ASC's Intersections Newsletter — Week of April 18, 2022
Nora's Note
Let’s Celebrate our Environment, Equitably. The theme of Earth Day 2022 is “Invest in Our Planet,” and as ASC celebrates this week, we are all thinking about innovative ways to protect our environment and implement equitable solutions that will create a sustainable future for everyone. Nearly 70% of Americans think the U.S. should take steps to become carbon neutral by 2050. Getting there—and getting there equitably—will require action from everyone. Individuals are making more environmentally-conscious choices about what brands to support, organizations and partnerships are working to usher in a new era of green jobs and opportunities in the clean energy economy and our elected leaders are advancing plans to address the impacts of climate change. As we celebrate the important work that’s already been advanced, ASC looks forward to continuing to ensure everyone gets to enjoy the benefits of a safer, cleaner environment.
Transportation
As gas prices went up across the U.S., so did the hunt for electric vehicles (EVs). Recent data shows Google searches for electric vehicles have dramatically increased, reaching an all-time high last month. As the U.S. builds out the charging infrastructure needed to support a widespread transition to EVs, Congress is allocating resources to make it happen—with over $7.5 billion set aside to build charging stations. Read more to gain insights into some of the hurdles the U.S. will need to overcome during the transition to EVs. (Source: New York Times)
ENR: Transportation World Eyes Benefits of Progressive Design-Build
Gothamist: MTA's reduced-fare customers will get to use OMNY this summer
Boston Globe: Massachusetts needs at least 750,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2030
Route Fifty: The Promise and Pitfalls of Tearing Down an Urban Freeway
Times-Union: New York schools have five years to begin electric bus conversion
Transportation Today: DC Metro releases 10-Year Strategic Plan to accelerate transit-oriented development
NBC News: White House may extend mask mandate for planes and public transit, Covid czar says
CityLab: Why ‘Vision Zero’ Hit a Wall
Energy/Environment
U.S. EPA denies 36 refinery biofuel waivers; gives most of them some relief. The U.S. EPA has denied over 30 requests for exemptions from biofuel blending laws, which aim to decrease the use of petroleum-based fuels. Despite these rejections, the EPA will allow 31 of those refineries to pursue alternative relief plans—a decision which is drawing criticism from renewable fuel advocates and praise from refiners. Read more to learn about how the EPA’s decision may impact other industries. (Source: Reuters)
Canary Media: Which countries get more than 10% of their power from wind?
Axios: Where the energy link to well-being starts fraying
E&E News: Digital Earth “Twins” Could Help Address Climate Change
Grist: As utility-scale renewables expand, some Midwest farmers are pushing back
Utility Dive: Reliability concerns drive need for energy market design reforms, but regions diverge in FERC proceeding
Clean Technica: A Heat Pump Water Heater Is The Energy Saving Equivalent Of 7 Solar Panels & Costs ⅙ The Price
Bloomberg: Solar Power Is Winning From the Energy Crisis. Wind Is Losing
Washington Post: Six steps the world can take to halt climate change
Economic Development
Pandemic-fueled suburban growth doesn’t mean we should abandon climate resiliency. As pandemic restrictions continue to subside, rent prices are soaring in cities and rental stock has hit historic lows. Experts suggest that a key lesson policymakers should take away from the current housing issues is that cities need to be more resilient—with more affordable housing, climate resilient structures and transportation options. Read more for an in-depth analysis of how city planning tactics need to adjust in the post-pandemic world. (Source: Brookings)
NY Times: As Remote Work Becomes Permanent, Can Manhattan Adapt?
Smart Cities Dive: City leaders share ideas on how to maximize federal dollars
NPR: How soaring inflation forces stark choices
NY1: As city inches toward pre-COVID rhythm, rental prices soar
The City: Landlords See Hope for a Rent Hike on Regulated Apts as Bills Pile Up
CNBC: March’s runaway energy prices and higher food costs could mean hottest consumer inflation since 1981
Governing: A Major Effort to Link Homeless Response and Health Care
Transport Topics: Electric Vehicle Growth Outpaces Installation of Battery Chargers
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