ASC's Intersections Newsletter — Week of March 15, 2021
Nora's Note
Why we do what we do. When ASC organized a national open house for the US EPA National Estuary Program, we were awed by the commitment of estuary communities across the US to save and renovate these national natural filters. But it was being in The Rachel Carson Room that overwhelmed attendees with a sense of purpose. That’s why we’re rereading Silent Spring during Women’s History Month this year. Carson’s landmark book on the environmental harm of synthetic pesticides was named one of the 25 greatest science books of all time by Discover Magazine, led to a nationwide ban on DDT and inspired an environmental movement. President Jimmy Carter posthumously awarded Rachel Carson the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
21 Digital Trends for 2021
Each Tuesday, ASC's digital strategists share the pros, cons and how-tos of using an emerging technology trend to reach wider, more representative audiences right where they are. Check out this week's blog to learn how interactive presentations can help you form immediate and personal connections with your audience.
March 26, 10 AM - 1 PM: Join NYPA’s Supplier Diversity Program for a Women's History Month event on “Leadership in Uncertain Times,” featuring guest speakers & panels on personal branding, climate change, leadership and more. Register at https://bit.ly/30wN8XZ.
Transportation
Electric Cars Are Coming. When Will They Rule the Road? Today, electric vehicles represent less than 1% of vehicles on American roads. Analysts project that without policy intervention, most vehicles on the road in 2050 will still be gasoline-powered. Policies that incentivize EV usage, like an updated “Cash for Clunkers” trade-in program, will be critical in accelerating the transition to an electric fleet. Read on for more insights into how future policy decisions could help reduce transportation-related emissions.
US News and World Report: These Are the Most Dangerous States for Pedestrians
Transport Topics: Trucking Industry Making Strides Toward Electrification
amNY: Transit advocates tell MTA to get rolling on bus service improvements ahead of COVID-19 recovery
Cities Today: Lessons in closing the micromobility gender gap
Clean Technica: DOE Releases New Notices Of Intent For Sustainable Transportation Tech Funding
Governing: The Other ‘Penn Station’ Readies for Its Makeover
CNBC: Air travel is picking up as TSA records highest passenger screenings in nearly a year
Washington Post: Transportation gets a big boost in recovery package but still faces an uncertain future
Energy/Environment
Why a diverse workforce would benefit the clean energy transition. Today, women only represent 32% of the overall renewables workforce in the US, while just 2% of solar senior executives are Black. As renewable energies grow at record rates, including more women and people of color into clean energy workforces will be vital to ensure innovative and equitable applications of new technologies. Making the clean energy workforce more representative is also an important step toward environmental justice. Read on to learn more about the global initiatives to make clean energy workforces more inclusive.
NBC News: Shalanda Baker and the energy crisis plaguing Black and brown Americans
Smart Cities Dive: Pittsburgh applies equity lens amid push to plant 100K trees
Grist: The Legacy of an EJ Titan
CBS NY: White Plains Installing More Than 1,000 Solar Panels As Part of Push to Increase Renewable Energy Panels
Stateline: Florida Hack Exposes Danger to Water Systems
Inform NNY: 14 projects across New York to receive awards as ‘Buildings of Excellence’
NPR: How Giant Batteries Are Protecting the Most Vulnerable in Blackouts
CNBC: How wind power is leading America’s energy transition
Economic Development
City Hall Expands Zoning Bonuses for Grocery Stores, Transit Improvements. Last week, NYC took major steps toward equitable economic recovery by unveiling expanded zoning incentives that increase access to fresh food and public transit. Upgrades to the city’s FRESH program will allow 11 new districts to encourage developers to increase grocery store construction in residential areas. The proposed Zoning for Accessibility program promotes subway accessibility by requiring developers near subway stations to work with the MTA in building accessible station entrances and elevators. Read on to learn more about other new zoning changes.
Politico: Lawmakers strike bipartisan deal to extend small-business loan program
Next City: Some Cities Are Cutting Red Tape to Try to Save Their Small Businesses
Buffalo News: Savarino, CJS chosen for Erie Canal project in Madison County
Rome Sentinel: Rome, Utica to receive federal funds for housing, community and economic development
Greater Greater Washington: Georgia Avenue isn’t a thoroughfare, it’s a destination
Route Fifty: With Covid Aid Approved, Counties Will Look to Infrastructure
StateScoop: New York City published a strategy to keep its IoT fair
Westfair Communications: Westchester County launches Advanced Manufacturing Industry Desk, task force
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