 2030. Read more about the effects the inclusion of the BPRA would have on renewable energy and jobs in NY. (Source: Utility Dive)
Route Fifty: Cities Move to Protect Trees on Private Land
Maryland Matters: Md. taking tentative steps toward clean construction rules: ‘How we buy things matters’
AP News: A ship for wind-power takes shape in Louisiana oil country
Grist: Biden administration releases road map to scale up nuclear, hydrogen, and energy storage
Economic Development
Milwaukee County Set to Install Harm-Reduction Vending Machines. In an effort to combat the rising number of overdose deaths, Milwaukee officials plan to install vending machines throughout the county that provide resources to combat the effects of excessive drug dosages. Over 100,000 overdose-related deaths were reported nationwide last year, with 491 deaths in Milwaukee County. The first 11 harm-reduction vending machines are to be installed this year with items including Narcan, fentanyl test strips, and drug deactivation pouches. Read more to learn about initiatives to reduce overdose deaths across the country. (Source: Route Fifty)
AP News: Cities will get nearly $200M in grants for pipeline upgrades
Smart Cities Dive: NYC launches online portal for city services, benefits
Gothamist: City Council pushes to expand NYC's half-priced MetroCard program
Biz Journals: New York's energy initiative presents economic development opportunities
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