ASC's Intersections Newsletter — April 21, 2023
Nora's Note
Big change needs broad outreach. New York City is hard at work planning and implementing coastal resiliency projects to protect New Yorkers from future storm events. The work is deeply technical, and without effective engagement can leave communities shaking their heads about necessary change in their backyards. I had the chance to join a US Green Building Council Lunch & Learn webinar on the topic this week along with Jenn Cass of the NYC Economic Development Corp, and Greg Sprich, Donna Walcavage, and Sarah Cwilka of Stantec, in collaboration with the NYC Post of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME). ASC shared some of the innovative approaches Battery Park City Authority has taken to inform, involve, and engage the community in the North/West Battery Park City Coastal Resiliency project. View the session on-demand to learn more on how public engagement contributes to meeting the challenges ahead in coastal resiliency planning.
Transportation
4 in 10 say next vehicle may be electric: AP-NORC/EPIC poll.Switching to electric vehicles (EVs) may not be easy for most Americans, according to a recent poll. Many cite the low number of charging stations and the fact that tax credits for new EVs still do not make up the difference between the average cost of a new emissions-free EV and that of the average gas-powered vehicle. Half a million new EV charging stations are currently in the works along 75,000 miles of highway from coast to coast, with hopes of speeding up the US EV transition. Read more on goals to make owning an EV easier. (Source: Associated Press)
Smart Cities Dive: $1 billion in grants to prevent traffic deaths available: DOT
Mass Transit Mag: NYC subway announcements to feature autistic kids for Autism Awareness Month
Government Technology: South Carolina Emerges as a Leader in Electric School Buses
Mass Transit Mag: FTA, Metropolitan Council sign $239.3 million FFGA for Gold Line BRT project
Energy/Environment
Biden Administration Moves to Lower Toxins Released by Coal Plants. The Biden administration is taking steps to reduce the amount of mercury that coal-fired power plants are allowed to leak into the environment. In power plants that burn lignite, sometimes known as "brown coal," the new regulations would lead to a 70% decrease in mercury emissions. The new standards will help protect lower-income households and communities of color who are disproportionately affected by these emissions. Read more on the EPA’s new regulations and implications for the coal industry and affected communities. (Source: Route Fifty)
Smart Cities Dive: Low-carbon materials eligible for climate resilience, disaster recovery funding: FEMA
WREX: Environmentalists, unions back latest push for offshore wind on Lake Michigan
Grist: A tax break on clean energy projects is coming to coal and oil towns
Route Fifty: States Awarded $6.5B to Help Remove Lead Pipes
Economic Development
Michigan Retaining Tech Talent with $10K Scholarship. The state of Michigan has launched an initiative to boost its tech talent pool by offering a $10,000 scholarship to university students who accept job offers as electric engineers or software developers at participating companies. This initiative is expected to incentivize more students to remain in Michigan and support the electrification of the auto industry. The EV Scholarship also aims to increase women’s representation in the auto industry while relieving the stress of student loans. Read more about the goals of the EV Scholarship program in Michigan. (Source: Government Technology)
Gothamist: NYCHA gets a big discount on utility bills. NY Reps want to let the agency keep the savings.
Cybersecurity Dive: Biden cyber officials see auto, food safety as models for security overhaul
Energy News Network: Massachusetts group seeks on-ramp to electric vehicle industry for Black-owned businesses
Smart Cities Dive: On infrastructure jobs, OSHA steps up workplace safety enforcement
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