ASC's Intersections Newsletter — April 7, 2023
Nora's Note
Improving public health through public engagement. April marks National Minority Health Month in the US, and the occasion reminds us of the important link between public health and public planning. Studies have repeatedly found that racial and ethnic minorities in the US face higher concentrations of air pollution and often face lack of access to healthcare for resulting complications. This year’s Minority Health Month theme, “Better Health Through Better Understanding,” harps on the importance of improving our understanding of these disparities and of providing greater access to information for all. As New York City agencies and the New York State Department of Transportation embark on a series of public engagement meetings for the Reimagine the Cross Bronx Study, such questions of access and understanding are top of mind. Through dedicated outreach and collaboration with local residents and organizations, public planning projects have the ability to significantly impact the health and safety of our communities.
Transportation
FTA opens $8.9 million Tribal Transit Program. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will award funds to Alaska Native and American Indian Tribes to better connect communities to schools, jobs, and other essential services. The funding, made possible through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), will provide access to safer and more efficient transit options to communities across the US. Applications for funding will be accepted through June 26, 2023. Read more on how Tribal Transit systems are improving quality of life around the US. (Source: Mass Transit Mag)
Axios: A self-driving revolution is happening off-road, too
Smart Cities Dive: How cities can center equity in EV charging
Route Fifty: All Aboard: Passenger Rail Is Rolling Along the Atlantic Coast
Transport Dive: Trucking groups launch Clean Freight Coalition
Energy/Environment
US renewable power surged ahead of coal for the first time last year. Renewably generated energy saw its total share of domestic energy production rise to 21% in 2022, beating the coal industry's share of production for the first time. States across the country have increased investment in renewable energy, with Texas leading the way in wind energy and California delivering the most gains in solar. Read more on the domestic renewable energy sector's recent surge and what could be ahead. (Source: Grist)
KTTC: MN lawmakers aim to create new ‘green bank’ to fund clean energy projects
Utility Dive: Reuse of coal plants can cut small modular nuclear reactor development costs by 35%: report
The Daily News: Rockport resident creates website to help homeowners reach ‘net zero’
Utility Dive: DOE’s SolSmart solar technical assistance program to double its reach by 2027
Economic Development
More women become truckers as the industry tries to overcome a shortage of drivers. As the trucking industry faces a severe driver shortage, organizations across the country are working to remove obstacles for women in the trucking profession. In 2022 women made up more than 8% of truck drivers and sales delivery drivers and 24% of C-Suite executives in transportation, the highest percentages yet. Read more on efforts to recruit and support women in the trucking industry. (Source: CNBC)
Utility Dive: New efficiency standards for air conditioners, air purifiers will save consumers up to $25B by 2055: DOE
Press Herald: After so-so year, Maine tourism industry hopes to grow more in 2023
The Conversation: Extra food assistance cushioned the early pandemic’s blow on kids’ mental health
Gothamist: NYC plans new waterfront path in the Bronx along Harlem River
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