ASC's Intersections Newsletter — July 21, 2023
Nora's Note
Taking steps for a more sustainable future. This week, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced its Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement on Equinor’s Beacon Wind project. Beacon Wind is planned for an area of 128,000 acres between Long Island and Nantucket and plans to provide 1,230 MW of reliable, renewable energy for 1 million homes in the Northeast, as well as a renewable energy education center in Astoria, Queens. If approved, the project would support over 6,400 jobs and contribute significantly to the Biden Administration’s goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2030. Public comment on the proposed project will be accepted through July 31, 2023, through a series of in-person and virtual meetings. As we breeze towards more sustainable energy systems across the US, such regulatory milestones and public engagement initiatives must focus on building a resilient and inclusive energy future.
Transportation
MTA debuts new text, email alerts for transit service. The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) recently launched MTA Service Alerts, a real-time SMS and email alert system for public transportation users. NYC’s aging transit infrastructure is being progressively strained by extreme weather while the way people consume information is changing. Public agencies like the MTA are adapting to disseminate critical information quickly and reach the highest number of transit users. Read more about this service and how changes to social media policies are affecting transportation notification policies. (Source: AMNY)
Star Advertiser: Hawaii to deploy federally funded EV charging stations
Smart Cities Dive: Transportation electrification toolkit for cities published by DOT
Streets Blog: Utah’s ‘Road Usage Charging’ Pilot Could Finally Price the Roads Properly
Transport Topics: Arizona to Standardize Truck-Restriction Highway Signs
Climate
Pricing reforms key to offshore wind projects' future. The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) is developing a new strategy that will provide developers of offshore wind farms with greater flexibility to adjust their operations in response to shifting economic circumstances. The policy may also make it possible for DOER to work together with other New England states on the acquisition of offshore wind energy. The new plan aims to ensure the continued growth of the offshore wind industry throughout New England. Read more about proposed measures to encourage renewable energy development through economic reform. (Source: The Salem News)
Smart Cities Dive: Los Angeles’ car-free ‘park block’ pilot aims for cleaner air and safer neighborhood streets
Canary Media: The US may soon get its first new source of nuclear fuel in 70 years
The Conversation: Removing dams from the Klamath River is a step toward justice for Native Americans in Northern California
Grist: Biden administration announces $660 million to plug abandoned wells
Economic Development
DOT offers $3.35B in grants to reconnect communities, improve neighborhood access and equity. The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) has officially introduced the Reconnecting Communities program, which will foster equitable development and increased transportation accessibility in urban neighborhoods throughout the US. The program will allot $30 million to projects in communities that have historically been subject to infrastructure inequalities. Projects will prioritize pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, community reconnection, and key service linkages. Read more about how the Reconnecting Communities program aims to create more inclusive, accessible, and vibrant urban spaces for all. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)
Axios: Inflation falls to 3% in June, lowest since March 2021
Government Technology: Government Gets Creative to Overcome IT Staffing Gaps
Axios: Small business optimism ticks higher in June
Gothamist: Outdoor dining supporters press NYC Council to pass permanent law
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