ASC's Intersections Newsletter — April 5th, 2024
Nora's Note
Next steps in a community vision. This week Equinor, Skanska and GE Bond met with community members at a hybrid public meeting in Sunset Park, Brooklyn to discuss the transformation of South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT) into New York’s first-ever purpose-built offshore wind operations and maintenance facility. SBMT is a project of Empire Wind, an offshore wind development project to bring clean energy to one million New York homes—it’s also an outcome of Sunset Park’s efforts to retain a working waterfront for industrial development. The meeting was the third in a series of outreach meetings to keep residents informed, provide opportunities to get questions answered, and learn more about workforce and supply chain opportunities as they develop. The agenda addressed plans for construction communications, along with updates on local initiatives developed in collaboration with the community and funded by Equinor, including the Offshore Wind Ecosystem Fund and the Offshore Wind Innovation Hub, and a new Learning Center for Sunset Park. Hosted by Brooklyn Community Board 7, the project team shared plans for contracting local union labor for the project, and announced plans for an upcoming supply chain event nearby. As renewable energy projects take off across the US, such community engagements will be key to ensuring a just transition that creates equitable, sustainable and innovative energy solutions.
Transportation
MTA gives final approval for congestion pricing in NYC. MTA gave final approval for the nation’s first congestion pricing program in New York City, imposing a $15 toll on vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th street. This measure aims to reduce congestion in the streets of Manhattan by 20% with 100,000 fewer vehicles entering the zone every day while serving to fund other MTA projects. Read more to learn how the toll structure includes exemptions for certain vehicles and surcharges taxis and for-hire vehicles. (Source: Gothamist)
Mass Transit Mag: Connecticut to launch 13 microtransit services within four-month period
AMNY: DOT rolls out ‘Broadway Vision’ to further pedestrianize four blocks near Union Square
Smart Cities Dive: ‘Rural states have unique needs’: Transportation providers spotlight challenges at House hearing
Climate
US pledges up to $1B for two pioneering ‘green steel’ projects. The US Energy Department announced a plan to invest up to $6 billion in commercial-scale steel manufacturing projects that aim to severely cut carbon emissions. Two steel makers each won $500 million to switch the fuel they use to produce steel from coal and gas to clean hydrogen. Though most hydrogen is produced using emissions-intensive fossil fuels, the funding will allow the companies to procure "green hydrogen" that is manufactured using renewable energy. Read more on the growing “green industry.” (Source: Canary Media)
Smart Cities Dive: To chart its path away from gas, Massachusetts launches energy transformation office
Amherst Indy: Groundbreaking at New Elementary School Ushers in Town’s First Net-zero Building
MLive: Palisades gets $1.5B federal loan for historic nuclear restart
Economic Development
San Jose adopts landmark policy to stop displacement. Tenant-preference housing policy was approved by the San Jose City Council aiming to keep locals in the city. The geography-based policy requires city-funded affordable housing projects to save up to 20% percent of homes for eligible renters based on district of residence and income qualification. After years of slow progress, this brings much needed hope, especially for Latino and Black renters who are most severely cost burdened and at greatest risk of displacement. Read more about what local advocates and politicians are saying. (Source: San Jose Spotlight)
Axios: Why the U.S. could be on the cusp of a productivity boom
Smart Cities Dive: Housing subsidy for community college students launches in Maryland county
Washington Examiner: Kamala Harris launches ‘Day of Action’ to boost student loans program
Digital
The White House lays out extensive AI guidelines for the federal government. The Biden administration advances AI regulation to safeguard American rights and safety. The policy underscores AI's potential to enhance public services, addressing societal challenges while ensuring accountability and equitable access. This initiative complements ongoing efforts to regulate AI along with transparent reporting and internal oversight, reflecting a proactive approach to managing its evolving landscape. Read more about how agencies must implement new safeguards to ensure American’s safety and rights. (Source: Engadget)
San Antonio Express News: New city program offers free digital services for business owners
Government Technology: New Washington, D.C., Tool Uses Generative AI to Make Data Accessible
Fast Company: Creators Guild of America kicks off an accreditation service for digital creators
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