ASC's Intersections Newsletter — Week of July 25, 2022
Nora's Note
Just What? At a kick-off meeting last week, a group broke from discussing the work ahead to wrestle with defining Just Transition and in minutes, dozens of sticky notes covered the walls with everything from socio-economic equity to healthy communities to participatory decision-making. On the same day in London, 18 financial institutions at the Finance for Impact Summit signed on to the Just Transition Finance Challenge to develop criteria for a Just Transition label for products that advance climate action and improve socio-economic distribution and increase community voice. Amid all the good intentions, we don’t want to lose sight of Just Transition’s evolution from a labor strategy that supported workers who lost their jobs due to environmental protection policies to become a pillar in climate strategy. Today’s Just Transition requires we understand where the impact of climate policies will be felt, empower those who will be impacted and target policy and funding for economic and social benefit.
Transportation
Deadline approaches for states to access National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program funds. State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) have until August 1 to submit applications for this year's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. The program will award $5 billion over five years to accelerate the construction of statewide EV charging networks, with a special focus on building charging infrastructure along the Interstate Highway System. Read more for further insights into how the funding will be awarded. (Source: Utility Dive)
Reuters: Can business travel get into a more sustainable flight-path post-Covid?
Route Fifty: For State Transportation Agencies, a Long Road To Increase Diversity
Axios: Your commute is hundreds of dollars more expensive this year
Canary Media: Cargo ships are notoriously dirty. A new bill aims to clean them up
Jersey Digs: Jersey City Snags $100,000 Grant for Bergen Arches Study
Mass Transit: NY Penn Station financial framework agreement reached between New York State and NYC
amNY: MTA to roll out cell service in subway tunnels, Wi-fi at above-ground stations
NJ.com: These major commuter hubs are part of NJ Transit’s $814M overhaul plan
Energy/Environment
This Map Will Make You Optimistic About Fighting Climate Change. Amid growing concern over the impacts of climate change, researchers at Brown University have published the Climate Opportunity Map to help inform the public of the immediate benefits of a transition to green energy. Using relevant data and statistics, this interactive map allows users to visualize how investments in renewable energy will stimulate job growth and improve health outcomes. Read more for a deeper look into how a green transition will benefit communities across the country. (Source: Bloomberg)
NYTimes: In a Twist, Old Coal Plants Help Deliver Renewable Power. Here’s How.
Bloomberg: This Map Will Make You Optimistic About Fighting Climate Change
Grist: The Northeast is poised to become a ‘hydrogen hub’
AP News: Researchers harness algae to ‘grow’ construction cement
NPR: Decades of 'good fires' save Yosemite's iconic grove of ancient sequoia trees
Transport Topics: DOE Eyes Mines as Future Clean Energy Sites
PV Magazine: Accelerating the clean energy transition requires national strategy
Phys.org: Lakes are in hot water as climate change creates a cauldron of issues
CNN: Extreme heat is baking a country woefully unprepared for the climate crisis
Economic Development
Connecticut to Invest in Minority and Women-Led Businesses. The U.S. Treasury Department’s State Small Business Credit Initiative awarded Connecticut almost $120 million to support women, minority-owned and green start-up businesses. These funds, made available by the American Rescue Plan, will be distributed to entrepreneurs through two new venture funds. Policymakers hope the program will increase equity and sustainability in Connecticut, while promoting job growth. Read more for further insights into the program. (Source: Governing)
Axios: How cities are spending COVID money
Smart Cities Dive: Rent hits new highs, but rent growth slows
Government Executive: A Key U.S. Energy Efficiency Program Has a Major Flaw — and Pennsylvania Is Trying to Fix It
The City: Eric Adams Wants More New Yorkers to Be Homeowners — and Stay That Way
World Economic Forum: Here’s how heat waves can impact economies, as well as people and wildlife
Politico: Wall Street braces for economic ‘hurricane’
Marketplace: U.S. schools are rebuilding on safer ground to combat flooding and climate change
CBS News: Americans' wages are lagging inflation — except for CEOs, whose pay jumped 18%
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