ASC's Intersections Newsletter — December 2
Nora's Note
Preparing for the season ahead. As the US heads into what is predicted to be an intense winter, rising heating costs are a concern to many in the Northeast. While there are a variety of actions individuals can take to lower their costs during the winter, public resources and assistance programs are vital tools for preparing communities before the cold weather hits. The New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) hosts seasonal workshops for community leaders and elected officials on resources for managing heating costs and prepping communities for the winter months, and New York residents can stay up-to-date on current heating prices on the online dashboard. As the days shorten and temperatures drop, find information on heating assistance and weatherization measures in your area.
Transportation
Massachusetts' transit authorities extend free bus service through end of 2022. The Try Transit program aims to provide equitable mobility options to commuters and encourage increased use of public transit. A $2.5 million grant distributed between fifteen regional authorities will fund the pilot program to improve access to public transit, removing the main barrier of cost. Read more to learn how the program results could implement low-income fares throughout the state. (Source: MassLive)
Smart Cities Dive: Austin to double e-bike rebates in 2023
Utility Dive: Second-life EV batteries can bolster the energy storage market — if major challenges can be overcome
Smart Cities Dive: Labor shortages hinder public transit rebound: APTA report
Inside Climate News: Three Midwestern States to Watch as They Navigate Equitable Rollout for EV Charging
Energy/Environment
U.S. Renewable Energy Will Surge Past Coal and Nuclear by Year’s End. Renewable electricity generation in the US is on track to outpace both coal and nuclear power in 2022. To meet the 40 percent emissions reduction target laid out in the Inflation Reduction Act, researchers estimate that the US will need to install 50 gigawatts of new wind and solar annually until 2024, doubling 2020 and 2021’s combined installation. Read more to learn about the growth of renewable energy across the US. (Source: Scientific American)
The Hill: Uncertainties about climate compensation fund trigger skepticism
Smart Cities Dive: Tampa tries sidewalk solar panels as backup power for traffic lights
The Hill: Speeding up clean energy build-out could lessen the impacts of related emissions: study
Maine Public: State officials visit Searsport sites that could become gateway to offshore wind industry
Economic Development
Real estate researchers say cities are coming back. As office vacancy rates continue to stagnate, apartment vacancy rates in many cities have dropped and are returning to pre-pandemic levels. During a recent panel on real estate trends, experts shared that high gas prices and a return to in-person recreational activities may be driving people to return to large cities—even as work-from-home policies remain in place. Read more for other trends the panelists noted about changing populations in U.S. cities. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)
Bloomberg: Recycling Our Cities, One Building at a Time
Utility Dive: Biden administration makes $550M available for community-based clean energy projects
Harvard Business Review: Tech Talent is Flooding the Job Market
Politico: FDA unveils hybrid back-to-office policy
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