ASC's Intersections Newsletter — January 16th, 2025
Nora’s Note
Congestion pricing is here, and it’s already reshaping how we move through NYC. As of Sunday January 5, drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street now face tolls designed to cut traffic, improve air quality, and fund much-needed upgrades to public transit. It’s a bold move to be the first city in the U.S. to impose congestion pricing—in its very first week, the number of vehicles entering Midtown dropped by 7.5%, with big time savings on inbound river crossings. For ASC, this shift is a reminder of the bigger picture: the need for smarter, greener infrastructure that works for everyone. As this new tolling system takes shape, we’re focused on how movement toward a more sustainable future impacts everyone, particularly environmental justice neighborhoods. Congestion pricing calls on us to rethink how we move below 60th street. Let’s keep driving forward.
Transportation
Historic Bronx subway station gets makeover and is now ADA-accessible. The historic Westchester Square–East Tremont Avenue station in the Bronx is now fully ADA-accessible, featuring elevators, refurbished stairways, and key infrastructure upgrades. This milestone enhances mobility for all New Yorkers, including seniors, parents, and individuals with disabilities, while preserving its iconic status. Read more about this transformative project and its impact on equitable transportation access. (Source: AMNY)
Route Fifty: Not just trees: Phoenix’s $60M shade plan includes built structures, too
GovTech: Governments Save Time With Traffic Signal Priority Tech
Streetsblog: New Federal Infrastructure Grants Awarded: Many in California
Climate
Texas tops US states for renewable energy and battery capacity with over 74 GW of clean energy capacity. The state ranks first in wind capacity (43.3 GW) and solar capacity (23.9 GW), and second in battery storage (7.3 GW) behind California. Texas is expected to continue its rapid growth in renewable energy, with plans to add significant solar, wind, and battery storage capacity in 2025. Read more on how this expansion is positioning Texas as a key player in the US renewable energy transition. (Source: Reuters)
Energy News Network: Rural Minnesota counties work together to simplify clean energy development and maximize local benefits
Canary Media: The new hydrogen tax credits could revolutionize how clean energy is counted
The Guardian: EPA to require municipal waste incinerators monitor for toxic emissions
Economic Development
Cost of living is ‘too damn high’: New York governor unveils affordable housing proposals. Governor Hochul unveiled a series of proposals to tackle the state’s affordable housing crisis in a recent press release. The proposals include measures to prevent hedge funds and private equity firms from purchasing single family homes and efforts to increase the construction of "starter homes" for first-time buyers. Hochul aims to lower financial barriers for homebuyers, which would help more people enter the housing market. Read more about making housing more accessible and affordable in the state. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)
Digital
Devices with strong cybersecurity can now apply for a government seal of approval. The Biden administration's US Cyber Trust Mark, featuring a green shield logo, certifies smart devices that meet rigorous cybersecurity standards set by NIST. This public-private collaboration aims to help consumers easily identify cybersafe products. Following FCC approval, the program will soon open for company participation. Read more about this initiative designed to enhance consumer trust and cybersecurity in smart devices. (Source: Engadget)
Route Fifty: Coming federal cyber executive order includes a push to mobile drivers licenses
Govtech: South Carolina Prepares to Launch AI Center of Excellence
Axios: AI jobs on the rise, new LinkedIn report finds
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