ASC's Intersections Newsletter — February 23rd, 2024
Nora's Note
Clean energy collaboration at work for New Yorkers. This week, I joined colleagues from Equinor Renewables, NYSERDA and the National Supplier Diversity Institute at the Clean Energy Local Content Summit in New Rochelle. Our panel focused on engaging the voice of communities in decision-making about the transition to renewables, and weighed in on communications efforts and the new public square of social media. Panelists concurred, communities now seek to drive the narrative—they want to co-create and favor locally-informed, inclusive processes that require concerted outreach to and engagement with stakeholders. Open forums like this one are critical to developing strategies that inform, involve, and engage the public in addressing the benefits and challenges of paving a new pathway to clean energy
Transportation
Boston area transit agency to offer half-price fares for low-income riders. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is proposing a reduced fare program that will offer half prices on subways, buses, commuter trains and ferries for low-income riders, aiming to improve equity and increase ridership. This initiative will apply to non-disabled riders aged between 26-64, with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty line. Read more to find out how up to 60,000 residents could be eligible for this program. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)
Gothamist: NYC plans 6 new waterfront shipping hubs to replace truck freight with barges
The Daily Mail: New Mexico legislators seek cleaner transportation fuels, would follow West Coast's lead
Electrek: Forget company cars – electric bikes set to become the next job perk
Climate
Department of Energy partners with states and research institutes to boost offshore wind development. The newly formed Academic Center for Reliability and Resilience of Offshore Wind (ARROW) will help progress the development of America’s new offshore wind industry. ARROW, a partnership between the Department of Energy, private companies, research institutes, universities, and states will be housed at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Read more on ARROW’s goals to train 1,000 offshore wind professionals in its first five years and engage with stakeholders. (Source: Inside Climate News)
Canary Media: EDF and Google partner to map global methane emissions from space
Spectrum News 1: Nuclear power's role in New York's clean energy shift
The Hill: Biden puts $60M into three geothermal energy projects
Economic Development
Sewer infrastructure bill would incentivize affordable housing for impoverished CT communities. The new Investing in Municipal Sewer Infrastructure to Support Housing Affordability bill will allow cities and towns to receive support from a $50 million fund allocated for sewer infrastructure improvements. The bill would help Connecticut municipalities meet their affordable housing goals by addressing concerns that towns with older sewage systems or septic tanks may not be able to accommodate affordable apartment buildings. Read more to learn how the proposed legislation would roll out across the state. (Source: CT Public)
DCist: D.C. Opens New ‘Hub’ In Chinatown To Boost Police Presence And Social Services
Government Technology: Atlanta's IT Office Matures With a Focus on Ecosystem Growth
The Daily Yonder: New Black-Owned Freight Farm in Rural Minnesota to Tackle Food Insecurity, Health Inequities
Digital
For faster emergency response, New York’s fire department looks to AI. The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) is implementing AI technology to improve emergency response times. This AI system utilizes algorithms to optimize routing for emergency vehicles. By analyzing historical data and real-time information, the AI can predict the best routes, potentially saving crucial minutes during emergencies. The system also incorporates a digital twin of the city, allowing for precise simulations and planning. Read more about the improvements provided by this new technology. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)
Route Fifty: See something, say something: Ethical hackers strengthen cyber resilience
The Verge: Automating ableism
Government Technology: The Rise of the Equity Analyst: Transforming DEI With Data
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