ASC's Intersections Newsletter — Week of June 6, 2022
Nora's Note
All Eyes on NEPA. The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) ensures federal agencies consider and inform the public of the environmental consequences of proposed infrastructure projects—from new highways to renewable energy generation. While the Biden Administration looks at rollbacks on Trump-era NEPA easements, two often united groups are opposite ends, with environmentalists seeking a return to pre-Trump stringency and the renewables sector fearing the old rules will limit the permits needed to meet clean energy goals. This week, an E&E News panel considered the future of NEPA. As policymakers wrestle the nuances of change, NEPA continues to give citizens a say about projects in their communities, because the more voices involved, the better the outcome.
Transportation
Better bike and pedestrian access plan for MTA transit and bridges to come this year. The MTA recently announced it will release its Bike, Pedestrian, and Micromobility Strategic Action Plan before the end of 2022. The plan is expected to include initiatives that will improve safety conditions and transit access for pedestrians, cyclists and micromobility users—such as increasing integration of bikeshare services and opening new bike lanes on MTA-controlled bridges. Read more for details on the proposed improvements. (Source: amNY)
WMAR: $15+ million in federal funds will go toward upgrading Port of Baltimore.
Bloomberg: Are we still doing scooters?
Syracuse.com: I-81 plan reaches final destination—Officials issue final stamp of approval for grid.
CityLab: How New York City Plans to Speed Up its Buses
Route Fifty: Pedestrian Fatalities Are Surging. Here Are Strategies to Bring Them Down
Mass Transit: MTA takes aim at trespassing incident reduction with new report
Insider NJ: NJDOT Announces $19.6 Million in Federal Grants for the Safe Routes to School Program
Smart Cities Dive: Pittsburgh targets bike, pedestrian infrastructure spending using traffic and crash data analysis
Energy/Environment
‘Dramatic shift’ in utility regulations, better pilot designs needed to propel energy transition, DOE report finds. The Berkeley National Laboratory, in a recently published paper, identified long approval periods for new energy technologies as a major roadblock to states working to reach clean energy transition milestones. The researchers found that increased flexibility will be crucial to ensuring utilities can adapt to climate change and the shifting challenges it brings to power systems. Read more for an in-depth analysis of the report. (Source: Utility Dive)
Grist: A Pacific hurricane may kick off yet another hectic Atlantic hurricane season
CNN: Energy experts sound alarm about US electric grid: 'Not designed to withstand the impacts of climate change'
Canary Media: Here are ways to connect clean energy projects to the grid more quickly
New Jersey Monitor: From clean soil, lawmakers and nonprofit aim to grow healthy communities
19th: Climate change is forcing care workers to act as first responders
E&E News: Experts to White House—EJ screening tool should consider race
NY1: HHS establishes environmental justice office to protect communities on ‘the frontlines of pollution’
Scientific American: U.S. Emissions Rise 4 Percent as Drivers Log a Record Number of Miles
Economic Development
NYC Companies Are Opening Offices Where Their Workers Live. To encourage employees to return to the office, some NYC-based companies have implemented hybrid work arrangements and redesigned office spaces. Other businesses are making a more drastic change by relocating their offices closer to where their employees live. These organizations hope that by reducing commute times and promoting active commute options, employees will find in-person work more appealing. Read more for details on how remote work has shifted commercial real estate trends throughout the five boroughs. (Source: New York Times)
Route Fifty: States Look to Electric Utilities for Broadband Connections
Pew Stateline: Wheelchair Users Say States Should Spend New Road Money on Safety
City Limits: NYC Installs WiFi at Every Family Homeless Shelter Following Legal Settlement
CNBC: Households are now spending an estimated $5,000 a year on gasoline
Statescoop: Somerset County, N.J., downed by ransomware
Spectrum News: Money flows to New York following mobile sports betting approval.
CBS News: New York City schools to teach AAPI heritage under new curriculum
Governing: How Do You Rebuild Your City When the Downtown's All Gone?
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