ASC's Intersections Newsletter — July 13, 2023
Nora's Note
Resilience through the energy transition. This week the world marked Global Energy Independence Day, a reminder that the fight for renewable energy adoption is not just about reducing emissions, but also about energy security and adaptation to a rapidly changing climate that stands to threaten long relied upon energy sources. The Biden Administration has set a goal of achieving a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and a net-zero American emissions economy by 2050, with wind, solar, and hydropower projects expanding across the country. Even as US renewable energy production soars past coal and nuclear and 67% of Americans prefer the development of renewable energy sources over an increase in fossil fuel production, public engagement and workforce development initiatives will be key to dispelling mis—and dis—information that can threaten energy independence and leave us vulnerable to the negative effects of climate change.
Transportation
MTA's congestion pricing plan means significant upgrades for NYC transit. The toll program will enable the MTA to invest in $15 billion worth of bonds for mass transit improvements, including the extension of the Second Avenue subway and the addition of Metro-North trains at Penn Station. The funds will also support the installation of ramps and elevators for improved accessibility, implementation of electronic signals to enhance train operations, and the transition to an all-electric bus fleet by 2040. Similar congestion pricing strategies have been successfully implemented in London, Stockholm, and Milan. Read more about New York City’s first-in-the-nation congestion pricing plan. (Source: Gothamist)
Mass Transit Mag: CTC awards $2.2 billion to 181 projects across California
Route Fifty: Cities extract mobility insights from ride-hailing company data
Mass Transit Mag: MTA expanding its E-Hail pilot to 3,600 paratransit customers beginning in August
Smart Cities Dive: Pandemic-era ‘slow streets’ offer an opportunity to improve road safety
Climate
It’s time for buildings to stop using a third of US energy, some states say. Building performance standards are being updated in several states across the US. Buildings produce 13% of greenhouse gas emissions and consume at least 28% of energy nationwide. States such as Oregon, Colorado and Maryland are establishing reduction tactics in line with the new National Building Performance Standards (NBPS) Coalition. The initiative will require building owners to track energy consumption and adapt systems to withstand the intensifying effects of climate change and reduce emissions. Read more about proposed changes to reduce emissions from energy use in buildings. (Source: Stateline)
Smart Cities Dive: California greenlights $4.3B funding for energy efficiency, targets underserved and rural communities
Press Republican: Adirondack Farms begins renewable natural gas production
The Guardian: ‘Green amendments’: advocates push for constitutional guarantees in face of climate crisis
Utility Dive: DOE to release $2B in EV manufacturing grants
Economic Development
Building infrastructure using inclusive planning. Inclusive planning strategies are being used in California to ensure disadvantaged populations are included in infrastructure planning projects. Thirteen California regions received $5 million to collaborate on fair economic growth initiatives. In Riverside and San Bernardino counties, a group of local nonprofits, businesses, universities, and city officials have started a two-year, community-driven planning process to promote high-quality employment in green energy, advanced manufacturing, and other industries using the local workforce and assets. Read more about how states are integrating social, economic, and environmental factors into inclusive infrastructure planning. (Source: Route Fifty)
Axios: The many benefits of "building for proximity"
Route Fifty: From homes and cars to parking, how the sharing economy is evolving
Reuters: US layoffs fall to seven-month low in June, report says
NPR: Women are returning to the job market in droves, just when the U.S. needs them most
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