ASC's Intersections Newsletter — January 25th, 2024
Nora's Note
Transitioning to a greener future, together. Sunday is International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day, a day to take stock of the impact of efforts to reduce emissions on the environment. New York State is leading the nation in climate mitigation funding and emissions reduction efforts, with renewable energy projects and electric vehicle infrastructure progressing across the state. Since the Clean Air Act was enacted in 1970, the US has dropped pollution by 64.9%, but the effects of environmental protection policies haven't been shared equally. Air pollution is near 15% above average in communities of color - with long term public health impacts. A collective commitment to environmental justice is essential to making sure we bring a greener, more sustainable, and healthy future for everyone.
Transportation
EV, charging, hydrogen build-out get $623M from Biden administration. The White House announced $623 million in grants for 22 states and Puerto Rico to establish a more significant national electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The U.S. is seeing a growing number of EV purchases year after year, with 1.2 million EVs sold in 2023. To accommodate the increasing number of EVs, the barriers of widespread EV adoption must be addressed. Read more on the expansion of EV infrastructure. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)
Gothamist: NYC school buses to be equipped with speed-limiting technology to improve safety
Transportation Today: APTA asks Congress to fully fund Bipartisan Infrastructure Law public transportation investments
Transport Topics: FTR Intel Report Says 2024 Will Be an Unremarkable Year
Climate
To put more renewable power to use, utilities are doubling down on battery storage. With renewable energy accounting for more and more electricity generation, battery storage is set to nearly double by the end of this year, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Utility-scale storage is critical to balancing the grid so that excess energy supply can be saved for when demand rises. Read for more on how energy storage has become much more viable for grid operators. (Source: Marketplace)
Grist: Advocates in Georgia call for better protections for salt marshes, a key carbon sink
Canary Media: New York will replace gas pipelines to pump clean heat into buildings
Inside Climate News: First Uranium Mines to Dig in the US in Eight Years Begin Operations Near Grand Canyon
Economic Development
Child tax credit revived under proporsal in Congress. A $78 billion dollar proposal to restore the expanded child credit and low-income housing credit reached an agreement between the House and Senate negotiators. Under this proposal, child tax credit would gradually increase from $1,600 to $2,000 by 2025, aiming to lift 400,000 children above the poverty line. The housing credit would see a 12.5% boost, addressing the ongoing housing shortage. Read more to learn how these important policies are affecting millions of people. (Source: Route Fifty)
Miami Today: Consumer Spending spurs Miami economy
NPR: All seniors over 62 could get property tax freeze with changes to a Missouri law
8 News Now: Wholesale inflation in US declined last month, signaling that price pressures are still easing
Digital
AI Models that don't violate copyright are getting a new certification label under a program founded by the former vice president for audio at Stability AI. The program awards Licensed Model certification to companies that demonstrate they have obtained permission to use copyrighted training data without arguing fair use copyright. Nine generative AI companies have already been certified in various media, emphasizing transparency in data sourcing. Read more to learn how this certification ensures copyright compliance in AI training models. (Source: Verge)
Time: Leaders Call for Closing ‘Digital Divide’ at TIME100 Roundtable in Davos
Public Source: Pittsburgh tech leaders expect more emphasis on cybersecurity, NASA collaborations and renewed interest in manufacturing jobs in 2024
Gov Tech: Massachusetts Appoints First Chief IT Accessibility Officer
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